Ask anyone with curly hair and they’ll tell you of their hair journey that will more often than not include tales of bad salon experiences and moments they’ve walked the line of deciding to shave it all off. You’ll also learn about the shocking amounts of money they’ve spent on products that ended up not working for them at all. This is why when Michelle Williams started Versus Salon 18 years ago, she committed to learning all that she could about curly and textured hair so that she could offer support to a curly community desperately in need.
Michelle began by becoming certified through the now popular DevaCurl brand, learning the special techniques required to properly cut curly hair, and brought the first DevaCurl inspired salon to Virginia Beach. Ever since, she’s been on a search for the best product lines and stylist-training possible to suit curls of all types and textures. When she opened Versus’ upgraded location just outside of Town Center seven years ago, she began sharing what she had learned with her team to ensure each of her stylists was trained to serve a diverse range of clients.
Why is it so important that a salon specializes in curly or textured hair? These types of tresses are often treated like straight hair in most salons. In fact, cosmetology programs do not differentiate between textured hair and straight hair when teaching cutting techniques. When curly hair is cut while wet, a shape is created that does not suit the natural fall and bounce of curly hair. That means that the client ends up with an unfitting shape to their cut once their shampoo has been completed. For Versus, they see the importance of this training gap in the way clients feel about themselves and their natural hair textures. The proof is in the smiles and satisfaction (and sometimes even tears) their clients leave with. It’s more than just a good haircut – it’s allowing someone to feel confident when they get ready and look in the mirror each day.
While Versus Salon offers a range of services like braids, extensions, and unique color, the stylists’ passion is being an extensively-trained, expert resource for members of their community who find themselves frustrated with the trials-and-errors of knowing how to care for their curly hair. Once a year, they hold a “Curls Night Out” event where they celebrate curly clients, offer expert advice, and answer client questions about managing their curly textures. In 2020, the Versus Salon team will be expanding their efforts by offering special classes based on the needs of the clients who have entrusted them with their curls. Topics will include “Mommy & Me” styling classes for parents who could use help dealing with their little one’s textured tresses.
You can keep up with the special events that Versus Salon is holding by following them on social media @VersusSalon and viewing their website, www.versussalon.com. You will find their blog that is updated weekly with tips & tricks, special sales, and information to help clients of all types and textures.
Photo credit to Daissy Torres