I recently celebrated my Natural Birthday! I’ve however noticed that my hair is uneven (due to my bad self cut I’m sure!). I’m now in the process of finding a stylist in my area who specializes in handling natural hair. That’s a feat in its self here in my somewhat non-curly town.
In any event, I found a salon, they came with rave reviews from friends and family. Now, it seems I have another hang up. I can’t gather up the strength to go and get the cut I KNOW I need. I am SCARED! I am worried they will hack away all of my length and leave me at square one. We’ve all seen Youtube clips where a natural woman (or man) goes in for a trim and walks out 3+ inches shorter… EVEN when they’ve only asked for a trim!
What are some things I should ask for when going in for the trim? How do people get over this fear?
I'm happy it worked out for you. They shouldn't have any problems with a mirror.
L
I ended up going, and the cut went well, she took about a half inch off.. I really let her know my worries… "She's cut all my hair off!" She laughed then took a look at my hair, Let me know where I had a lot of knots then she gave me a mirror to watch her while she trimmed away!
She eased my hair cut/trim fears. 🙂 Now..the rest of the visit was a different story! LOL
I'm going to need a trim in the next month or so. I'm contemplating going to my mother's barber, but I'd rather consult with him first. Otherwise, there's a natural hair salon right next to him that I hope/pray/beg will be up to the task.
Tell them not to use a razor on your headline in the front or the sides…
Also ask them to start off by letting you watch. And you hold up a piece of hair and show them where you want the cut to stop.
Scissor cuts are better than razor cuts; because if they do mess up and cut off too much, it is easier to do twist styles.
Razor cuts are too even and if they are not shaped correctly can look sort of "hard looking". Your goal is for softness, unless maybe you like the hard look. It's up to you.
I just came back from a trim. To my surprise, I found someone at Fantastic Sams that does a very good cut. She did my BC. Today I asked her to cut 1/4 inch in the back and 1/2 inch on the top half. I have color on the ends and my hair tends to be dry, brittle, split, etc.
Love post. I have been freaking out about getting a trim for a few months and I appreciate all the information I can get on this topic. Dusting and specifying how much hair sounds like an excellent idea. Thank you so much.
Live, Love, Peace. ~OrganicallyGrownCurls
"Row… row!" You have an extra paddle because I'm right in the same boat with you (LOL). I called myself doing a (DIY) "trim" back in March. It turned out to be more of a hack job especially in the back (SMH @ myself). Last year, I went to a professional who had natural hair, but she pressed hers. She blew out my hair when she trimmed it after she lightly co-wash my hair (She didn't know how to go about getting into my hair. So I suggested she do the co-wash and it was smooth sailing after that. I washed and DT'd my hair the night before, so my hair would be fresh). This time when I get a trim, I don't want my hair blown out. I want my hair cut in it's natural state. I know Taren619 (I think that's her user name on YouTube) went to have her hair cut at a Deva salon. And she gave her experience and tips on her haircut in a video. I can't think of the name, but I will research on the cut that's good for curly hair. It reminds me of a triangle in the front and an inverted triangle in the back. If someone knows what I'm talking about please help me out because I am cosmetology-termed illiterate. Now, let me get my pen and pad and take notes from the comments because I need a cut/trim to fix this mess I made (It makes me LOL @ myself, but at least I did it to myself and not a stylist SMH).
…Salons I've visited (none of which were on the cheap side…somehow I just don't think natural hair and affordable salon prices are synonymous in NYC….ooooh well. here it goes.):
-Diane DaCosta
Got a trim here once. Diane definitely knows how to care for natural hair. I would say "hair health" is her speciality over contemporary styling or cutting of natural hair. She is pricey though. I believe I paid around $100 for a wash, steam treatment, light blowout and trim. This was about 1 year ago.
Site: http://dianedacosta.com/store/consultations.php
-Hair Rules Salon
This salon is expensive, no doubt about it. But, I have to say it has been my favorite so far. I left feeling 100% HAPPY with my hair. When I went, I got a wash, color, flatiron and trim/shaping. The flatiron and cut cost me $125. The color (full process & highlights) cost $230. This was definitely a "treat" that I saved up for. But, the gentle and respectful treatment of my hair (4a type) and the outcome was well worth it for me. My haircut done here was EXCELLENT!
*FYI: My hair was done by an assistant, NOT by the owner…That cut down on the final cost A LOT.*
Site: http://www.hairrulessalon.com/
-John Atchson Salon
I actually went to this salon to have my Big Chop done. I was about 60% happy with the end result. The stylist ended up cutting off a good amount of my new growth–setting me back about 2 or 3 inches. But, it wasn't the worst. So, I figured it's worth a mention for anyone who might be curious. Perhaps, they might be better at just "trimming" as opposed to cutting/shaping. I think my BC here was around $85 (wash, deep-treatment and BC).
Site: http://www.johnatchison.com/
Honorable Mention:
Afrigenix Salon
Never had my hair cut here; but I recently had two-strand twists done on my shoulder length hair (when stretched). I had my hair washed, deep-conditioned and twisted (wet hair) by the stylist there named Marie. And it ran me $89, tax included. I didn't think it was too bad; she was a little rough when combing out my hair–but then again, I could just be overly sensitive. :-/ But, considering that I can't find any place in NYC that'll do two-strand twists WELL for less than $85+, I thought the end result was great and the price pretty good. If anybody has info on a less expensive place that did a great job with their twists in NYC, please post!!!
Hope this help somehow! …Happy hair growing, trimming, salon hunting and all that good stuff! 🙂
I had a few trims. The first two, I thought they did not take off enough hair. But then again my ends were atrocious so that would have been a hack. I actually went home and trimmed some more. The last time I went for a trim, I did not realize that the word trim is not universal. She hacked my hair up. Not to mention, her two stand twists sucked because the product she used was all wrong. That's another thread. Anyhoo, when I went to grab a twist to do a twist out, the twist slipped right out of my hand. That was because I thought I had 5 inches, but I only had two….LOL. I've been kind of scarrrred ever since. I have not yet trimmed my hair since, but I know I will. But this time, I will do it myself. Thanks you guys for all the lingo regarding trims. You all are a wealth of knowledge.
Im in the same boat as you. But I have found a good salon that Im gonna go for it at because I have seen work they did on naturals although it looked like naturals who wear their hair straight all the time.. I am watching these comments also!!!
I have been punking out of a trim for over a month now. I need one badly. If you go please share your experience and the salon location
@Anon 2:10
I agree about the hand mirror and I would be packing my own.I like that quote:
"I trust you to trim less then a half inch. You trust me not to have a fit. :)"
@OP
If I were that nervous (and I probably would be)I would take a ruler with me and show her the exact length I expect cut so there would be no misunderstanding. Tell her that even if she finds a split end that looks like a wishbone don't go any further than the established boundary without your approval.
I'd be as specific as possible. i.e. "A dusting of 1/8 inch" or "I need you to trim off one inch" I would also ask them to let you face the mirror so you can watch them cut. Let them know that you're a little nervous and your hair is top priority. If they do a nice job…tip well.
I had the same concerns the first time I went in for a professional trim.
The first thing to do is tell them that you are trying really hard to grow your hair long. That will perk their ears up and let them know you will not be happy if your length changes significantly.
Also, use your fingers to show the stylist how much you are comfortable with losing. If you want them to take off a 1/2 inch, hold your fingers at about a 1/4 inch. They will probably cut off a little more than you've illustrated, but not by much.
My suggestion is to combine several other tips, plus some of my own: discuss what defines a trim for the stylist as well as yourself, emphasize that a good job will be rewarded (extra tip, return visits, referrals, etc.), and since you mentioned that you had some length, you may want to bring some of your own styling implements. I have a great stylist who trims my hair every 6 months for only $30; however, last time I went, the assistant did it. While the overall look was great (they straighten it to trim it–sigh), she rushed through my hair w/a paddle brush and those little balls gave me a ton of fairy knots that weren't there before. Sadly, I had to trim a little more to cut the knots off. Whether they're straightening or whatever, I would take your own detangling comb or in my case, my trusty Denman and encourage them to take their time with your precious locks. I encourage you to go get that trim confidently. i don't get trims nearly as often as I did when relaxed (yay, $$$), but I find that they keep my hair in shape so that it looks healthy and falls nicely.
I'll tell you what I did when I was relaxed and APL/beyond.
I would ask to hold the hand held mirror while she cut it. Mind you, this was only the first couple of times and there was no need after we ESTABLISHED trust.
I trust you to trim less then a half inch. You trust me not to have a fit. 🙂
L
I looooooooove getting trims.I think that it gets a bad rap in the natural community. I think of split ends as "dead hair" which helps. lool
Its one of the single best things you can do for your hair and so many people overlook it. i love the way it looks, the greater ease of brushing, and the knowledge that it will grow stronger now. sometimes a stylist will chop a little too much imo (i always say "trim") but honestly it was what i needed. while many people can take care of their ends some cannot prevent damage despite the best of efforts. and thats ok!
Let the stylist do them is what I say. Your hair will thank you for it! Granted I get trims only once every six months cause I am attached the the 'growing hands' of the salon owner i go to and it dont come cheap in ny ($115- wash, deep condition, steam, press and cut with tip).
its a natural hair salon and even she does the "you got a loooot of hair..sigh" when it comes to me. lool. regardless of my supercoily 4b/c hair,my laziness, and regular trims ive been able to grow it to about 10 inches in two years. so take heart, trims are your best friend!!
ask them to "dust" the ends instead of a full on trim. a trim is usually (technically) at least an inch or they may see damage and trim it all off. just ask for a dusting and to even it up a bit.
Ask the stylist what's their definition of a trim? Tell them how you want your hair shaped and where it should fall. Take in some pictures as well of how you want your hair to look. Tell him/her that you want to watch as he/she cuts your hair, don't ask, tell.
Another trick that has worked for me in the past, I told a new stylist, "Oh my friends and I have been looking for a new stylist in this area, but none of us have been brave enough to experiment, so if you do a good job, you'll be getting lots of clients very soon." Works like a charm and she was so focused on making sure I was pleased. I stuck to my word too, I sent her about 7 new clients and she took 30% off of my next visit!
they can't hack away half of your hair unless you allow them to. i get that a lot of natural women steer clear of salons, but it's more of an irrational fear than anything. just as you take control with finding good products for your hair, you have to be just as passionate when finding a good salon. good salons are out there, you just have to be very involved in the process.