THE SECRETS
COUNCIL EXPERTS REVEAL
The DevaCurl Expert Curl Council is in session! An impressive group of smart women—MDs, psychologists, trichologists and stylists—have teamed up with the company beloved for its curl know-how to help sharpen stylists’ skills and spread curl love to clients everywhere. Meet four of the Council members and explore their insights into the science, health, psychology and care of curly hair!
Dr. Kari
Williams
Trichologist & Hairstylist, Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Williams is passionate about curly hair styling, health and education, and she has devoted her career to achieving natural, healthy hair. As a licensed trichologist, she understands hair health begins with the scalp. She believes it’s critical for stylists to teach their clients that a healthy, clean scalp is optimal for healthy, beautiful hair. “When there is an imbalance in the production of sebum in the scalp, it can cause mild inflammation in the form of flaking,” she explains. “Inflammation in the scalp impacts hair growth and the health of the hair strand. Teach your clients that keeping the scalp clean, choosing tension-free styles, avoiding extreme heat and adopting a healthy lifestyle will go a long way to ensuring the scalp serves as the perfect environment for hair to flourish.”
“The stylist’s job is
to empower curly clients, and that happens when clients learn how to care for their hair, understand the products that will work for them to help them achieve their personal hair goals, find a regimen that promotes hair health and discover the versatility of their curls.”
Dr. Dendy
Dermatologist, New York, NY
One of the best-known dermatologists in New York, Dr. Engelman often sees curly patients struggling with hair loss and she identifies several common causes. “Hair loss can be caused by scalp conditions like folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis,” she notes. “It may also be due to hair styling techniques like tight braids or tight weaves that lead to a condition called traction alopecia, defined as hair loss due to persistent or strong strain on the hair follicle. Another cause may be certain hair processing or straightening practices.”
“An upside to having curly
hair is that often less scalp is exposed to the sun, so there is less of a chance of developing skin cancer on the scalp. However, it’s still best to examine the scalp, and do so when wet, which is why many stylists are the first to detect skin cancers and issues on their clients’ scalps.”
Nina
Ellis-Hervey
Psychologist, Professor & Life Coach Nacogdoches Texas, Houston, Texas
Among Dr. Ellis-Hervey’s many areas of expertise are her studies on the significance of natural hair and self-esteem in multi-cultural men and women. And she has discovered that many have never embraced their curls. “I’ve learned that many curly clients don’t even know what their natural hair texture looks like because they’ve had it underneath wigs or weaves, or it has been chemically straightened or straightened with a flat iron,” she observes. “They believe their curly hair is not acceptable, so it’s the stylist’s job to help alter that perception.”
Engelman
“The stylist’s job is to empower curly clients, and that happens when clients learn how to care for their hair, understand the products that will work for them to help them achieve their personal hair goals, find a regimen that promotes hair health and discover the versatility of their curls.”
“Stylists must consider the hair story and hair journey of each client because curly hair is a big deal. So always conduct an in-depth consultation and listen carefully to your clients in order to understand how they feel and help build their confidence.”
Watch Part 1 of Curl Conversations
Dr. Shani
Francis
Dermatologist, Evanston, IL
Dr. Francis’s patients appreciate her interest in relevant topics like hair loss and holistic dermatology. She believes understanding curly hair structure leads to a better understanding of curly hair solutions for stylists. “Curly hair has an increased risk for breakage due to the numerous bends in the overall structure of each hair fiber,” she explains. “The change of curl direction indicates a point of increased fragility. In addition, the ends of curlier hair tend to be drier, as it is difficult for oil to migrate easily from the scalp throughout the length of each hair strand. Increased hair dryness makes each hair more brittle, leading to increased breakage, so recommending proper moisturizing strategies is essential.”
Learn more about the incredible accomplishments and life-changing work of each Deva Curl Expert.
“One of the fundamentals
of curl care for stylists to understand the fact that curls are best preserved when there is a proper balance between sufficient protein and moisture, and the cuticle is closed.”
—Dr. Kari Williams
“An upside to having curly hair is that often less scalp is exposed to the sun, so there is less of a chance of developing skin cancer on the scalp. However, it’s still best to examine the scalp, and do so when wet, which is why many stylists are the first to detect skin cancers and issues on their clients’ scalps.”
—Dr. Dendy Engelman
Watch Part 2 of Curl Conversations
—Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey
“One of the fundamentals
of curl care for stylists to understand the fact that curls are best preserved when there is a proper balance between sufficient protein and moisture, and the cuticle is closed.”
—Dr. Shani Francis
TO HEALTHY
CURLY HAIR
