MY tips on finding the PERFECT hair stylist

Back in the day, it was important to have healthy hair before style. I could leave all your worries and cares in the hands of the hair dresser, listen to idle gossip and catch up on old times. Now, its so hard to find someone who is concerned about my hair as much as I am. People today know to cut and style, but now how to keep hair shiny and happy for the long-run. So where have all the good stylists gone?
The problem with good stylists is that they never stay "good" for long. They either raise their prices when in the midst of hard times, move too far away or just quit all together.

Going to a university away from my hometown and and not having a car was my most recent hair vice. I knew nothing about balancing protein and moisture and getting a ride to the stylist was like finding a needle in a haystack. So, I would get my hair done on my breaks from school when I went back home. I wore micros and braids religiously for about two years, and yes! My hair flourished and remained thick and healthy.
But, after a while, I got tired of not having a car and being forced me to wear micro braids all the time. So, I saved my cash, put a down payment of some new wheels and said "hello!" to the open road. But, with my new found freedom, I still had to find a beauty salon that would pamper my tresses, cost little money and isn't too far.
Eventually, I was referred to Jay, at the Hair Cuttery and the rest is history. She prefers to texlax hair, she knows about saran wrapping, and hates to trim. She realizes the balance that is needs between protein and moisture. I go to her when I need a touch up or if I am in dire straits with my do. Not to mention, her hair is natural and in a precious teeny-weeny Afro.

Not everyone gets the happy ending when I comes to finding someone who understands your hair needs. I have five sure-fire tips to helping those decipher if someone is out for your locks best interest or not.

Also, I'm still working on the hair and Black-owned beauty salon directory. Let me know if you want to recommend a salon/stylist for me to add to the listing.

1. Visit the inside of the shop before you sit in the chair.
Go a week before you schedule the appointment and see how the shop is run. Talk to the stylist beforehand. Ask questions about what products they exclusively use, how often do they recommend someone come in for chemical treatments, and what are techniques for growing and maintaining healthy hair. If those beliefs don't agree with your views, I recommend you don't return to the shop for service. Bad stylists usually give you hints that that suck before you even let their hands touch your scalp. If you don't trust the neighborhood or even the decor, then don't sit in that chair. You are paying them for their service, not the opposite way around.

2. Look at the stylist's hair.
Anyone who selling a service should be a proficient in their field. Would you trust a mechanic who has his own car broken down, sitting on cement blocks in the front of his shop? Or one that takes the bus? Would you get a manicure from a nail technician with raggedy toes?Then why would you trust someone who cannot maintain her own hair? Your stylist needs to be able to find the time and put in the effort in her own appearance. If she does weaves, then she should have an amazingly natural-looking one on her head. If she is natural, then her hair should be in great condition. After all, you don't know her abilities so you only have her looks to go by.

3. Ask around.
Next time you see a woman with the perfect hair cut or gorgeous gleaming hair, ask about her routine. If it includes visiting a particular salon, ask them where it is, who did their hair and about the location. Ask a family member or a friend with great hair. It is how I found Jay!

4.Don't be afraid to leave the instant she does something you don't like.
If you don't like rat tail combs, then don't let her use a rat tail comb on your hair. Ask if you can bring your own relaxer if you are particular about a special brand. If she says no, then find someone who is willing to do things the way you want. Speak up and let her know specifically what you want her to do. Nothing more and nothing less.

5. Make sure your stylist is flexible and compatible with your life.
The person should be easy-tempered and close so that if an emergency occurs, you know she has your back. You don't want someone who is never available when you want them or hates walk-ins. You don't want someone who is so stubborn that they cannot take new ideas. A close-minded stylist is never a good one, because just as your wardrobe changes, your style of hair will, too. You want someone who can roll with the punches, give you firm advice about your hair, but still allow you to do your own thing. Don't go to someone that makes you break the bank with every visit. If you can only afford her on special occasions, then this is a stylist that isn't very compatible with your budget--an important aspect of both of your lives.

SALON REVIEW: CLARA'S HAIR DESIGNERS, RIVERDALE, GA

Clara's Hair Designers
Riverdale Square
682 Hwy. 138
Riverdale, GA 30274

770-478-8151

PRICE LIST:
Shampoo $10
Relaxer $25
Carefree Curl $35
Wave Nouveau $45
Cuts $10
Student Discount $25

My aunt wanted a retouch on her relaxer and insisted that it be done today. She suggested I think about getting my hair styled as well, but I was nervous about letting random stylist put their hands anywhere near my hair. Now, I know what you are thinking; "Its Atlanta, the Mecca of black hair care". Bonner Brothers Hair care line is based here and every year are the nation's biggest black hair shows. Nonetheless, I was still nervous about letting a small-time stylist tackle my big-town style. I've known my stylist in South Florida for so many years and she specializes in perfection and sophistication. Children should look like children and ladies should look like ladies when they leave her shop. Besides, looking at some of the wild colors and coifs around the ATL... I'm not so sure if wanted to look like a Dalmatian or Pink Poodle. Unfortunately, this dry Georgia weather has gotten the cramped the best of my healthy 'do. I had split ends, dry ends, and breakage galore. Not to mention, I was dumb enough to leave my moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner at home. I tried improvising by purchasing a travel size bottle of Hello Hydration Shampoo and using regular rinse-out conditioner as a deep conditioner. By morning, I was a tangled matted mess with hairs snapping and popping harder than video models. Either way, I agreed to going with my aunt for ONLY a shampoo, deep conditioner and rollerset, but I had already knew in my mind that I was going to have to run right back to the salon as soon as I get to Hair Cuttery for a real treatment.
If you are looking for plush couches and Calla Lilies, you've come to the wrong place. This place is as "down home" as you can get in a professional business Its nestled in a strip mall right between a Jamaican Restaurant and a Family Dollar. As soon as we walked into the salon we were questioned as to who were there to see and what service were we getting. We then signed our name on a log sheet on a clipboard. We wait for about 40 minutes and were then greeted by our stylist. She was kind and understood that we must leave early so my aunt can go to an interview. My aunt when first and got a touch up, and while the solution sat on her head I was taken to the shampoo bowl. I let her know that I had washed my hair the night before, but I desperately needed a deep condition. She responded in her southern drawl the affirmative and went to work. Even I could notice the squeak when she was done rinsing my hair... definitely dry. She commented on it as well, nut knew exactly how to relieve the problem. Up to now, I still don't know what she used as a deep conditioner, but it smelled like cotton candy and fruits. She let it sit on my hair for maybe, half an hour? When she rinsed my tresses, I knew instantly something was strangely different...but I pressed on.
I watched the stylists were combing customer's long locks. If they didn't know what they were doing, I would have never let them touch my hair... luckily, they combed and detangled perfectly, so I knew that my stylist would have done a good job on me. I've never seen hands move so fast during a roller set, but in a lickety-split, I was under the dryer. It took 30 minutes and lastly came the finishing touches. Usually, most stylists have to use some sort of moisturizer on my scalp and then my fix my coif into place. Or, they just seal with oil, but I can tell that my hair is still dehydrated, in which I'll have to go home and use my own lotion to help. Strongly enough, my hair felt soft, replenished and refreshed. It was shiny and had so much bounce. I couldn't believe that she could have done it, but she really put moisture back into the hair. Two days later, I could still reap the benefits of this woman's "growing" hands.

I hair If you are looking for southern comfort and friendly service, then you've come to the right place. There's no room here for snooty attitudes, but lots of love and jokes. My stylist gave me the 411 on all the "know" of ATL, including the truth about the schools, the clubs, and the boys. Check out Clara's Hair Designs for cheap prices and friendly fare.