Black hair is one of the most diverse, beautiful, and resilient textures in the world. It tells stories of heritage, culture, and individuality. Yet, too often, it has been misunderstood, misrepresented, or overlooked in mainstream beauty education. To truly honor the art and science of cosmetology, it is essential to understand, care for, and style Black hair with both knowledge and respect.
From the moment he first picked up a pair of clippers in his parents’ garage in 1988, Marlon Clayton was destined for greatness in the beauty industry. Creativity came naturally to him, and hair quickly became his canvas. Blessed to have a mother who owned a salon, Marlon grew up immersed in the world of cosmetology. He spent his formative years watching, learning, and perfecting the art of cutting, styling, and transforming hair. What began as a young man’s hobby soon revealed itself to be an undeniable calling.
When you hear the word “detox,” you might think about cleaning up your diet or drinking lots of water. But your hair and scalp need a detox too!Whether you have locs, sisterlocks, dreadlocks, braids, relaxed hair, color-treated hair, or natural hair, detoxing is one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy, fresh, and growing strong.
Born Paula Jane Baer on August 9, 1931, in Beverly Hills, Paula dreamed of acting and briefly pursued it—landing roles in commercials and shows like 77 Sunset Strip and The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok. While acting, she experienced allergic reactions to hair products, sparking her mission to create gentler, more scientifically formulated haircare. Paula grew up in Burbank, California. She was a high school dropout, got married at the age of 15, and became a single mother by the age of 17. While attempting to find jobs in television, she worked as a gas station attendant and as a secretary. She overcame early challenges through resilience and self-education.
The Key to Healthy Hair and Color Success
Aushalae' McKinley, a rising star in the world of cosmetology, has been captivated by the artistry of beauty from a young age. Her journey into the realm of hairstyling has evolved from a childhood fascination into a dedicated craft that she now pursues with unparalleled passion.
In today’s beauty world, booking sites have become a big deal. Many hairstylists, nail techs, and barbers use them to schedule appointments and keep things organized. These websites or apps allow clients to book anytime without calling or texting. That sounds great, right? Well, yes—but let’s take a closer look. There are some good things and some not-so-good things about using a booking site.
Ericka Chancellor the founder of Ericka's Styles a Professional Hair care business and the owner of Sweet1 Hair Studios. "As a child I had a knack for hair, and came to the realization that this was my God given gift." Ericka has been a licensed professional stylist for 25 Years. As the first business owner in her family she would like to inspire others to start early with their dreams and passions. Ericka began her journey at Southern CaliforniaRegional Occupational Center (SCROC) and later transferred to Contempo Beauty College in Inglewood, California where her career officially began after receiving her state board certification.
Social media has completely changed the world of cosmetology. Years ago, hairstylists and beauty pros built their careers through word-of-mouth and business cards. Today, your phone can be the most powerful tool to grow your beauty empire. Let’s dive into how social media can boost your career, build your brand, and create new income streams — even if you're just getting started!
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting professionals in the beauty industry, including hairstylists, makeup artists, nail technicians, and estheticians. It offers resources, education, and advocacy to help beauty professionals grow their careers and businesses. The PBA began over a century, beginning in 1904 with the establishment of the Barber Supply Dealers Association of America (BSDA). This organization evolved over the years, becoming the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI). In 1921, the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA) was founded, aiming to unite beauty professionals nationwide. In 2005, a significant merger occurred when the American Beauty Association, The Salon Association, and BBSI combined to form the Professional Beauty Association. This consolidation aimed to create a unified organization capable of representing the entire beauty industry more effectively. Further strengthening its reach, PBA merged with the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) in 2010, solidifying its position as the largest trade association in the beauty sector.
I REALIZE THAT I KEEP DISCUSSING THIS. I REALLY NEED YOU ALL TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE.As you all know, I have a coaching program for new and veteran cosmetologists. I love coaching for success. As I listen to my students, I am seeing where they feel that inappropriate behavior is ok. I share my experiences for a reason. I'm not proud of my past behaviors, but I share to help you be better than I was. If you know better, you will do better. So here I go again ... Being a great cosmetologist is about more than just doing hair, nails, or makeup—it’s about being professional in everything you do. Clients don’t just come back because you give them a great look; they return because they trust you, feel comfortable, and enjoy their experience. Professionalism helps you gain new clients and keep them for years.There are several important ways to show professionalism as a cosmetologist. Your appearance, hygiene, communication, knowledge, and commitment to continued education all play a big role. Staying professional makes clients respect you, refer you to others, and stay loyal to you.
John Paul Mitchell (born John Paul DeJoria) is a highly successful entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, one of the most iconic brands in the beauty industry. His journey is a story of determination, overcoming adversity, and a passion for the beauty industry. John Paul DeJoria was born on April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, to a Greek-Italian immigrant family. His early life was far from easy. After his parents divorced, DeJoria lived with his single mother and younger brother. Financial struggles and hardship were a part of his early years. At the age of nine, DeJoria started selling Christmas cards and newspapers to help support his family. He even spent some time in foster care after his mother couldn’t afford to raise him and his brother. Throughout his young adulthood, he worked a variety of odd jobs, including as a janitor, insurance salesman, and door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. However, it was his entry into the beauty industry that would ultimately change his life.
