Here’s a list of resources if you need help with or have questions about your hair.

Edit: I'll be periodically updating with new events and updates! (Updated 2/2023)

In September, I started following the advice of hair professionals and I’ve really been enjoying my hair so much more. My regimen is simpler and I’m not experiencing the tangling that I always had to deal with (for reference, I have tightly coiled or type 4 hair). So I wanted to gather some resources for anyone who is trying to have a better relationship with their hair. One of the fundamental issues with natural hair is that a lot of the information that gets circled around comes from YouTube or influencers who share hair tips based on what works on their own head or what they’ve learned from another Youtuber or influencer. Because of that, we get methods or practices that become staples regardless of whether or not they’re actually good for our hair.

Getting information from licensed stylists who have studied hair and worked with so many different hair types is super helpful because they can speak to what works for your hair based on science and professional experience. Some of the resources aren’t free but I like to think that the money you spend on a consultation or a digital guide will save you money in the long run when you’re not buying products that don’t help your hair. The list is by no means exhaustive, it’s just has the resources I’ve come across. And, as a disclaimer, I do not personally know nor am I affiliated with anyone included here.

Finding a curl specialist

Booking an educational salon session with a professional allows you to learn in real time while they style your hair. To help in your search for a professional, you can use this directory which lists professionals by state. The stylists in this directory have completed the Cut It Kinky training course and can work with all textures of hair including tight curls or kinky hair. I found my stylist on here! You can also try searching on Instagram using tags like #curlyspecialist, #curlyhair(your city), #curlstylist etc

Virtual Consultations

Some stylists offer virtual consultations to discuss your hair one-on-one. This is a good option if you’re not yet ready to do the salon process but want to learn about hair options. It’s a good place to start exploring. During consultations you’ll go over your current regimen, hair goals, techniques, and proper hair care. (You can book from anywhere but I included physical locations too if you’re interested in booking an in-person appointment). Unfortunately, the availability of virtual consultations have decreased as salons have opened back to full capacity but I'll keep an eye out for any that open back up

• Consultation w/ Zarinah Clark: Currently open, Pinole CA ($95)

• Consultation w/ Kera: Syracuse NY, Includes a playback of session ($75) Currently open.

• Consultation w/ Nyquita: Booking openings will be announced through her newsletter

• CurlList: CurlList allows you to book a virtual consultation with one of their three curl experts who have backgrounds in Rezo Cut, Aveda, and DevaCurl. Video consultations are 40 min and you receive a post-consultation report. They are a newer company so there aren't too many reviews and I can't speak to their knowledge about tighter curls, but a fellow Redditor utilized their services and found it helpful. Prices are listed by the Australian Dollar and British Pound for reference but they take international payment (GBP 60 for full consultation, GBP 30 for a followup)

• Consultation w/ The Digital Loctician: FOR LOC CARE ONLY. After the consultation you will be given access to the recording of the call and a detailed, written hair care regimen. Currently open ($147)

• Consultation w/ Jessica Kiyomi : Oakland CA, Currently closed ($75)

• Consultation w/ Camille Janae: Sacramento CA, Currently unavailable. ($70)

• Consultation w/ Jennifer Rose: Jersey City NJ, Currently unavailable ($95)

• Consultation w/ JC Dobson: Norman, OK, Currently unavailable. She has two options: a 1 on 1 Virtual Curlset Class that includes a consultation plus styling walk through ($125) and the 1 on 1 Virtual Curl Session which is a regular virtual consultation ($60)

• Consultation w/ Sasha: Currently unavailable, Raleigh NC ($90)

• Consultation w/ Keyla: Currently unavailable, Columbus Ohio ($85)

• Consultation w/ Elaine: Durham NC, currently unavailable ($30)

Digital Guides and Books

• Wash Your Damn Hair: THE SECOND EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. Written by the founders of Black Curl Magic Digital Salon (now See Some Curls), this digital guide breaks down the science of hair and helps you understand the basics of hairstyling. You can use the code DOPEHAIR for a discount ($75)

• The #30DayHairDetox Mini Guide: This free miniguide by the authors of Wash Your Damn Hair addresses how to combat common hair challenges. You can receive your copy by signing up to their email list here or by texting "FREEBIE" to 773-923-3041. (Free)

• Wash Rinse Repeat: Created by recently retired licensed professional Andra Renee, Wash, Rinse, Repeat is "an e-guide and masterclass introducing you to a simpler way to do this natural hair thing". Included in the guide:common myths stressing naturals out, the facts to dispel them, the Wash Day system, product suggestions, and access to Andra's masterclass replay walking through the wash day regimen and answering questions ($27).

Courses and Communities

• See Some Curls Visual Library:A visual resource library for naturals curated by Aeleise and Aishia, two licensed curl artists who provide education for professionals and consumers. Their original consumer education program, Black Curl Magic Digital Salon, has been reformatted into See Some Curls. The library includes always accessible full length, consumer friendly cosmetology classes, monthly topical live classes with Q&A's on a private platform, guest instructor pop-ups, live streaming direct from their salons, and a weekly session for library members to have their questions answered on video. ($35 per month, cancel anytime)

• Yes Her Home Studio Webinar Replays: Elaine of Yes Her Studio shares her shampoo, conditioning, and styling technique as well as product recommendations. You'll have access to slides and replays from two webinars ("Foundations of the Perfect Set: Shampoo & Conditioning Techniques" and "What Products Should I Use?" Styling Products & Techniques"), a bonus tutorial video, a recommended products list, and answers to frequently asked questions about wash & go's ($100, 30 day access).

• The Monarchy: A Discord community managed by Anita aka monarchcurl where you'll have access to hair care tutorials, monthly live events and workshops, Q&A, and group virtual consultations for hair care troubleshooting. Discord is a chat and communication platform that can be accessed via app or the web. ($33/month for full membership access, $5/month for limited community access: some chat rooms but not hair education or advice)

Virtual Events⠀

• ENDED Products Vs Techniques Live Webinar (March 27 2022): This webinar will cover products used for curl setting, styling techniques to reduce frizz and encourage elongation, proper styling and drying, and what it takes to adopt the wash and go lifestyle. Tickets available here ($50)

Social Media

Finally, many stylists share free information through Twitter or Instagram. Tweets explaining the science behind why using oils can prevent hydration is what started this hair rediscovery for me. For twitter, I recommend searching through accounts with keywords like “texture”, “conditioner”, “cleanse” to find relevant tweets. Many stylists have hosted Twitter Spaces and saved the recordings for people to watch later. Instagram is great for videos, saved live Q&As, or reference pics for styles/haircuts. As a reminder, even though stylists share general information, they can’t accurately give you personalized advice to everyone without knowing your hair characteristics so asking them specific questions like “which shampoo is best for my hair” will usually be answered by them asking you to book a consultation.

• Anita (@monarchcurl) has compiled a table of contents of her Twitter threads regarding hair care. This is a good place to start for basic understanding around relearning your hair. This other Twitter thread also does a good job listing a bunch of helpful tweets from many of the other stylists listed below.

• Black Girl Curls: Instagram, Facebook Check out all their saved live videos

• Earnestly Natural

• Camille Janae: Twitter, Instagram

• Carlisa: Twitter, Instagram

• Jennifer Rose: Twitter, Instagram Lots of good info in her saved live videos.

• Anita aka Monarch Curl

• Kera: Twitter, Instagram

• Elaine of Yes Her Studio: Instagram, Twitter

• Elise of Textura Curl Studio: Instagram, Twitter

• Jessica KiyomiTwitter, Instagram She has great examples of colored curls on her IG.

• Silked by Sonnie

• Brown Sugar Curls

If you prefer learning from YouTube, there are some professionals who make content (just not as much since YouTube can be a whole job itself). You can check out the 4c Hair Series from The Doux or the Curls Disrupted Videocast on Black Girl Curls YouTube page. Curls Disrupted is also available as a podcast if you prefer just listening.

I hope this is helpful!