One of two things invariably happens to you after your stylist gets hold of you.  Either you walk away from the chair sticky and funky, with a coif so sky-high that your hands itch to wash it and kill the evidence of the bad style, or you walk out of the chair feeling like all manner of fresh products and with a polished ‘do that has you loathe to go near water — be it sweat, rain, or shower.



I had the latter experience at the hands of Melissa Ellis, who has a way with the paddle, roller brush, and flat iron that always manages to get me just enough body so I don’t look like a \'70s greasy hippy, but with enough smoothness that I forget the naturally funky texture of my hair (think — somewhere between frizz, wave, and curl).



Ellis’ key recommendations to me for the at-home style: sit with a paddle brush and  upside down head, then brush and blow ‘til very nearly dry, using good products (think — thermal protection, like a silicone gel) and a great flat iron.



I’ve got the products, and I’ve got the will.  Do I have what it takes to get it to look that good on my own?



Doubtful, since she’s a trained professional.

 

But I can try!



[Melissa Ellis at Le Chat Noir, 1211 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.682-2882]