You guys, I just had the most incredible Shaunequa in Wonderland beauty experience. Follow me down the rabbit hole as I tell you about my afternoon at Phyto Universe.
The Ambiance
Though I'd gone to Phyto Universe for a party, I somehow missed the beyond-tranquil, flora-fauna sanctuary that it is. I was greeted by a bevy of smiles and multiple beverage requests. Impressed, I sat in the waiting area and then I saw Ron.
The Stylist
Ron Williams is walking Southern charm. That's the first thing. He has done the tresses of the "Gossip Girl" and "America's Next Top Model" casts, journalist Jackie Reed, and a bushel of beauty editors. That's the second thing. With over 15 years of experience, Ron uses a scientific approach to train stylists around the country on retexturizing curly hair (i.e. relaxers, redefining curls, etc.). That's the third thing.
Oh and you know how your stylist vaciliates from you to other clients? That's not the Phyto way. Ron finished with his client, escorted her to the lobby and then my surreal hair experience began.
The Phyto Scope
Phyto Scope was crazy cool. It magnifies the scalp, follicles, and hair strands by 200 times. In short, I saw the good, the bad, and the rather embarrassing. Among product build up and a cringe-worthy amount of dead skin cells, I saw one strand of hair was in a knot. Ron told me that was the first time he'd seen that. My response: "Cooky girl...cooky hair. What can I tell ya?" Here are a few examples of what you might see depending on your hair type.
The Treatment
After Ron analyzed my hair, he created a conditioning cocktail specifically for my needs. Since I was also getting the Phytorelaxer (which Ron customizes to your hair's curl pattern), we didn't aggravate my scalp with exfoliation--gently brushing the hair to lift dry skin cells (dandruff) and product build up, but that's certainly part of the traditional cleansing-conditioning treatment.
Relaxer girls, the Phytorelaxer is egg & soya based so it doesn't do the damage that typical lye and no-lye relaxers can do. Plus, it doesn't stink or burn; as I've mentioned before, I have the most sensitive scalp EVER.
After I walked over to the next room, Ron promised I wouldn't have to get up again until it was time for me to leave. "This is a relaxation day. We come to you". And that they did. When I sat in that chair, the washing bowl was rolled over to me. Then the steam treatment thingie came around as the plant protein-based, Phytospecific Vital Force mask conditioned my hair. Though by miracle, a glass of water appeared by my side as my scalp and face pores luxuriated in the steam.
Finally, with a rinsed-out hair mask, the blow drying commenced. I walked out with soft, bouncy hair and a head full of tips, tricks, and Ron's mantra, which I feel like tattooing on my face. He says, before applying anything to your hair, ask yourself, is it going to: HYDRATE, NOURISH, REPAIR or RESTORE? If not, think twice before using it.
