Last Week’s DevaCurl Lorraine Massey Experience
As soon as I entered GBS Pinecrest last Saturday, the man at the counter already knew — “They’re all back there,” he said with an inviting smile. Like honeybees flocking to their queen, Miami’s curly girls were headed to meet Lorraine Massey, author of Curly Girl, innovator of the “Curly Cut,” and co-owner of DevaCurl and New York’s Devachan Salon.
Massey and her Devacurl crew were visiting South Florida GBS salons, educating salon professionals (including my beloved Larramy), and meeting the masses to spread the curly hair gospel. The salon was packed, and Massey was holding court in a corner, surrounded by rapt curly haired women of a variety of textures. Their baskets were laden with products and books. One customer proudly brandished the last DevaSun diffusing hair dryer in the store.
Suddenly I came face to face with Lorraine herself. Her curls are on point — a gorgeous angel’s mane of blond spirals. “I love your hair!” she squealed when she met me, and it’s like — cue Handel’s Messiah. “I love YOUR hair!” I squealed right back. We hit it off right away. We chatted briefly about the terrible trend of curly-to-straight makeovers on television, and she briefly consulted me about curls and hair color — blond highlights can make curls immediately apparent, but can also make your hair super dry. Before too long, she was whisked away by another crowd of women, eager to ask her detailed questions about how to cut, cleanse, and style their hair. The salon space was overcrowded, but the energy was so empowering and positive.
The room was mostly filled with Caucasian curly girls, there was one other brown skinned bella in the room and she kept making eye contact with me in the mirror as she got her hair styled into perfectly stretched ringlets. When her hair was done, she approached me and we chatted about Afrobella. She was familiar with my site, and is a regular at Nappturality, so we had quite a bit to chat about. Lorraine flitted around the room, joining conversations, admiring hairstyles in progress — an adorable little girl no more than six was among the throng, and the stylist trimming her hair was amazingly attentive to the shape and direction of every curl. “She’s going to do you next,” a Devacurl specialist informed me.
I kept coming up with questions for Lorraine based on my own experiences — before my haircut I’d been having trouble detangling my hair. My beloved Denman brush wasn’t cutting it lately — I noticed that it was making my curl pattern frizzy and disrupted, leaving me with a big poofy clown wig instead of coily spirals like I wanted. From the minute I said “Denman brush,” Lorraine’s eyelids fluttered shut like she’d caught the vapors. “Why would you do that? Then your hair has to find its curl pattern again. That’s not detangling your hair gently or slowly or with respect.”
I told her that Denman brushes are pretty popular among curly haired women of color of late — I’ve been reading lots of talk about Denman brushes everywhere from Nappturality to Honey Brown Sugar to Biracial Hair, and I’ve heard from quite a few bellas who swear it’s changed their entire hair care routine. Despite the brushes’ popularity, Lorraine just says NO to brushing, period, and discouraged me from using the Denman in no uncertain terms. I asked her what she would do, if she needed to detangle in a hurry. “I would rather wait a few days until I have the time to properly cleanse and style my hair,” she declared. I explained that I only used the Denman in the shower, when my hair was completely saturated with conditioner. “But your hair is very weak when it’s wet. Brushing the hair when wet makes it more likely to break,” she explained as she was ushered away to chat with another group of patrons.
Then it was my turn in the chair, with Terri as my DevaCurl specialist. I’ll say this — the lady takes her time and gets it right. “What can I say? I’m a perfectionist,” she explained as she compared the length of the curls on either side of my temples. Terri’s cut was careful and precise, specifically trimmed to fall perfectly into shape. I asked for volume and length, and Terri tapered the haircut to shape my face while keeping the back of my hair as long as I wanted it to be.
Terri’s cut was less interactive than Larramy’s; no bending over upside down with her. At the end of my haircut — which was done dry without any products whatsoever because of time constraints — I wasn’t entirely convinced of the cuteness of my new do. All of my grown-out highlights had been chopped off, leaving me with a close-cropped head of dark coils that, sans product, looked hella dry. Terri even admitted that she cut off more than she meant to.
One day and an overnight Ojon treatment later, and voila. That’s the photo you see above, and I detangled with a wide tooth comb instead of the Denman, as Lorraine advised me to do. For styling products I’ve been using Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue, a wicked mix my homegirl mixed up for me — based on the bella-beloved MoeShealoe that everyone on Nappturality and Fokti is buzzing about (LOVE IT!), and DevaCurl Set Me Up to scrunch my spirals into shape.
I’ve been swimming in compliments ever since the haircut, and with the colored tips of my hair gone, it feels healthier and looks more moist than ever before. Very happy with it so far, and what I like about the curl cut is, as it grows out it still maintains a shape.
I plan on interviewing Lorraine soon, and I’d love to ask her some questions from you bellas!
What do you think of the cut? And what would you like me to ask her?
Category: Hair, Product Reviews
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- The Sunday Afternoon Beauty Ritual | afrobella | November 25, 2008
Your cut looks great! Can’t wait to read the interview!
Bright
Bella, you look cute girl.That fabu hair cut makes you look bright,refreshed,and younger.I have a question for Miss Lorrain ,and that is “Would you please HELP”? I have never had my hair cut into a style ,and I want to so bad,but I don’t know where to go.The products that I use get me through the day ,but I want my hair to look perfect.I dream of having perfect ringlets,twist,and just hair period so please tell me what to do and where to go in Maryland.Oh! yeah ,and my hair draws up like Foxy Cleopatra in the Austin Powers movie.
Wow, Bella!!! Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!
To Mrs. Mckinzie: I’ve gone twice now to Noire Salon in Silver Spring. She’s cornrowed my hair and trims with scissors (yay!) and not clippers. She also does locks and color. She’s really nice and my rows did NOT hurt one bit. She’s very attentive. So far as detailed cuts like Bella got, I don’t know. You’re lucky if your hair is like Foxy Cleopatra…my husband calls me Q-tip (the implement, not the rapper) sometimes if he can’t see over my hair (out of jest, of course).
its cute but I think I like the before better but I love big hair. I appreciate hearing your hair routine.
I love big hair too, MarriedToIt… this cut took me some getting used to, I’ll tell ya. But I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback from my friends and coworkers, and my hair actually feels and looks healthier — my ends were crispier than I’d realized! I’m excited now moreso than before to really take care of it — I’m taking some hair vitamins for a month so that will be a review to look forward to. I want to see if they really make a difference in terms of growth.
Also, I realize the dark wood cabinet I’m standing in front of makes it tough to see my hair in detail. Will post another photo tomorrow.
Mrs. Mckinzie and b — there’s a Find a Salon link here. Good luck!
Girl you look so sophisticated!!! **Sizzle**
Thanks b.,and I might try Noire Salon as long as it’s non chemical.
Thanks bella.
Thanks for the Silver Spring suggestion; I live in MD. I have been dying to get my hair cut, but I want to make sure I go to the right person. I usually trim the ends myself. I too have fried hair from highlights, but they are a little to high up for me to cut all off. I am so afraid to cut too much length off but I noticed how much healthier your hair looks in the before and after, so maybe I will get the nerve…
I love the new haircut. It really looks beautiful.
Lovely cut. My hair is finally nearing the length where I might be able to pull off a similar cut. Thanks for posting your experience, as well as info re: the Denman. I actually love the results I get when brushing my hair almost dry… I’m so naughty, I know. But it gives me such awesome big pouf!
Your hair looks amazing!
So, no brushing ever–forever-ever? Also, how are we supposed to detangle? Is there a special comb? Your curls do look more defined with the new cut, Bella—that’s awesome!
You look beautiful. Honestly, I love your hair either way. I think it’s the smile. But I do like the tighter curl pattern with your new cut.
I tell you, I’m getting more and more courage to come on out of my twists. And I owe it all to you.
CONGRATS on getting the Best Writing nom that you wanted…and your other nom. WELL deserved
Bella…you hair is beautiful! I just went natural (again!) after perming for 2 years. The reason I would go back to a perm is because I didn’t have the resources to keep up my natural hair. But luckily, thanks to your website and many others I have the tools to have big, beautiful curls. Anyway, since Miss Jessie now has travel/trail sizes, I got the Curly Meringue and Quick Curls. Both made may curls very defined but dried out my hair like the Sahara. Any pointers? Am I using too much?
Could you ask Lorraine what if any color she suggests for curly girls? My hair is naturally dark brown, but I have some arburn/blond highlights to brighten up my face.
waitaminute — what?? I’m nominated????????
off to check! Thanks for the head’s up, Vivrant Thang!!!
I love, love your hair. It looks so defined and sophisticated, and really gives you a polished look. Did hubby like? It also looks really healthy. Has it been easier to deal with so far? What has Lorraine found is the best product for covering grays for curly girls?
Lovely pics Bella! I have been reading on Fotki and Naturally Curly about Denman brushes and how life-changing they are so I bought one……..and I hated it! I felt like it was pulling my hair too much and would result in more breakage. I’m going to stick to my wide-tooth shower comb. Lol @ “like she caught the vapors”.
lol Bella, you didn’t even know about the nomination, I haven’t checked so I’m waiting to read the confirmation from you.
Your hair looks amazing both ways and you look beautiful as usual.
LOVE your hair !
Let us know about the nomination so we can vote
Bella, I LOVE your hair! Glad to hear you had a good experience. And remember…hair grows back, so you’ll be back to the big pouf in no time.
I was a Denman fan back in the day but gave it up for the Goody Style Therapy brush instead. Even that I use only occasionally, though…it can overdo the job a little. My new approach is to detangle with the biggest combs I have — the ones at the ends of my arms
— followed by the shower comb, followed by progressively smaller-toothed combs.
Here’s a question for Lorraine: What’s her approach when confronting a head that has a combination of different textures? In my case I go with what most benefits the majority texture on my head (which happens to be CNapp, thick but fine) and the other textures will have to just catch as catch can. I’ve heard of people doing x to one side of their head, y to the other, and spending tons of time.
Love your cut!!! Congrats on the Nomination!!!
I’m looking for a good person to cut my hair. In the DC area it seems that as soon as you say natural hair you’re paying $150 for a cut. And I’m never that impressed with the results
Bella what do you think is a fair amount to spend for a natural haircut?
P.S. The Denman brush didn’t work for me. Even when I had the shower running through my hair it hurt too much. Anything that hurts me is not good haircare.
You’re HAWWWTT (your before pic looks like my NOW pic)!!!! I have to get this stuff!
Afro Bella, your hair is super cute.
@tlove, You are right you just might be using to much of the product. I think it’s best when you add a small amount to your hair in sections. Did you wash your hair really while before applying the product? Some of Miss Jessie’s products don’t mix while with other products.
I think your cut looks cute. I’ve always used a wide tooth comb when I’ve worn my hair natural. I thought everybody did.
I can’t lie, I like the before better. And not the after is a bad cut or anything, but the before was big and out there, the way i like my hair. so i’m imposing my beliefs on your new hair do!! either way the after looks much healthier and has a great shape!
I can’t lie, I like the before better. And not that the after is a bad cut or anything, but the before was big and out there, the way i like my hair. so i’m imposing my beliefs on your new hair do!! either way the after looks much healthier and has a great shape!
I love reading your natural hair post. So much information. Love the cut! Anyhow, I never use a brush on my hair only a wide tooth comb and comb my hair out gently in the shower. In the past I have gone to several different salons to get my hair cut; they all had different ways of cutting my hair and I didn’t like any of the cuts. What is the right way to cut natural hair? How do you know if someone is doing a good job?
Thanks!!!!!
Hi Afrobella!
My name is Tiffany Hobbs, and I’m a writer who aspires to inspire just like you! I sent you an email a few weeks ago about my recent articles under a new blog, TheConcreteJournal.com. My section is called “Tell It Like It Is”, and I have 6 articles posted on the blog, but I believe that you would really enjoy the one entitled, “Hair Wars” (http://theconcretejournal.com/2/2008/08/hair-wars/).
Our site has been revamped, and we’re trying to reach people who appreciate an honest (and provocative) reading experience. The Concrete Journal was created by 2 young black men who I went to high school with. They asked me to contribute and the rest is history in the making!
If you can spare a moment from enlightening your readers (especially me) on all things afrobella, I’d appreciate your attention and (hopefully) subsequent input.
Thanks, Afrobella. I simply adore your site, and I linked to it on this article!
With Much Appreciation,
Tiffany Hobbs
Writer- “Tell It Like It Is” TheConcreteJournal.Com
I love the new cut!!!! I might have to take that pic in. I haven’t had a cut since january and i’m on the fence in terms of cutting it or letting it grow out a bit.
I never, ever use a brush on my hair. Don’t even own a brush anymore. I wash with conditioner and comb it through with a wide tooth comb.
I think the biggest mistake people make is their combing technique. You cannot start coming from the roots. You’ll only end up with a huge knot at the ends. Take your time, section it out, and comb from the ends, up.
It doesn’t take longer and you end up with perfect bouncy curls.
The MoeShealoe looks really thick. Also, I didn’t see any measurements. Can you please write more about it later?
Oh, and forgive the delay, but your hair looks really good, girl! But if it FEELS better to you, then that’s what’s important.
Ive been using my denman for about a month now, and detangle once a week. It’s made a difference. I’m have some 3b, a little bit of 4a, but mostly 3c, and it’s the only detangling technique that truly, TRULY, works, and in about 30 minutes at the most.
So, I think to each her own. I love it and hardly ever use my wide-tooth comb anymore. And it really defines and clumps my spirals, albeit with some shrinkage.
But you definitely look fly, lady! And I’m glad your experience was a positive one.
Take care!
T. Hobbs
**I have some
Typing too fast
Look very glam! love it!
Yes I had meant to let you know that you shouldn’t brush when wet..esp if you have long hair…ues a wide toothed comb instead..remember that i do my hair differently to yours so a Denman or any kind of brush is good for me…..
I would like more information on the process and the products used to do a perfect wash and go.
Thanks—
Gorgeous hair, woman, gorgeous! You’re already cute and the hair just adds more cutenss! Love it!
It is a toss up! Your hair in the after shot looks SO healthy and shiney. It is hard to see the details of your new cut so I think I like the actual cut of the first one…the length & how some spirals are poking out.
re: detangling… I have only used a wide tooth comb in the shower right after conditiong…don’t bother combing it when its dry because it causes too much frizz. Just recently I got my firt haircut from a devacurl stylist and she actually recommended no combing at all…just fingercombing in the shower w/ conditioner. I was like girl please w/ my super thick 4c hair but I swear it works. I can tell a difference in my curl pattern. Sometimes I’d use the comb because I just new I wasn’t getting out my tangles, but it’d be the same…
More importantly, congrat’s on the nominations!
ps: is there anyway to be able to click on the photo to see them up close/in zoom? My eyesite is for the birds…
Thanks Bella for this insightful article. I rushed out to buy the Denman brush after reading it about it here and other sites, including an interview with Tracee Ellis Ross, but I was on the fence after using it as it didn’t affect my hair like all the other fans spoke about. I’m thankful to hear that I’m not alone, which is always the case whenever I come to this site
I clicked on the link for the MoeShea, but it doesn’t have any measurements listed for the ingredients. Do you have any idea???? I would love to make this up.
I LOVE THE HAIR!!! I would like to get more information on how to do my own hair. Where I live in TN, the stylists all want to come at you with a flatiron!
I bought a Denman and it works okay, I guess, but my comb works SO much better!
Congrats on your nominations!
For all those asking about the moeshealoe, I made some recently. The thing is, mix it until it looks like whipped icing. And only a little aloe at the end. If you click on the individual pictures there are a few measurements listed in the captions. I don’t have exact measurements (maybe Moe will see all this and comment…) but I will certainly vouch for its goodness!
Bella what the difference in using the Deva Dryer and a regular diffuser?
I’m getting over the shock of Miss Massey saying No denman ! I love your hair it’s so pretty and shiny by the way!
Now what do i use ? Nothing has given me the results like that brush has …
Good salon for natural/curly hair in DC: Salon Revive at 9th and U Sts. NW. Ask for Yodit or Hiwot.
Thanks Tami – Someone was telling me about Yodit on the Naturally Curly boards. I’m going to have to check her out.
I like the before pic however I love the sheen of the after Pic.. If you could have the before hair with the after sheen it would be great. Either way both pics look great. Congrats on the nominations…
Great Article! Personally, I love my Denman and I will never give it up! It changed my life. Wide tooth combs and finger combing do nothing for me.
Like the new cut! Great shape and it looks like you were born with this shape.
Thanks for the moeshealoe recipe. Have been using the ingredients separately. Looks like it would be great to do it all up as one.
Ooh, I love the cut! When are they coming to L.A.?
And I, too, gave up on the Denman (and detangling, really). I was losing a whole lot of hair and my head felt sore when I was finished. No more of that for me.
See this right here:
“Terri even admitted that she cut off more than she meant to.”
Would have pissed me off. This is why I dust my own ends, because I want to maintain length. I must say that the cut does look fabulous on you.
I tried using the Denman brush when I first heard about it years ago, but my coils ALWAYS looked frizzy and just “off”. Wide tooth comb works just fine. One day I’ll get the SET ME UP pomade, but not today.