As a guy, no one teaches us how to care for our hair! So influencers, have literally been a safe haven for me! So I thank both sides, and I really hope the bashing can stop!
Thank you for this interview. I use a stylist to wash and trim my hair. I also watch influencers to see how to style my hair. LaToya you look absolutely beautiful!! Your hair, makeup and glasses so on point.
I've walked away from a couple of "professional" stylists for good, not because they weren't excellent, but because they were rude and insulting. I'm not leaving my house and spending my hard-earned cash for that. It seems a few similar stylists followed us out of their salons and onto the internet to dispense that same rudeness? I don't need it out here either...👀
@@LaToyaEbonyHair yes, he's wonderful. As is Deeper than Hair, and several others. It's a little opportunity to be cared for and nurtured... sadly some of us didn't get that at home, so it's very important to find that now.
Without the influencers, there would be no natural hair community. You all started a movement! It has taught many of us how to love our hair and how to take care of it when there were no other type of resources. It has opened up a world for us that never existed i.e more stylist that specializes in natural hair and various product lines catered to us. There is much appreciation to you all. There is space for everyone in the natural hair community and no one should enter the community with message of bashing and down talking that has been done by some in the natural hair community. You can’t bridge a gap by bashing others and that includes the bashing of influencers.
I don't think there is anything wrong with influencers as long as they aren't spreading misinformation intentionally like "grow a inch of hair overnight" 😒 "buy my growth oil for double the growth" that's the crap that irritates me not documenting your journey. Consumers also need to take it with a grain of salt and do their own research. Know why you do what you do. Don't just do it cause an influencer said so.
I agree 100%. The same also applies to stylists. They can spread misinformation as well - from "salon" products you must buy, hair maintenance schedules, "necessary" treatments etc. Anyone can lie or tell the truth whether your watching them on Social Media or engaging with them at the salon.
Yes we as we all need to take personal responsibility, guaranteed if there was a product to grow your hair practically overnight we wouldn't be able to afford it 😏 Plus wasn't influencers who caused disappearance of hair edges/lines!
Abi spoke truth. A lot of us experienced stylist shifting us away from our natural hair by making it feel like an inconvenience or talk negatively about it. RU-vid is comfortable and relaxed. There's trial and error but no one belittling you. Finding the right stylist is challenging. They are valuable but we do need to see an increase in natural stylist since cosmetology school is not inclusive.
Latoya, I deeply appreciate your approach to this situation. Influencers and cosmetologists, both...need to try to work together and create a balance for hair care/styling education. It was great to watch these 2 lovely young ladies speak their points, in very civilized manners w/out rejecting each other. It was truly needed and beneficial. Thanks!😁😂🤗🤗
These conversations are really important and I’m happy I had two individuals open to sharing their thoughts in a positive yet candid light. This is what we need!
I’m another person who did not trust hair stylists…until influencers like you helped me see things differently. I learned about Anthony Dickey from you. Am now a HairRules fans as a result. I learned about Black Girl Curls from another influencer as well as you. That led to me joining See Some Curls for a couple months, which deepened as well as simplified my learning. There are things that RU-vidrs explain in “common” language that stylists do not, which is why I also value the influencer. And then the stylists have the fact based expertise, which I also value. This conversation was really great. Thank you so much for sharing this and other resources 🙏🏾
You made some excellent points Chioma. Sometimes it’s nice to hear things in different ways from different people to create a wholistic view for yourself. I like hearing from different sources as well!
There is definitely a space for both influences and cosmetologist. When inwas relaxed, I was at the salon every two weeks with my stylist who I trusted. In 2010, as I started to transition to natural, there were not many stylist that I knew of in my area. By 2012 when I did my big chop, it was youtube/influencers who helped me along my journey. Now I am partnering with a natural hair stylist just to ensure my hair is healthy and is thriving. I still watch influencers for styling ideas and entertainment, but not for product recommendations because i have found my products that I want to perfect. Great video!!!
This is a great conversation and both the stylist and viewer made some interesting points. I think we all need to work together, stylists and influencers alike, to spread the proper message on how to care for our hair. We all grew up with little to no education on how to handle hair. What is labeled as basic hair care wasn’t taught so sharing and spreading that message is crucial.
Great topic and discussion! One thing that was a big factor of me DIYing is that I've experienced the hairdresser cutting off too much of my hair when I just wanted a trim or being at the mercy of a cosmetologist's time ie lunches, running late for my appts, too many heads booked during my appt time, scheduling around hairdressers vacations etc) influencers have taught me to be more comfortable and independent in handling my own hair and not be at the mercy of a shop.
I used to go to my mother’s job (a hair salon) after school and I saw that a lot! Especially during holiday season. It doesn’t create an enjoyable experience at all. I prefer to do my own hair the majority of the time as well.
So well put👌🏾: there’s a role for everyone in this sphere and i especially enjoy the influencers for their personalities, the convenience , the empowerment and the ability for me to be exposed to their trials and tribulations when it comes to hair products, styles, treatments- 🙌👏
I agree that both are needed. I had been natural since 2005. I had dry hair for so many years. I started watching one particular influencer and she discussed specific ingredients she did not use. She discussed products that detangle or had slip. My hair changed. It is no longer dry. I learned what ingredients my hair liked. Stylist is needed for cutting hair. I am still looking for a Stylist. The only issue I have is that they do not really listen. Yes, you study hair but you do not know my hair. All hair is different. The same product that worked on someone else is not going to work on me. A hair cut is not just a hair cut. When you have a great style you feel wonderful. It just brightens your day and week.
Both are needed for me, great to see a stylist and influencer to keep the energy going with hair love, experience is the best teacher however it's what you do with it that matters. Thanks for having this really good tips throughout!
Excellent conversation and points made! Influencers and Stylist are all in one ecosystem that with the right, people makes it easy for us to learn and understand our hair, how to style, maintain and keep it healthy on a day to day basis. Also, reviewing products, ingredients and new tools that help us. Great video!
For me, I appreciate them both and my experience is that each are valuable. I gained a lot from the individual and collective experience with hair be it an influencer, a cosmologist, or your everyday neighbor who wanted to make a tutorial. Most of my motivation and encouragement to continue trying to care for my hair, and myself by extension, came from the influencers and people sharing their own perspectives. I got the opposite support from friends and family as a black guy with kinky/coily hair. Some cosmologists and hairstylists helped me straighten out some misconceptions that I picked up along the way and redirected my attention back to basic hair fundamentals. I listened to videos, visited salon webpages, read blogs, watched recorded salon services, and bought a few inexpensive books from them and now I feel like I have a more complete understanding of my hair. I now know that I've been selecting the wrong products and ingredients for coarse "feeling" hair instead of my actual texture (fine) and that has contributed to the majority of my hair troubles. Who would have guessed 😆? I think the more inclusive we are, the better we are able to help one another just as this video intended to do. 🖤
When I started my journey 2 yrs ago - YT was my first go to over a stylist. While there are more natural hair stylists than say 10 yrs ago, they still don't come a dime a dozen depending on what their specialty is. So the few who are around most likely cater to braids, wigs or silk pressing. I am not interested in either of these on a regular basis. Plus I am a hardcore 4C. I remember how stylist made me feel about my hair when I got it relaxed - "whew chile I gotta break you down." And my hair is laughing the whole time. So the ladies remarks about the experience from the professional really hits home with me. As Abi said- if the choices were more plentiful, most would take it. But the reality is, this is simply not the case. So there is plenty of room for both.
Excellent video. I started my natural hair journey this year. I'd been growing out my relaxer for awhile and had about 3-4 inches. My hairdresser encouraged me to stop relaxing so I did. But she was straightening it with a lot of heat. The no appointment phase of the Pandemic made me look in the mirror at my natural hair and say, "ok, we're cutting the relaxer out as soon as she reeopens!!" My hair doesn't have a cool name like Zoe. 😉 IT had NO name bc I "hated" it. Sorry. But I started watching Latoya's videos and they got me started on the right track. When the relaxer was cut out, I started to love "it" (lol) and know what to do to it. Everything changed and I now appreciate my natural hair. I do twist outs and I'm finna try Wash-and-Goes. 🤞🏾😬 What's weird is that my Hairdresser stared at my hair a long time and said "whatchu do to it?" I explained twist outs, and hair textures and how I'm 4c but could she check.... She just squinted at me. 😆 Why didn't she know what I was talking about? She then proceeded to straighten it. She made me realize that what the pros learn in school is different than what the Influencers are saying and doing. Like this video suggested, Influencers are more like knowledgeable creatve girlfriend giving tips and ideas and teaching from their mistakes and experiences. Taking advantage of both is definitely a good idea! I really don't want to straighten my hair but I keep going to her periodically for trims and overall health (every 3 months or so). Even though she chastised me for previously relaxing my hair, it seemed like she didn't know how to do natural hair styles. 🤔
Maybe it's time for you to find another stylist? She doesn't see like she know how to style natural hair other than straighten it. I also went natural this year (well 2020 during the pandemic), and after she big chopped me, she did a wash and go. I was so happy she did that. I asked her why didn't she tell me I had to straighten it, and she told me she wanted me to experience what my natural hair can do on its own. Which, is what I wanted to do...I did not want to straighten it...I chemically straighten for nearly 2 decades and just wanted an afro but didn't know how to articulate that to her...but she like read my mind 🥰.
I can totally relate with Abi... Childhood with natural hair then in Nigeria was tough. It's better now. There are natural hair salons now with trusted hair stylists. But thanks to natural hair influencers too they really helped me understand and grow my hair
I’ve had the same experience as Abi. I’m Nigerian and have experienced the same negative comments and ridicule while sitting to get my hair braided. I’m very tender headed so I dreaded every visit to the salon because I knew that they would basically laugh at me for every wince, knowing full well that they weren’t trying to be gentle. I started my natural hair journey right before the pandemic and influencers got me through the process. I’ve been to maybe two stylists that treated me well in the past and they helped me get good trims but I am actively avoiding getting my hair braided again because of my negative experiences.
Hmm. I honestly started doing as much of my hair care at home as possible. washing conditioning entangling, blowdrying, then going to get it braided and trimmed by the stylist.
@@RedFlyingFox007 I’ve been doing the same, but no matter what they always have something to say about my hair. Characteristics that are supposed to be positive, like my hair being thick and kinky, are referred to negatively. And no matter how detangled my hair is, they have difficulty with it and call it tangled. I have no energy for all of that. But if anyone has suggestions for hair braiders in Houston that are not rude, I’m definitely down for suggestions because I truly like having braids.
I agree. I do believe many hairstylists forget going to them is supposed to be a treat or selfcare. They should treat natural hair more gentle than strengthened hair. I do wonder if some hairstylist don’t have enough patience for kinky hair so they place the blame on the client calling them tenderheaded.
I honestly think influencers are necessary for those of us that are trying to learn our hair. When I first decided to stop perming my hair I had no clue about what hair type and textures were. Once I learned a little I really wanted to cut my hair but I had no clue what I was doing and I was scared out my mind because I did not know what I would look like. It wasn’t until I saw your first big chop video as well as another influencer that I made the decision to just do it. Influencers help build confidence, give tips on what to do or not to do, and help influence us to step outside the box. I also think salons are cool but I don’t trust any at this point because they always cut too much of my hair. I’m like, “dang you ain’t try to walk me slowly into this cut. Just 1, 2, 3 gooooo.” You are all necessary and I for one enjoy the content.
Personally, I would be so embarrassed to be a professional but be incapable of doing type 4 hair or requiring that clients do half the work themselves. I would sue the school where I got the license for taking my money and failing to give me a full education and I would make it my purpose to learn my craft fully.
I definitely think there is space for both. I also believe we as consumers have to take some blame for not questioning the things we see and hear just because of the source. Yes, RU-vidrs will tell you they grew their hair using rice water or garlic oil, but many salons will push their own harmful producs on clients. It's up to us to stop and think "Does this product/diy mix really make sense for length retention/hydration ect?" We should understand growth vs lengths retention, what hydration means, why density/texture matters so we make informed decisions. Then I can realize that the DIY mask I'm watching my favorite RU-vidr make won't help me because my issue is not getting a trim in the last 2 years.
Spot on. Discernment is key! It’s a little troubling to me that so many people are talking about clients/consumers like they’re all children lol! Like everyone needs to speak for them. Idk…it’s like brands, stylist, influencers are all fighting for the attention of…YOU. People have power….anyway, ccountability on all fronts is important.
There is definitely space for influencers and stylists. Stylist shouldn't all be lumped in the same category but they should take stock in the fact MANY people complain about having a bad experience with a stylist and lose trust.
All imma say is..........a few weeks ago, I went to a hairdresser to get a silk press. Homegirl didn’t have any heat protectant! She was going to press my hair without heat protectant 😒 I had to go outside and buy some for her to use on my hair.
There's so much out there. Balance is good if you can have both. I think the DIY thing went overboard for old naturals like me because there were not a lot of products for kinky hair so I was always adding something here and there. Problem is I didn't stop once there were more black hair care products, so now I'm back to being a basic consumer and doing basic haircare. I hating DIYing anyway. I also don't miss living overseas with limited products and utilities.
This was a good discussion… I’ve been natural for about the past eight years or so, but unlike some people, I’ve not had any negative experiences with stylists that have made me weary of going to them, so I can’t necessarily relate to a lot of the distrust that some have. I agree with the analogy the stylist gave here about hair professionals being like doctors, as that’s how I’ve always viewed them. So when I really want guidance and hair care advice they’re the ones that I’m ultimately going to turn to. Just like I would take my car to a mechanic if there was an issue with my car. However, I enjoy following influencers for the entertainment value and will continue to do so. Each of them has their place, imo.
Another great informative video with great content and lovely guests. I have a great deal of respect for influencers who were the only people available in Spring 2020 when Covid-19 descended and I had to manage my natural hair. They taught me how to wash in sections, condition and twist/protect my hair. I was already natural but hairdresser always treated and plaited my gown hair in cornrows. Started with Whitney then found a couple with 4C hair that I love. In 18 months my hair has grown from collar to armpit length ‐ and I've learnt to twist (not flat twists yet🤦🏽♀️). We all agree room for both ‐ but no room for arrogant, opinionated obnoxious persons. "If you can be anything be kind"
Everyone will not provide quality. You must use discernment with the information received. Also let’s not act like professionals with licenses don’t embellish. I.e. there are many licensed professionals that say and advertise that they have “growing hands”
Love Abi. I too love going to the salon for the pamper aspect. The massage, the steam treatment, the snacks and wine (before covid, I keep my mask on the whole time now 😷), the girl talk...were the best part. Added bonus...a professional doing your hair. It's all just a vibe!!!!!! But like she said you gotta find a good one. I never had a bad experience being natural because the stylist I was seeing when I was relaxed I'm still seeing as natural (she mostly does natural hair/extensions, and dabbled in relaxer treatment)...but I can imagine going to a bad one is stressful. I went to a few bad one while relaxed where they didn't want to touch my hair because they would say black hair was difficult.
@@LaToyaEbonyHair just a thought .. my daughter has hair that seems similar to yours.. but her hair is very very dry.. I did a wash and go on her hair I used eco slay , I've also used innersense I create hold.. it gave her alil definition but her hair was still so dry.. that led me to believe I need to work on moisture training her hair before I try to do a wash and go.. that had me thinking what I used to do to my hair before I could ever get my hair to be as define as it is now during wash and goes . I usedbto do twist outs all the time with leave ins and creams on damp hair.. i think that's what helped moisture trained my hair where it was at the point to wear I was finally able to have a defined wash and good. Bc I moisture trained my hair. Im going to start doing this on my daughter's hair.. for a few months and then I'll try this wash and go thing on her hair again and see if it makes a difference.. also there's something called the baggy method that I heard helps moisture train hair very well.
It’s not “versus” though. There are things that “influencers” are great for styling (eg. Watching a stylist do something to another head vs watching someone do something to their own head is different. But people who are not professionals cannot teach YOU about proper haircare for YOUR hair. There’s even a limit to that a professional stylist can do virtually. Like, I follow people who have completed a fitness journey but I’m not going to pay them to help me. I’m going to go to a professional. Why trial and error with an “influencer” when you can get direct help? Why do I need to follow someone else as they try to learn their own haircare? How does that help me? We’re going to pretend like “influencers” haven’t spent years promoting foolishness all for clicks and likes? A professional stylist would have told you years ago not to use food in your hair, that “conditioning” overnight is useless (and gross), that shampooing your hair once a month, etc is not conducive to healthy hair and scalps. So the attempts at comparison are apples and oranges. Like, stop.
Love ❤ your RU-vid channel I've found so much success with your suggestions over the last year. But I have got to say I ❤ Tracee Ellis Ross natural hair line too it's amazing and she has small sizes so you can try too! One tool you gave me is Aloe Vera for the pre-poo it really, really works yay! Keep up the good work 🤩
I agree, there's soo much info out there and not everything is going to work. That's why when I see something new, that people are trying, I watch many videos on it or read articles online and decide whether I need it or not. I don't have allergies but I'm still careful with what I try.
I agree. I never jumped in the bandwagons like rice water, ayurvedic herbs, clay masks, rinses, growth oils, cherry Lola etc. I've always done basic hair care. Wash, condition and style!
@@felicia_716 I only tried rice water but it did nothing for my hair. And my routine is very simple too: I shampoo, condition, air dry and style(20 twists) with aloe vera juice and castor oil until next wash in 2 weeks.
