I love taking care of my crowning glory. I used to have a long one when I was a kid but they decided to cut it short before I started schooling. Today, I do my best to grow it out again.

Somewhere along the way though, my hair turned wavy, especially on the front part. Maybe that’s expected from people with a heart-shaped hair line, but I somehow got the impression that my hair is nagtampo.

So I regularly have it rebonded, to the point that I know all the steps (just teach my how to section the hair properly :P). My last one was December 2011 and my mom said to wait for December again (since I delayed it during summer). A stroke of luck and I was given an opportunity to give my hair some TLC it needs ♥

On a Friday, I went to Azta Urban Salon located on the mezzanine of The Forum Robinsons Mall (Robinson’s Pioneer). It’s easy to find – just enter the mall at the entrance nearest the MRT Boni Ave. Station and you will see it on your right.

Source: Azta Urban Salon FB Page

I really wanted to try the Kerasilk Hair Treatment with Iron, their version of Brazilian Blowout, for a goodbye buhaghag look but we encountered a bit of a problem.

I was given a choice and I opted to have my hair straight, soft and manageable without losing the volume. My stylist for the day, Mr. Darryl, suggested for a Power Relaxing Treatment with Iron. I had my hair cut a month or two ago and it’s nice to know my hair is regrowth already or what they call ‘virgin hair’.

Before we started, I addressed my concern with regards hair fall. Mr. Daryll said with my hair type and thickness, I should be losing around 300-400 strands a day and assured me it’s normal. Hormones or stress are usually the factors that affect it.

Game!

Now that it’s settled, I was ushered to the shampoo area by Ate Amor, who is one of my aunt’s former junior. I’m glad and shy at the same time she remembered me, it’s been a long time.

Since I’ve been doing this for years with a variety of brands, I didn’t go through a skin test. Personally, it is advisable to first timers to check whether or not you are allergic to the product. Better safe then sorry 😉

Section the hair first for easy application of the relaxant. It’s my first time to have my hair wrapped during a treatment. They did that instead of steaming it, I guess :).

The cream was left to settle for 15 minutes then combed through. The senior stylist checks once in a while if it’s good to rinse by taking a pinch of my hair and doing a small knot. If it loosens, the hair has already soften. This is the ‘relax’ part 🙂

My hair was rinsed with warm water only and then blown to dry. Say hi to Ate Amor 🙂

Hello straight hair!

Oops, we’re not done yet! The neutralizer has to be applied too! It is the straightening formula, which is why it is expected you don’t move as much as possible when it is already applied. Years of practice made it easier for me, though it really kills my nape every time 😛

This time it is washed off with cold water (cold water + head massage is ♥) and blow-dried. The relaxing treatment took about less than three hours. It doesn’t require the use of a flat iron, thus maintaining the volume.

Mr. Darryl helping out to make the process faster.

Wait!

The real test whether or not the treatment was successful is how it looks like after you’ve washed your hair. It is mandatory not to wash your hair within a 48-hour period to have the chemicals settle in. There are instances where you have to go back to the salon to have it retouched.

I washed it off Monday and used Dove Damage Repair Conditioner (Straight and Smooth). I would have used my favorite Cream Silk but I ran out of stock.

Like it? I love it! 😀

From frizzy, dry looking hair, L’oreal X-Tenso Hair Strengthening product made my hair smooth, soft, shiny and full of life. In other words, healthy looking and like Mr. Darryl said, “nawala na yung wig” ko XD. And the best thing about it: it doesn’t look like I underwent a hair treatment at all. No to straight but stiff, super flat, boring looking hair – one that resembles a walis tingting XD

I rarely stay outside (under the direct sunlight) these days, so we’ll see how long I’ll be able to maintain it. Time to ask my mom for maintenance goodies 😛

Review

A youth-oriented salon, Azta Urban Salon screams hip, funky, energy from its interiors up to the peg of their staff. This modern feel actually inspires creativity. Everyone is very approachable and makes you feel at ease. If you are wondering: the name ‘Azta’ was derived from the term ‘asta’ – one’s attitude. Very fitting, eh?

Observing the senior stylists help decide the customers, you will be persuaded to go for you dream look or be courageous to take a leap out of your comfort zone because of how knowledgeable they are with their craft and are very updated with the latest trends. What they suggested and agreed upon with the customer, they delivered.

For guys who want to have a makeover like Chris of Pinoy Guy Guide did, be funky with design cuts for men and anyone who just opts for classic treatments, look for Mr. Darryl. He works the closing shift so better book your visit in the afternoon.

Maybe their on-going promos can help you decide 😉

Every reluctant customer I saw that day., whether getting the shortest haircut in their life or adding hair color for the first time, walked out happy and satisfied.. including ME! You can be one, too! 🙂

Thank you Azta Urban Salon Pioneer, Sir Daryll and Ate Amor for a wonderful experience! ♥

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Azta Urban Salon

Mezzanine Level, Forum Robinsons, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
6873289

Other branches: Eastwood City (6876527); Katipunan Avenue (4346733); Robinsons Metroeast (6822107); Alabang Town Center (6592249); SM San Lazaro (3531344)

Salon Hours: 10am – 9pm

Azta Urban Salon Pioneer Facebook | Azta Urban Salon Facebook