Guest Post By: Beauty School ScArlet

Thursday October 31st I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of the Huetiful Salon located in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The salon focuses on healthy hair of all textures through cutting edge technology through the use of the Huetiful Hair Steamer. A steamer designed to hydrate 5 times more effectively than conditioners, helps to reduce breakage and split ends as well as improve moisture levels, scalp conditions and overall manageability for all hair types. 

I was so impressed with the benefits and features of the product that I had to get more information on the salon from the Creative Director and Stylist Nina Christmas. Here is what she had to say in an impromptu interview.

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BSS: Okay Nina, tell me a little about who you are, what you do and brought you to the Huetiful Salon.

Nina: I am Cosmetology Educator who has been a Hairstylist for 10 years, originally from Chicago. I came across Huetiful in Atlanta from a friend’s business card that was given to me 2 years prior to me meeting Ken, the owner. It was through the universe that Ken and I opened the 1st salon in Atlanta and now the 2nd location here in Chicago.

BSS: What is your specialty?

Nina: I like to do thermal styling on hair by manipulating hair through the proper heat adjustments and the right conditioning treatments. I really like the education of hair and giving the client a chance to have a class while they are in the chair, so they are able to go home and do their own hair. I love helping people find out what they love about their hair; it is the most important thing to me.

BSS: Your specialty is thermal styling, how can people prevent over heating their hair and causing heat damage at home?

Nina: When the hair is empty and you use heat, it is like cooking a turkey without stuffing. The skin on the outside will be dry and cracked as well as the meat on the inside because there is no stuffing on the inside to produce the steam. So when you get a chance to properly add water into your hair or oils in the right way, it lifts up the cuticle layers so what you need absorbs into the hair. When it is full of what it needs, you can use heat safely. So, water is my best styling product and the Huetiful Hair Steamer is the best way to receive hydration.

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Huetiful Founder Ken Burkeen announcing The Monroe Sisters as the new Huetiful Hair Models

Huetiful Founder Ken Burkeen announcing The Monroe Sisters as the new Huetiful Hair Models

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BSS: Since water is your best styling product, what do I use when I get home to protect my hair from heat damage?

Nina: Hydrating at home can simply resemble turning your bathroom into a sauna.

BSS: Hmm, it sounds too good to be true…LOL. It makes me look at my bathroom a little differently now.

Nina: Right! All you have to do is…close the door and put a towel under the door, turn on the water, put the conditioner in your hair and sit. Let the steam absorb into your skin and hair. You can also use some of the old school remedies like essential oils, eggs or mayo for your deep conditioner. You also have to watch your heat settings, you don’t have to always use high on everything.

BSS: How often should a client come for hair services?

Nina: As often as they feel they need but at least once a month. We encourage them to do at home training so they can understand their hair. We don’t want to make anyone a slave to the salon.

BSS: Speaking of making someone a slave to the salon, how long is someone expected to be in the salon for their appointment and do you double book?

Nina: (Laughing) at the most, about 3 hours is the max and minimum is 1.5 hours. We don’t overbook; all appointments are 1 on 1.

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curlBox founder Myleik Teele

curlBox founder Myleik Teele with Rachel O.

BSS: Is this salon for clients with just natural hair?

Nina: It is for all hair. All hair can benefit from water. We don’t discourage anyone. We don’t apply relaxers but we don’t discourage relaxed hair. Every hair type needs treatment.

BSS: So, we talked about who you are, what your specialty is and the salon. What is the price point?

Nina: Basic Conditioning Service: $65, Luxury Nano treatment $175 and the trimming and steaming is in included in every service. First time visitors will receive 15% off.

BSS: What are the hours of operation?

Nina: We take the first appointment at 8 AM and the last at 6 PM Tuesday – Saturday.

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BSS: Anything you want to add?

Nina: I am glad to be back home in Chicago and thanks for receiving me!

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Thank you Nina, Ken and the team at the Heautiful Salon. Based on this interview, I think I will have to make an appointment, I hope you do too!