I got my first Deva cut and...

I went to Posh Salon and Color Bar in Wheaton, IL and saw Annette. Before I get to the actual review, I'll say a quick piece about the recent history of my hair.
I've been searching for a decently priced Deva stylist, but I can't get to one unless I drive into north Chicago, which would take about 2 hours to get there. I don't have time for that, and I was in a panic, so I opted for the more expensive salon closer to me. There are a group of Deva stylists about the same distance in this area, and they are all priced the same - $150 for the first visit, and $85 for visits thereafter. To avoid this huge cost initially, I decided to try out a stylist that my friend recommended who works from home. She ended up totally butchering my curls with thinning shears. She didn't tell me she was going to use them, and I told her to only touch the front part of my hair. She didn't listen to anything I said, and I felt like she lied to me previous to my appointment just to get me in her chair. She claimed to know about curly hair, but does not have the slightest clue what to do with it!
So I was scared to death going into Posh Salon after having been butchered just days before. I had emailed the salon previous to my appointment to ask questions and set it up. I am gluten free and can't use the majority of Deva products due to the wheat ingredients. Annette was willing to work with me and just do the cut minus the stlyling aspect of it. She charged me $85 instead of the regular $150 for the first visit.
Now onto the actual cut -
We discussed my hair... she asked how I got to the point I am at now with my hair, what I don't like about it, and what my ultimate hair goal is. She said I came in with quite a challenge, which is why I alerted her beforehand and asked what to do - is it fixable now, or do I have to wait for some hair to grow back in? She wanted me to come in for a consult to see it in person. I was unaware if she was actually going to cut it or not. At first she didn't think she would be able to cut it, but she could do a bit with the back, and some spots here and there to make me feel at least a little bit better walking out of the salon. I agreed, and she ended up cutting more than I thought she would (but I hoped she would). There was the same amount of hair on the floor that I would have if I got a regular trim at a regular salon. Yes, it's a fast cut, but it's a very functional one. She snipped here and snipped there, and I was in awe of the whole process, it was very interesting to see my hair cut the way I imagined having it cut. It was so gentle and there were no combs! No hair roughhousing. After she was done she was amazed at how much of a difference it made. She really didn't think that a small cut like that, with my hair as thin on the ends as it was, was going to do a whole lot for me. She prepared me beforehand and said I wouldn't walk out with a great cut, but it would be better. I personally think I walked out with a great cut!
Annette as a stylist -
I walked in very nervous, and left like I have known her for a while. I literally wanted to hug her after my cut was over. She was AMAZING! I could tell right off the bat that she really knew and understood curly hair, and I trusted her pretty much right away after she started talking. She's so personable and very honest, and has a real passion for people with curly hair. She cares about her clients, and she takes pride in her curly girls walking out of the salon feeling a whole lot better about themselves, after having cried over an awful haircut - like I did. She made up a plan for me to get to my goal. Currently I'm on the 3 month plan while I transition, then will go to 6 months. She wasn't pushy about this at all, it was her recommendation, which I completely agree with. She said if I like my hair in 3 months, keep growing it and cancel the appointment. Knowing how fast my hair grows, I think I will need to keep it.
The moral of the story, and I can't stress this enough!! It's totally worth it to pay for an overpriced EXCELLENT cut, than pay to get butchered only having to pay extra to get it fixed after the fact.
I give 5 / 5 stars!!! Oh, and the salon is super cute and Wheaton has the most uppity cute downtown area ever.
Here are before and afters. They were both taken today, and I have not washed my hair yet. And yes, that's my cat in my face. lol
I've been searching for a decently priced Deva stylist, but I can't get to one unless I drive into north Chicago, which would take about 2 hours to get there. I don't have time for that, and I was in a panic, so I opted for the more expensive salon closer to me. There are a group of Deva stylists about the same distance in this area, and they are all priced the same - $150 for the first visit, and $85 for visits thereafter. To avoid this huge cost initially, I decided to try out a stylist that my friend recommended who works from home. She ended up totally butchering my curls with thinning shears. She didn't tell me she was going to use them, and I told her to only touch the front part of my hair. She didn't listen to anything I said, and I felt like she lied to me previous to my appointment just to get me in her chair. She claimed to know about curly hair, but does not have the slightest clue what to do with it!
So I was scared to death going into Posh Salon after having been butchered just days before. I had emailed the salon previous to my appointment to ask questions and set it up. I am gluten free and can't use the majority of Deva products due to the wheat ingredients. Annette was willing to work with me and just do the cut minus the stlyling aspect of it. She charged me $85 instead of the regular $150 for the first visit.
Now onto the actual cut -
We discussed my hair... she asked how I got to the point I am at now with my hair, what I don't like about it, and what my ultimate hair goal is. She said I came in with quite a challenge, which is why I alerted her beforehand and asked what to do - is it fixable now, or do I have to wait for some hair to grow back in? She wanted me to come in for a consult to see it in person. I was unaware if she was actually going to cut it or not. At first she didn't think she would be able to cut it, but she could do a bit with the back, and some spots here and there to make me feel at least a little bit better walking out of the salon. I agreed, and she ended up cutting more than I thought she would (but I hoped she would). There was the same amount of hair on the floor that I would have if I got a regular trim at a regular salon. Yes, it's a fast cut, but it's a very functional one. She snipped here and snipped there, and I was in awe of the whole process, it was very interesting to see my hair cut the way I imagined having it cut. It was so gentle and there were no combs! No hair roughhousing. After she was done she was amazed at how much of a difference it made. She really didn't think that a small cut like that, with my hair as thin on the ends as it was, was going to do a whole lot for me. She prepared me beforehand and said I wouldn't walk out with a great cut, but it would be better. I personally think I walked out with a great cut!
Annette as a stylist -
I walked in very nervous, and left like I have known her for a while. I literally wanted to hug her after my cut was over. She was AMAZING! I could tell right off the bat that she really knew and understood curly hair, and I trusted her pretty much right away after she started talking. She's so personable and very honest, and has a real passion for people with curly hair. She cares about her clients, and she takes pride in her curly girls walking out of the salon feeling a whole lot better about themselves, after having cried over an awful haircut - like I did. She made up a plan for me to get to my goal. Currently I'm on the 3 month plan while I transition, then will go to 6 months. She wasn't pushy about this at all, it was her recommendation, which I completely agree with. She said if I like my hair in 3 months, keep growing it and cancel the appointment. Knowing how fast my hair grows, I think I will need to keep it.
The moral of the story, and I can't stress this enough!! It's totally worth it to pay for an overpriced EXCELLENT cut, than pay to get butchered only having to pay extra to get it fixed after the fact.
I give 5 / 5 stars!!! Oh, and the salon is super cute and Wheaton has the most uppity cute downtown area ever.
Here are before and afters. They were both taken today, and I have not washed my hair yet. And yes, that's my cat in my face. lol
2c-3a - med-coarse - normal-high porosity - high density
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
0
Comments
After all of this don't be surprised if you have some post traumatic hair issues - so try not to get anxious if you don't get your styling technique down right away with your new cut. I know my hair sometimes takes a few days to settle down after I get it cut.
Your new cut looks terrific! :sunny:
Conditioners: Curl Junkie conditioners, Elucence moisture balancing, Darcy's pumpkin seed, Mop Top Daily
Gels: CJ Pattern Pusha, CJ Curl Queen, UFDCM, Mop Top Curly Custard, KCCC (wish it didn't take so long to dry!), CJ Aloe Fix Lite
Weekly PT (CJ Repair Me) & DT
Icequeen method
CG since Aug. 08, still a lot to learn
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
ETA: No styling changes necessary!! It is reacting SO well, I am super happy!!
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
3a, some 2c & 3b, medium texture, porosity normal, low elasticity :-(
washing/cowashing, conditioning, protein tx: curl junkie products
leave in:curl junkie conditioners and treatments as leave in
styling: curl junkie
sealants - jane carter nourish & shine
Here is a better picture, more from the side. I was so ecstatic when I left, I haven't smiled since I had my good hair, so it was very refreshing!
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
3B
Co-wash: Deva Decadence No Poo
Conditioner: Deva Decadence One Condition
Leave-in/Styling: Deva Decadence One Condition and Deva Heaven In Hair
Others: ACV rinses and protein treatments
CO-wash: Inecto coconut/ Elvive Volume Collagen
Treatments: Komaza Care Matani, coconut/ sweet almond/ fractionated coconut oils, Hairveda Sitrinillah
Leave in: Fructis Sleek & Shine (old), Gliss Ultimate Volume, various Elvive
Styler: Umberto Giannini jelly, Au Naturale styling gelee
Flour sack towel, pixie diffuse or air dry.
Experimenting with: benign neglect
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
It looks great! I'm happy you had a good experience(:
Thanks! Where did you go? I was thinking of trying a salon up north, but it's too far away. I wondered if it was the same one. I highly recommend this salon!
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
I want to give Cally's one more chance but I will def. keep your place in mind. I say if you like what she did (and she did a good job) stick with your stylist u have. IMO
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
Thanks! I hope we get to see yours when you get it!! Bad cuts happen.. we're all bound to go through them trying to find the "right" stylist for our hair.
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
Hair type: NC: 2A; FIA: 2cFii; Fine, normal porosity, normal elasticity
Cleansing: CJ Cleansing Conditioner, Trader Joe's Tea Tree, or Deva No Poo
Daily conditioner: Deva One C or CJ Beauticurls Strengthening Hair Cond or GPB
Styling products: Deva B'Leave In + Deva Curl Cream + AnGel; or SS CEJ + BRHG; or AG: Recoil + BRHG; or KCKT + KCCC + BRHG
Treatments: SS protein treatment or CJ Curl Fix or Nexxus Emergencee + CJ Curl Rehab
Yes, big relief! Thank you, I appreciate it
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
Still playing with products ( using mostly Deva right now)
Working on finding my inner curl.
Thank you!! I had a very great experience, and I really hope that yours is the same! It really depends on a good stylist. I hope you'll post a picture of your hair after the cut
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens
She said my hair is really dry and it might take up to 6 months to hydrate, but oh my, the curls and waves she was able to get out of my hair:icon_smile:
Still playing with products ( using mostly Deva right now)
Working on finding my inner curl.
:bunny:
NP/LP: CJ Daily Fix, KMF Whenever / Giovanni TTTT
RO/LI: Aussie Moist, CJ Argan & Olive Oil, Hask Keratin Protein
DC/PROTEIN: KC Stellar Strands / CNPF
STYLER: CJ Curl Queen
COLOR: henna, amla & indigo
:thumbdown:: glycerin in high/low dews, polyquat-10 & 11, parabens