Black ladies with weaves, relaxed hair and dreadlocks are regular hair salon goers and not all of them are satisfied with the treatment they receive.They are also not sure what to do about it in fear of offending the hairstylist or fellow customers. As an ethnicity we are not really big on complaining, we would rather suffer and swear never to return, until the next last minute hair fix desperation. So to all those ladies who are not sure about what is considered a proper salon protocol the basic lists below are aimed at you.

Do:

• Bring your own towel, combs, brushes and hair clippers if you need a haircut. You’ll save the salon added laundry and your hygiene standards will not be compromised.
• Depending on the standard of the salon you regularly visit, bringing your own relaxer, hair colour, shampoo and conditioner might be wise. You’ll not only spare the salon cost but you’ll know for sure what is being put onto your hair. I have been a victim of ‘creative’ labelling, now I inform a salon in advance that I will be bringing my own products.
• Books, magazine & earphones will keep the boredom at bay and salons always have outdated magazines in my experience. Remember to focus while your stylist is still cutting your hair though, it will be a shame to end up with a Mr T haircut when your requested Rihanna-esque hairdo. Keep your entertainment for when you are under the hair dryer.
• When it comes to a new do, take with you a clear picture of the ethnic hairstyles you like. Speak out if you have a different opinion of what the hairstylist is doing. Always be polite and keep open communication. If all fails then you may ask for a new set of hands to assist, after you are the one at risk of looking like a hot mess.
• Listen to your hairstylist because after all they are supposed to be the professionals. So no matter how impatient you are to looking like a blond Mary J, do not relax and colour on the same day or you risk looking like a bald eagle within a week. Trust me; I can name names on this one. Same goes for removing your weave or braids and immediately relaxing your main.

Don’t:

• Do lunch in a hair salon, for obvious reasons.
• Leave your boyfriend and baby at home or send them to the movies while you are getting your hair done. Salons are not baby friendly. Exposing your man to how you get your locks looking amazing may drop your glam goddess points, so let’s keep him in the dark. Trusting your stylist or the lady next to you with your men while you get a wash might be a kiss of death to your love life.
• Bring your dramas to the salon; keep your personal problems to yourself. The hair salon is a hive of gossip. You’ll never know how far your problems may travel.
• Fear of asking for the sink to be cleansed before you lean into it to avoid left over chemicals or dirt that might linger on it.
• Be shy to ask for a complimentary hair wash after a cut, some barbers are chasing the numbers especially month end, a friendly reminder might be necessary in such a case.

Contrary to the popular belief, we do not (always) have to suffer for beauty.

Article Written By: Meka Mpofu