I wanted someone who would treat us both with compassion…someone that wouldn’t mind my questions, and would teach me different techniques. I did not get that experience. I took Emma to A Perfect Image salon in Hampton, Virginia specifically to see Ms. Trina. We had a consult with her so she could see and feel for herself what Emma’s hair was like and if she’d be able to help. Normally, it takes anywhere from 3-5 hours to get Emma’s hair blown-out. 3 to 5 hours y’all. Ms. Trina told me it would take no longer than 90 minutes. 90 minutes?! Emma and I were both ecstatic about that, so we booked the appointment to have her hair done. Now let me tell you, the staff and the CLIENTS treated Emma and I both as if we were checkin’ the ‘other’ box for ethnicity. I have never been subjected to such disdain, disregard, and downright hatred. Emma has a very tender head, bless her heart. With her hair type it just flat out stinks to have a tender head. Not only was Ms. Trina unsympathetic, she was downright rude. She pulled and ripped at Emma’s hair until Emma literally screamed. Screamed y’all. As a parent, my heart broke. But I kept her in that chair. I did that. Because I trusted Ms. Trina. I trusted her skills and her word when she told me Emma’s hair would be beautiful and more manageable for me. She was wrong. By the time the product had been applied, and her hair blown out, Emma’s scalp was hurting, sore, and damaged. Ms. Trina had Emma stand up so she could trim her ends. By this time, Emma was exhausted from the pain and crying (2.5 hours at this point). She told Ms. Trina to just trim the ends because she was tired of her pulling and ripping through her hair, without any compassion, causing only pain. Well, Ms. Trina sure didn’t trim a thing. My daughter’s hair is now shorter than mine, and when curly it’s even shorter. It was down to the middle of her back. Oh, and add to that the fact that the cut is completely uneven. I’m no beautician, nor have I been to school. But even I know you don’t cut curly hair when it’s dry & straightened. To make matters even worse, Emma caught my eye and mouthed these words, “I’m sorry”. My precious baby girl apologized to me for hurting and crying. Her first significant haircut and this is what she went through. She looked at the inches of hair on the floor and a fresh stream of tears ran down her face. “I’m so ugly” she whispered. Well, enough was enough. I paid, full price, and tipped $25 on top of it because a service was provided. I wish I hadn’t. I wish I’d walked out with my head held high, and not paid Ms. Trina a dime. The staff at that salon (and the clients too) need a lesson in compassion first. Ms. Trina needs to go back to beauty school and learn what the differences are in mixed hair vs. African-American hair. If your precious child is mixed or has hair that isn’t typical African-American hair, DO NOT TAKE THAT PRECIOUS BABY TO A PERFECT IMAGE. You will not be treated well. Emma and I both learned valuable lessons that day: 1) I know what to do with my daughter’s hair better than anyone else. Never again will Emma or I question our abilities. 2) Do NOT listen or take advice from someone who tells you what to do with your hair when they don’t have the same hair type. 3) Never step foot into another African-American salon where you’ll be subjected to such trauma.