Welcome to the industry where we treat a cosmetology license like it’s vintage wine that just gets better by sitting on a shelf. I recently sat in on a round table discussion about the state of the natural hair industry, and I nearly pulled a muscle, adjusting my chair and rolling my eyes. The conversation was obsessed with credentials and the number of years someone has been holding a pair of shears. We need to stop equating longevity with competence. Staying in a building f

Grab a glass of something strong and let’s have a quick chat. We need to talk about the thing nobody says out loud because they’re afraid the cross on the dining room wall, will fall off or turn upside down. Twenty-five years as a stylist, and the stories are always the same. Everyone is exhausted. We’re out here acting like motherhood is this shiny trophy we’re supposed to sprint toward before the clock strikes twelve, but let’s be real-it’s a SCAM. Once the foils are on and

I didn’t just stumble into the beauty industry. I navigated it like a maze where the walls keep moving. Along the way, I realized that for young adults or anyone pivoting into a new field, mentorship isn't just nice to have. Mentorship is the GPS that keeps you from driving off a professional cliff. The real head-scratcher is…how do you actually find one? Ideally, a mentor spots your potential and swoops in like a corporate fairy godparent. In some cases you have to be the on

We’ve all seen it: that stunning, sun-kissed honey blonde or the icy platinum look that makes a set of locs look like they were spun by angels. It’s tempting. It’s a vibe. It’s damaging! If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the bleach bucket, let’s talk about why your locs might decide to part ways with your scalp (literally). THE CUTICLE Hair has a protective outer layer called the cuticle. Think of it like shingles on a roof. To change your hair color, bleach has

Walking across the stage at hair school is an exhilarating moment. You’ve mastered the color wheel, you’ve survived the mannequin heads, and you’ve finally earned your license. However, for many new stylists, the first year in a salon feels like a cold shower. While beauty schools are excellent at teaching technical safety and foundational skills, there is a growing consensus that two major components are missing from the curriculum- Mentorship and Business 101. MENTORSHIP In

As a September Virgo, my brain is hardwired for systems. I find comfort in categorization, efficiency, and most importantly logic. When I look at the current state of the loc industry, my inner perfectionist doesn't just cringe- it wants to open a spreadsheet and fix the mess. Right now, the industry standard is less of a standard and more of a free-for-all. Everyone is making up their own shit, rebranding basic mechanics to sound revolutionary, and in the process, they are g