Curly locks!

I finally bit the bullet and went to the high-priced (at least for me) hair salon that specializes in curly hair. Not that I went in with curls, but my hair seemed to be trying to get that way, despite yesterday's rain-induced frizz. It was different from any other salon experience I've had to date.

For starters, Vicky cut my hair dry. Seems that gives the stylist a better idea of the finished length of curly hair, since it doesn't all curl at the same rate. She also kept fluffing it up from the bottom, for the same reason - to see how it wanted to fall and how much it would curl up once trimmed. I was having serious "What the heck have I gotten myself into?!?" thoughts at this point - I looked far too much like a dandelion gone to seed!

Then she took me over to the sink, washed & conditioned my hair, with some running narrative. I knew about sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo & conditioner, but Vicky told me more - wash the scalp, but condition the hair, starting at the ends and working toward the roots. I should also leave a little conditioner, to moisturize the hair.

She then took me back to the chair. That's when the instruction began in earnest. She told me to bend over and flip my hair forward, scrunch the water out of it, finger-comb it to separate the curls, then scrunch the hair from ends to roots while still bent forward. She also recommended using gel to keep the curls separated, but didn't try to sell any particular brands: "just as long as it's alcohol-free." She also recommended a hair dryer w/ a diffuser if I don't want to air-dry, or cotton or microfiber, NOT terrycloth, for toweling dry. She was giving me so much information, I joked that I felt I should be taking notes! :)

All in all, it was a very satisfying session. It probably helped that I went in with a few ideas about what I might want but was open to her suggestions, but she listened to my ideas, explained what kinds of things work well with curly hair (layers!) and made sure I agreed with her recommended cut before she touched her scissors. She told me what kinds of products to use but didn't push or even mention any specific brands. She was very good at instructing me in the care & feeding of my new hair without being didactic or condescending, and of course best of all - I love the results!

By the time she finished, I'd gone from dandelion-head to curly locks. The new cut is shorter in back than in front and curlier than I'd dared hope. A woman sitting next to me in a meeting today raved about it and wanted the salon information (her hair is longer and curlier than mine). I'm still getting used to seeing it in the mirror but I love it! I just hope I can reproduce it...