FINDING A SALON & MASTER CURLY STYLIST

Before visiting a salon, it is highly recommended that you know the personality, porosity and anatomy of your curls, while also developing a new mindset for beginning your new curl journey. See “The 10 Best Tips For a Fresh Start To a Wavy-Curly Hair Routine” to learn more. 

TIP #1: RESEARCH CURL STYLISTS'/SALON NEAR YOU

It’s time to begin research for salons and stylists. We only want to search for those who have curly hair education and experience ONLY! Start by going to Google and typing “Devacut stylist near me”  or “Rezocut/Curl Pop" "Caba stylist near me” or “Master curly stylist near me” just to give a few examples. Click on your preferred website (most likely based on your location) and type in your location and/or zip. For example, On Devacurl.com you can enter your zip code and it’ll show you the salons and level of stylist that are closest to you. Each “cut” and/or  “brand” can vary on styles, depending on where you live and what look you're trying to achieve. Doing a bit of research on what type of cut you’d like will save you so much hassle in the long run. No matter which stylist or cut you choose, asking for face framing layers is a great way to start!

TIP #2: PICK & SEARCH FOR THE CURL STYLIST WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE

For example, when I first did research and received my first Deva Cut by a level 3 stylist, she did great! She exceeded my expectations and it was everything I had hoped for! As a then 30 year old woman, I felt like my childhood prayers had finally been answered. Later that year, a friend decided to get her curly cut as well! Turns out my level 3 stylist was on maternity leave and recommended all of her clients to a fellow stylist. Without researching the substitute stylist, my friend and I received a Deva Cut, a trim, and balayage highlights from a level 2 stylist. To say the least, we were both heavily unimpressed with our end results and returned home from our two hour trip discouraged and unhappy. Furthermore, do your own research, curl friends! Do not just go off word of mouth, and if you decide to, just verify whatever or whoever you are being recommended to. 

• Tons of results will pop up and that's ok, we only want The best Curly Stylist and that will dramatically narrow down the results. 

• Selecting a level 3 (Master) Curly stylist or highest level available is HIGHLY recommended. As level 1 and 2 could be good, we want the master, the one with the most experience, determination, and education. This is key because they all have different levels for understanding curls and we don't want to be a “learning experience” for the stylist or create a traumatic experience for ourselves. 

TIP #3: CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE & VIEW PREVIOUS WORK THE STYLIST & SALON HAS DONE 

• Once you find the best salon and stylist, (The salon Cay trusts the most is almost two hours from her home, we promise, it’ll be worth it!) checkout their website, get an idea of what it’ll be like and do some digging to put eyes on who will actually do your hair and what they've done in the past. 

TIP #4: MAKE SURE YOU'RE PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY & FINANCIALLY READY BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

• Before your appointment, make sure you're fully committed, mentally, physically and most importantly, financially. Call the salon and schedule an appointment to receive a curly cut. 

TIP #5: HAVE AN IDEA/STYLE OF WHAT TYPE OF CURL CUT YOU WOULD LIKE

• Be sure to bring a picture or have a clear description of what type of look you're trying to achieve, but also make sure it’s within your curl pattern and porosity type. 

• If you only want a trim, be sure to say that. If you want more volume, be sure to mention that as well. Be very specific with the exact way you are imagining your hair. Stylists cut in different ways and sections of your hair to create different looks. So make sure the goal matches with the current state of your hair at this very moment. For example, if you have shoulder length medium porosity 3c hair, be sure to look at medium porosity 3c hairstyles that are shoulder length and shorter. A great starting point is asking for “face framing layers”. 

• Have patience. Do not rush into things, as this can lead to disappointment and more errors. Creating healthy, moisturized curls takes time as well as trial and error. Luckily, Cays Curls is here to help dodge most of those errors. 

TIP #6: CHECK WITH THE SALON'S WEBSITE TO SEE HOW THEY WOULD PREFER YOUR HAIR TO BE UPON ARRIVAL 

• There are very specific directions on how you should appear with your hair to the salon so be sure and check the instructions and/or website upon arrival.

TIP #7: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR SILK/SATIN PILLOWCASE & SATIN BONNET/WRAP BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT 

• Even though it is highly recommended to have all the tools, it is imperative you do not start your new curl regimen and wash and go’s without a satin bonnet, wrap, and/or silk/satin pillowcase. Your curls and hard work will literally be ruined by the next morning if hair is not protected and preserved. 

• Don't forget to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Tiktok during your curl journey, for a chance to be featured on our social media! Remember, consistency, time and patience is key!

Goodluck Curlfriend!