Curl Sanctuary

First time in my life that somebody not only knows what they are doing with my hair but makes me proud of having curly hair!

I usually don't like writing reviews when it comes to salon services. I never know if I can trust them or if they are real. That being said, I felt compelled to write a review after I recently had my hair done by Ana and Jessica at Curl Sanctuary. I heard about them after seeing a friend post about something called a "model call" on Facebook asking for curly ladies who may want a free cut. Anyone who knows me knows my favorite price for things is...free, so I jumped at the chance.

A little back story, I've been C.G. for about 8 months now and had a horrible first Deva Cut that left me terrified to go back. I was told, due to an undercut I was growing out, my next cut "had to be a big chop" and she was going to cut it pixie length so "I should start preparing myself now". I look like the pyramids of Giza when my hair is that short and I have been trying desperately to convince myself I'll somehow grow to like it.

Back to the present, I forgot to mention to the ladies I had this undercut but both were understanding and equally hopeful that maybe I wouldn't have to go that short. Ana did a wonderful job asking questions about what I wanted and hoped to achieve while Jessica prompted things we may not have thought of or mentioned. They made sure I was 100% comfortable before they even touched a shear or curl.

The cut took a long time but it was a model call and Jessica was making sure Ana was following Deva protocol while encouraging her with tips and tricks. Ana was already certified but Jessica explained that they undergo extensive training with her as well to make sure all her customers get the very best service. Even though it took a little longer it put me at ease knowing exactly what was happening and why the entire time. I felt like maybe I could get certified by the end!

Ana and Jessica were not only able to help me through my "big chop" without it having to be shorter than I wanted but they also made it look crazy cute and didn't stop until I was beaming with excitement. They taught me about every product, showed me how to use them, taught me cross-clipping, and even gave me a few goodies to practice with at home.

I can't stress enough how comforting and pleasant an experience this was. Not only do I fully trust Jessica (the owner) but after watching her teach, I can say with 100% certainty, I'd trust anyone she trusts to employ at the Curl Sanctuary. If you're a skeptic like me, I posted a before and after as well, because again...I LOVE THIS CUT (and I'd love it even if it wasn't free, which isn't easy for a cheapo like me lol)! Thanks Ana and Jessica!

Readers digest version: Curl Sanctuary is the perfect name for this place, because it truly is a refuge in which to reach curlcendece.


Full story:
I have shoulder length, fine, curly hair, that had suffered through the brunt of postpartum hair loss and a lot of regrowth fuzz along the hairline too. So it was stringy and dry at the ends, and frizzy at the top, and just generally unruly. Not chemically damaged but still kinda dry.

After a bad experience elsewhere, I booked an appointment here. They were booked solid for a month, but I actually took that as a good sign (bad stylists don't have full books...) and took the first available. I left a note saying I was a bit anxious after issues elsewhere, but my hair was a mess and I desperately needed help.

A few days after I booked Jessica called me to talk a little about what my concerns were and just really was just so sweet and put me at ease. Then, she asked me if I wanted to take an a appointment she had open up the next day. Score!

Jessica cut my hair dry, which while new to me, makes total sense for curly hair. Now it makes sense why I've had so many uneven haircuts in my life. I love it, even before product, it looked amazing; healthy bouncy messy chic instead of the frazzled hag witch I walked in as.

Then I was handed over to Anna for a cleanse and an education. So, usually when you get washed you lay back, enjoy the scalp massage and nice smelling products and then that's it. Not here! While yes, Anna gives a wonderful scalp massage with the cleanse and I thoroughly enjoyed it, that's not the best part. The best part is how she explains everything really well, so you can get the same results at home. I also enjoyed the squishy noises my properly wet hair made and fun names for techniques like noodling. It was fun. Not in a childish way, but in a way that amuses the inner child.

After I got cleansed, conditioned, and gelled, i went under the dryer hood for a bit. This simulates air drying, just doesn't take five hours. After that Anna decrunchifed me and I went back to Jessica to trim up any curls that didn't shrink up evenly and double check everything and whoa.

I have bouncy, defined, shiny, healthy looking curls. I could t be happier! I didn't even lose as much length as I expected to and that's a real big deal for someone who's been growing out their curls for three years.

Their new client curl cut includes some products (awesome!), but I was so thrilled with the results I went straight for the liter sized bottles, and also booked my return appointment.

I had such a great experience with Jessica! I decided to embrace my natural hair last spring, and have been thinking about a curly cut since then. I was nervous to go for it, especially because at first it seemed quite pricey, but Jessica had such great reviews I decided to do it and it was soooo worth it! She is so knowledgeable and walks you through the entire process, makes sure you feel comfortable with the plan before starting to cut any hair, teaches you about the products and how to properly use them, and makes sure you're happy with everything before leaving. You also get 3 products to take home that are included with the first cut you get, and she also adds in a cotton towel (better to dry the hair) some clips and a few other items. Not to mention all in a super cute bag! I am so happy with my visit and would encourage all curly people to check out the curl sanctuary.

What an amazing experience at the curl sanctuary! I used to dread getting my haircut... I never liked it after leaving the salon and it felt like it took months to grow into something manageable. When I met Jess, my whole curly life changed! I learned how to care for my hair, finally had it cut correctly, had it highlighted just for my curls, And learned how to handle multi - day styles. I absolutely love my hair now, and I get compliments multiple times a week. Plus, I now get usually three days of wear out of a single wash. Jess is the best and I'm never looking back!! I like coming into the salon too, and I pick up lots of tips and tricks from the other curly women there.

Where was Jessica for the first 25 years of me coping with curly hair? I hated my hair. I could never count on what it was going to do from one day to the next. It never looked good. Hairstylists "thought" they knew what do with curly hair but they didn't have a clue.

Then one day a fried of mine (with curly hair) told me I needed to try out her stylist. THAT WAS 8 YEARS AGO. The first time Jessica cut my hair, I was in shock. It had never looked like that. I had soft curls, cascading along the sides of my face. I proclaimed her to be a miracle worker. She said she could never do it without the hair product she uses - which does make a HUGE difference.

Moral of the story, if you have fought your curly hair all of your life, if you've straightened it or you blow dry it or whatever daily torture you put yourself through, STOP NOW. Make an appointment with Jessica. You will learn to love your hair. A week never goes by where someone doesn't come up to me and says they love the curl in my hair. Guess what? I love it too.

I have never liked my curly hair my whole life, but decided to finally embrace it during the pandemic. The cut I received from Jessica is the best haircut I've ever had! She really read my hair's own pattern, and cut it very thoughtfully. She maintained the length I wanted and added the perfect face framing pieces and lightened it up just enough at the crown so I have bounce and body. It looks so cute every way I wear it! I have a lot of versatility now and I finally know how it feels to have a "wash and go" cut, like I'd always envied from my straight-hair friends! She is also a true professional and spent time teaching me how to deal with my curls, since I've never really worn it natural, I have no clue. That meant a lot to me, and she is also quick to respond to a text when I'm confused. Styling curly hair is like learning a new language and she told me it's a marathon, not a sprint. Even with the learning curve, my natural hair has never looked better over the past couple weeks since I went to her. I get complements from strangers when I go out, even with my mask on. I would definitely recommend this salon and it is worth the money to have good hair every day!

I found this place looking for a salon for CURLY HAIR!!!! And FINALLY found a place where I belong!
Jessica transformed my scattered ramblings (shorter in back, asymmetrical, must be 5 inches to get a good curl) into an amazing haircut. She asked if I brought pictures (you should bring pictures!) but I couldn't find anything that stood out. So after a 15 min consultation she listened and asked questions to figure out what I really wanted AND needed.
After a dry cut her amazing assistant (who's name escapes me) showed me how the diva curl products work.....like not washing out your shampoo?!??!? Crazy awesome curls! Seriously if your searching for a curl whisperer seek Jessica out!!!

Jessica is a master at her craft! I have been getting Deva cuts for almost 10 years and have even gotten a Deva curl at the Deva salon in New York and Jessica's cut and attention to detail is as good if not better than by Deva NY Salon experience

I found Curl Sanctuary at just the right time. I have been trying my best to be curly the last ten years or so, but almost all of the stylists I've worked with were unfamiliar with curly/wavy hair. My appointment with Curl Sanctuary was well worth the time and financial investment. I feel like I have a new start with a game plan to follow and maintain. Very pleased with my appointment and will be recommending all of my curly haired friends!