Locs Check In

It's been almost a year since I started my locs. I can't believe it. They are coming along slowly but surely. I just got them washed/groomed on Friday.

I've been so happy that they won't come out when they get wet, that I've apparently been over wetting them. :/ My loctician wants me to focus on using oils instead of water based products. She also told me to ditch the bonnet and sleep in a scarf that will keep them together and should keep them from getting as frizzy. Maybe the front ones will loc a little better. I'll have to go back to cleaning my scalp with cheesecloth & witch hazel, and only do a full on washing when I henna.

It's a learning experience every time I get my hair done. Maintaining loose, natural hair was so much easier! But nonetheless, I love the journey.

The photos were taken today with my iPhone. I usually try to take pics with a real camera right after grooming, but I got sidetracked.

If you run across this post and you're newly natural or just starting locs, hang in there! Your hair is unique to you. It will take you through trials and tribulations, but stick with it. :)

Revolution EGO, baby!

If you're not in the Charlotte area, and/or you don't have natural hair, you're probably wondering, what the heck is she talking about?

I'm talking about none other than Revolution EGO, a new salon that just opened this month, catering to ladies with natural hair. Owned/operated by three beautiful and talented stylists: Tinesha, Kelley and Jessica. I'm not a professional writer, but bear with me as I write up this review. (At least I knew the difference between "bear" and "bare," right?)

LOCATION:The salon is actually located inside of Sola Salons - an old mill building that has been separated into different "suites." Their suite is big enough for the stylists' chairs, the hair dryers, a table and chairs for waiting, and also the sinks and supplies. It's just the right size. I can see why they say, don't roll up in there with your chaps unless they're getting their hair done. There is not room for little Johnny to be acting a fool. And let's face it - sometimes, y'alls kids are only cute to YOU - especially when they get to cutting a fool. Anywho...

Upon my arrival, the salon was full of beautiful ladies getting their hair done. Ladies under the dryer, at the sink, in the chair...but not that "overcrowded-my-stylist-is-2-hours-behind" feeling. And the heat was on! (LOL! That's an inside joke for the ladies.) R & B was being played from one of the iPads and everyone was hard at work. I was offered a glass of wine, and I happily indulged. What claim rep wouldn't take a glass of wine, after dealing with foolery all day at work? Note that there is no outside food or drink allowed in the salon. Some of y'all are just Messy Marvins and they don't have time for critters and what not. Eat before you arrive.

TECHNOLOGY: Speaking of the iPads - as you know, I just purchased one, which I LOVE. Revolution EGO is an Apple Concept salon. They do everything with their iPads and iPhones. I love gadgets, so this is right up my alley. Never used an iPad before? While you're sitting under the dryer, you are free to use one of theirs to browse the net, play games, etc. When it's time to pay, if you pay by debit/credit card, your card will be run through an attachment to the iPad! You sign your signature with your finger (well, as best you can - I'm sure mine looked alien) and it doesn't print a receipt. You can choose to have the receipt emailed to you or sent via text message. Innovating and saving the environment, because they don't have to purchase/use paper. LOVES IT!

Another thing I love is that you can make your reservations online. The link is on their website. I am on the phone all day at my job...I'm all about anything I can do on the computer vs. having to pick up the phone and call. Lazy. I know. Whatever! I made my appointment online and received appointment reminders via email.

THE APPOINTMENT: Back to the salon. I made my appointment with Tinesha to get my locs groomed. Why did I pick her? Well, long ago, in a far, far away land, I used to, uh, fraternize with this dude. He wore coils in his hair and Tinesha used to do them. In fact, once he offered to pay for me to have a visit with her. Still new to the natural game, I didn't have a clue and I never did take him up on that offer. My loss! You'll be ok with any of the ladies taking care of your 'do, though.

Tinesha shampooed my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo from the Jane Carter line. I know this because she took the time to explain everything to me, and showed me the products before she put them in my hair/on my scalp. I love that. Some salons just put you in the chair, spin you away from the mirror, and go to town. At the end you feel like, what just happened? Not the case at RevolutionEGO.

I don't know what kind of super-bionic fingers/hands she has, but it seemed like she was finished with my re-twist in no time! I was under the dryer with my iPad, surfing the net, and thoroughly entertained by the musical stylings of Kelley. Service AND entertainment, man.

THE END RESULT:


(Photos courtesy of RevolutionEGO)

And there you have it, sports fans! There's my hair. Check out their fan page on Facebook if you want to see more client photos. Also, you should "like" their page for yummy surprises like, 5% off your service of $40 or more if you "check in" to the salon on Facebook. I'm all about FourSquare, but specials like this will entice me to check in on Facebook from now on.

I give the salon 5 out of 5 stars. And really, I expected nothing less. The appointment met, and sometimes exceeded, my expectations. Last night, my brother posted on my Facebook wall: "Looking good sis. I see you got blessed hands in your head."

He's right!