How Soon Is Too Soon?

Everyone tries to get the most out of their style, usually by prolonging the time in between services. There are some instances where this is ok and times when it can work against you. Below you will find the proper amount of time to wait between your appointments. Take a look:

Permanent Color / Every 4-6 Weeks

The ideal time to wait is 4-6 weeks. If you are wearing another chemical service as well such as a relaxer or a perm make sure you wait at least 2-3 weeks between each chemical service in order to prevent massive breakage. If you have a finer texture of hair, you may also want to wait a little longer. Tip: Sticking to a shade closer to your natural color will make it easier for you. Your roots wont show as much. Not to mention the lighter you go the harsher it is on your hair.

Hair Extensions / 8weeks - 6months

There are many types of hair extensions; all in different price ranges and lasting different amounts of time. Leaving your extensions in longer than recommended can lead to tangles, hair loss, and breakage. I don't recommend you getting a service that you aren't willing to maintain properly. Know you limits. Of course every person is different and sometimes styles last longer than others as well as less time than others. But just because it still looks good to YOU 4months later, doesn't mean its good for your hair OR scalp. Extensions done with bonding glue are generally good for approx 2-3weeks MAX!  Sew-Ins 8weeks, Braids 2weeks-3months (depending on style and type of hair used, if any) and fusion anywhere from 3-6months. Ive seen some stylist advertise that they can last a year with proper maintenance. I don't doubt it, but that isn't for everyone. Use caution and seek a professional for all extension services. Tip: Be sure to shampoo your hair and scalp thoroughly. If your service was done with bonding glue it CAN NOT be shampooed.  All others please be sure to maintain healthy hair and scalp. Remember if a stylist tells you not to shampoo your hair with your extensions, (unless its bonding glue) DO IT ANYWAY... and find a new stylist.

Relaxer Touch Up / 4-8 Weeks

Every 6 weeks is the average amount of time between touch ups. Certain hair types and textures can go longer without suffering any damage. Keep in mind, if you are going to wait extended amounts of time between touch-ups, you must take EXTRA special care of your hair so that it doesn't break at the line of demarcation between new growth and previously relaxed hair. There are times when a 4week relaxer touch-up may be needed. This usually happens if a "corrective" relaxer needs to be done or for women who just need a little around the back and edges. My short haired friends can vouch for this ;) Tip: Make sure you wait the proper amount of time. Getting a relaxer too soon when there isn't enough new-growth can cause overlapping of chemicals which can weaken your hair structure and cause breakage.

Texturizer / 4weeks - 6months

You may notice the time frame on texturizers have a very wide range.  That is because it depends on the length of hair being processed. Those with shorter styles will probably get it more often... somewhere between 4-6weeks, while those with longer hair or fine textures will wait longer, only getting it done a couple times a year. See your stylist to find out what time frame is best for you.Tip: For those with shorter styles who like the curly look, if you keep hair cut regularly, it will increase the amount of curls. The longer it gets the more relaxed the curl pattern will be.

If I missed something that you have a question about, leave it in the comment section and I promise to return with an answer or advice for all :)

MO' HAIR!

Finding The Right One

Finding the right stylist or barber, is just as hard as finding the right car, job and mate. Probably more like a mate because it’s definitely a relationship that you want to keep as long as possible and you want to work out. You get to know one another; their needs, wants, likes and dislikes. Just like any relationship there is a lot of give and take on both parts. When treating each other right, you both benefit. The stylist benefits by having your business and you benefit by receiving healthy hair. It’s a win-win for all. The best thing for your hair is to get it accustomed to one pair of hands.

Constantly moving around from stylist to stylist is a quick way to end up with hair issues. Different products, skill levels and personal styles can cause your hair to suffer. I find that people move around for many reasons. Scheduling, personality conflicts, location, bad service but most of all PRICE!  I’m all about finding a deal… trust me. But as the old saying goes, sometimes you get what you pay for. And although super cheap hair isn’t a good idea, don’t assume that the more pricey places will give you glamorous service or hair. I’ve heard my fair share of places that charge ga-zillion dollars to make you look like you did it at home yourself. In that instance, you paid for atmosphere. I’ve also seen some wonderful stylists, but their downfall is they will keep you in the chair ALL day long.That may be okay with some clients but for others they may prefer to find someone just as good, but who moves a bit faster.

Of course we all know that you can spend your money any way that you want to, but just be careful. If the barber/stylist that you go to, have more positives than negatives, then I’d suggest that you stay there. No one is perfect and you cant please everyone. Find someone that you like and trust and most of all STAY LOYAL to that stylist. Being a loyal client has its perks such as discounted pricing or occasional free services or VIP scheduling. I understand that there are some situations will cause you to break up, but if all is going well 95% of the time, then you are in a good place. 

WE APPRECIATE YOU!
So hopefully you appreciate us in return :)  
MO HAIR!

Be Careful What You Ask For

Communication is a very important part of your salon or barbershop visit. It’s just as important as customer service and price. It is the job of the barber/stylist to make sure that the look you are requesting, works out to the best of his/her ability. True enough we are not magicians but with a proper consultation you can address your desires and concerns and the hair professional can address how that particular style suits your face and the upkeep needed to maintain it. Who knows, after a lengthy chat you may decide it’s not for you or you may have heard a different suggestion. So I’ve created a small list of popular hair terms that if used incorrectly can make or break a hairstyle... and definitely make or break your relationship with your stylist. Remember: Its up to you just as much as it is up to them to make sure you desires are coming across properly.

LAYERS: The most popular hair term. The basic definition of layers is cutting the hair so that it has different lengths. You can have layers at any length just understand the shorter the layer, the more volume that it creates.

FEATHER: Although its an older term, it pops up from time to time. This is hair that is brushed backwards (usually around the face)to resemble the feathers on a bird. This is more of a styling concern more than anything but for best results, layer this area and it'll give more of the "feathered" effect.

TAPER: This term is used on women’s short hairstyles and men’s cuts—basically meaning to gradually make shorter, thinner or narrower towards one end.  If you have longer hair, you may not want to get this confused with layers when making your request in the salon.  You will probably leave very upset!

STREAKS: Basically an older term for highlighting the hair. Highlights color individual strands of hair throughout your head in a shade that is lighter or brighter than your base color. If you are trying to fully cover gray hair, highlights are not for you.

COLOR: You have permanent color, semi-permanent and temporary rinses. Sometimes people come in and say they want a color but depending on what they are trying to achieve, it could be any of these options. A permanent color is just as it sounds. Meaning to remove it you either need to do a completely new color, cut it out or grow it out. None of it will come off while shampooing although red tones do fade a little. Semi –Permanent and Rinses are pretty similar—what makes them different is the amount of time that they last. A semi last a few weeks longer than a rinse but both will come off a little at a time during every shampoo. This is the only type of color that you should get when getting another chemical service done. PLEASE NOTE: YOU CANNOT GET A PERMANENT COLOR THE SAME DAY AS RELAXER OR PERM. 

Hope this helps you and if by chance you have another term that you don’t understand please feel free to click the comments and I'll answer you as soon as possible. 

MO' HAIR!