My Blog: Curl Science

What I’ve learned on my curl journey

Starting your curly journey?  Overwhelmed by information, products and opinions?  Me Too! Twenty-Seven years on the floor. Twelve Years since my first DevaCurl class.  I still feel like I’m learning the ins and outs of the curly community.

When I first heard of DevaCurl in 2006, I was working at Jouvence, Aveda in Northern Virginia. Aveda mainstream was centered around holistic hair care, a bunch of color knowledge and texture management. I really thought I was hot stuff as a Stylist. I had a few accomplishments on my resume, regularly entered international competitions and prided myself on a loyal clientele.

I had a lot of naturally curly clients in my chair.  Aveda had given me some insight into textured, curly hair types and guidance with products and cutting techniques. At the time, Aveda had a single product called “Be Curly” and a separate line called “Brilliant,” which focused on dry, tight curls. During this period, a few of my clients came to me after visiting the DevaChan Salon in NYC, and excitedly shared their experiences. Because I was loyal to the Aveda line at that time, I was not open minded to outside education—so, I missed a major opportunity.

Fast-forward seventeen years into my career. I was burnt out with a corporate environment and left the franchise I was working for to join a small business called Blown Salon, in Alexandria, Va. The owner was Mason, an eclectic artist. He carried the growing line DevaCurl.

After watching their DevaStylist, Sarah, execute DevaCuts, I was blown away. Her clients were crying tears of joy! They had never had a dry cut with no tension before. Also, the styling products and methods of application were pivotal in the experience.

I signed up for a DevaCurl class right away at the Gramm Webb academy in Arlington, VA. We went over the cutting technique and products in 8 hours. I got my certificate and was immediately put on the floor to do DevaCuts. And wow! I was in over my head. I understood the idea but had no experience producing good results.

It wasn’t until a woman sat in my chair and said, “No girl, you aren’t getting it right!” that I acquiesced. She showed me with my own shears how to cut each individual curl; I was humbled.

For so many years before this moment I was conceited and believed I was a master stylist. I was schooled by a client who had been to DevaChan in NYC. In this moment, my curiosity blossomed as I realized the potential to grow as a stylist.

In 2001, DevaCurl blew up as a company based on the popularity of The Curly Girl Handbook by Lorraine Massey, which championed the styling regimen, known as the “Curly Girl Method.” DevaCurl pairs their signature DevaCut with the Curly Girl Method and their complimentary line of products that are sulfate, silicone and paraben-free. The DevaCut was half the magic. The product application and its ingredients were the basis for the curly revolution.

Curly cutting is understanding the trajectory of a curl. Where it is cut is where it will live and how it will grow. Traditional haircuts follow the shape of the head either inverted, rounded or square. This leaves unsightly gaps in curly hair. Literally, too much hair is removed and the hair looks empty in some places. To minimize the dreaded “pyramid look” described in Massey’s book, an alternate method of cutting was formulated and marketed by DevaCurl.

A DevaCut is an inspiration, a shape, a system of cutting hair that is simple in concept yet diametrically opposed to traditional hair cutting techniques. It follows the opposite angels of classic cutting.

Deva classes began an evolution for my salon chair. More and more, I was exposed to different hair types. Ten-thousand repetitions allowed me some ‘ah-ha’ moments until I started to feel that I could say with confidence that I’m a curly/textured hair artist and specialist.

I’m grateful for the lessons curly hair has brought to me. It has taught me that everyone struggles with something cosmetic. Whether it is a straight-haired person who wishes they were curly or a curly individual wishing they had straight hair, I get really excited because there will always be someone willing to sit in my chair and allow me to help them to fulfil their vision. As a stylist my advanced education has no limits, only facets of untapped potential for learning.