My journey to finding Chanterre was long and hard; however, it was worth the search. So allow me to take you through this path that many ladies have experienced, but have dared to write.
As with many ladies who relocate, I tried many stylist, both commercial and non-commercial, but they continued to not live up to my expectations. I am a professional woman, who moved from Atlanta and I expected to find stylist of equal or higher caliber. Needless to say, I could and did not.
Now, allow me to preface this by saying that I have no qualms about paying high prices for an awesome stylist; however, unlike my mother and grandmother, I do not suffer bad stylist especially when I see no progress in the health of my hair.
After trusting my hair to four stylist over two years, my hair had become unhealthy. I purchased the products that they offered and nothing seemed to improve the health of my hair. As opposed to searching for stylist in Newport News and Williamsburg, I turned to the Richmond area. I scoured reviews on both Facebook and other traditional search engines.
My first encounter with a Richmond stylist was much money paid for nothing. I explained to the aforesaid stylist that my hair needs rest. Therefore, she suggested a weave. Now, I do not know enough about weaves to go to a store and purchase it. Therefore, I told the stylist to purchase the weave and I would pay her. She did as instructed; however, the work she performed was not worth $500.00 and the hair surely did not cost the amount she charges. However, I paid her and told her that I would not return and I explained why. The quality of hair was atrocious and you could tell I was wearing a weave.
That weekend, I searched the internet again and came across a post regarding Chanterre by Eric. The reviewer discussed how this salon promoted healthy hair by natural design, not using chemicals. Me being skeptical, I made an consult which turned into an appointment. Chanterre listened to me as I voiced my concerns about my hair and what I wanted from her as a stylist. Hence, I would base my returning and tips on achieving healthy hair.
She then gave her rationale as to why my hair was traumatized. She explained to me what chemicals had done to my hair and why my hair needed a break from chemicals and straightening altogether. Although, she can perform relaxers, she tries to dissuade you by suggesting other routes for achieving the look that you want. Now, let us return to my educational and life long friendship with the stylist referred to as Mrs. Chanterre.
I agreed to take her advice and she begin to practice her hair philosophy on me. I told her that because I work in a professional environment the outward natural hair appearance was not for me. She suggested a sew in weave, which I accepted. She said that she could purchase the hair from a store (I thought, oh no not this crap again) or I could purchase the hair that she has shipped from a distributor that is of a better and higher quality. I chose the later [*note to readers the hair she provides is the best, it looks and behaves natural]. She washed, dried, and braided my hair. However, before she sewed on the weave, she placed this mesh cap on my braids, which protects the hair [Note to readers, if your stylist does not place a mesh cap on your hair before weaving, question their technical abilities as a beautician]. Needless to say, I was pleased with the process, the vibe, and the look that Chanterre offers. A year later and my hair is stronger, which is often not achievable with individuals who live a strict vegetarian lifestyle. Now, as far as the salon.
Chanterre provides an atmosphere for a professional clientele and to the working woman. She invites all types of clientele from diverse walks of life (Russian, European, Black, White, etc). For the most part, she tries not to overbook her clients. She does not allow the use of foul or vulgar language in her salon. She has a privacy room for weaving, just ask for it. She caters to the busy professional. For several hundreds of dollars more, she makes house calls.
She is a professional. Moreover, she is a professional woman who provides exceptional service. Did I mention that she is active in her business community as well as her neighborhood. She stays abreast of the latest trends in her profession. I would not be surprised if she drives some of these trends.
If you are a busy professional, or if you like quality service, you should have a consult with Chanterre.
In closing, I had a long journey meeting Mrs. Chanterre, but it is one in which I would be hesitant to leave. She is one of those stylist that you happily travel or fly hundreds of miles to continue the professional service and friendship. If you have it, it would be worth paying her fare and having her to visit you if you leave the area.
M. read more