The challenge with being a curly girl is getting a haircut by a stylist who understands curly hair. Every since I read Devachan salon founder and author Lorraine Massey’s book, Curly Girl the Handbook I have wanted to go to Devachan. The only problem was that the salon is located in New York.
Cover of Curly Girl
I was thrilled to find out that Devachan opened a salon in Culver City. I called to book an appointment and was scheduled with Robert a senior stylist/educator from the Soho salon. Devachan is know for their dry cuts. Curls are cut in their natural form, one curl at a time. The stylist studies the clients hair and notes shrinkage pattens ie. in my case kinky areas versus loose curl areas, obviously when curly hair is cut straight all of the hair looks the same. I wear my hair curly 95% of the time so this makes perfect sense to me to cut my hair curly.
Before Devachan
This was my before picture, my hair was four days old. You can see that my hair if falling like a “Mop top” and is dry, from color and the elements. It is to heavy in the front and covers my face if I don’t pull it back. You can’t see it on this picture but my hair falls in the middle and is flat on the top. I can’t wait to see how Devachan will work with my hair.
- Devachan Culver City
Upon arrival I was greeted by a fellow curly girl, given a pretty nude color robe, and a glass of herbal ice tea in a champagne flute. Robert examined my hair and began to cut it curl by curl. I felt very comfortable and did not have any anxiety regarding to much hair being cut.The atmosphere is spa like with neon green accents coordinating with the product line.
Post cut with Robert
This was right after my dry cut with Robert. Although my hair looks a little crazy here, I could tell I was going to be happy with my results.
cleansing station
This was really nice. Instead of being in a chair with your neck in a weird position you reclined on the bed underneath the canopy while your hair was washed, conditioned and styled. Everything was explained to me as I relaxed on the “shampoo bed”, how to apply product, which products I should use, and basically how to take care of my curls.
Style phase
Lots of leave in conditioner is in my hair, and clips are strategically placed in the crown of my head to get rid of the “flat top”, I love that Devachan is generous with product application, my hair drinks up product.
Under the dryer
I never sit under the dryer at home, I think I would end up with a big frizzy top. Take note of the neon green carpet on the stairs and on the hair dryer, I love the details of the interior.
diffuser time
Devachan’s diffuser is shaped like a hand, it is a 360 degree dryer. It will be available as an attachment in September, I will get one of these for sure.
Finish
Back View
I love my cut. My hair feels hydrated and has movement. This is not the best quality picture, but you can still see a difference from my before picture. The back of my hair is more blended.
Now the details:
Appointment time: 1:15 I arrived at 1:10 and was taken promptly at 1:15. I was finished about 3:00
Damage: $150.00 Devachan cuts are designed to last 6 months to a year so this is really a good deal, you can also go just for curly styling cost $70.00.
Location: Devachan 9355 Culver Blvd. Culver City, call 877-711-deva for an appointment- My stylist was Robert.
Products: I love the “no poo”, “one condition” and “set it free”, I am a product junkie, but I always have these in my hair pantry. All the products are available at the salon in all sizes including travel sizes.
Inside Devachan
Are you a curly girl or a straight girl?
xoxo,
Gigi
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Love it! Your hair looks so healthy. I gota try this place. Like you I wear my hairl curly most of the time. I am having a hard time with fizz. Thinking about the Brazelian blow out what do you think?
Angela,
I think the key to controlling frizz is to keep the curls hydrated. I know you would like devachan. Do your research on the brazilian blow out and find a good stylist if you decide to do it. Everyone I know who has gotten it has been happy,the concern I have is the salt water thing-you are not supposed to get saline in your hair, since I somethings swim in the ocean I would have a problem. The other concern I have is I like the option of wearing my hair “big” so I wonder if you would lose volume…and also the people I know that have got the brazilian blow out, they are wearing straight “hair-dos” Let me know if you try it.
xoxo,
Gigi
Loving the haircut. Recently, I have been wearing my hair similar to yours but I have to cornrow it, add a setting lotion and let it air dry. Trying to get my natural curl back but due to color, flat ironing, etc … it’s straight even when wet. For years, that’s exactly what I wanted … straight hair. Now I just want to be free of the weekly visits to the salon … lol!!!
Tracie,
When I was transitioning I too did “braid outs”, “twist outs” and “straw sets”. My hair was straight from years of relaxers and color. I was not brave enough to do a big chop,so the sets were fine. I never look back and if on occasion I feel like getting a blow out that is fine too. Thanks for stopping by.
xoxo,
Gigi
wow. i always thought you were a straight girl.
Greg,
I used to be straight many years ago, I began my curly girl journey after my son was born–15 years ago.
xoxo,
Gigi
can’t believe u missed my joke.
Greg,
!
Gigi does not miss anything
xoxo,
Gigi
Hi Gigi!
I love your curls and your style! I’m going for a consult this week at Devachan Salon soooo excited!
Don’t fight the curl
Edi
Hi Edi,
Great! Is Robert still there? I know all the stylists are good and are coming direct from New York, when I made my appointment I told them that I had “ethnic” hair and to match me with a stylist that had experience with “ethnic” hair and one that was familiar with shrinkage and different textures on one head…Keep me posted.
xoxo,
Gervel
Wow I am a day late and a dollar short. My step daughter was visiting for the past week. She has naturally curly hair. She was in desperate need of hair cut, some sort of style. I mentioned to her that she needed to have her hair cut is some time of style that would be fashion forward and manageable. But I didn’t know of anyone. She’s in pharmacy school in TN. She biracial and have been going to black stylist her entire life. I don’t believe her stylist understands how to work with the texture of her hair. I like that fact that a hair cut can last 6 months. Because that is how often we see her. She left this past Monday. She may return for Christmas, if she does I will be sure to schedule her an appointment. Thanks for sharing.
Hi fashionistachic,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes Devachan is wonderful salon for curly girls, I am in love with my new cut is is really working with my lifestyle ie. working out etc.I will go back in 6 months. Another friend went today,and I can’t wait to see her results.
xoxo,
Gigi
I enjoyed this tourh thorugh this iconic hair salon. I felt like I was right there with you even though I would not be caught dead in a hair salon because I’m a guy (lol). Again, I think you did fine job sharing your hair affair with Devachan. I learned a lot by reading it.
Michael,
Thanks for stopping by. You may not have a reason to visit this salon, but if you should have a curly girl friend looking for a specialty shop for her curls, you will know where to send her…
xoxo,
Gervel
Thank you soooo much for sharing in such detial .I have asked a few other ladies on youtube some specifics on their experience at the salon and the responses were vague to say the least.I totally appreciate your video’s!
Vikas,
Thanks for stopping by,
xoxo,
Gigi
Really great hair! When I was wearing mine logenr I always had layers, they are so nice and versatile. I wanted to stop by and thank you for your kind comment on my blog. I have been truly amazed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that I have received at this tough time. Your sweetness has been an encouragement! Thank you.~Wendi
This curly girl needs moisture… Do you prefer the Deva products over some of the other curl defining and moisturizing products on the market? I am looking to change things up and Devachan is only 10 minutes from my house…. I need more moisture! Love your hair!
Hi Glenda,
I have so many products. I find that depending on what I am doing ie. Workout, or what the weather is- I vary my routine and products. I like the deva line in the summer it is light. Every week I deep condition to combat dryness.
Xoxo,
Gigi
gigi,
where is the after picture???? i talk to you everyday and you won’t email me pictures
now that i go on the blog to see the AFTER look there is no picture.
xoxo Gab.
Hi Gabrielle,
The after pictures are the last ones–a front view and a back view.
xoxo,
Gigi
The cut looks amazing, my hair is very similar to yours and I got a deva curly cut here in southern cali last year although the shape and actual cut was amazing the stylist snipped off more then half of my length after I asked her for no more then a trim. It has grown back, but needs another trim badly and needless to say I’m scared to get another curly cut. BTW I love your hair color too.
http://www.lenasblend.com
Hi Lena,
I know the feeling, I too got a cut a few years ago in San Francisco by a Deva trained stylist and half of my length was snipped away. I was in shock for a few days, but like you once it grew out I was happy. This time when I went, I made an appointment for a consult and told Robert I did not want a major cut, and I also told him about how much my hair shrinks up–and i need my length. He really understood and listened to me. Also he told me that a deva cut should last six months. So I would recommend if you go to the deva salon in Culver City, call and find out when Robert is going to be here again, he works at the deva in Soho. I go to another stylist for my color–so much work for this “natural” hair!
xoxo,
Gigi