Is it a bad idea to go to a chain salon if you have curly/wavy or textured hair?

[Elsa.G]

Aside from the bad experience I had with the women at Supercuts last week, I have never been really content with my cuts at chain salons. My.biggest issue is that I have naturally wavy hair. For all you girls who might have experience with this type of texture, curly hair tends to be naturally more dry and frizzy, but that's because of the texture, not because it's bad or damaged. I've had the issue with hairstylists at these salons constantly tell me that my hair is too dry, a good portion of them don't even notice that my hair is of a different texture. Many of them try to act like they are experts on textured hair, yet don't know that it must be dry to cut l, as curly hair shrinks when it dries- they don't know that curly hair tends to have frizz most of the time because of the texture, and a good chunk of the texture. More often than not, I am unhappy and leave with a horrible, uneven cut. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[Brooke]

Chain salons have always been a risky bet. I might go to them for a quick trim for something like split ends, but rarely for a new style.
That being said I have occasionally come across some really talented  stylists who are very early in their career.  Best advice is go in and ask "do you have anyone that are really good and you'd recommend for curly hair ". Even after they give you a name still be careful. The first cut with them I'd suggest just a trim, and ask them during cut about their technique, and how'd they handle potential styles, issues (like even cut) etc.

In general I use yelp a lot for determining good places for curly hair. If I have to wing it I try to find someone who has curly kinky hair themselves. Usually have pretty good luck with that.


~Brooke~

[Harley Quinn]

Chains are horrible.  But to put it into context, I drive an hour and a half to see my stylist.  Hair takes way too long to grow back, so a bad haircut is not an option in my humble opinion.  I have learned that you should stay away from chain salons.  I have never recieved a good haircut from one.  EVER!  I traveled a lot for the Army and got my hair cut every 2 to 3 weeks.  Over 13 years, that's a lot of bad haircuts.  You need to go to an actual Salon, and get a consult before any haircut.  If they don't do consults, walk away.  It is a big plus, and there are stylists that specialize in curly and wavy hair. 

I went in for a consult with a stylist in Seattle and she was wonderful.  She didn't want to cut my hair just yet, but she did give me a few suggestions on what to do with it in the mean time. She worked with me to decide what styles would work best, where she'd like me to grow it out to, AND demonstrated some shampoo, conditioner, and product for me.  The products worked amazing to fix the frizz, and works just as well for me when I tried it at home.  I have about 6 months before she wants to see me for an actual "trim".  Well worth the hour and a half drive to meet with her.

She's not any more expensive than a chain salon hairdresser, and she specializes in curly hair.  She decided that my hair wasn't "damaged" in 2 seconds and was able to quickly fix the dry and frizz issues.  In my opinion you should look for someone that will do similar for you.  I researched hair stylists for about a week and found her.  Worth the extra effort.

[Floritine]

Tried then chain stores once and never went back again as the staff didnt know what they were doing, and when I complained to the manager the next week I got told she has been doing it for over 30 years ( well sorry that doesnt mean s@@@ in my books ) and found a good hair dresser that knew what he and she was doing its always buisy and his awards prove its, ( some days its like playing
musical chairs when everyone is getting there hair colors and the place is packed )
If your not happy go else where and find one that actually now how to deal with your hair type, going to a good hair dresser is meant to be "me time even if it costs more than other places " no going there and leaving unhappy and that was a waste of time and I could of do that at home...

Cheers Tracy

[LizK]

Had mine cut once in the last 2 years...grown out from a buzz cut. When I had to eventually have it styled my wife was horrified at the thought of me going to chain store and sent me to her hairdresser who was wonderful...it only cost me $50 for a blow wave and style cut. I am not happy about just anyone messing with my hair..it cost too much and took to long to grow LOL

Liz

[Elsa.G]

Thank you for the replies ladies, you have been very helpful.

[DawnOday]

The hair dressers at most corporate shops are newbies and thus do not have much if any experience. Since there is no way to tell the person who was number one in the class from the person that was last. It's like doctors. Whether Doctors or hairstylists the last in class still gets called Doctor.