To get you started, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions, based on the things our new clients ask at and after their first appointment. We hope these are helpful to you and feel free to reach out and ask any additional questions you may have :)
Both Curl Specialists and regular hair stylists can produce a beautiful end result in curly styling. Curl Specialists, however, place special emphasis on preserving your curls! From the routine to product recommendations, as well as the time suggested between visits, each step we advise is meant to ensure that clients maintain hydrated hair which will allow them to have better curl formation and definition.
Why is my hair dry? What products will give my hair moisture?
There is a great misconception in the natural hair community that the key to combating dryness and having moisturized hair lies in a special product or combination of products.
But, there are several factors that contribute to one’s hair being dry. Most times we’ve found that the results lie in the hair care practices of the individual. If your hair is chronically dry (perhaps from consistently using heavy oil and butter-based products, or from not using a proper shampoo) your hair will not become moisturized overnight. By using botanical, water-based products consistently over time, your hair will become more hydrated and therefore, moisturized.
I’ve done my first appointment and love the results! What do I need to do to maintain these results?
We are elated that you are happy with the results of your service! The results obtained during the appointment can be attained by following the routine and product recommendations given to you at your appointment, which are tailored to your specific needs and goals.
The key to it all is consistency. Setting your curls, like any new skill, requires practice and patience. Take pictures and keep note of the things you liked about your set and the things you didn’t. Also reach out to us if there is something you need to troubleshoot.
If you feel like you’re having a hard time, consider taking a hands-on class with us, where we can troubleshoot where the issue is while you do your hair.
Why should I come back into the salon after my first appointment if I’ve gotten product recommendations and can do my hair on my own?
Our clients being able to take care of their hair to a standard they are happy with is our ultimate goal! However, despite you being the master of your own hair, there are two main reasons we would suggest you return to the salon:
1. Routine haircuts. Over time, the ends of our hair (despite how gentle and careful we are) tend to split as this is the oldest part of our hair. This makes the detangling process during our wash day much longer because you are now having to put more effort into detangling those parts. Also, left uncut, the ends will not repair themselves and will only get more damaged. Also, with curly hair, it’s all about the shape! Even if growth is your goal, the ends of your hair should be removed strategically to accommodate the shape you have/are trying to achieve.
2. To detox your hair. Over time, products tend to build up on our hair which can in the long run make styling difficult. We recommend our clients use products that are water soluble, making build up less likely. A common complaint many curly girls have is that after a while, their products don’t work for their hair anymore. Most times, it's not that the product isn’t working, but rather, that the buildup of products over time is preventing it from being able to absorb into your hair the way it used to. We recommend that when you come in for your haircut, that you do the full service to remove the buildup on your hair.
How often should I wash my hair?
Generally, persons should wash and style their hair at least once per week. The frequency may increase based on the individual, the current condition of their hair, their goals and most importantly, what their lifestyle allows time for. While following the methods we suggest is meant to shorten your wash day, it doesn’t mean everyone will have time to wash their hair twice a week and that’s okay!
How soon should I purchase the recommended products/ Why shouldn’t I use non-recommended products?
You attended your appointment, shared with us the concerns you have with your hair and the goals you are trying to achieve. We have sent you a list of recommended products for each step of your routine. It would be ideal for you to purchase the products as soon as possible and use them for your next wash day after your salon visit (about 4-7 days after, the time will vary by the condition of your hair). Your hair would have been detoxed at your appointment, and continuing with the recommended products and routine is the best recipe for success.
Before coming to your appointment, we ask clients to make notes (or take pictures) of the products they are using to help with our evaluation at the consultation. Everything you use and put on your hair plays a role in the condition of your hair. While it is possible to maintain healthy hair using products we didn’t recommend, we cannot guarantee the quality and longevity of the style or health of the hair in the long run with other products. We understand that we don’t live in an ideal world, sometimes you may have just purchased a new product, that isn’t on our list that you don’t want to let waste. You can use what you have until you’re able to get the recommended products, but the sooner the better.
The products that we recommend we have used on ourselves and our clients for years, and many of them are also utilized by several Curl Specialists worldwide. Therefore, given all that, we strongly recommend sticking to the routine provided, and if something isn’t working let us know so that we can troubleshoot and recommend something else if need be.
