
Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in the culture surrounding curly hair. When I started cosmetology school in 2013, curly hair education was, quite frankly, almost nonexistent. Our textbooks discussed hair in terms of porosity, strand diameter, and density, but curl patterns? Barely a mention. We had one mannequin with tight curls—used primarily to teach relaxing and straightening techniques—and another we permed to demonstrate creating curls chemically. For someone like me, with naturally curly hair, this lack of focus was disheartening.
I entered the industry hungry for knowledge, but by the time I graduated, I knew little more than what I’d taught myself through “YouTube University.” Two years into my career, I decided to explore products designed for natural curls. That’s when I discovered DevaCurl, which, at the time, offered free online education for stylists. I immersed myself in their teachings, but the education felt rigid. There was a right and wrong way to do everything: frizz was the enemy, air-drying was unacceptable, and microfiber towels were non-negotiable. Straightening curls or deviating from prescribed regimens was considered sacrilege.
This rigid approach, while well-intentioned, led to unintentional shaming within the curl community. Stylists and clients alike felt pressure to adhere to cookie-cutter methods that didn’t account for individual needs. We were all learning, but the culture at the time didn’t leave much room for flexibility or personalization.
Then, the world shut down in 2020. COVID-19 forced us all to slow down and rethink our priorities. For many, that included reevaluating their approach to hair care. A “wash day” no longer felt feasible for the demands of everyday life. The curl community began to pivot toward more practical, adaptable routines, and stylists followed suit.
For me, this shift was a game-changer. It became clear that I needed to meet my clients where they were, rather than trying to fit them into a one-size-fits-all regimen. This realization led me to become an independent stylist, giving me the freedom to create service experiences tailored to each client’s unique goals and lifestyle.
Across the industry, stylists like me began offering individualized regimens that embraced experimentation—whether that meant trying new brands, techniques, or even something as simple as using a different towel. We encouraged clients to embrace their curls on their own terms, without fear of judgment or failure.
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my years behind the chair? Nothing is inherently wrong; it all depends on your goals. My role as a stylist is to support those goals, educate you, and empower you to love your hair as it naturally grows.
You SHOULD be able to style your hair in 30 minutes or less. You SHOULD have access to products that fit your budget and work for you. And you absolutely DESERVE to understand your curls and how to style them in a way that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Every client, every head of hair, and every goal is unique. There is no universal “right way”—only the way that works for you. My mission is to help you discover that path and achieve the results you’re looking for, while celebrating the individuality of your curls. After all, wanting to love your hair as it naturally grows isn’t an unrealistic request—it’s a right, and I’m here to help you achieve it.
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