SelfCare Day
Today I visited the Salon Academy in Maplewood, MN for a wash and flat iron. My stylist, Adrianna, was so sweet, patient, and professional. She truly did the best she could with the tools and training she was provided, and I appreciate her for that. ❤️
One thing this experience reminded me of is that Minnesota beauty schools still have room to grow when it comes to teaching African American hair. Textured hair isn't a specialty anymore—it's part of the community, and it's here to stay. Future stylists deserve the education and confidence to work with all hair types.
No shade to Adrianna at all—this is about improving education so every client can leave feeling their absolute best.
What are your thoughts? Have you had a similar experience in your state?
Visiting the Salon Academy brought to light an important issue many clients with textured hair face—stylists' varying levels of expertise with African American hair care. From my experience, even though Adrianna was professional and kind, the training she received seemed insufficient for confidently handling textured hair. This is a widespread challenge not isolated to Minnesota but experienced in various regions. Over the years, I have found that the best salons invest heavily in ongoing education specifically focused on textured and natural hair care techniques. For example, salons that understand the science behind different curl patterns and hair porosity tend to deliver more satisfying results. It's crucial that beauty schools and training academies update their curricula to reflect the diverse hair types present in our communities. I also noticed that stylist attitude and patience play a significant role. Adrianna's sweet and patient demeanor positively influenced the experience, even if her technical skills with textured hair weren’t fully developed yet. This underscores the need for training not just in techniques but also in cultural competency and client communication. Many clients like myself hope that future stylists will be equipped with confidence and knowledge about textured hair, making visits to salons a joyful experience rather than a gamble. This change would promote inclusivity and help all clients leave feeling their absolute best, celebrating their natural hair. For those reading this who share similar experiences, whether in Minnesota or other states, it’s important to share your story and advocate for educational improvements. The beauty industry is evolving, and textured hair is no longer a niche but a vital part of the community's hair diversity. Greater awareness and education will pave the way toward more confident stylists and happier clients.
