Joyfully Curly

Bad haircut. It will take some time to grow out the damage.
I’m giving 2 stars (instead of 1) because she was very good at styling curly hair and explaining how to style curly hair.

First off, let me state I was very happy to finally get my hair cut by a curly hair stylist in the NC/​SC area. I am from NJ, have gone to Devachan Salon in NYC many times, and even followed one of their stylists to his new salon. I have always been treated with respect, and given great customer service by virtually all the stylists I have ever been to in my lifetime. I cannot say I received this type of treatment at all from Joy — there was definitely nothing «joyful» about my visit.
I arrived to my appointment early — around 12:45 p.m. for a 1 p.m. Maybe I disturbed her lunch or something because no one else was there, but when she opened the door there basically was no greeting. I tried to break the ice by saying I am here for my 1 o’clock, I like to arrive early, it’s quiet, etc., but she only replied barely looking at me, «oh that’s fine», and started to bring me to the back. I went to the bathroom first, and then sat in the chair.
Once in the chair, everything really went downhill. I told her my routine — I only use two Devachan products right now, and I have done the Curly Girl regimen in the past, but stopped. Not every product works for everyone, so I have changed things up for MY needs. I also tried to explain to Joy that I am currently using a medicated shampoo which yes, does have Tea Lauryl Sulfate (the mildest sulfate) in it, but this is for a scalp condition. I must have been speaking blasphemy because she started on using the No-​Poo. Again, I tried to explain to her that the No-​Poo doesn’t work well with MY 3c curly hair nor my skin. So she proceeds to tell me I probably had silicones in my hair, that is the reason it didn’t work, it takes six months to clarify hair, etc. What? Six months to clarify hair? I don’t think so. And besides, I had used the Curly Girl routine for FULL YEAR. I tried to tell her I never use anything with silicones in it (or for that matter mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, anything ending in –xane, you get my point). My skin is very sensitive so I am cautious about what goes on my hair, face, and body. I told her I have been using jojoba oil, about 5 – 10 drops for my entire scalp, and she nearly lost it. Does she not know jojoba oil is the closest oil to our natural sebum? I know the medicated shampoo is stripping my scalp, so I am replacing the oil so the scalp doesn’t over produce oil. Sheesh!
Then I proceeded to tell her I detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb while it is conditioning in the shower. Mind you I am very gentle — section my hair into small pieces, start at the bottom, and work my way up to the scalp to limit damage. She tells me I am not supposed to comb my hair in the shower, but only use my fingers. I reply I have natural ethnic hair I don’t wash everyday, and it needs to be detangled with more than just my fingers. Her sarcastic response, «I don’t have African-​American customers?». Seriously? After parting my hair into several sections, she tells me «I’m not going to be here all day detangling your hair… I am going to add a note to my website». What are you talking about? Are you not a professional? Isn’t a professional supposed to be able to deal with all types of hair? I just washed my hair yesterday and it wasn’t even that tangled! Mind you, I have never had a stylist who cut my hair while DRY say it was too tangled for them to work with. I understand she follows the Devachan philosophy and she even told me she has drunk «the Kool-​Aid» so to speak, but if you only want to service customers who strictly follow the Curly Girl regimen then you do need to specify that requirement.
The torture went on, and she asked me if I have ever had my hair cut a certain way (cannot remember the name of the cut). When I said no, she tells me my hair is full of breakage. Mind you, I have practically no split ends, and when I comb my hair in the shower FULL strands come out, not broken pieces of hair. My hair grows weird, it has always grown that way, but she couldn’t understand this FACT. I am sorry, but I know my hair better than you do.
It is really sad she is carrying the Devachan name because you in no way, shape, or form get the same experience as in the NYC salon. From the minute I arrived, Joy’s negative attitude was palpable. Her tone was condescending to the point I got up and walked out after about ten minutes. Upon telling her I think I should leave because of her attitude, she told me she has never had a client who was so confrontational. She honestly has no idea what confrontational is because from the way she was treating me, the situation could have really blown up if I stayed. There was no way I was giving her my money, nor letting her cut my hair. If you are a novice when it comes to taking care of your curly non-​ethnic natural hair, Joy might be for you. If you are not, or you have ethnic natural hair, pass on Joy please. Save yourself the trouble because this lady cannot dare be contradicted!

I went here hoping for the best hair cut of my life!
Curly hair is such a mystery, and as any curly girl would know, we will try anything. once.
I got a ton of knowledge about curly hair, and how it should be treated, cut, washed… etx. That was probably my favorite part, learning about my hair and curl type. But as far as the hair cut itself I do not know if I loved it. Especially for $ 100.
I think I would only try this again if I was in New York, I’ve heard good things about curly salons there, and seen before and afted YouTube videos. I havent been back to Joyfully Curly.

What you get at Joyfully Curly is a solid knowledge of curly hair and a skillful application of that knowledge: in other words, she knows what she’s doing and your hair will reflect that.
Excellent color (I forget it’s not mine at times). :-)
She uses the Deva curl technique, if you’re familiar with Lorraine Massey and the Curly Girl book.
Not a big salon with lots of drama and mugs of herbal tea, or even music (or Muzak) :-). But if you have curly hair, put it on your list.