Being a natural girl for over seven years I seldom have my hair touched by anyone but myself. I spent years in trial and error to find a cocktail of creams, gels, and lotions to get my mane to behave. I often overdid it and in the end was frustrated by the maintenance of my curls. Tangles would sprout like wildflowers, split ends parched for water, and the inability to keep up with a complex routine. I was exhausted. I needed help to get my hair back on track. So I researched a holistic salon and came across Holistic Hair Studio. The website was beautiful, the staff showcased in smiles and most importantly: an emphasis on wellbeing of the hair, body, and spirit.
Acts of service in the name of making humanity more beautiful, is the mission of Leah Lattus. Her fingers work to style, wash, massage, and hold the heads of countless women who find their way to her salon, Holistic Hair Studio, in Alexandra, Virginia. And I had the pleasure of being one of the folks to sit in her comfy chair and have my hair treated like curly gold.
The Treatment:
My request for the appointment was simple: me but better. Pro tip: As a beauty expert, you-but-better, is the best piece of advice to channel when diving into long-term investment services. Leah offered a blow out or microscope analysis of my scalp and natural styling. A chance to get a close up of my scalp? I had to take it as she brought out the machine and tablet. She pointed out the roots, hair shaft, and bit of build up from my hair gel (oops). I was afraid my hair was in bad shape but she reassured me the state of my hair was in excellent condition.
After breathing a sigh of relief, she mixed up the Rebalance hair mask and gave me a relaxing scalp massage. I laid back as her magic fingers worked every crevice of my head. The treatment had an herbal scent and slightly tingled, which helped to encourage hair growth and shine. From there Leah and I chatted about her time in the salon industry.
The Stylist:
Leah Lattus is a woman who does what she wants. She is strong and thoughtful, determined and kind, a creator of the world she wants to see for all beautiful people (and beauty realized inside and out). She received her hair stylist certification when she was merely sixteen years old. At age twenty two she put herself through school for a marketing degree, all the while doing hair styling. Her inspiration for the degree? Her former boss put her in charge of the marketing for their salon. Marketing allowed Leah to expand on her dreams and practice of doing hair. When at a conference she was able to give a speech on the top of her head, thanks to her knowledge of the world of PR.
Leah isn’t only a marketing genius but an empathetic soul that is determined to make an everlasting impact on her industry. She only uses holistic practices in her salon. All her products are non-toxic, vegan, and as organic as she can source them. She refuses to do chemical treatments like perms or relaxers on clients (she told me she wishes more African American clients would embrace their curls, which she has seen a trend recently while at her salon). No harsh dyes are found at her salon, even when people are pleading with her to just give them a bleach blonde head she refuses. Upstanding morals for an industry that can be focused solely on the profit. Leah cares for the mind, body, and hair of all people who take a seat in her salon.
The Environment:
Salons can feel stuffy, overcrowded, and sometimes a bit emotional. I’ve had my fair share of NYC salons where I left feeling rushed. At Holistic Hair Studio the walls are covered in glittering crystals, many mirrors, and lots of natural sunlight.
Photo Credits: Sonjirose Chin
There is complimentary coffee, lattes, and tea to order which elevated my experience to new levels.
Photo Credit: Sonjirose Chin
The bathroom has little single use cloth towels and adorable cat prints that brought a smile to my face.
Photo Credit: Sonjirose Chin
For the eco-conscious folks, there is a refill program that allows for customers to stock up on their favorite goodies without excess waste. It appeals to all the senses therefore making it a welcoming atmosphere to be your most beautiful self!
Photo Credit: Sonjirose Chin
The Results:
Photo Credit: Sonjirose Chin
Once Leah rinsed my hair out at the hair bowl (and gave me a luxuriating hand massage while my hair was deep conditioning) she brought me back to her salon chair and began to style my curls. She brushed it out with a wet brush and applied even amounts of curl cream to my afro. I wanted a bit more definition around my bangs. Leah expertly applied a light gel that was formulated specifically for curly girls like me. Once she turned me around to the mirror I saw my natural hair in all its glory. My afro was perfectly round and full of shine and yes, I felt so beautiful. Leah kindly gifted me some products to keep my hair looking phenomenal for months to come. My time at the Holistic Hair Studio was one of tranquility, peace, and high spirits. Come by Holistic Hair Studio located at 1433 Powhatan Street Alexandria, VA 22314.
Photo Credit: Sonjirose Chin
