It’s been a straight-haired world for so long. Within the past ten years, our curls have been the center of attention. As more stylists participate in continuing education seminars and certification courses to gain more experience with textured hair, how can you find the right natural hair stylist for you? Domonique Mo, from Curly Q&A, wants to know more about what curly customers expect at the salon.
Question
What questions [should I] ask during a consultation? My last perm was two years ago. I’ve done everything dealing [with] my hair, between my big chop to trims all [on] my own. I want a haircut… to give it a shape and maybe some color (without damaging my fine hair”>, but I don’t know where to even start.
Answer
While many stylists may want to jump on the curly girl bandwagon to expand their clientele, experience is essential. Textured hair is too fragile to leave to the novice. Too often we’ve allowed our stylists to do what they pleased, expecting them to not only be professional but educate us as well. I cringe at how misinformed I was about the chemicals and treatments used on my curls, and I refuse to ever be that naïve again.
6 Questions to Ask During a Consultation
1. What type of training have you received?
Make sure he or she is a licensed professional with experience in styling, coloring, and cutting your texture.
2. Do you have a preferred cutting technique?
There are quite a few out there like the Deva Cut, RI CI technique, or Ouidad Carve and Slice. Knowing what technique the stylist uses will allow you to determine what type of styles they may be able to achieve and their approach.
3. Do you have pictures of hairstyles or cuts you have performed?
Bring photos of someone with your texture and the style you want to achieve. Texture is important because everyone’s hair doesn’t behave the same way and the maintenance may be different.
4. What products do you use?
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It’s a good idea to know what products the stylist uses. This way, you can express whether or not you have a preference. Curly haired clients rarely asked in the past. Now that we’re savvier natural hair care product consumers, we know what we do and don’t like.
5. Is the style I want a true possibility with the current state of my hair’s color, texture, and overall health?
Let’s not fool ourselves. Sometimes we want something that is not good for our curls. It’s okay to want the world. However, you need a stylist who will be honest and guide you to the best options that complement your face, skin tone, and lifestyle. Be open to the the stylist’s suggestions, as well.
Remember to consider the current state of your hair. If your curls are damaged, then permanent color may not be the best option; getting a haircut may be the only way to save your curls. This is why consultations and open, honest communication with a potential stylist is so important.
6. Do you prices vary based on length and texture?
Never skip this question. Stylists should not charge more for longer hair or tighter textures.
Be Upfront and Clear About What You Want
There’s nothing wrong with being assertive. If you absolutely want your hair cut on dry hair and your stylist is uncomfortable or inexperienced doing that, then you need to find another stylist. I am not saying you or I know more than the professionals, but you should never feel like you don’t have a say in your service. Be upfront with what you want. Feel free to ask as many questions as needed in order to to determine if this styling session and salon is a good fit for you.
If You Get a Bad Vibe, Leave!
Go with your gut, or first mind. If you feel uncomfortable or that the stylist is not for you, keep it moving.
If there’s one thing that 2024 gave, and to be clear, it gave many things, it was head-turning hair moments and drops that expanded the haircare industry. There were new innovations in hair tools and technology, big celebrity drops (cough Cécred and Fenty Hair), more products moving towards sustainability, and prioritizing hair health. When it came to haircuts, colors, and styles, the goal was main character energy.
There was a bigger move towards creating hair looks that weren’t only trendy but timeless. Celebrities and influencers continued to use major award shows, red-carpet moments, concerts, and album releases to debut fresh and innovative approaches to their styles that had everyone running to the salon.
Let’s look back at how 2024 became a standout year for outstanding looks that we all loved.
Platinum Blonde
Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images
Platinum blonde was everyone in 2024. Whether it was Beyoncé ushering in a new era of Country with Cowboy Carter, Camila Cabello transforming from her signature dark tresses, or the pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, platinum blonde was a mainstay hair color this year.
Old Hollywood Bob
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Low maintenance looks like the Old Hollywood Bob was on the menu all year, and here’s why: it blends nostalgia and chicness. Ice Spice turned heads at the BET Awards when she went from her signature copper curls to channeling this stunning style. Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, and Elsa Hosk are just some women who opted for this sleek, shiny, and voluminous trend.
Nostalgic Updos
Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images
Updos have always been a pivotal hairstyle for any evening look, but we transition from sleek styles to more effortless styles that embrace volume. Most notable celebrities like Lori Harvey, Meg Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian channeled 90s icons like Pamela Anderson to create a “messy upo” that showcased texture and body.
Braided Topknots
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Braids never go out of style, but how we innovate them does. The topknot has always been a signature style that is easy and effortless, but braided topknots helped elevate the updo. Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Issa Rae were just a few of the beauty mavens who sported this look in 2024.
Nothing Like Natural
Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage
Calling all naturals. Ditching the wigs, weaves, and extensions and putting your natural coils, curls, and waves front and center were all apart of the healthy hair conversation in 2024. Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles made headlines by giving fans a peek behind the scenes and letting us see their real textures.
Nara Smith Bob
Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for the Business of Fashion
Nara Smith became a social media darling in 2024, but it wasn’t just for her signature voiceovers. The bob made a big comeback, and her one-length style is chic, effortless, and reflects the luxury glam that we all wish to channel.
Single Braid Ponytail
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
If you’re a ponytail girlie, then you know dressing it up can help add dimension and personality to the classic style. The key to a single braid ponytail is ensuring your hair is slick in the front and then using extensions or weaves to really add length that you can wear to the front or back. Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez made this no-fuss hairstyle a fan favorite.
Bombshell Blowouts
Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter was the espresso on everyone’s lips in 2024, and it wasn’t just because of her catchy tunes. Her voluminous, blonde bombshell hairstyle quickly became the talk of the town, and many influencers and stylists shared their tips on how to style and maintain this Marilyn Monroe-esque look.
The Wet Look
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY
Who would have thought that making your hair appear wet (on purpose) would be so popular? The wet look. What’s great about this style is that it can be achieved with any hair texture, as seen by beauty queens like Coco Jones, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox. The secret to this style lies in a perfect combination of products like gel, glossing spray, and serum.
Pastel Hues
Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Revolve
There aren’t many times when we get new hair colors that make us do a double-take, but this was definitely a head-turner. Megan Fox set the internet ablaze by debuting a series of pastel hues in blue and pink that ignited new hairstyles for the festival season.
Voluminous High Ponytails
Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images
The higher the hair, the closer to…perfection. Sky-high ponytails are elegant, timeless, and give snatched a whole new definition. Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox showed how versatile this hairstyle is, whether you’re storming the streets of NYC or slaying the red carpet.
Flipped Bob
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
Sophistication was an integral part of how people approached their hair in 2024. The flipped bob was a short style that took over the summer due to its softer finish and upward flick reminiscent of 60s GOGO girls.
Powerful Pixies
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Pixie cuts have taken over the fall season. This style reflects sheer confidence and is perfect for putting your face front and center. Whether you’re aiming for old-time glamour like Audrey Hepburn or sexy sirens like Halle Berry, pixies are great for those wanting to go short.
Baby Bangs
Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Baby bangs or micro bangs are often known for being super blunt, short, and can be worn across all textures. Zendaya turned heads with this style during Fashion Week, and we’ve seen even more celebrities like Oliva Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Zoë Kravitz following suit.
Cloudy Curls
Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Cloud curls have taken over the fall season since they are cut and are designed to complement your hair’s natural texture and movement. The “cloud” effect comes from embracing the halo effect or frizz that gives a youthful look. Yara Shahidi is the queen of cloud curls and is a great example of a celebrity who continually serves in this fanciful style.
Textured Updo
Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Your natural texture is beautiful, and that’s why we saw more celebrities aiming to ditch the heat tools and creating updos with their curls, coils, and waves intact. A little mousse and hairspray went a long way for celebrities like Tyla, Jordyn Woods, and Anna Taylor Joy, who used their natural tresses to create jaw-dropping styles.
Which hairstyle took your breath away in 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
