Does a Deva Stylist have to be Naturally Curly to understand curly hair types?
This is a tricky subject. A stylist with curly hair can definately relate to a client with similar hair texture with more confidence.
Some days I wear my hair smoothed out and some days I style it wavy. I have had clients ask me why I present my hair straight when I’m a DevaCutter? I answer, “because six months out of the year in the DMV, I have no choice but to struggle with my natural texture in 100% humidity.’
How I style my hair on any given day effects my mood and spirit to be in a higher elevation. I love to guide others in their quest for the best representation of themselves.
It is tempting to believe that a stylist who does not have textured hair themselves would not able to master the curly hair styling game, but that would be a mistake. The capabilities of those in this profession are more defined by training, experience and fearless dedication rather than personal experience alone. In fact sometimes curly haired stylists are less skilled in perfecting curly styles when they have spent their own lives fighting against their curls rather than embracing them head on.
In the beginning of my curl journey, I was faced with insecurities, prejudice against my own abilities and unsure interactions with my extremely curly clients. Like, clients with 4c curls terrified me. It was new territory. But you know what? In beauty school, I was terrified the first time I cut a real human head. My mom gave me a chance to attempt a trim. Then, I felt better about the opportunity to try new things.
My client Jane allowed me to experience her 4B hair that was adjusting to a natural state after many years of a chemical relaxer. Guess what? Now I cut her and her three boy’s hair with confidence!
The politics of curly hair care is fouled by it being a multibillion-dollar industry. It has been dominated with controversy, cancel culture, lawsuits, corporations, acquisitions and manipulative marketing. I am both a curly consumer and a hairstylist. I’ve spent many years looking for the best products and techniques to take the best care my guest’s hair care needs.
Based on my own experience, I am writing this blog to educate and spread the love given to me by the people and companies that inspired my career, and for all the clients who encourage me to never stop seeking new and better ways to embrace their natural hair in whatever form it comes.
