New member in DC Area!

Chicki · 03-16-2006, 03:10 PM

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Hi everyone!

I love this site. I've been lurking for a few weeks now, so I decided to join. I have gotten some great ideas from you guys...thanks

My hair: pen-spring size spiral curls with MAJOR SHRINKAGE!

My current routine: CW (lorraine Massey) weaning myself from cones. I don't normally use styling products so I usually have a frizzy afro puff! I've visited Curve Salon in NY twice. Had the angle/balance cut in 10/05. The curly pudding gives me great definition, but it's not something I want to use on a regular basis(It kind of dries my hair). I also henna my hair.

Per your recommendations, I went out yesterday to buy a few things: Elucence conditioner, Jamaican Cactus Leave-In, Wild Growth oil, and Fantasia IC Gel (Blue) I was disappointed in the gel's ingredients, but I at least want to try it once.

In two weeks I have an appt with Yodit at Salon Cielo. I want to get a trim and learn how to define my curls with a good product combo.

Questions:
1) What can I use to weigh my curls down? If any of you use henna, you know that it weighs the hair down upon application, but of course I can't walk around with henna on my head

. Is there a "heavy" styling product w/o a lot of "bad" ingredients?

2) Yodit clients: Does she do what you ask her? I really want a trim, but I'm scared she may give me a hair cut instead! How is she with styling? Will she be scared of my tight curls?

Yesterday when I walked in Vivanti Salon( to buy Elucence), almost everyone looked at me as if I had a third eye. Their faces said "I hope you don't want your hair done" That place is not very welcoming. When I said I was only there to buy a product, they seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I hope I don't get the same reception at Salon Cielo

Thanks for your input!

eccentric_kurlz · 03-16-2006, 06:46 PM

Hi and welcome, Chicki!

I've heard wonderful things about Yodit. Another DC curly here(Layali), just went to her about a month ago for a cut. She went from I believe BSL to about shoulder length and loves how her hair looks(she actually wanted shoulder length hair). Yodit actually has curly hair herself, so she's familiar with working with textured hair. I've also heard that Yodit listens to what you want, so if you only want a trim, that's what she'll give you. I'm actually thinking of going to her this summer. I haven't had a professional cut in years, so I think it's about time.

As for weighing down curls, a creamy conditioner and gel weighs down my curls. Takes hellalong to dry, but it pulls the curls downward. The products you've purchased are great to start with. Try using the Elucence under the IC gel. The gel is pretty thick so when you apply the gel, you may want to sorta water it down(or atleast wet your hands before applying). The Jamaican leave in is great with the IC gel also, but you will have more of a fuller look. The leave in is great alone when you want a more fluffy-light look(actually, both leave ins are great alone).

HTH

Curlilocs · 03-16-2006, 08:11 PM

Hello Chicki and Welcome to NC.com!

Not to rehash everything shygirl told you, but since you are trying to go CG, Smooth n Shine Curl Activator gel is a great "cone" free gel that you could also layer on top of the prodcuts you have. It has alot of the same ingredients as the Curly Pudding and is moisturizing to the hair! It's my FAV!

Chicki · 03-16-2006, 08:13 PM

Hi Shyygirl!

Thanks for your reply and your suggestions. I'm going to experiment with my hair this weekend..when I don't HAVE to go out. It's good to know there are some DC curlies here! I will post the results of my experiments. I can't wait.

Chicki · 03-16-2006, 08:14 PM

Thanks Curlilocs

....so much experimenting to do!

subbrock · 03-16-2006, 08:17 PM

hey welcome!

for weighing down my hair i use either the fantasia gel (not the blue one, the clear kind) or kinky curly curling custard. a little goes a long way with both products.

Chicki · 03-16-2006, 08:28 PM

Thank you Subbrock

I THOUGHT my biggest concern was going to be learning to tame my hair. Now, I think my biggest concern is going to be not spending all of my money on products

solange · 03-17-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curlilocs

Hello Chicki and Welcome to NC.com!

Not to rehash everything shygirl told you, but since you are trying to go CG, Smooth n Shine Curl Activator gel is a great "cone" free gel that you could also layer on top of the prodcuts you have. It has alot of the same ingredients as the Curly Pudding and is moisturizing to the hair! It's my FAV!

Where can I find the smooth n shine curl activator gel??

ladykej · 03-17-2006, 12:57 PM

Welcome to the board from another DC curly! The Smooth & Shine sounds good..I haven't tried that one yet. One great conditioner is Tigi Bedhead Moisture Max. I've been using it to wash with and as a leave in.

Chicki · 03-17-2006, 01:18 PM

Hi La****j

Nice to meet you!

Chicki · 03-17-2006, 01:19 PM

Hi La****j

Thanks for the welcome!

sugarhoneyicedtea · 03-18-2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicki

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Hi everyone!

I love this site. I've been lurking for a few weeks now, so I decided to join. I have gotten some great ideas from you guys...thanks

My hair: pen-spring size spiral curls with MAJOR SHRINKAGE!

My current routine: CW (lorraine Massey) weaning myself from cones. I don't normally use styling products so I usually have a frizzy afro puff! I've visited Curve Salon in NY twice. Had the angle/balance cut in 10/05. The curly pudding gives me great definition, but it's not something I want to use on a regular basis(It kind of dries my hair). I also henna my hair.

Per your recommendations, I went out yesterday to buy a few things: Elucence conditioner, Jamaican Cactus Leave-In, Wild Growth oil, and Fantasia IC Gel (Blue) I was disappointed in the gel's ingredients, but I at least want to try it once.

In two weeks I have an appt with Yodit at Salon Cielo. I want to get a trim and learn how to define my curls with a good product combo.

Questions:
1) What can I use to weigh my curls down? If any of you use henna, you know that it weighs the hair down upon application, but of course I can't walk around with henna on my head

. Is there a "heavy" styling product w/o a lot of "bad" ingredients?

2) Yodit clients: Does she do what you ask her? I really want a trim, but I'm scared she may give me a hair cut instead! How is she with styling? Will she be scared of my tight curls?

Yesterday when I walked in Vivanti Salon( to buy Elucence), almost everyone looked at me as if I had a third eye. Their faces said "I hope you don't want your hair done" That place is not very welcoming. When I said I was only there to buy a product, they seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I hope I don't get the same reception at Salon Cielo

Thanks for your input!

Welcome! Another Dc area curly! I love it!

How was the angle/balance cut at Curve?

Now, is Yodit the Ethiopian girl that alot of people have been talking about, and is the Salon Cielo the one in DC or VA? I wanted to visit her myself to get a texturizer w/ Phytorelaxer, because I've heard that she's the only one in the area how knows how to do it without straightening your hair to much, but I don't know if I want that done--my hair has just been crazy-poof lately. (I think longhaircareforum is just getting into my head) But I have heard that the Ethiopian girl at Cielo (not sure if it's Yodit) knows how to do all kinds of curly hair and she cuts curly hair great. Salon Cielo is supoosed to be a more "upscale" salon/spa with resonable prices so you should be recepted nicely.

Another thing, where is this Vivanti Salon? Do they really sell Elucence? If I would of known that I wouldn't have bought it online and wasted shipping money. Another good product is Cantu leave in conditioner with shea butter, a curly on this board recommented this and it has been great for me. It looks and feels like mashed marshmellows. You can find it at Wal-mart in the "Ethnic" hair product isle. Organics Root Stimilator Lock & Twist gel is great for definition as well.

Welcome to the board! You need to post pics of your beautiful hair!

Chicki · 03-18-2006, 07:10 AM

Hi Sugarhoneyicedtea

The angle/balance cut was great but the services are too expensive...considering those of us in DC also have to pay for traveling expenses! My hair hung much better after the cut, but it wasn't worth $225 . They charged me extra...They said "you have fine hair, but you have a lot of it" AND I bought the CP and the Baby Buttercreme which raised the price tag.

I'm hoping I will get great service at Salon Cielo in Dupont Circle. The prices are supposed to be more reasonable like you said. And yes, that's the Yodit everyone talks about!

Vivanti Hair Studio is at 7982 Georgia Avenue 301-587-0022. It's on the MD/DC border. Yes, they sell Elucence.

Oh...the angle/balance cut is done with electric clippers. I've since read somewhere that this is NOT the best way to cut curly hair. It makes the ends frazzle more

Yodit, in DC, cuts the normal way..with scissors!

sugarhoneyicedtea · 03-18-2006, 08:14 AM

Wow, thanks! That really cleared up alot for me. I can't believe Curve would charge you extra for having alot of fine hair. That is stupid. I don't think I will be visiting them.

Thanks for the info for Vivanti too. Does it take a long time to get an appointment with Yodit? You said you were going to see her in two weeks. Do you know exactly how much she charges?

How long is your hair by-the-way?

Curlilocs · 03-18-2006, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solange

Where can I find the smooth n shine curl activator gel??

Some BBS' may carry it. I've seen it Kerr Drugs, do you have them in Texas? I've also seen it in grocery stores. It's similar to IC Fantasia (clear), but w/o the crunch.

Curlilocs · 03-18-2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicki

Hi Sugarhoneyicedtea

The angle/balance cut was great but the services are too expensive...considering those of us in DC also have to pay for traveling expenses! My hair hung much better after the cut, but it wasn't worth $225 . They charged me extra...They said "you have fine hair, but you have a lot of it" AND I bought the CP and the Baby Buttercreme which raised the price tag.

I'm hoping I will get great service at Salon Cielo in Dupont Circle. The prices are supposed to be more reasonable like you said. And yes, that's the Yodit everyone talks about!

Vivanti Hair Studio is at 7982 Georgia Avenue 301-587-0022. It's on the MD/DC border. Yes, they sell Elucence.

Oh...the angle/balance cut is done with electric clippers. I've since read somewhere that this is NOT the best way to cut curly hair. It makes the ends frazzle more

Yodit, in DC, cuts the normal way..with scissors!

Why did I read this??? I'm supposed to come your way soon.....don't tempt me....there is NOTHING like a stylist who can really cut!

Chicki · 03-18-2006, 09:19 AM

You're welcome Sugarhoneyicedtea!

I don't know Yodit's price list, but I'm sure I'm going to pay LESS than $100 for a trim and style. It wasn't difficult for me to get an appt. When I called, I was offered an appt with her for 4 days later, but I declined. I wanted to schedule for a later date. My stretched hair is down the top of my back, but not BSL. Unstretched, that's another story

I did the big chop in 11/03. I've been relaxer free for 2 yrs and 4 mths

I will let you know what I think about Yodit and the salon.

Anyone knows how she trims the hair,dry or wet? I prefer her to do it dry.

Curlilocs, come on up!

solange · 03-18-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curlilocs

Quote:

Originally Posted by solange

Where can I find the smooth n shine curl activator gel??

Some BBS' may carry it. I've seen it Kerr Drugs, do you have them in Texas? I've also seen it in grocery stores. It's similar to IC Fantasia (clear), but w/o the crunch.

Thanks Curlilocs. We don't have Kerr Drugs here, but I'll look around - These boards are turning me into a PJ

Chicki · 03-18-2006, 01:27 PM

I'm not sure I like the Elucence conditioner. It doesn't seem to detangle my hair very well and I don't find it very moisturizing. My hair felt better with Aussie Moist (which contains one of the "bad" cones) Then again I've only been using Elucence for about two days. Is One Condition more moisturizing than Elucence? Maybe my hair needs a light cone.....also only been cone free for two days. Am I being impatient? Does it take time to "work?"

love yourself first · 03-18-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicki

I'm not sure I like the Elucence conditioner. It doesn't seem to detangle my hair very well and I don't find it very moisturizing. My hair felt better with Aussie Moist (which contains one of the "bad" cones) Then again I've only been using Elucence for about two days. Is One Condition more moisturizing than Elucence? Maybe my hair needs a light cone.....also only been cone free for two days. Am I being impatient? Does it take time to "work?"

Hi there! I love how organized and prepared you were for your first post and this thread.

You have really done your homework!

In my personal experience and reading a ton of threads, people who are not wowed by Elucence (and I am one of those people) tend to really love One Condition. IMHO One Condition is a superior detangler and provides plenty of moisture. I think you might like it. The smell is very strong and somewhat like lemon pledge but it doesn't linger and you get used to it. The new Devacare One C has a better scent, but I haven't tried it yet so can't comment on how it compares although the formulas are similar.

Welcome!