Natural Hair Salons - Jackson, MS

Hi Ladies and Gents!  Nope, there's no typo in the header, this post is about natural hair salons in Jackson, MS.  I was just like you, thinking there must be some sarcastic joke hidden.  I am glad to be wrong this time--and may I add, I am rarely wrong :).  

For all of my followers who live in Central MS and surrounding areas, feel free to check out Natural U hair salon located in the heart of Jackson--okay that part was a joke; I'm not sure there is a such thing as "heart of Jackson"--but I digress.  Natural U is owned/ operated by fellow natural, Melody Washington.  I can trust a stylist with hair like mine.  Although the website appears a little unconvincing, I believe a visit to the salon will definitely change your mind.  She and her stylists care about healthy hair and will try to set you on a path to luscious locks and trendy tresses.  And if nothing else, you have gotta love the fly logo.  Plus, I think Melody regularly hosts natural hair meet-ups in Jackson.  I am not certain, but would be will to bet she's the only one doing so in the area.

Another hair salon, Eunique studio is operated by Eushawn (sorry I don't know her last name, but you know how it is; she has to be good to go by first name only).  She specializes in natural hair and serves the Jackson area.  I believe a lot of her clients are natural and/ or wear extensions.  Based on my friends' reviews of her work, I believe she would be a great stylist to visit.  Her salon is in the Fondren District (2906 North State Street Suite 333 Jackson, Mississippi 39216).  If you're in the area and think you want to give the salon a try, stop thinking and stop by to set up an appointment.  

Okay, that's all for salon recommendations in Jackson.  Hope this helps someone who lives there!

~Nappollonia

CurlBox Review by Bridgette

Happy Tuesday!  I have been seriously thinking about trying CurlBox to feed my PJism, but luckily of me, one of my friends has already tried out this fab subscription.  Below is her review!

What is a CurlBox?

an affordable, effortless and EASIER way to explore new hair products. You can discover hand-selected curly hair products delivered to your doorstep every month.

Yep, it’s just that. For $20 a month (shipping included) you get to try out hair (and usually other cosmetic) products. However, you can’t just go to the site and place an order. You have to sign up for a subscription, and the sign up list is not always open. If the subscription list is closed, you sign up to receive additional information. Once you sign up for more information, you will get an e-mail letting you know when the subscription list will reopen.  If you want in, be at the right place, ON TIME! The subscriptions sell out quickly.

I ordered my monthly subscription (they have yearly subscriptions available for a discount) in April and received my first CurlBox in May. Lucky me, it was a special box, the owner’s birthday month.  Here are a few photos of my box. 

 

Contents?

1-   8oz Kynx Refreshing Leave in Moisturizer (I’ve only used it once. It has a lemony smell. Not sure how I feel about its styling capabilities),

2-  8oz  Design Essentials Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Jojoba (Love, hate relationship with this one. It worked wonders on my bantu knot, twist out, holding them up during a hot and stormy Mississippi Saturday. Literally all day! It was 6 AM when I left home and 7PM when I returned, and yes, my hair was still fly, in spite of the ridiculous rain and heat! Sorry no photos, what a shame. L. So what do I hate? Although it has no sulfates, parabens, etc., it has something in it that gives it a coating property and with me following the Curly Girl Method, my hair notices the difference. Attempting to re-wet and twist at night proved futile. ) ,

  -  8.25oz Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer (Very moisturizing. It helped define my flat twits, but it’s not a CG friendly product. Oh well.),

4- Habibi Vanilla & Rose Body Balm (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!! This product alone was worth the $20 I spent on the box. The 4oz jar that I received is $25 online! And a little goes a long way. Not sure I will be ordering this product any time soon (a bit pricey), but I will be trying to recreate the smell when I whip up my next batch of shea butter mixture.)

5- 8.50g Luster Renutrients Slick Stick (I haven’t tried this one yet.)

6-  Sample packet of Olive Oil Hair Masque (I haven’t tried this one yet.)

7- Sample Packet of Olive Oil (I haven’t tried this one yet.)

8- Sample packet of Shea Butter Hair & Scalp Lotion (I haven’t tried this one yet.)

9- Sample packet of Hair Repair (I haven’t tried this one yet.)

1- Mini “Love the Journey” journal (I haven’t written anything in my journal, haven’t been in a journaling mood. But I like the journal. My sister is currently transitioning and I am definitely getting her one!)

1- Coupons and brochures.

So what do I think?

I think CurlBox is a very creative idea that allows me to try some products that I have always wanted to try, but could not convince myself that they were worth the price, and to be introduced to new products that I had no clue about. Even with me CGing it these days, I feel it’s $20 well spent.

Here is a preview of my June CurlBox. Yep, I have the June one and haven’t even used all the products from the May box. Oh, it was a full bottle of Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner, but I just had to try it since it falls into the CG rules. Smells great, still debating the rest.  

Contents:

1.     14oz Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner

2.     4oz Curl Care Frizz Control Serum

3.     1.7oz Nutress Hair Wrap-Guard Foam Wrap Lotion

4.     1.7oz packet Sof’n Free GroHealthy Milk & Protein Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning treatment

5.     Sample packet of Herbal Cleanse “Dry Shampoo”

6.     Sample packet of Ambrosia Hair Honeybush Replenishing Hair Milk

7.     Sample packet of Free Your Mane Baobab Brilliant Restorative Hair Oil

8.     Sample packet of Free Your Mane Daily Detangling Conditioner

9.     Sample packet of Bugs Off  Waterproof Mosquito Repellant Band 

So, I went to Miss Jessie's Soho Salon...

....and it was absolutely beautiful! The decor was classy chic and the salon had an upbeat ambience.  What's more? Titi and Miko actually style your hair! Sounds pretty awesome right? It did to me too.

Flashback--two weeks before my visit:  I call Miss Jessie's to schedule an appointment for my birthday.  There is a $75 deposit which will be applied to the service I receive during my appointment.  Cool, I expected as much.  The receptionist tells me to make sure that I wash my hair three days prior to coming in to the salon and remove all products, braids, etc. so that my hair is in its most natural state.  Warning: I can't speak for the rest of you ladies, but my hair is not cute when it is uncombed, frizzy, dry (borderline ashy) and un-stretched.  Fast forward to the day of the appointment.  I wake up early and tie my hair up...I wanted to beat the crowd on the subway (minimize the number of people that get to see me with my hair in fritz).  So, I hop on the 6 train and head to Grand street.

I get off the train in the middle of Chinatown, and head towards Broadway to get to the salon.  I am crunched for time (as usual) but luckily, my intuition kicks in and I make it to the building with 2 minutes to spare.  Once inside, I hop on the elevator and head to suite #2.  As I walk out of the elevator, angels start singing in my head as I behold the uber trendy lower-Manhattan salon (technically I don't think this counts as Soho...but hey, whatever sells).

I complete the first-time client form and wait to be called for my "consultation." The wait is not too long. I don't know why I thought the styling consultation would be longer than 5 minutes, but it was not.  The consultant suggests that I get a dry twist out and angle balance cutting.  Sounds cool, I can work with it but...I really wanted a new look.  Something that set me apart from my 26 year old self.  *sigh* I tell the consultant that I usually wear twist outs and the style normally only lasts two days.  He immediately replies that the salon-styled twists would last much longer...at least 4 days (shut the front door).  Okay, cool.  I don't want to argue, I just want my hair to look better than it looks while I'm sitting in the salon chair...because it looks bad.

The consultant advises me that the salon policy is to settle all bills prior to styling the customer's hair (I guess this prevents people from not paying for services received).  Cool.  I ask for my total. He replies, "we will apply your $75 deposit, so with the shampoo, angle-balance cutting, and dry twist-out, that will leave a balance of $400."

As I regain consciousness, I realize that this was not a horrible dream wherein I was repeatedly punched in the face by someone wearing brass knuckles.  Okay, back to the consultant/ man that is trying to overcharge me for a 4-day hairstyle.  I ask if there is a less expensive option.  He says, "sure, we can take off the angle-balance cutting and that will leave a balance of $275."

If anger could encompass exactly what I felt at that moment, I might describe myself as angry.  However, because anger does not adequately describe the venom that pumped through my enraged veins, I won't use it.  *cues rant* Really Miss Jessie's?!?! Really?! You think you can charge several hundred dollars for a wash, trim, and twist out?  You have gotta be out of your mind.  This is outrageous. Are you kidding me? A four-day hairstyle...that I have to freshen up each morning. *ends rant* I realized at that moment that Miss Jessie's salon is not for me, nor will it ever be.  Not because I cannot afford it, but because it is ridiculously overpriced.  Would I spend several hundred dollars on clothing, jewelry, handbags? Yes. Why? Because those items last more than 4 days. 

So, I ended up getting my hair washed and styled (for less than the above amounts) and leaving as fast as I could.  Some places are more fantasy than reality.  I'm not knocking any lady who goes to Miss Jessie's regularly.  I just think that the salon is overpriced.  Beyonce better be doing my hair while Solange deejays in the background for those prices.  *cues Party (featuring Andrè 3000)*

Until next time,

Nappollonia

Back to Natural

Hi All!  I'm super excited about today's post.  We have all heard expressions like, "hair is just hair" or "your hair is your glory" or "long hair, don't hair"......but what happens when your hair is on the floor, rather than on your head? What happens when your ponytail is a 'fro? Or fade? What do you do? Who do you sue? (No pun intended)  If these thoughts are racing through your mind, in the name of Natural, I ask you to stop....and read this post.

Meet Jasalyn, a curly girl, who tresses to impress.

How long have you been natural?
Since July 9, 2010

Why did you decide to wear your natural hair texture?
After my aunt's breast cancer returned and began spreading throughout her body, I decided to chop it off and make her a wig. But the Lord called her home before she could see my big chop. I had done the same big chop two years prior for my mother.

What reaction did your family and friends have to your natural hair?

There were definitely some mixed reviews. My family was upset, shocked, and surprised. My mom's exact words were "you're definitely a rebel!!". My sister thought it was cute but masculine. Keep in mind I did a total chop, low fade with red coloring. My father didn't like it at all. My stepfather thought it was nice and eventually fell in love with it. My male friend at the time, actually stopped seeing me. (Hold on, I think my jaw just dropped) He was definitely against me cutting my hair. He told me if he wanted to date a girl with boy-short hair, he'd be gay..My male friends were shocked and upset. I never noticed how much attention guys paid to women hair. They idolized my beautiful long tresses, and I totally didn't know that. Overall it was a very liberating moment. To go from beautiful relaxed hair to now short curly hair, was quite an experience.

What is your favorite natural hairstyle?
My favorite natural hairstyle was definitely the short fade. It was very convenient during these 100+ degree temperatures in Alabama.  (I miss the weather in the South, *sigh*)

Some of my readers live in areas that have harsh winters, like NYC, so how do you wear your hair during the winter months?
Well given the everchanging weather, during the colder months, I wear crochet bonnets or hats. I love to two-strand twist my hair and wear hats. I seldomly wear a fully extended afro.

Have you found a a hair routine that works for you?
I wish....unfortunately even with the time I've been natural, I still haven't mastered any regimes. I am still researching various products. Currently I am experimenting with Finger Coils.

 Are you anti-heat? Not anti-heat unless it's not well protected with oil-based serums...I personally don't use liquid based heat protectants, only because it wets the hair folicles. This damages the hair...permed or natural, because it takes it to its weakest state..wet!!!  I am thinking about asking my mom to straighten it for me this weekend...we shall see..I'm still considering because my childhood memories still taunt me. (*cringes at the thought of the pressing comb and Blue Magic hair grease*)

If you could describe natural hair in one word, what would it be?
Liberating

What's been your best natural hair compliment from a man?
"I'm loving your natural swag...you have to be a beautiful and confident person to rock a bald head." Now keep in mind all the male friends have come back around to apologize for their initial reactions. I guess they were caught up on the cosmetic appeals of permed hair.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about natural hair?

Many people still believe in order to be beautiful you have to have silky, straightened hair. Now keep in mind my hair is curly and wavy, both natural and permed. I would go through a year with 3 or 4 perms. So I naturally knew perms only relaxed my curls. Various races are still receptive to natural hair. I've got mixed reviews from various races while being natural. One day I wore my hair straight to work, and several coworkers complimented me on my hair quote on quote looking "more professional". Whatever in the heck did that mean....I'll let the readers respond to that...But as I journey through this hair phase, I've enjoyed, regretted, missed, praised, fell out and back in love with my hair. I've even come to the point of perming it, but thankfully haven't....



The Pre-Natural Days



What advice do you have for newly naturals?

Don't give up...it is a very time consuming and stressful process. Natural hair doesn't mean less management. Instead it means more, because you're forcing your hair to do something it was designed to do but has become accustomed to something else over the years.


Do you have anything else to share with the readers?
Thank you for taking the time out to share with me during my natural hair journey, hopefully something inspires you.

Lets Set Things STRAIGHT

Hi Ladies! I want to start with an empowering quote:

"Real women never have to worry about being a dime because real men don't carry change"

I posted that quote on Twitter today, and absolutely love it.  Now, you can go "run tell that homeboy!" (I can't help it. Antoine Dodson tickles me more than Elmo). Okay, back to the business at hand.  Here is an interview you are sure to enjoy.  Nikki, a long-time natural, likes to keep things straight--especially her hair.  With no chemicals, she attains her straightened tresses with the help of the ever-so-trusty pressing comb.  Hats off to Nikki, cause Lord knows I was glad to get away from the pressing comb.  Something about a hot comb, my mama telling me not to "jump", and a kitchen stove....quite frankly gives me the "hee-bee gee-bees".  But hey, they say beauty is pain!

(Press 'n Curl)

Nikki, tell us, what's your natural hair story?

I have been natural for about six years. I have only spent like 8 years of my life with a relaxer. I didn’t receive my first relaxer until 7th grade and I received my last relaxer junior year of college. I stopped relaxing my hair because I felt my scalp wasn’t strong enough for a relaxer. The lightest perm would burn my scalp. Also, I had highlights in my hair, and I had breakage at the back.

Did you big chop?

I did not do the big chop. The shortest I have ever gone was shoulder length. The last haircut I had was in August. I decided to try something new and got my hair layered.

When you were 100% natural, did you ever feel the need to over-accessorize?

No I didn’t feel the need to over accessorize. People have always thought I have a relaxer because I have always been a fan of press and curl. From time to time, I would do more natural styles with my hair. I just completed a two month stretch of nothing but natural styles. First style, I call a wet-twist because I twisted my hair while wet and used setting lotion on it. I let the twists stay in about a week and then took them out. Second one, I call a dry-twist because I blow dried my hair and twisted my hair without setting lotion. I keep the twists in for 2 weeks.

Wet Set

How did your family and friends react to your natural hair?

My family was blown away when they first saw my hair in twists. My brother suggested I get dreadlocks like him.  (This my mama twisted most of my hair) While wearing my hair in twists, someone asked me, “What’s wrong with your hair?” to which I replied, "It's called natural hair."  Yeah, some people are "special". Little did people know...my hair has been natural since the first day we met. Press and curl had everyone fooled.

Protective Styling (if any)?

When I don’t feel like getting my hair pressed I just pull it in a ponytail.

How often do you use heat? Have you experienced any heat damage?

I get my hair pressed probably once a month or twice in three months. I don’t have any heat damage. I am trying to grow out the straight hair phase. The relaxer did more damage than the heat. My hair shed really bad with relaxer and not so much natural, even with me applying heat.

Little Big Chop :)

Do you have a set hair regimen?

If I am doing it myself, like my latest natural styles phase, I deep conditioned it every 3 weeks when I wash it. Any other times I go to hairdresser once a month or twice in 3 months.

What has been your best natural hair compliment from a man?

Recently, I was told that my hair was beautiful, which was funny because three weeks before I had straight hair. Then, of course, I had to explain the entire natural ordeal to him. I am really not sure if he wanted to listen though.  LOL

Do you think natural hairstyles are "professional"?

I think they are professional. In fact, I have received more compliments from other races than my own race. It is definitely a growing trend. However, I am not entirely sure if I would wear a natural style to an interview or first day of work. My hair is really big.

What advice, if any, would you give to newly naturals or those currently transitioning?

I don’t necessary think that you have to do the big chop to get the job done. I think gradually cutting it will get the job done and you will get the same result. It also takes discipline to go natural. I spend 4 to 8 hours styling my hair after I wash it. Flat ironing doesn’t take as long as twist styles. Sigh. And for those of you that would rather wear straight hair, don’t be afraid to try the press and curl if your hair can stand a lot of heat.

(braid out) 

Is there anything else you want to share?

Yes, and I'm sure this is random, but I have a really dry, flaky scalp. If I didn't have so much hair I would have to wash it every two days to control the dandruff. I have experienced dry scalp as well, but I find natural oils to be helpful.  I also wash my hair at least once a week during the winter.  During the summer months, I can wash my hair up to 3 times a week. Oh, and conditioner is my hair's very best friend :)

Split Ends....How Many of Us Have Them?

What are split ends?

Split ends, scientifically known as trichoptilosis, occur when the hair cuticle and/ or cortex is destroyed. Hair will then split into two or more strands. Once a person gets split ends, it is best to get a pair of shears and start cutting (or go to a stylist that can do the honors for you). The possibilities of getting split ends are practically endless. Damage can occur from hair styling, dying, excessive heat use, overexposure to sunlight, excessive washing, and the list goes on.

How can I prevent split ends?

Though there are ways to decrease the amount of split ends you may get, there is no way to completely stop getting split ends altogether. To help combat split ends, it is recommended to keep the ends of your hair moisturized, avoid excessive heat use, get hair trimmed on a regular basis (it will grow back! ever heard of "mo' hair, grow hair"???), wear protective hairstyles, and using leave-in conditioners.

***And ladies, please invest in a good pair of shears to trim your own hair....do not use the scissors your mom uses to cut fabric or the scissors children use to cut paper. I am pretty sure the use of those types of scissors will increase the amount of split ends you will get. I threw this one in for free :)

Straight or Curly

Natural Divas,

Do you prefer to wear your hair straight or curly? It's a big question in the natural hair community. Some divas swear off heat, whereas others embrace and are completely open to it.

Personally, I prefer my hair in its naturally curly state. This may be because I really like "big" hair, and my natural hair falls into that catergory.

So, which do you prefer?