Highlights??? No, the darkest days of my life.

by CC
(Louisville, KY)

After moving to a new city from Washington, DC I had the need to find a new stylist. My hair was past my shoulder blades, and being in the military at the time, having long hair was secret way to feel feminine in the bulky ugly uniforms. I was comfortable washing and styling on a weekly basis, but of course chemicals are best left to the pros, right? WRONG!!

I went to a salon that not only had been written up as one of the "Best of..." in the local paper, but had also been given high marks by several women I was acquainted with. The young woman who greeted me in the nice clean salon appeared professional and well-versed in black hair care She was white, but that did not factor for me, I have had stylists of various races and with good results until that point.

I had a relaxer, and it looked very good afterward, with a nice softness and sheen. About two months later, I returned for the same service. My hair color is naturally a dark brown, and gets reddish in the summer. This woman suggested that "highlights" would look good and be a "cute look" to frame my heart shaped face. I did not know at the time that PERMANENT COLOR and RELAXER should never be used in the same sentence, let alone the same head of hair.

Needless to say, I had breakage all over my head and it took about one year for the damaged, broken locks to start to blend in. I had to keep cutting my hair to hide the damage. My hair is now free of damage and I now go to the local Paul Mitchell School regularly.

It is only as long as my shoulders, but since I am now in my early 40's that is as long as I want it anyway. I need to cut it every two months to keep the style fresh and cute. I appreciate having not only a good style and relaxer, but feel confident that their excellent instructors prevent any of the junior stylists from going crazy with "cute ideas".