Why You’re Losing Clients by Not Learning Curly Hair: A Wake-Up Call for Stylists
- by Emma
- Categories: Maximise your Salon's Success, Styling Advice
Why You’re Losing Clients by Not Learning Curly Hair: A Wake-Up Call for Stylists
Let’s talk about something that too many stylists are avoiding, even in 2024: curly hair. How many times have you turned away a curly-haired client because you weren’t sure how to handle their texture? Be honest. If you’re like most stylists, it’s probably happened more than once.
Now, let me ask you another question—how many clients have you really lost because of this? I’m not just talking about that one client you turned away. I’m talking about an entire community of curly-haired clients who talk, share recommendations, and search for stylists who “get it.”
Every time you say no to a curly-haired client, you’re not just turning away a single person. You’re losing the opportunity to serve a whole, underserved group of clients. And believe me, once you’ve got the trust of one curly client, they’ll send their friends, their sisters, their mums, and their co-workers straight to your chair.
So why are so many stylists still hesitant to embrace textured hair?
The Fear of the Unknown: I Was There Too
I get it—curly hair can be intimidating. I was there, too. When I first started out in the ’90s, perms were all the rage, but no one was teaching us how to handle natural curls. It felt like a whole different world. So what did I do? I avoided it.
Like many stylists, I stuck to what I knew—straight hair, waves, and anything I could manage with a flat iron. And like many stylists today, I watched as curly-haired clients walked right past my door, looking for someone who could actually handle their texture.
But here’s the thing: Curly-haired clients are looking for YOU. They’re loyal, they’re underserved, and they’re ready to book if you can meet their needs.
Breaking Down the Barriers: Curly Hair Isn’t as Scary as You Think
The biggest barrier between you and a waiting list of curly-haired clients is confidence. Curly hair has its own rules, but once you understand them, it’s no harder than any other hair type. You just need the right skills and tools.
It’s not just about giving a cut and calling it a day—curly clients need stylists who know how to handle their unique textures. They need someone who understands how their curls behave when dry, how much shrinkage to expect, and how to get the right shape without sacrificing length. They need someone who knows which products work best for their hair, and who can communicate with them confidently about their needs.
If you’re turning curly clients away because you’re scared of messing up, you’re missing out on some of the most loyal, long-term clients you’ll ever meet.
Cutting Curly Hair Wet? Stop Right There
Here’s a controversial take: Cutting curly hair wet is outdated. Yeah, I said it. For too long, stylists have been cutting curly hair wet, treating it like straight hair that will “magically” spring into shape once dry. But let me tell you—curly hair doesn’t work that way.
Curls shrink. They bounce. They move in ways straight hair never will. If you’re cutting those curls wet, you’re not seeing the true shape, and your client will walk out of the salon with a cut that looks completely different when their hair dries.
Cutting curls dry is the best way to see how the hair naturally sits. It allows you to shape the curls in their true form, giving your client a cut they can confidently style on their own. This is especially important for clients with coily or tight curls, where the difference between wet and dry hair can be inches in length.
If you want to build trust with your curly clients, dry cutting is the way to go.
Why Textured Hair Training Should Be Mandatory
Curly hair is still seen by too many stylists as a “specialty.” Something that only certain stylists need to learn. But let’s be real: if you’re serious about running a modern salon, every stylist should know how to work with textured hair. This isn’t just about curls—it’s about inclusion, diversity, and serving every client who walks through your door.
In my opinion, textured hair training should be mandatory in every salon It’s not enough to rely on one stylist who “specializes” in curls while everyone else focuses on straight hair. If your salon can’t serve all hair types, you’re missing out on a huge market, and worse—you’re alienating potential clients who deserve the same level of care as everyone else.
Why Curly Clients Are Walking Out of Your Salon
Here’s something many stylists don’t want to hear: Your curly-haired clients are leaving because they don’t feel understood.
It’s not enough to smile and “try your best” when working with curly hair. These clients have been burned before—by stylists who cut their hair too short, used the wrong products, or failed to shape their curls properly. They don’t want to hear excuses; they want to see results.
Curly clients can spot an inexperienced stylist a mile away. They know when you’re winging it, and they won’t hesitate to find someone else who really understands their hair. If you want to keep curly clients coming back, you need to invest in learning how to serve them properly.
The Biggest Lie You’ve Been Told About Curly Hair
Let me bust one of the biggest myths in the hair industry: Curly hair isn’t difficult. It’s not unpredictable, unmanageable, or impossible to work with. The real problem is that too many stylists haven’t been taught the right techniques.
Curly hair clients have been told for years that their hair is “problematic,” but the truth is, it’s only a problem if the stylist doesn’t know what they’re doing. Once you learn the right way to work with curls—understanding texture, cutting dry, and using the right products—curly hair is just as easy as straight hair.
The Opportunity: Grow Your Client Base and Your Reputation
Curly-haired clients are fiercely loyal. When they find a stylist who truly understands their hair, they’ll stick with you for life. They’ll tell their friends, post about you on social media, and recommend you to everyone they know.
By embracing curly hair, you open your salon to a market that is largely underserved. You become the go-to stylist in your area for textured hair, and you build a reputation that will keep your chair full.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop turning away curly clients and start embracing textured hair. Trust me, it will transform your business.
Conclusion
Curly hair isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to grow your skills, expand your client base, and become the go-to stylist for a community that is often overlooked. By learning how to cut curly hair, understanding its unique needs, and building confidence in your abilities, you can transform your salon and your career.
I was once in your shoes, hesitant to embrace curls. Now, I’m an award-winning texture specialist with a waiting list of curly-haired clients. If I can do it, so can you.
It’s time to stop missing out and start making moves. Let’s embrace curly hair, serve every client, and grow your business together.
This blog dives deep into the pain points, myths, and opportunities surrounding curly hair, while calling out common misconceptions in a way that challenges the industry norms. It gives stylists a clear path forward, while tapping into their fears and ambitions.
