Pretty & Textured

Tag: natural hair

Top Tips for Finding a Hairstylist in a New Town
Moving to a new town can be overwhelming. You do not know anyone yet. You’re trying to figure out where you can go to get the best results for your hair texture. You don’t even know where to start and you really don’t want your hair to suffer.

—Where to look—

You need not to worry because there are ways to find a hairstylist in your area. You just need to do your due diligence. Below is a list of tips to help you find the perfect hair stylist for you. These tips work no matter your location or budget.
1. Referrals
Ask for referrals. Maybe you are a college student or you just transferred to a new state or city because of your job. Ask your fellow classmates or co-workers if they know of someone who can help you achieve your hair goals. Most do or they can find out and point you in the right direction.

Photo by PNW Production on Pexels.com

2. Social Media

Check Social Media. Now a days everything is on social media. You can easily log in to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to find a hair stylist near you. Be cautious when looking on social media. You might find a person who really doesn’t know what they are doing. Or, you might find someone who is scamming people out of their deposit money. Make sure you look through their photos and ask questions. You want to make sure that they meet or exceed your expectations.

3. Online Research

Look up stylist in your area on the internet. Visiting sites like Google and booking sites like StyleSeat are good places to start. When you are searching on either site it will bring up a list of hair stylist near you. Now with this it is possible that the stylist no longer does hair or they have moved to another state. Make sure that you are calling before booking an appointment.

4. Reviews and Testimonials

Make sure you are looking at any and all reviews and testimonials. If you go on their booking website you want and need to check the reviews and testimonials that are left. You can learn a lot about a stylist when you can read another person’s experience and viewpoint. Be mindful of everything that is said about the stylist. But, please form your own opinion at the end of the day.

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

5. Check their Portfolio

Visit their websites or online portfolio. You want to visit any websites that they have that is relevant. Also visit any social media pages that they have as well. You want to pay attention to their photos of the styles they have done. Ask yourself if it meets your standards? Does the work look consistent? Are they improving with each style?

6. Schedule a Consultation

Call or book on their website. Every hair stylist should be giving you a consultation no matter what and at every appointment. A consultation is how stylist get to know you and your hair. Most times a consultation is free, but some charge. Yet, this is an important step when finding a new stylist.

7. Questions

Ask questions. I know I have mentioned this already, but you need to make sure that you are asking questions. Don’t be afraid to do so. You are entitled to ask any questions that will help you chose them as your stylist.

Some examples would be:
- How long have you been a natural hair stylist?
- Do you have any relevant licenses or certificates? *All licenses or certificates should be posted in the salon next to their station with a current picture of them. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR EVERY STATE!!!
You also want to ask any questions relevant to the service.

Some examples would be:
- Will I need to buy the hair?
- Will I need to come washed and blow-dried? *If they say yes to this question do not get discouraged or upset. They might ask you to do this because their state legally prohibits them from providing this service. It will result in a fine for the stylist and they could lose their license.
8. Communication

Are they communicating with you effectively. Pay attention to their communication skills. Are they giving you feedback during your consultation? Are they giving you step-by-step instructions on how they plan to execute the style? Are they telling you which products they are using and why? They should repeat back exactly what you want. This is how we can keep the confusion down.

9. Salon Environment

Evaluate the salon environment. Look around the salon and ensure that it is clean. Don’t be afraid to go and visit the bathroom while on the salon premises. Also you want to make sure that your stylist looks neat and professional.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels.com

10. Pricing

Always check pricing. If you are visiting a stylist booking site and it say pricing varies, call and get a quote. You want to make sure that where ever you go they are in your budget range. Make sure you check for any add on fees that are acquired for late arrivals, no shows, deposits. The last thing you want is to schedule an appointment without enough money for the style. You also don’t want to be surprised about the total cost.

Conclusion

Finding someone who you can trust to do your hair can be stressful. By using the tips I have listed, should take some of the stress away. Remember you should be conducting interviews with your hair stylist. They are trying to get a job (work on your hair). It should be an honor to do your hair and you should not play about who does it. Be thorough in your search and good luck!

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April 9, 2026
My Natural Hair Journey: Founder’s Story

Growing up I always heard stories of how I was the cutest little bald- headed baby my mom had ever seen. That was until my oldest daughter was born. Then she was the cutest.

Back to the story. She would always talk about how people would think I was a little boy cause I didn’t have bows and barrettes in. The reason for that is because they had no hair to hold onto. And I still don’t understand that because she always had me in dresses, pink, and ruffles. There are lots of ruffles in my pictures.

Hearing how I never really had hair gave me somewhat of a hair trauma. I wouldn’t get my hair cut because I felt my hair never grew. I didn’t really understand that what I was doing to my hair was the reason it seemed like it didn’t grow.

As time went on I learned what products were best to use, how to properly execute hairstyles, and I feel in love with braids. I started practicing doing hair on myself, my sisters, mom, and grandma. I know what you are thinking, but Porscha this is suppose to be a story about your hair journey? And you’re right it is, so let’s get into this story.

My First Natural Journey

My true hair journey started when the black community went on an all natural strike. Every girl and woman around me was cutting their hair off and regrowing it out so that they could see their true hair texture. They dub this the “Big Chop” era. Then women slowly started just transitioning because to most women that was better than chopping off all your hair at one time.

The first time I decided to go natural, I transitioned. Or at least attempted too. I didn’t like it and ultimately put a relaxer on my hair. Which you guessed it made my situation worse because now instead of dealing with 2 (two) different textures, I had to deal with one unruly and stringy texture.

I knew I needed to change something and I needed to do it fast. I wanted to grow my hair long and I wanted it to grow faster. So then I started trying every fast growing hair product I could find. Some worked for a while then my hair started falling out. For the next few years I just wore braids and sew ins, but you guessed it I put a relaxer on around 3 (three) days later.

However I still refused to let my hair be trimmed or cut. I felt I was seeing results in my hair growth. I was but everything else was starting to slowly break off.

My Second Natural Journey

The next time I decided I would take my natural hair journey serious was when I started going to cosmetology school. At first I wasn’t planning on going natural. I just wanted to get my hair back to a healthy state. I felt like being in school was giving me a new found hair confidence.

Little did I realize I would eventually destroy my hair.

What happened?

One day I decided that I wanted to bleach my hair. It was in its natural state and I hadn’t put any color on it in months. But I wanted to go to a lighter brown color and I needed to bleach my hair to achieve it.

Since I was in school I felt like I was in safe hands (I was what ended up happening was my fault). The girl who ended up bleaching my hair did a great job and I was very happy with the results. Especially once we added the color to my hair the next day.

Fast forward I believe a week or two, I wanted finger waves and the finger waves wasn’t waving the way they needed to. So what did I do you ask. I put on a relaxer, not thinking nothing about the fact that I had just bleached my hair. I went to school the next day and ultimately we had to cut my hair off.

I can laugh about it today but that day I was so disappointed in myself because I KNEW BETTER! Never-the-less it was a learning experience and now I got to start over with the knowledge of a hairstylist.

How it’s going

Right now I am proud of where my journey has taken me. I have learned so much about my own curl pattern and porosity level. There are days where I myself want to put on a relaxer, but then I think about how much I love my curls and ultimately decide against it.

My curls have given me a new found confidence that I didn’t realize I needed. I love being able to say that once I learned how to care for my hair, that I am now able to teach others.

Once I learned that an established routine is needed regardless of the texture of your hair, I was unstoppable. My curls have flourished and although the shrinkage is real, so is my growth.

I hope this gives you the courage to keep going in your hair journey. Whether you are a naturalista or a relaxer girly, taking care of your hair is a must. My story is like so many others but all of our journeys and outcomes will be different.

March 5, 2026
Why Cosmetology School Fails Natural Hair
Everyone knows that in order to really make it as a hairstylist, you have to have your cosmetology license. Yes, I know that as natural stylist, in most states you don’t have to have a license or certificate to practice your craft. But take a moment and really think about where you want your hairstyling career to be in the next 5 years. I am hoping that if you are not fully licensed that you are by then.

Cosmetology school is a great experience and you actually learn a ton of things that you don’t even think is relevant. It’s a great way to meet other people with a similar mindset as you and to experience realms of the beauty world you didn’t think to explore. Cosmetology school is a great starting point, but it’s there to help you pass your state test and that’s it!

Cosmetology School vs. Natural Hair

Cosmetology school teaches you the basics of doing hair. You learn how to cut in your angles and how to frame the face. You learn how to mix color correctly (it depends on the brand). You even learn braiding and extensions. Well you are suppose too and to an extent you do. But what happens if you get a teacher who knows nothing about textured hair types?

Well if you are trying to step in the textured hair realm, it can be frustrating. When I was in school my teacher was not well versed in textured hair types. So, when we got to the section about braids and weaves, I demonstrated to the first year students how to actually achieve some of the looks. As a student I loved having the opportunity to showcase the skills I learned over the years. However as a graduate I realize that we need more representation for the textured hair community in the cosmetology schools.

Textured hair is not something that we really talked about in school. It seemed more like we did a drive -by through the textured hair section. Even though I already knew how to do everything we were learning that week, most of the girls were struggling. Mainly, because they just simply didn’t understand.

The main problem that we see in cosmetology schools is that you don’t get taught what products to use and when to use them. They also don’t have the clientele needed to actually practice on textured hair types and then you are dealing with the lack of knowledge amongst some of the educators. And those are just some of the problems.

Ways to Fill the Gap

The gap can be filled and it is being filled slowly. I have seen more classes and workshops for the natural hair community, but when it comes to school, there isn’t really enough representation. Below is a few ways that we as natural stylist can help fill this gap.
1. Volunteer at your cosmetology school. If you are wanting to start offering classes or workshops, start at your old school. This will help you develop and create a structure. Now in most states you need a Master Stylist license in order to actually teach, but you can put on demonstrations. Basically you just show the class how to achieve certain looks or even talk about proper product use. The choice is yours just make sure you are abiding by all your state board’s requirements.
2. Get Master Stylist License. Now if your goal is to actually teach at a cosmetology school, you need to get your Master Stylist License (this may not be the name for your state. Check your local state board website to see what your requirements to become a licensed teacher are.)
If you are a current cosmetology student, good luck and don’t give up. There are classes and workshops out there to help you sharpen your natural hair skills.

If you are a stylist, start offering demonstration services for free or go to the schools and just talk with the students. I say start with the school you attended, they will more than likely let you help out.

Just another day at Cosmetology School. Taken from Great Plains Technology Center Facebook.

Marketing photo for the second year students. We was trying to get more clients
January 13, 2026