Finding a natural hair salon and specifically finding a curly hair stylist; can sometimes be a difficult and emotionally stressful journey. Finding someone that knows how to work on curly hair and can give you the results you are looking for is important. However, there are other details that we may not think about as much but should also be taken into consideration. Move the potential salon to the Caribbean and there is now a whole new set of factors to think about.
Ironically, while living in the Caribbean it can be dificult to find hair stylists that truly understand the type of care natural hair needs. Many stylists are used to treating straight or chemically-treated hair, resulting in misunderstandings and erroneus recommendations. Luckily, the natural hair movement has continued to grow and has brought forth many stylists that are eager to learn, share, and experience the beauty of working with naturally curly hair.
I recently visited my favorite salon and interviewed one of the stylists who also happens to be the owner of the establishment. During the interview she shared some tips on how to take care of your locs, recommendations on what to do when choosing a new style, and some of the challenges naturals face in the Caribbean.
Regarding those challenges Roxy, owner of The Parlour, spoke about the misconceptions people have of curly hair.
It’s surprising that even though we live in an island where most people have curly hair, they have certain pre-judgements, such as “Curly hair always looks very unkept.
“It’s surprising that even though we live in an island where most people have curly hair, they have certain pre-judgements, such as “Curly hair always looks very unkept”. That is not true at all because it’s simply hair that has it’s own personality. You just have to know how to take care of it and educate people so that they’re not scared of their own hair and can gain the confidence to carry it in it’s natural state. There is always a way to manage and manipulate it. It is also important to teach people about what products are best so that the hair is manageable and the client is happy.”
Roxy also mentioned the importance of experimenting with products in order to find something that works well with your curl type.
“There are people that like using very natural alternatives and generally girls that have tighter curls like to use natural products because they feel those work better. Things like coconut oil, avocado, rosemary oil, as well as natural leave-ins. However, there are other leave-ins that don’t have a lot of chemicals in them and are also good. It’s a matter of trying. It’s important to keep trying different products because not all curls will be affected the same way. Every curl is different; in thickness, texture, therefore something that works on one person may not work on the other.”
She also spoke about how trimming can affect the over all health of hair and stressed the importance of curl education.
“They need to get a cut at the right time, not wait too long so it doesn’t stay stuck, and respect the hair’s length when letting it grow out… curly hair tends to take more time to visibly look longer. It’s about those details, a lot of communication, and educating the client as well as oneself because you can’t cut all curl types the same way, they will not all react the same.”
You can see the full interview below (available in English and Spanish). Interview conducted at The Parlour salon.
Main Photo Credit: The Doux Salon & Blow Dry Parlour
