by
Black Girl With Long Hair
So Brittany was featured on BGLH back in February because of her great style and awesome hair.
But that hair is gone after a visit to the salon.
That lead to the second big chop…
Check it out:
I just wanted to write to you guys to let you know that I had to restart my journey and do another big chop due to HEAT DAMAMGE. I went to get my hair pressed last week at a salon called Styles by Lisa in Charlotte, NC, which completely ruined my hair. I trusted the lady, since she supposedly specializes in natural hair and has natural hair herself, but by the end of the week and by the time I had washed my hair, it was so damaged and smelled like heat the entire time I wore my hair straight. Even after washing my hair about two or three times it still smelled burnt and gave off an eggy/relaxer smell.
I’d like to share this experience with you guys in hopes of saving another head of natural hair. The amount of heat (blow dryer, plus she sat me under the dryer, plus she used a hot comb, and a flat iron) the stylist used was way too much, especially since my hair had also been color treated a couple of months before. The funny thing is, while she was doing my hair she could tell by the vibes I was giving off that I didn’t trust her and that I felt she was using too much heat, but she told me not to worry because she was using a heat protectant. Even so, there’s not enough product in the world that can protect from extreme temperatures.
My hair would not curl up right after I had washed it and I had random straight ends, my hair also still smelled burned when I went to get my second big chop, during which the barber even said my hair was very brittle and would need to be deep conditioned and babied back to health. 🙁 Please, help me spread the word about the seriousness of heat damage and the stylists who THINK they know what they are doing when it comes to natural hair. To all my natural heads everywhere, if you feel uncomfortable sitting in that chair, go with your first instinct and RUN! lol
Damn! On the plus side Brittany your big chop is gorgeous. So you’re trading one great look for another. But still…
I think stylists are so used to the idea that black women want to exorcise the kinks out of their hair that they aren’t able to grasp that some women actually LOVE the kinks, the curls, the fuzz and all that goes along with it. *Le sigh.
50 Responses
thank you so much for sharing this… i was just looking at their site today and thinking about going to get my hair done by Lisa…. thanks to your information im not going…. thank you again.
I had the exact same thing happen. I couldn’t figure out why my hair smelled burned! Thanks for the info unfortunately for me it’s too late.
This salon is not worth your hair. (or money) They are not very friendly, and put too much heat on natural hair. I messed around and allowed Lisa to give me some sort of thermal strengthening treatment about six months ago and my hair started coming out by the handfuls about two weeks after the treatment. My hair is just starting to look better now. also, she cut my hair when I went even after she confirmed that she would not cut my hair again in an appointment I had previous to her giving me the treatment because she had cut it already. Honestly, if you are going to straighten and cut your hair it’s best to learn how to do your hair yourself. Never again…
Last year I went to a bad salon who claimed she can do natural hair and I got a blow out and she damaged my hair then she claimed that I damaged my hair not her and asked if I can trim . I said yea but then she cut off to much and gave me a really bad hair cut . Now months later this year my hair still grows at different lengths ! I never went back waste of money ! I now go to a lady I know and trust and all she does is braid my hair in cornrows . I wash detangle and moisturize my own hair .
Pravana Smooth Out – I avoid going to the salon completely. I’ve been natural for about 15 months and when I want a straightened look – it’s the only product I use that doesn’t stunt my hair growth.
Hi Everyone. I,too, went and visited Styles by Lisa and was given the run down by Lisa of all of her natural hair experience. After a 3 hour visit, I left the salon with wet hair that was not what I asked for. I have a medium length super curly fro. I asked for a nice shape up..tapered along the back and sides. I wear my hair curly, so I typically get my hair cut dry. I went to the salon, explained the service that I was looking for and was assured that everything would be okay. My hair was shampooed and blown out, against my wishes. I was told that that was the only way to have my hair cut. My hair was a tangled mess after the shampoo and the young lady, Precious, who detangled my hair made the most disrespectful comments about how damaged and unhealthy my hair was. She yanked and pulled at my head and by the time it was over, there were handfuls of hair on the floor. I was sick to my stomach seeing all of the hair. Next, Lisa blew out my hair, using waaaayyyy too much heat. She then cut my hair. I explained that I wanted a tapered look. She had NO IDEA how to cut my curly hair. I left with a haircut that looked like I had a round helmet on my head. I was pissed. I initially trusted the stylist because, after all, she claimed to be a professional. After blowing out, I told her that I always wear my natural curls and never wear my hair blown out. She then took me back to the shampoo bowl and re-wet my hair and began raking some product through my hair. It took 45 minutes for her to apply the product. She then said I needed to sit under the dryer for 1.5 hours…ARE YOU SERIOUS? It has NEVER taken that long to do my hair. I eventually left after 30 minutes of sitting under the dryer. I went home, rinsed the product out and tried my best to salvage my hair. I WILL NEVER go back to that salon. The staff was unprofessional and so slow. Styles by Lisa=NEVER AGAIN. Oh, BTW, Lisa worked in the record business before deciding that she was a “natural hair care professional”. I should have thought twice after hearing that.
Oh my gosh! I just had my hair done here. I have not washed it yet (washing it tonight after work) but the same method was used on me and my hair has been shedding SO much since I had it done. I had an appointment to get it done first thing in the morning but am calling NOW to cancel. Thanks for sharing and I am so sorry about what happened to you. Your hair is super cute though!
This was posted in 2010 but I’m just now seeing it and I can say, YOU SAVED MY HAIR…I planned to visit styles by Lisa in Charlotte and discuss the California press….wanted a new look for my birthday, but it’s not worth my tresses. Thank you my sista.
I have currently had my hair done by that same salon. I referred someone else there who in return forwarded this to me after doing some research on the process. So far my hair is fine. The straightness is still there except for around my edges. Ive had to flat iron and or straighten it about 3 days after getting it done, so i know i have been putting alot of heat on it. Wow, would never think to hear about this at the place were I have started to get my hair done. I was really liking my “California Press”.
She’s sooooo pretty and has a beautiful smile.
3months ago my brother got married n his fiance demanded I get my hair straightened, so I oblidged. It was no big deal because I needed my end clip. I went to a stylist ive been seeing for a while so I trusted her. First off she attempted to comb my hair out dry. I had to assure her to jus wash it, it was not nearly as bad as it looked. This lady was styling my hair as if she hated it, yanking at it and repeating how it was so nappy n she had to get the naps out. Needless to say, my scalp was sore and it took about 4or5 deep conditions to bring my curls back n even then I still had straight pieces. I love my curls and am not looking to straighten n ee time soon.
a hooded dryer…hot comb ANDDDD flat iron…she needs her cosmetology licensed snatched…with haste…there is NO reason for that….i straighten my hair fairly regularly, both by going to the dominicans and at home…but its either a roller set and blow dry, or if im home i blow dry and flat iron…who still uses hot combs anyway? i thought we retired those…smh…
I’m so glad I read this. I was actually thinking about making an appointment with her but now I’ve decided against it. Thanks for the info 🙂
I am so glad you shared your experience because the same thing happened to me. I’d been natural for about 3 or 4 years and decided to surprise my mom with a press out for her birthday (she wanted to see it straight for the longest time) my hair smelled like burning chicken the entire time she was straightening it and even once it was done it was like this smoke halo that followed me of days. The lady who pressed my hair had natural hair as well and was refered to me by my mothers beautician (who i always tell if i catch that the beautician she refered me to on the streets i’m taking my five inches of lost hair off HER head)to make a long story short close to two years later my hair is close to its initial health, its a little thinner on one side but its still not as long. If you’ve had a bad press experience please share with other naturals bc if i would have known the long term effects i’d of taken a pass on the press
Girl, you never lied. I wished I read this in Jan 2010. I went to get my hair pressed and the 2nd time I got it pressed, it smelled like plastic burning. I have a patch of hair that pretty much came out, but you cant see it because my hair is really thick. I am just cutting off the damaged strands and will keep moving. No more salon presses for me. Just run away from the heat period.
Despite what many say, there is a RIGHT way to straighten hair with heat that won’t permanently alter your natural hair texture. It takes experience and an easy hand. It takes me literally 30 minutes to flat iron my natural hair, and believe me when I tell you that it looks better than any relaxer I have ever had! If you have to pass the flat iron over a section of hair more than once, you aren’t doing it right, if steam or smoke rises from the flat iron as you smooth your hair, it is too hot! I learned from trial and error and also watching some of the best hairstylist “blow-out” natural hair at the Warren Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. Before observing certain techniques, I would labor for over an hour flat ironing my hair, passing the iron over sections 3 and 4 times, and it would come out bushy, dry, and damaged or full of silicone based serums that just camouflaged the poor press and made my hair stringy and flat.
Anyway, since becoming natural, I not only don’t really trust anyone in my head, I feel like I can do it better and quicker. I refuse to spend hours on my hair, I consider 30 minutes “time intensive”.
I have to agree there def is a RIGHT way to straighten your hair.
1. Apply a good moisturising leave in conditioner and let air dry.
2. Spritz on heat protectant.
3. Blow dry lightly on the COOLEST setting to smooth the hair shaft.
4. Flat iron in very small sections on around 190 degrees celcius using only
ONE heat pass.
Once in a blue moon is ok as long as you DC every week and make sure you handle your hair carefully and lightly 🙂
That’s horrible. I am transitioning again but the last time I was natural I would get my hair my hair pressed and after a few months I noticed that my hair would stay straight after it gets wet. This time around I am scared to even think about using heat.
I couldn’t have said it better than ms_micia above. This is the result of us naturals going through all the trouble of going natural, using natural hair products, and all the time and money spent investing in having healthy hair. Only to make the mistake of going to a hairdresser who knows nothing/ or cares about natural hair and the dynamics of it. These type of hairdressers are brainwashed into thinking that “nappy” or “kinky” hair should be straightened beyond death! They are confused how women like us (naturals) enjoy and love our natural hair. We send the wrong signals when we even step up in their salon. Because they are thinking, ‘Oh she is tired of these naps and want it straight, silky and flowing’. These hairdressers have a point. I’m sorry to say WHY are we constantly playing around with heat styling and flat ironing when we claim we love to be natural ladies?? If your going to be natural BE NATURAL! Is it worth the heat damage and smelling like a burnt chicken dinner? I DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT heat style my hair AT ALL! I had to do a big chop myself due to color damage, from ammonia-peroxide color. Now I only use henna and that’s it. Because I refuse to have to big chop again and start over. I most certainly will not risk heat damage. I do not even own a heating tool, no flat iron, no curling iron, nothing. But that’s me, all I am saying is if your going to do it, know what the risks are! If you want to be straight for a minute get a wig or two, or a sew in, it’s that simple. Good luck to all the naturals out there! Good luck to this young lady also, and you did the right thing starting over. It will grow back healthier. GOD BLESS!!!
aww….i’m sorry this happened.
however, heat can definitely be used safely with proper technique and lots of deep conditioning. just wanted to throw that out there.
OMG! Now that is scary. Makes me think back to when I took my, then 5 year old, to the salon to get her ends clipped. The stylist said she had to straighten her hair before she could trip the ends. I allowed it and THANK GOD there was no damage, but now I clip them myself. She’s never set foot back in a salon or had her hair straightened again. Dang, and for that to happen with someone who “specializes” in natural hair. Really? Why is it that we have a wealth of stylist who have NO idea how to care for the hair that they were even born with? Sigh…
That’s just awful! I’m so sorry this happened to you!
I’ve recently just became natural.. 5 months and counting.. Ive known a couple of natural people who have gotten their hair straight before and have had no heat damage done to their hair.. They all went and got a “silk” wrap done to their hair.Their hair came out bouncy a full and flowed just like silk. Its a solution mix that they put in your hair and then they roll your hair in big rollers and sit u underneath the hooded dryer and then flat iron ur hair. I got one of these done before to my hair in my relaxed days.. nice results..
I have heat damage too but there’s no way I’m cutting all my hair off because of a few straight strands. I just cut those strands off because they’re not noticeable in my BIG ASS AFRO. I think another Big Chop would be too extreme for me.
@Christina_keys
1. Thank you!
2. It’s funny you mentioned Cali…the stylist actually prides her services in being based in Cali, hence her name is Styles by Lisa of Beverly Hills. The press that she gave me is actually called (by her and on her business cards and flyers) The California Press. I wanted a silk wrap (which is one of her services) and I told her that, yet she didn’t even honor my request and did what she wanted to do and is used to doing. Funny thing is, there were two other women ahead of me, IDK if they requested the California Press but she did the same thing to my hair…it’s like she’s programed to believe that press is the best press. Matter of fact, here’s her website: https://naturalstylesbylisa.com/
I visisted it before I decided to go to her shop as I made sure I was careful to look up natural salons and question their abilities. Funny, I was wrong anyway.
Hey guys,
Thanks for all of the support. What I failed to mention in the post to BGLH is that I decided to get my hair straightened for a length check and to trim off many dead ends that I had. I also was getting bored with my hair :-/ But my main decision to get it straightened was for a trim since I have no idea how to trim my hair when it’s curly since my curls are so tight.
I must say that I’m happy to start my journey over and I really don’t feel any regret about having to BC again…besides spending $45 (would’ve been $60 but had a coupon lol) only to have to cut all of my hair off in the end. I’m glad I took the time to research my hair (litterally on a daily basis) by reading up on tips and important need-to-know info on sites like BGLH…so I’d like to send much love and appreciation towards BGLH, without you guys (and many other sites) I would be completely lost and frustrated with my natural hair.
To all my natural girls: MUCH LOVE 🙂
Hi Ladies, Thanks Brittany for sharing your story. I’m sorry that happened to you. Great BC, you look great girl ! I was thinking of straightening at my 2 yr mark in July. After your story, I will do it myself or just blow dry. Ladies, I’m wondering, I’ve been seeing quite a few beauticians advertising that they do Natural Hair….wondering what type of training or what qualifies you as a Natural Hair Sytlist ? I’m sure there are some out there, but do you think some people may just put this on their business cards for marketing purposes—more business ? any responses are appreciated. Thanks
I am so glad that you posted this story. I’ve been transitioning since July with kinky twists and cornrows. I live in the South (TX) and I wanted to do a length check. I first had my hair pressed by a natural hairstylist and he used minimal heat. He was very pricey but then I was convinced to try another lady who charged a fraction of the price. She (in my opinion) used too much heat from the Marcels to partial blowdrying my hair (cringed when I could smell the hair) and I hope and pray my hair isn’t damaged.I just had a discussion with some family and friends because they think he is ripping me off. My concern is the quality of the styling rather than the price at this point. The cheaper price has 30 years of experience but she used way too much heat. The other guy is way more knowledgeable but pricey. I am more than willing to go back to him because I know even though he pricey he will do wonders for my hair. :).
I am sorry that this happened to you. I have gotten my hair pressed 2x at tried to press it once in the 9 months that I’ve been natural. But, I really don’t think the risk is worth it. I’m just trying everyday to learn more about the curls growing and constantly changing and go from there. The good thing about the situation is that you have a wonderful support system right here to get you through it 🙂
Dang it! Your hair is still gorgeous. Please know you are not alone. Last year out of curiosity I went and had my hair pressed at a salon in Charlotte, NC. This stylist also claimed to be a natural hair specialist. She murdered my coils. I had to cut an inch of hair off of my already struggling TWA. And the smell…like pure sulfur! The rest of my story is below:
https://afroburbs.blogspot.com/2009/07/been-there-done-that-moving-on.html
Wow what a story…definitely taking this to heart and will inform my newly natural sisters (real blood sister…hehe).
Brittany, first off, you’re gorgeous. Your style is off the chain
😀 Second, I wish I could slap that stylist for you.
Sidenote: I grew up in a press ‘n curl world in L.A. I’d go there like 3 times in 3 months, perhaps? It was always to get my hair “straightened” but once I washed my hair my curls would always come back. That wasn’t even a worry to me. I’m wondering if salons in the south are just using too much heat in general? I’ve been told this: “Oh, black girls in California don’t NEED relaxer because the weather is always perfect. In the South, you HAVE to have one.”
So, if that were totally true, are stylists in the South thinking they “need” to put a lot of heat on the hair if their client wears natural curly hair for the humidity factor?
@ Ambrosia, same thing. Every time I get the itch, I see a story like this and start rocking back and forth. Heat damage is too serious.
Brittany, your hair still looks cute that short. 🙂
LOLOLOL@ start rocking back and forth.
If you want to straighten your hair without heat damage, roller set and silk wrap. If you want to refine the look, flat iron on a low setting and don’t go over the hair more than twice. I’ve done this (rarely though) and have never suffered any heat damage. I would never trust anyone to straighten my hair for me.
Blowdryer, hooded dryer, flat iron AND pressing comb?! Why the HECK was she using so much heat???!!! That lady did not know what she was doing. Goes to show you, just because a stylist is natural doesn’t mean they know how to deal with natural hair. A good stylist is a good stylist, regardless of what their hair looks like. I’m sorry that happened to you Brittany, but you look great with that cut.
I just don’t think it’s worth it. I love that natural hair has a unique style to it, and to me straight hair might look nice, but it can also be kinda boring after a while. I’ve also been natural for a year and 3 months, and I’ve never done it. I do plan on trying a stretching style with magnetic rollers to achieve a straight look (see Mahoganycurls on youtube for a tutorial), but I don’t plan on ever using a flat iron to my hair otherwise.
This story really touched my heart as I’m also a natural lady residing in Charlotte and I’ve been to Natural Styles by Lisa a few times. I’ve only allowed Lisa to do trims, comb coils, and rod sets on my hair because I’ve seen how much heat she uses to straighten other clients’ hair. She’s asked me if I would like her to press my hair and I told her no because I’m afraid of heat damage. As a matter of fact, the last time I went there was another young lady there waiting to get her hair pressed and the young lady said she would post the results of the press on her blog. She never posted the results, so this makes me wonder if she suffered any heat damage as well.
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. But your BC looks fabulous anyway! I think that if I ever decide to achieve a straighter look, I will do so at home with a rollerwrap. I’d rather have hair that isn’t bone straight then have heat damaged hair any day. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I think this will help so many others make a more informed decision when straightening their hair.
I noticed there aren’t any salons listed for North Carolina in the salon directory. Hopefully, one of our fellow BGLHers will add one so that us Charlotte curlies can go to a salon that we know is safe for our curls.
Everytime I think about straightening my hair for a length check, I hear another horror story. I think I will just stick with my curls for now!!!
That happen to me too but not at a salon. I just trimmed my hair the other day but I too am contemplating chopping it off again and starting over.
Awwww MAN, Brittany! So sad to hear about yet another heat-happy stylist ruining a beautiful head of hair.
The good news is that you did it once and you can do it again! The new chop looks great!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL KINKY COILY SISTERS OUT THERE: DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT STRAIGHTEN UR NATURAL HAIR. FOR ANY REASON. IF UR FEELING A “STRAIGHT” LOOK IS IN ORDER BITE THE BULLET AND GET A WEAVE (QUICK OR FULL CAP BRAIDED SEW IN). IT IS NOT WORTH HAVING TO START OVER TO BE A STRAIGHT HAIR HAVING WHITE GIRL FLOW HAVING SISTA. IM NOT BASHING THE FEELING OF WANTING STRAIGHT HAIR BUT FOR HEAVEN SAKES DONT DAMAGE YOUR REAL HAIR IN THE PROCESS. I LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY AND IT PAINS ME TO SEE SO MANY WOMEN HAVING TO LEARN THE SAME LESSON. IT IS STRESS ON US CURLY KINKIES TO HAVE OUR NATURAL HAIR STRAIGHT BC IT IS SO FAR FROM OUR NATURAL TEXTURE. IN MY PERFECT WORLD ALL SISTERS WOULD LEARN TO ACCEPT AND LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY ALL THE TIME THEIR NATURAL TEXTURE AND REFUSE TO ALTER IT AT ALL. BUT SINCE I KNO THATS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT THE LEAST I SAY IS IF THE URGE TO HAVE THE SILKY STRAIGHT LOCKS OF OTHERS, JUST BUY IT, PREFARABLY FROM A BLACK OWNED SHOP. STOP THE MADNESS PLEASE. (exhales and steps off soap box)
Girl, I was 2 minutes from that happening to me. So I wanted flat twists, and I could tell that the girl at the salon didnt really know what to do. 3 women all had their hands in my hair at the same time, staring at it like my god what are you gonna do with that thick hair. So they brought out this blowdryer and flat iron, and tried to straigten my hair with that. They pulled my hair with the blowdryer, and everything in me was screaming, “they are going to damage my hair with all that heat! leave!) so I trusted my instincts and got right up out that chair, and left. Now I have healthy natural hair. I encourage all naturals to trust their instincts. If you feel like the hair stylist isnt treating your hair properly, leave.
Im sorry you went through that but thanks for the info! I too am in Charlotte NC and one day wanted to straighten my hair..but rock that hair girl..summer is coming and short is in !
i’m very sorry to hear about your experience. funny thing is, i was going to make an appointment at that same salon last week but decided not to. instead, i decided to start my locs and went to another natural salon. at least something good came out of a bad situation, the short cut does fit you like a glove.
What other salons in Charlotte have you found to be good to get your hair straightened. I only straighten my hair once or twice a year but it is hard to find some on good. I did a consult at that salon but the prices seemed high and the information she gave did not seem good for my hair so I went elsewhere but now I am trying to find some one good in the area.
Hey, sorry I’m just now reading this. I completely forgot about this post! I haven’t been to any salons to have my hair straightened ever since. I just stick to maintaining my curls.
Brittany, I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. Recently a family member was taking care of my daughter for the weekend & he decided it would be a wonderful idea to have my daughter’s hair pressed and curled at the beauty salon. My daughter returned home smelling of smoke and burnt hair. Oh, but her hair was indeed straight with big curls.
Her hair was so weak, it broke off easily in my hands when I tried to style it in any way (she’s transitioning from a relaxer). I felt it was too weak to wash it right away so I began spritzing it with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner until it was saturated & let that soak in. I then used a heavier leave-in conditioner (Cantu leave-in) to carefully and very gently braid her hair into a number of big cornrows. I also had to put aloe vera on her scalp burns. I left the braids in for the rest of the week, moisturized them every day and deep conditioned several times at the end of the week.
This saved alot of her hair. She doesn’t want to big chop until December 2010. I say all this because I’m sure Brittany is not alone and there are others who are going through the same thing but don’t want to big chop again just yet.
that’s utterly terrifying! I’m so scared of that happening 🙁 I want to straighten my hair at some point, just to have diff looks, but I’m a a YEAR and 3 months in, don’t even plan to straighten for another year, so I’ll be damned if they make me big chop after 2 years….oye!
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Wow, that’s really unfortunate. I’m still nursing my hair back from heat damage I did to it a few months ago. I didn’t want to BC again and have just been gradually trimming the ends. I would feel a lot worse about it if I had gone to the salon and had a “professional” jack up my texture though.
I learned that it is so very important to be careful with heat styling. But really, the stylist should have know not to use all that heat, especially since your hair had been previously colored. *sigh* One thing is that I have not blow-dried my hair or sat under a hair dryer the entire time I’ve been natural. I would just let my hair air dry before flat-ironing.
Enjoy your fresh start. 🙂