where the magic happens.
i style hair as a side thing. styling hair has always been something i was doing, and since i was a child. mom would literally always catch me cutting the hair from the heads of my baby dolls. when mom’s female friends would visit, i would eventually start touching and then combing their hair. my step-sister would visit every summer from Louisville, and endured a lot of trial and error in my early practice days.
in fact, i’m always in a sudden state of enchantment when i see a head of hair that is nicely styled; every follicle in place, resembling a crown of sorts. and while styling hair is truly something that i’ve grown to enjoy more and more, there’s a more hidden aspect of the experience that fuels this passion of mine.
there’s a certain dynamic that is initiated once i’m booked. i take pride in creating an unforgettable experience from start to finish. “Hello! Thanks for booking with me!” is typically how i initiate the email exchanges. from then on, my new client who a moment ago was a stranger is suddenly a woman — just like me — who is entrusting me with making her look/feel beautiful. while my recommendations and reviews pretty much seal the deal that you’re in good hands, one can immediately gauge that…well, i’m super friendly. i’ve always loved meeting and connecting with new people, and from literally all walks of life.
Blessed are the hairstylists, for they bring out the beauty in others.
- Anonymous
but, my clients.
most of my clients are students or working/middle class. they’ve been as young as 4 (*rubs temples*), and as mature as 50+. and quite honestly, it’s through doing hair that I came to embrace how much i love (black) women; and, how much i enjoy being a (black) woman. there’s a certain gentle ferociousness we each possess. the dichotomy of the two intertwine so beautifully — to the point where I’m often driven to emotion while making my clients beautiful. i take pride in everything i do. so a pleased client translates into me fulfilling my destiny. i’m walking in my purpose, for sure.
but, the magic.
i once had a client that was maybe about 23 years old. as a conversation starter, i typically ask new clients “how did you find me?” most of my clients come to me via word of mouth or, to my surprise, via Instagram. this client said she found me searching for the #protectivestylesDC hashtag. she told me about her former stylist in Philly, and we browsed the stylist’s Instagram portfolio. my client made it a point to mention how hard it had been to find a “good” stylist that was also close in proximity to her residence. i affirm to her that i’m familiar with the struggle (by way of other clients), and just like *that* we are swapping stories. and there she was, sharing with me very intimate feelings and experiences. opening up to me in a way that was so familiar, yet so new. she suddenly remembered that i was a “stranger,” and asked if she was sharing too much. i hurriedly assured her that it was quite alright, and that “i’m used to this.” more times than not my clients will open up to me about things that under normal circumstances they wouldn’t with their closest friends and relatives. i don’t probe or pry. i simply do what i was certainly positioned to do.
but, my intentions.
i style hair in the living room of my apartment. it’s rare that i have my tv on while styling, and instead opt to play nicely-curated playlists (ask about me). i’m that intentional about setting the tone for the magic to happen—intentional about setting the tone for this exchange of energy.
my grandmother was a professional hairstylist my entire life and for many years before i was born. i recall that in the basement of her home, she had a mini salon with hooded dryers, a wash bowl, and supply stands. i clearly inherited this gift from her, and i don’t take it lightly. with everything that comes with being a woman, especially a black woman, sitting in my chair empowers my clients to catch their breath. to tend to themselves. to love on themselves.
whether my clients choose to just be still/quiet the entire time, bare their entire soul, or pick my brain—i’m pleased to be a part of the process. it’s certainly my honor to serve you.
- mytenofcups x
