A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing a professional hairstylist who has been a valued member of Zenaba for many years. I truly appreciate her trust and willingness to share her story! Discover the inspiring journey of this talented stylist who has been dedicated to her craft since a very young age...
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
My name is Scarlett, I'm 38 years old and I'm a certified hairdresser. My background? Passionate about hairdressing since a young age, I styled hair with my sister from the age of 15 to earn pocket money. At that time, in the 90s, the Afro hair market wasn't as developed as it is now. The only way to get your hair done was to know a hairdresser in your circle, and in salons, chemical straightening was the most common service!
My clientele was built that way and has remained very loyal since my beginnings. Hairdressing remained solely a passion that I practiced alongside my studies. Afterward, I worked in real estate for a few years, I had children... my only free time was on weekends for my hair appointments.
When did you decide to go freelance?
I decided to leave real estate and live from my passion, but before that, I obtained a CAP in hairdressing in 2011, then my BP. Afterward, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher at EDUCATEL for 4 years. Thanks to this experience, I was able to broaden my skills and knowledge of hairdressing in general. Obtaining the BP would have allowed me to open my own salon, but today, that is not my wish.
Given your skills, could you broaden your target audience?
Yes, but by personal choice, I've chosen to stick with an Afro clientele. Afro hairdressing needs to be developed and supported. Training for kinky hair is almost non-existent; many women today cannot go to a regular hair salon to get their hair done. The modules concerning Afro hair in the BP curriculum are straightening and chemical relaxing; curly and kinky hair are not studied like Caucasian hair, and the teachings are not in-depth.
What progress needs to be made in the Afro hairdressing industry?
Many things still need to change. When styling Afro hair in a salon or at home, there must be a sense of pleasure; getting your hair done should no longer be linked to a torture session. There's a whole education to be done around our hair, to treat it gently. And Afro hair must be taught!
What advice can you give to Afro hairdressers who want to start their own business?
Get your diploma! CAP and BP training can be demanding, but they are necessary to acquire certain skills and be able to perform certain services, such as coloring or chemical relaxing.
The prices charged should vary according to experience and skills, but don't undersell yourself. Hairdressing takes more or less time depending on the style; hairdressers are not slaves, they need to earn a living.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Afro home hairdressing?
The disadvantages...
I would say the prices have dropped due to undercutting, and clients get used to not paying the fair price.
Appointments canceled just before the scheduled time, or clients who don't show up at all, it's a waste of time and money. Those clients are blacklisted! Despite these mishaps, I don't ask for a deposit; I trust my clients.
The advantages...
The hours, I organize them as I wish.
Unlike a salon, the client is taken immediately; she is welcomed like a queen.
The atmosphere at home is even more friendly; I am more attentive to my clientele.
For clients, home services save time, and they don't have to endure waiting like in a hair salon.
Do you have male clients?
Yes, I do. They mainly ask for faux locs, locs, or cornrows.
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What are the emerging hair trends among your clientele?
Faux locs, they've been popular for a few years now, and they're still a hit! I do less and less chemical relaxing; I style natural hair more.
What's your favorite hairstyle to do?
Weaves, they're quick to do :)
Thank you, Scarlett Hair, for this interview!
For those living in the Paris region, I invite you to check out her listing on the following link: Annonce coiffure afro Sweety Aurette
See you soon!
