Being a Multicultural Salon

One of the things that we feel sets Versus Salon apart from other salons is our approach to clients with different types and textures of hair. From the start, it has been important to us that our stylists are cross-trained in offering a variety of services to clients with all types of tresses. Our team knows that no two days will be the same, and we encourage our professionals to continue their educational journey so that they can accommodate the needs of any and all clients who trust us with their look. We didn’t want to be a salon that specialized only in curls or only in braids or only in short cuts – we wanted to create a home for all to be welcome!

One challenge that we face being a multicultural salon is finding product lines that will suit a wide range of needs. Our product lines continue to develop and adapt based on what works and what doesn’t for the clients that we serve. Using products that work well, that promote healthy hair, and can be used for many different hair textures is not an easy task, but it’s one we remain dedicated to.

When considering a new product line or reviewing how well a current product line is working for our clients, there are many things we consider:

•  Hair Type/Texture : Some clients need volume while others may need more control

• Porosity : Some clients will find that certain products just slip right out of their hair while others fight product buildup

• Curl Type : Kinky, Type 4 Curls have very different needs than Type 2 Wavy hair

• The Long-Term Effect : Products that result in dryness, flakiness, or buildup after a day or two are things we look out for

We value the trust that clients put in us to help them create the look of their dreams while also maintaining the health of their hair. That is why we are unique – we are not loyal to a particular product name or line, we are loyal to our clients and what we know will be best for them!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Are you stumped on how to show your Valentine that you love and appreciate them this year? We’ve put together a fool proof gift guide to help you make this V-Day extra special for the cupid in your life!

1. Versus Salon Gift Card - You can’t go wrong with an opportunity for your special someone to treat themselves to a day of pampering and self-care! We know that when you look good, you FEEL good!

2. Curly Products - Take a look in your bathroom cupboard and you’ll find that your curly girl has a collection of products designed to keep her curls looking and feeling right! We cannot stress enough the importance of curl products for those who embrace the curl life. Restock their stash with their must-have curl products and you’ll earn a level of gratitude you probably didn’t expect!

3. Book a Surprise Salon Day - Give us a call and we can help you book the services that are sure to help your significant other look and feel super special. We will take steps to help you keep it a surprise and can ensure that when they arrive for their surprise appointment, they’ll feel extra loved!

4. Purchase a Package - Our package deals are designed to help clients achieve their healthy hair goals while saving them money on their favorite services. This is the gift that keeps on giving, as our package deals are good for a whole year!

Tips for Customizing Your Wash Day Routine

With so much information available online and a wide variety of products to choose from, it can be difficult to know which tips and tricks will work best for your curls! We always encourage clients to consult with their stylist to ensure they’re using the best products, routines, and techniques to get the most curl definition for their unique curl pattern. Here are four tips for ensuring your curl routine is best for you!

1. Determine Your Curl Pattern : Type One Wavy Hair and Type Four Kinky Curls Have Very Different Needs!

2. Match Styling Products to Your Needs : Loose Curls May Need a Stronger Hold Gel while Definition is More Important for Kinky Curls

3. Know How Often to Cleanse : If You are Washing Every Day, You’re Washing Way Too Much! Highly-Active Naturalistas Require Different Refreshing Products

4. Find the Right Shape For Your Curls : A Curly Cut Will Create a Shape That Maximizes What Your Curls Can Do! Dryness and Damaged Ends Can Loosen Your Curls, Cause Frizz, and Prevent Definition!

Interview with a Curly Girl

Ashley is one of our long-time clients and curlistas, so we had a chat about her curl journey with Versus Salon!

1. Have you always embraced your natural curls? Why or why not?

I have not always embraced my curls. Growing up I never felt like I fit in with wearing my hair curly. In elementary school, I would wear my hair out and it would look great in the morning and by the end of the school day I was a frizzy tangled mess. Lack of knowledge of how to care for my hair and frankly it just was not in style back then played a huge role in my dislike of my natural hair.  Most days I wore a bun- my mom said that was the only way to make sure I looked decent through the entire school day. it took me until my mid- twenties to really start to embrace my natural hair texture.

2. How has being a curly girl in the modeling world impacted your confidence?

Being a curly girl in the modeling world has impacted my confidence positively for the most part. I enjoy being unique and I know I am usually booked for my talent AND for the awesome personality and vibe that my curly girl (hair) brings. On occasion I have to remind myself that it is OK to be the minority (only curly girl) on some shoots. It can be lonely and at the same time very competitive. If there are only a few curly girls in the room, you’re usually up against them. 

3. What type of reception do you typically get from professionals in the modeling industry with regards to your big, beautiful curls?

Positive.  My hair is unique and on trend. It has also been a plus because it is All MINE (not extensions). I have however received feedback that my hair is too poofy or that it needed to be tamed. When people used words like that I would get offended. Now, I just try to educate them.  Poofy = voluminous. And NO I will not TAME my hair!  On one occasion on a shoot, the director whom I have worked with numerous times, pulled me to the side and said , “if you want to keep working with our clients you might want to get a hair cut.” 

I took that as she was saying the bigger my hair got the less attractive it would be to the client. As long as I had a small afro that was acceptable.  I replied, “That is not the goal. I really want to grow my hair as long as possible.” It all ended on a positive note. I have since worked with this director and their client several times. 

 4. Do you have any favorite wash'n'go products?

 I love Ouidad products as well Aunt Jackie’s products. 

5. What do you feel is the biggest challenge in having naturally curly hair? The biggest benefit?

The biggest challenge in having naturally curly hair for me would have to be managing the amount of time it takes to have a consistent routine.  

The biggest benefit for me is being more carefree when it comes to working out and sweating. I don’t have to worry about sweating out my perm! Haha!

6. Why do you feel it's important to embrace your natural hair texture?

 It was liberating for me to see that I could not only manage but also grow my natural hair. I think embracing your natural hair texture is important because it means that you love the way you were created. It may not be your preferred way of wearing your hair but knowing how to care for and wear you natural hair texture is important to overall self love. 

7. How has coming to Versus Salon over the years impacted your hair care routine?

Having stylists that are knowledgeable about natural hair care has enhanced my natural hair journey. There is so much information, tutorials, and videos out there about natural hair care, but nothing compares to discovering what works for you specific hair type like working hands-on with a professional. I am thankful for Versus Salon and the care and time they have taken with me throughout my journey! 

Inspiration Gallery : Thermal Silkenings