Are you thinking of cutting your locs? Learn 3 helpful tips TO SUPPORT YOUR NEW LOOK.

Every now and then, a client will ponder whether or not to cut their locs.  (Honestly, I never want to discuss cutting locs, but my client’s image of themselves comes before my passion to loc hair.)  To help the client confirm their decision to cut their locks, I offer the following three simple tips:

1)      Don’t retwist or tighten your locs?  Why?  When you tighten your hair you enhance the locking process.  If your goal is to wear a mini afro, then you want to keep you new growth untangled.  This way, you are free to sculpt, shape and maybe color your cute new afro.  ADDITIONAL BENEFIT – you save a little money by skipping your next loc maintenance appointment

2)      Consult with your Natural Hair stylist and do a little hair product research for your next hairstyle choice.  Be sure that your next hairstyle will work for your hair type.  For example, I have met several Type 4 hair pattern folks who are aiming for Type 3 curl pattern hairstyles.  Ultimately, the client will spend lots of money on a variety of hair products because they are searching for the “perfect product combination” to make their hair curl a certain way; only to discover they are frustrated with their lackluster results.  By doing a little hairstyle and hair product research, you will have the opportunity to successfully support your next desired hairstyle.  

3)      Plan to visit a natural hair care stylist monthly or bi-monthly. Why?  Natural Hair care should be taken seriously.  As a blogger and social media enthusiast, I am well aware of the abundance  of information on the web.  And let me tell you a secret, professional hair stylists are often shaking their heads at the bad information shared on the internet.  Also, I have personally experienced clients who stopped receiving my salon’s services and returned because they were not properly caring for their hair. 

 Last but not least, I wish you the best of luck on your next level natural hair journey!!  If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call 708-574-1462.  Or if you know of others who are interested in natural hair care, please encourage them to sign up for my newsletter. 

Thinking about Loc extensions? 3 Helpful tips for you. VIDEO WATCH!!

Summer Season is here!  

These days, the salon receives many inquires about loc extensions. If you are thinking of temporarily rocking the "LOC" look, then I know you have questions!!  So, sit back and take a moment to watch this video.  

And always remember, you can call Octavia's Natural Hair Care Experience (708) 574-1462 to book an appointment too!  

Interested in loc extensions? Want to remove some of the guess work. Watch this video.

How often should you comb your natural hair? (VIDEO)

 

I was honored to celebrate Natural Hair at the July 27^th Rachel O event.  Local natural stylists were on the scene and sharing tips with natural hair enthusiasts.   This Rachel O event took an exciting twist.  Natural hair salons prepped models and took the main stage to display their styling talents.  Oh yes, I was in good company.

HAIR SHOW (VDEIO)

Since my natural hair expertise includes locks, twists and barber cuts, the Octavia’s Natural Hair Care Experience models sported my niché craftsmanship.  My favorite style was the twisted out barber cut look.

In addition, I took the opportunity to promote my salon’s favorite mantra:

Good Food + Good Health = Beauty.   This mantra applies to natural hair care because one of the smartest and easiest ways to achieve great hair is to eat lots of fruits, vegetables and drink plenty of water.

After the hair show, I moved through the crowds in search of opportunities to chat with many prospect clients.

The most common question.. …How often should you comb your natural hair?

As a natural stylist whose genesis begins with locking hair, my latest observation is that more natural hair stylists  and enthusiasts are incorporating locked hair ideologies into their natural hair care regimens.

Today, many individuals are opting to eliminate daily hair combing.  WOW!  Natural Hair enthusiasts are catching on; locked hair care and natural hair maintenance are similar.

I feel compelled to highlight a basic locked hair principle.  Locked hair achieves amazing lengths because you do not comb your hair.   The lack of combing allows hair strands to consistently build onto each another.  To this end, you can cultivate beautiful, bountiful hair by eliminating daily hair combing.

In summary, daily hair combing is not necessary.  However if you should decide to eliminate daily combing, then I recommend that you select a natural hairstyle that

1)      doesn’t cause extreme tangling. (My salon offers  a [2 for 1] $65 natural hair style special. Call me at 708.574.1462 for more information.)

2)      will allow you to properly hydrate your hair.

3)      will encourage you to bring forth your creativity when styling your hair.

Of course, always feel free to reach me on Facebook at Octavia cuts locks hooks or dial 708.574.1462 to schedule an appointment.

Be well,

Octavia

Consider these 5 tips when selecting your Natural Hair Stylist.

You did it!  You are natural.  Going natural is a big change.  As you travel along your hair journey, you will discover one of your biggest challenges is finding a natural stylist who advocates and supports you through your hair transition.

One of the greatest benefits to going natural is the ability to do it yourself, (DIY).   DIY hair is great, but it comes with a new set of challenges.  As a natural stylist, I hear so many issues:

• My hair is dry. What do I do for moisture?
• Why is my hair breaking?
• What are the right products for my hair type?
• Help! I’ve been flat-ironing my hair.  Now, my hair texture is different and doesn’t bounce back.

So the perplexed naturals instinctively begin to seek out a natural stylist.  But that’s precisely where you get stuck!  Which stylist is best for me?

If you are in this dilemma, I hope my blog will inspire clarity and support you in finding the right stylist. So today, I’d like to share what I learned along my journey in remaining an informed, licensed natural stylist.

There are many talented, licensed stylists working today.  These professionals are trained to keep your hair healthy usually specialize in their preferred technique.   Pay attention my friends, the underlined sentence is loaded; the key phrase is “their preferred technique.”   What do I mean?  Let me give you an example.   A sew-in expert is good at sew-ins and perm expert is great with perming.  You feel me now?  Moreover, the natural hair industry is booming.  A business savvy stylist will say they service natural hair, but won’t necessary have an affinity for natural hair.  Thus, I recommend you ask your prospect stylist, what are your specialty services?   After all, you are paying for these services; so specialization is important!  In addition, I want to share some observations I’ve made while networking in the natural hair industry.  I’ve noticed that natural stylists are like-minded individuals who tend to have the following characteristics:

• They have a strong sense of African and African American cultural pride.
• They have a strong commitment to natural hair.  Ie: They are usually rocking a natural hair style.
• They are attracted to natural hair products.  But most tend to mix natural and store bought products; a good stylist knows product knowledge is science!   The super natural stylists create their own product lines.
• They are familiar with, support and attend the natural hair networks and conferences.
• And most important, they will NEVER discourage you from wearing your natural hair!

To this end, I hope you find these tips helpful. If you are in my area, call me for a consultation.

I wish you the best on your natural hair journey. Always know Natural is not a trend.  It’s a lifestyle.  I love this saying so much that I’ve trademarked a cool tee and sell in my salon.   If you like my blog, then please share it. Be well and have a Holiday weekend.