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Are You Ready for Rëzo?
Part I
So,here’s the thing: Since going natural, I had letmy hair grow longer and longer as it became increasingly healthy. All the problems and breakage I had experienced during the days of harsh chemicals and heat treatments were pretty much behind me, so growing it out seemed like a natural progression, and to be honest, I was enjoying my soft, full new look.
Then, the other shoe dropped.
After much thought and many conversations with my husband, I decided to give my body a break from my long-time birth control regimen. I was aware of some of the side effects of goingonthe Pill, but not so much about goingoff, so I wasn’t really prepared for the transition period ahead–especially the incredible amount of hair thinning and loss I experienced. And not just seasonal shedding like everyonegets throughout the year. I’m talking clumpsthe size of a chipmunk! It was alarming. This was all happening in early 2020, just as COVID-19 decided to invade our shores–and our lives. After teleconferencing with my doctor, blood tests were ordered, and proved that my body was reacting to the hormonal changes brought on by my decision to shelve the Pill. Apparently telogen effluvium, or hair shedding, is common under these circumstances, and I was advised to take iron supplements, pop some high-test hair vitamins, and wait for things to improve. So I waited–all the way into mid-2021. My hair was still problematic and thin, and I was getting more and more distraught until finally I said,“Enough!” I began researching new and innovative techniques for cutting Black and curly hair,thinking that a fresh start might be the solution. I decided to go for a Big Chop!
There are currently three extremely popular curly-hair cutting methods that dominate the Black hair world: The DevaCut, the Ouidad, and the one I opted for, the Rëzo Cut. Created by Master Stylist and curly hair guru, Nubia Suarez, the Rëzo appealed to me due to its signature feature of maintaining an even length all around your head, thus liberating your curls from the root to secure a true freedom of movement. This evenness also allows for versatility: the Rëzo looksgreat worn either straight or curly, which can’t always be said for the other two. (News Flash: Anupcoming blog will be addressing the differences between curly-hair cutting methods, so mark your calendars!) Finally, the Rëzo is a champion of volume and length, and is safe for all hair types and textures.What’s not to love? Sign me up!
Since I committed to this monumental step, I wanted to go to the best. So I called none otherthan Nubia’soriginal salon in the heart of Westfield, NJ, The Utopia Salon and Day Spa, and luckily, was able to book an appointment with the Master Stylist herself! (Between her styling schedule and teaching the Rëzo method across the country, she is one elusive woman.) I could hardly contain my excitement. My credit card was less enthused, as a $200 deposit was required solely to secure the time. But I figured the investment would be worth it. After all, I was going to be one of the lucky few to get a Rëzo cut from the woman who invented it.
I arrived for my appointment as directed–freshly washed, air-dried hair completely free of product. (Rëzo cuts are performed on dry hair only so that each curl can be carefully selected, separated, and trimmed accordingly.) Even though it was a Thursday afternoon, the salon was hopping, with head after head of bouncing, lively curls waiting their turn to be pampered and styled. It was truly a curly girl’s domain.
I was soon escorted to my chair where I waited for Nubia. Tiny but confident, she was warm and charming as she evaluated my hair. More than anything, however, she was fast! In what felt like the blink of an eye, I had a brandnew ‘do(although I asked her to keep enough length intact for those errand-running ponytail days). I was dying to get a better, closer look, but the volume of clients waiting their turn with the Rëzo Queen kept things moving at a fast pace. As soon as she was finished, I was scurried off to the colorist for some fresh new highlights. But as the saying goes, patience is a virtue.
Does the Rëzo cut live up to its hype? Would I like it?Find out in “Are You Ready for Rëzo, Part II” next week, where I’llshow you the final reveal, compare some products that work best with a Rëzo cut, and give you an update on the status of my hair. You won’t want to miss it!
