Curly Hair Questions, Answered

Yes. With 18 years as curly hair specialists we have learned many different techniques from some of the best in the business, and your haircut will not be a one-size-fits-all experience — it is a custom cut that fits you. After the hellos we dive straight in and learn about your curls: what you like and hate, your difficulties, your lifestyle and everything else that affects them. The cut itself usually lasts 2+ hours and includes plenty of curly education. Once it is complete we discuss cleansing your scalp and proper hydration, then teach you styling and the proper use of healthy products. To help you remember everything, you leave with an instruction packet and a personal video of your appointment to reference at home.

Return visits freshen up your cut and give us a chance to experiment with a new style if you want one. The 2 hour option includes a wash and style and gives us time to address any difficulties you are having, or try that new style. The 1 hour Express service is great for clients who have it dialed in.

Cindy has been a stylist for 36 years and has specialized in curly hair for 18. The curly girl movement originated with Lorraine Massey, who she had the privilege of meeting and learning under many times. She is also Rëzo Cut Certified, MAP Method Certified, a Certified Advanced Deva Stylist, a Curly Hair Artistry Member and trained in Cut It Kinky for tight curls — all of which embrace the dry-cut approach for curly hair. Knowing multiple methods, combined with many years of experience, lets us create a custom curly cut that fits you perfectly.

Curly hair should not be cut the same way as straight hair, because curly hair is drastically shorter dry than wet — it can spring up six to ten inches as it dries. Cutting dry means we shape the curls you actually walk around with, rather than guessing at what they will do once they are no longer weighed down by water.

Puffball, frizzy mess, q-tip, brillo pad, wiry. Yes, there is hope. We were taught long ago that frizz is just a curl waiting to happen. After taming your frizz with a custom curly cut, we teach you new hydration techniques using clean products with healthy organic ingredients that will have you loving your new curls.

Yes. Whether you book with Cindy or with Deanna, that stylist is with you for the entire appointment — cutting, cleansing, styling, hand-drying and teaching. You are not passed between people, and the one-to-one time is the reason the appointments run as long as they do. It is also why we cannot always pick up the phone. Call us and leave a message — we'll return it by end of business day, as we're with clients all day.

Yes, and we do it right here in the salon. Every color service starts with a complimentary consultation, where we check the health of your curls and talk through what you want. We color with Innersense Color Purity, which is made without ammonia, PPD, PTD or resorcinol. You get full coverage, a glossy shine and true, long-lasting tone, and your curls stay healthy.

Yes. Curly hair is curly hair no matter who is wearing it. Our clients seek us out because they struggle with the unique difficulties curly hair brings, and that is true at any age. Children under 14 need an adult with them during the appointment, as you will both be learning how to care for the curls.

Through our online booking system, where you can choose your service and a date that suits your schedule.

As one of the premier curly hair salons in Southern California we are often booked up to 2-3 weeks in advance. We do keep a waiting list, and clients with a flexible schedule can often get in sooner — the waiting list is at the bottom of the booking page.

Most wavy clients (2A–2C) get haircuts about 4 times a year. Medium curls such as Botticelli curls (3A–3C) about 2 to 4 times a year, and super curly clients (4A–4C) 1 to 2 times a year is normal. We suggest a schedule for your hair type once we finish your first appointment. If you are a curly pixie, we will see you more often to maintain the style.

Our salon is at 22691 Lambert Street, Suite 504, Lake Forest, California 92630. Clients travel to us from across Orange County, and from Los Angeles, San Diego, the Inland Empire and Palm Desert / the Coachella Valley.