curlsgonewildsalon

Curl Shock: It's a Real Thing

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:17:29 GMT

Curl Shock After Your First Curly Haircut: What It Is and What to Expect

Walking into Curls Gone Wild Salon for your first curly haircut can feel exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little nerve-wracking. Many clients come in after years of feeling frustrated with their curls—maybe they’ve been told their hair is “too frizzy,” “too big,” or “too hard to manage.” When you finally decide to embrace your natural texture and get a specialized curly cut, it can be a huge turning point.

However, there’s something many curly clients experience in the weeks after their first appointment: curl shock .

What Is Curl Shock?

Curl shock is a temporary adjustment period your curls go through after a significant haircut—especially if you haven’t had a proper curly cut in a long time.

When curly hair has been growing unevenly for months or even years, the curl pattern adapts to the weight, length, and shape it has been carrying. Once that weight is removed and the hair is reshaped, your curls suddenly behave differently.

Some common signs of curl shock include:

Curls looking tighter or springier than expected
Hair appearing shorter due to increased shrinkage
Curls that don’t fall into place right away
Areas that seem uneven or unfamiliar compared to your old shape

This doesn’t mean the haircut was wrong. It usually means your curls are resetting and relearning their natural pattern .

Why Curl Shock Happens

Curly hair thrives on balance—balance of shape, weight, hydration, and routine. If it’s been six months, a year, or even longer since your last cut , the curls have likely developed multiple growth patterns and inconsistent weight distribution.

When a stylist performs a proper curly cut—often dry cutting to sculpt the shape—the hair is finally aligned with how it naturally curls . Removing damaged ends, bulk, and uneven growth can make the curl pattern spring up more dramatically at first.

Think of it like releasing a coiled spring that has been stretched out for a long time.

Why Regular Haircuts Matter

One of the biggest reasons curl shock happens is because clients wait too long between haircuts .

At Curls Gone Wild, we strongly recommend not waiting more than 9 months between curly cuts . Ideally, most curly clients benefit from trims every 4–6 months .

Regular maintenance helps:

Keep your curl pattern consistent
Prevent excessive shrinkage surprises
Maintain the shape of your haircut
Remove damaged ends before they travel up the hair shaft
Make styling easier and more predictable

When curls are maintained regularly, you avoid the extreme weight changes that cause dramatic adjustments.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Your first curly haircut is often the beginning of a curl journey , not the final destination. Many clients need one or two follow-up appointments to fully refine their shape as their curls begin to behave more naturally.

Communication with your stylist is key. During your appointment, we consider:

Your curl pattern and density
Your daily styling routine
Past haircut experiences
Your goals for shape, length, and volume

Our goal isn’t just to cut your hair—it’s to teach you how to work with your curls long term .

Managing Curl Shock at Home

The good news is curl shock is temporary . Most curls settle into their new shape within 2–4 weeks as you wash, style, and live with the new cut.

Here are some ways to help your curls adjust:

1. Stick to your stylist’s product recommendations.
Professional products designed for textured hair make a big difference in helping curls form consistently.

Many clients at Curls Gone Wild love products from Innersense Organic Beauty and Shibui because they focus on hydration, definition, and lightweight hold.

Innersense offers clean, moisturizing formulas that help curls stay soft and defined without buildup.
Shibui focuses on strengthening and moisture balance, which can help curls maintain elasticity and bounce.

Using the right combination of leave-ins, curl creams, and gels can help guide your curls into their new shape while reducing frizz.

2. Give your curls time to settle.
After a major shape change, your curls may need a few wash cycles to fully adjust. This is completely normal. Your hair is learning how to fall into a balanced structure for the first time in a while.

3. Avoid comparing your hair to your “old curls.”
Your previous curl pattern may have been weighed down or stretched by length and damage. Your new curls may look different—but often healthier, bouncier, and more defined .

The Curl Journey

If you experience curl shock after your first curly cut, remember that it’s usually a sign of transformation . Your curls are shedding old patterns and adjusting to a healthier structure.

With the right products, routine, and regular maintenance, most clients find their curls become more defined, balanced, and manageable than ever before .

At Curls Gone Wild Salon , we believe every curl deserves a shape that works with its natural pattern—not against it. Curl shock may be part of the process, but beautiful, thriving curls are the result. Click here to book a new client curly cut, or curly consultation today!

Check out our specialists, see who would be the right fit for you and your curl journey!

How to Make Sure You Have the Best Skin on Your Wedding Day

Thu, 29 May 2025 02:21:03 GMT

it's called the Bridal Glow

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life, and flawless makeup starts with a healthy, smooth canvas—your skin.

If you're a bride-to-be in Wichita, KS, it’s time to get serious about facial prep.

Grooming your brows, removing vellus hair (peach fuzz), and addressing any facial hair on your upper lip will help your makeup sit better and last longer. Facial waxing, derma-planing, and a consistent skincare routine are key parts of this process. But timing is everything, so let’s dive into when and how to begin your journey to glowing bridal skin.

If you can, try to start your skincare journey 6–12 months before your wedding, especially if you’re not already using professional products. Investing in a personalized, high-quality skincare routine is essential. Products that include gentle exfoliants, hydrating serums, and SPF will lay the foundation for healthy skin. A good at home skincare routine includes:

Makeup Remover

Cleaners

Exfoliant

Toner

Serum

Eye Cream

Moisturizer

Not all skin needs these products, its best to find what your skin need daily in order to feel your best. A great way to find out, is by seeking out a great esthetician.

If you’re dealing with breakouts, hyperpigmentation, or dryness, you’ll want that time to address concerns with the help of an esthetician. Hydration is just as important—drink plenty of water and aim to manage stress with sleep, exercise, or mindfulness - easier said than done, I'm sure. Both stress and dehydration can lead to dull skin or breakouts right before the big day.

Facials and dermaplaning should begin about 3–6 months out from the wedding and be scheduled monthly. These services deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin, while dermaplaning removes vellus hair and dead skin, creating a silky-smooth surface for makeup application.

Alyssum Aesthetics in Wichita comes highly recommended for both facials and dermaplaning. Their team understands bridal timelines and offers customized treatment plans to help brides glow from within.

Another great way to remove unwanted facial hair —including brow shaping and upper lip is facial waxing—schedule your first session 2–3 months in advance to test how your skin reacts. Then, plan your final touch-up 4–5 days before the wedding to allow any redness to subside. When it comes to waxing, Jodi at The Waxing Pos t is a favorite among Wichita brides. Known for her precision and calm demeanor, she offers everything from brow clean-ups to full body waxing.

Other local estheticians worth checking out include Faced Esthetics by Axie and Everyday Beaut here in Wichita—both have stellar reviews for bridal skin prep and understand how to work with all skin types. No matter where you go, make sure your provider is licensed, experienced with bridal clients, and able to provide a customized treatment schedule.

Your makeup artist recommends these services because great makeup starts with great skin. Professional products and techniques can only do so much—if your skin is dry, congested, or textured, your makeup won’t lay as beautifully or last as long. Groomed brows frame the face, and hair-free skin ensures your foundation looks airbrushed, not cakey.

By investing in skin prep early and sticking to a professional schedule, you’ll not only look radiant on your wedding day but feel confident and relaxed knowing your skin is wedding-ready.

Beard Grooming Basics: The Ultimate Guide for Wichita Men

Wed, 07 May 2025 18:41:45 GMT

We know Beards.

Gone are the days when a quick trim in the bathroom mirror was enough. Today, Wichita men are taking their grooming game seriously—and that includes proper beard care.

Whether you’re rocking a full beard, a neat goatee, or stubble, maintaining your facial hair isn’t just about style—it’s about hygiene, skin health, and confidence. At Curls Gone Wild Salon , our expert barber, Martha offers precision beard grooming services designed to help you look sharp, feel great, and keep your beard looking its best.

A professional barber cut and beard trim offers a level of detail and customization that’s hard to replicate at home. Martha at Curls Gone Wild understand face shapes, growth patterns, and how to blend your beard into your hairstyle for a polished look. Whether you need a full beard sculpt, neckline cleanup, or just some shape and definition, our team delivers clean lines, soft fades, and expert advice tailored specifically for you. It’s not just a cut—it’s a personalized grooming experience that leaves you looking refreshed.

Beard grooming isn’t complete without the right products, and you'll find Reuzel Beard Balm is one of our go-to products, especially for thick or unruly beards—it softens, conditions, and tames while adding a masculine, barbershop scent. For men who prefer a sleek, modern look, we love STMNT Beard Oil , which hydrates the skin underneath and gives the beard a healthy, non-greasy shine. These high-performance grooming products help keep your beard soft, itch-free, and well-conditioned between visits.

Our Wichita clients appreciate that we don’t just cut—we educate. When you visit Curls Gone Wild , we’ll walk you through a beard care routine that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re maintaining your look for business meetings, date nights, or everyday wear. We’ll help you choose the right products, show you how to trim safely between appointments, and recommend a maintenance schedule to keep your beard in peak condition.

In a city like Wichita where first impressions matter, investing in professional beard care is more than just a luxury—it’s part of self-care. At Curls Gone Wild Salon, we offer a welcoming, modern barbershop experience with a twist: expert cuts, premium products, and real results. Book you r appointment today and let your beard speak volumes—because when you look good, you feel unstoppable. Book an appointment with Martha today!

Side Parts and Blowouts - Wichita is Embracing the Newest Trend

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:17:42 GMT

What? Like it's Hard?

If you've noticed more side parts and bouncy blowouts walking around Wichita lately, you didn't time travel to 2009 —these iconic hair trends are officially back in style, and they’re better than ever. From local brunch spots to downtown events, clients are asking our Wichita salon stylists for volume, movement, and a classic-meets-modern shape that flatters any face. But unlike the over-styled looks of the early 2000s, today’s side parts and blowouts are softer, more wearable, and built for real life.

So what’s different this time around? Today’s side parts are more effortless and natural—less "dramatic swoop" and more subtle shift in shape to enhance cheekbones or open up the face. It’s about embracing what looks best on you, not just following a trend. At Curls Gone Wild Salon, we’re seeing clients of all textures—straight, wavy, and curly—incorporating a gentle side part into their styling routine for a fresh new look that doesn’t feel dated or overly done.

As for blowouts , they’ve evolved, too. Say goodbye to crunchy curls and sticky hairsprays. Modern blowouts focus on soft volume, smoothness, and touchable movement. We've taken the time to find the best products for maximum hold and maximum volume. Here's some of the products you'll expect to find at your appointment

Color Wow Dream Coat - Seals the cuticle to create a silky-smooth, glass-like finish

Color Wow Xtra Large - Gives root-to-tip volume without stiffness or crunch

Color Wow Texas Hold 'Em - Strong yet flexible hold to lock in lift and style all day.

To ensure that your hair not only looks incredible but stays healthy. A great blowout today is about long-lasting style that works with your natural texture—not against it. Clients across Wichita are loving this trend not just for how it looks, but for how easy it is to maintain.

"A professional blowout Curls Gone Wild Salon can last 3–5 days"

Talk to your stylist about how to maintain this look for the next few days. Dry shampoo like Amika Perk Up, and a silk bonnet (both sold at the salon) will ensure you're investment will be well maintained.

Plus, adding a side part can instantly change your look without committing to a haircut—making it the perfect option if you're craving a change but aren’t ready to go short or bold.

Whether you're booking a blowout for a special event or just want to update your everyday style, side parts and modern blowouts are a versatile way to refresh your look. At our Wichita salon, our stylists are trained in the latest styling techniques to give you volume, shine, and shape that last. Ready to try the trend?

Book a professional blowout or styling session and let us help you rediscover your hair’s full potential.

Why 'Lived-In Blonde' is Wichita’s Most Low-Maintenance Hair Color Trend

Mon, 05 May 2025 20:58:26 GMT

Lived in Ready...

In the heart of Kansas, more and more women are opting for effortless beauty over high-maintenance glam—and nowhere is that more apparent than with the rise of the lived-in blonde trend.

This modern, dimensional blonding technique gives off a sun-kissed, naturally grown-out vibe that looks gorgeous for months. For clients in Wichita looking for something stylish yet manageable, lived-in blonde is the go-to color service.

Unlike traditional blonde services that require frequent root touch-ups and salon visits every 4–6 weeks, lived-in blonding is intentionally blended to grow out seamlessly. The look typically combines balayage, root smudging, foils and customized toning to create depth and movement.

Because of this technique, you can often go 8–12 weeks (or longer) between appointments without looking like your color has “grown out.”

For busy professionals, moms, and anyone wanting less upkeep, this is the perfect solution.

When choosing a stylist for your lived-in blonde transformation, it’s important to seek out a colorist who specializes in dimensional blonding. Look for a stylist with a strong portfolio of blended blondes and who understands modern toning, hair health, and strategic placement. CGW has curated a team of stylists with many different educational backgrounds to help you achieve this look.

In Wichita, stylists who specialize in this service often invest in advanced training and luxury products, which means you can expect to spend $200+ for a session. While this may seem like a higher upfront cost, you're paying for custom color placement, professional-level lighteners and toners, and expert skill that ensures your hair stays healthy and beautiful through the process.

Expect that every step of the service will be spent with care and attention to detail you wont find at any other salon!

After your service, at home maintain is crucial to maintaining your look fro several weeks. Many factors go into the longevity of color, and its up to us to educate and suggest professional products and routine to help with your hair care.

Here are CGW's go to products for our lived in clients-

1 .Color Wow Money Mist to strengthen, hydrate, and shield your hair from heat and environmental damage. Helps hair feel like silk in between washes!

2. To keep your blonde bright and free of brass, incorporate Olaplex 4P , a purple shampoo designed specifically for blondes, or clients that have hair thats been lightened.

3. For styling, Color Wow Style on Steroids adds definition and hold while also acting as a heat protectant—perfect for enhancing your soft waves or lived-in texture without stiffness or damage.

Whether you're looking for a fresh start or a lower-maintenance blonde routine, lived-in blonding offers a luxurious yet effortless way to embrace color. Wichita women are loving the freedom, confidence, and beauty this technique brings—and with the right stylist and at-home care, you can enjoy a luminous blonde that works with your life, not against it. Book a blonding dimensional appointment today !

Curls Gurls: Why You Should Book with a Curly Specialist

Mon, 05 May 2025 20:24:40 GMT

What to expect during your New Client Curly Cut

If you have curly or wavy hair, you already know it’s not “just hair”—it’s a texture with its own rules, moods, and unique beauty.

Unfortunately, not every stylist is trained to understand and work with curls. That’s why more people in Wichita are seeking out curly hair specialists—experts who are trained in curl-specific techniques that preserve and enhance your natural texture, rather than fight against it. At Curls Gone Wild, we believe curls deserve respect, care, and customization, and that starts with a curly-specific cut. We have several curly specialists with almost 7 years of experience with the many types of curls we see in the ICT.

What do expect in your first curly cutting appointment

Curly consultation

expect an in-depth conversation focused entirely on you and your curls. We’ll ask about your current routine, challenges you’ve faced, and what you’re hoping to achieve—whether it’s more volume, better shape, or easier maintenance. We’ll also evaluate your curl pattern(s), density, porosity, and how your hair behaves dry vs. wet. This conversation sets the foundation for a truly customized experience—because no two heads of curls are the same, and your haircut should reflect that.

Dry consultation and curl-by-curl shaping while your hair is in its natural state

We ask that all our curlies come with dry, detangled hair, free of buns or ponies. We want to see your curls free and how you like it best! This will help to see how you're going to wear it most!

Cleanse and Detox using Innersense Organic Beauty Products

Curls are very sensitive to the products and water we expose it too. We work with Innersense to help rebuild, a moisturize each coil. Hair is sponge, everything we expose it to, it will absorb. We need to cleanse and detox to help your hair (and scalp) to be able to expect as much water and live its best life!

Wet styling and product education

Now we can bring what we discussed in our consultation to life! Our stylists have worked with so many different types of curls in Wichita, but have invested many hours in educating themselves for each client who sits in their chair. CGW will demonstrate how to apply and layer products properly. We will discuss, body positioning (yes! it is helpful) moisture content, and how much to use.

Diffusing/Drying and finishing touches

Bring a book, some work or your phone will do. Expect us to show you some diffusing tips, and some time under the dryer with a nice refreshment. Once dried we will show you how to style your "cast" and sent you home with personalized care tips for home maintenance.

We never rush curly appointments—your texture deserves time, patience, and expert attention.

So what makes a “curly cut” different than a standard haircut from a non-specialist? Traditional stylists often cut hair while it’s wet and straightened, assuming it will lie the same when dry. But curls shrink, bounce, and coil in unpredictable ways. A curly specialist, however, cuts the hair dry, curl-by-curl, following its natural shape and pattern. This prevents “triangle head,” uneven layers, and the dreaded post-cut regret many curly clients face. The result? A flattering shape, defined curls, and a style that lasts longer and grows out beautifully.

If you’re in Wichita and tired of hiding your curls, fighting frizz, or feeling misunderstood in the salon chair, it might be time to visit a stylist who truly gets it. Our team is trained in advanced curl techniques and committed to making you fall in love with your natural texture. Book your consultation today, or dive in for full new client curly—because curls aren’t a trend, they’re a lifestyle.

Bridal Makeup: How to Prep for your Trial

Mon, 05 May 2025 19:40:46 GMT

What your Makeup Artist would love from you!

Your bridal makeup trial is more than just a preview—it's a crucial step in your wedding planning journey!

This is the time to explore how your makeup will look, feel, and photograph on your big day. To make the most of your session, come prepared with a few helpful references. Here are three helpful tips to make your wedding makeup as smooth as your day!

Bring a recent photo of yourself where you loved your makeup.

Collect photos of makeup looks you admire, especially ones featuring models with a similar skin tone to yours. These visual aids help your artist understand your preferences and tailor a look that flatters you best.

It’s time to start a dedicated skincare routine...

As well-prepped skin is the best canvas for a flawless finish! Let's be honest, weddings are stressful! Your skin is one one of the first things to take a hit from the the mountains of planning you've taken on! Getting ahead of the chaos can help for not only a great engagement season, but an even better wedding weekend! Get to know your skin and what it needs best. This can help you look your best on your wedding day, but be able to relay any information to your artist on what your skin needs.

The trial isn’t just about the makeup—

It's about building trust and comfort with your artist. This session is your opportunity to communicate, ask questions, and observe how your artist works. Don’t worry if you don’t fall instantly in love with the first version of your look. Trials are meant to be refined; through collaboration, your artist will learn how to enhance your natural beauty in a way that aligns with your vision. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel confident and relaxed, knowing you're in the hands of someone who understands how to make you feel like the most elevated version of yourself!

When choosing your bridal makeup style, think about how you usually like to present yourself. You want to feel glam, but also like you. A makeup look that complements your everyday style will ensure you feel comfortable and recognizable in photos and in person. At the same time, bridal makeup should be a step above your daily routine—it needs to withstand long hours, emotional moments, and the scrutiny of professional photography. Your artist will use techniques and products designed for longevity and flash photography, ensuring you look radiant from your first look to the last dance.