Antonio’s View: Curly Clients Often Knows What Works Best for Them

by Antonio Gonzales on Monday, February 8, 2010

I was born in Trinidad in the height of a hurricane. I spent my childhood surrounded by the sights and sounds and smells of Carnival and the other Indian, African and Spanish festivals of the Islands. Loving the amazing costumes, I got my start dressing my sisters and doing their hair and makeup. An opportunity came up to work with Trinidad’s leading costume designers, makeup artists and hair stylists. After I left the Island, my career evolved with work in Munich, Los Angeles and now New York City. Here in New York, I am a stylist at the Orlo Salon in the Meat Packing district. Vogue magazine recently named me as one of the rising hairstylist stars in N.Y., I was awarded the best haircut of 2008 by shecky’s.com, Gotham Magazine called me a Shear Genius and Allure Magazine featured me as one of the best cuts 2009.

See Antonio’s blog here.

As a kid growing up in Trinidad, I was always playing with my mother, sisters’ and my own hair. Back then we were very limited with respect to tools and products, but we’d somehow get creative with what we had. My sisters preferred wearing their hair naturally curly and would be on the lookout for great products, so whatever they used so did I.

Many years later when I started doing hair professionally, there was one thing that I remembered about curly hair—that it is critically important to listen to the man/woman wearing it. When you have curly hair, you are usually the best judge of what does or does not work for your hair. I often see stylists trying to give advice to a client with curly tresses by suggesting that they change their entire routine. Yes, we are the ones with the power, but as hairstylists sometimes we can step back and listen.

I strongly believe that it’s vital to take a client’s feedback into consideration. What they are sharing about their hair could make all the difference in the world. Here are ways to get you on the right path to Loving your hair.

1) When seeking a new hairstylist, I strongly encourage clients with curls to find someone with a haircut that they themselves admire. Ask what salon they go to and determine if it’s a “fit” for you.

2) A great way to gauge whether you can trust someone is by having them blow dry your hair. By doing so, you can really see how they handle your hair.

3) While you’re in the chair, ask about getting a haircut and what their thoughts are on techniques and product recommendations. Remember, if someone is fumbling and cannot seem to manage your luscious locks, then it’s not the right match.

4) If she/he styles your hair well even though it needs a cut, then s/he is the “Chosen One”. When you visit the salon for your cut, take your favorite products with you and have the stylist familiarize him/herself with what you’re like and why.

5) Curly hair is a gift to anyone wearing it. It gives you volume which most women would die for. Its softness in appearance creates the perfect addition to any woman, making her feel sexy and modern. Curly hair can show off hair color unlike any other style. Its texture creates amazing dimension when more than one color is used. And when it’s cut right, it really sets the woman apart from the rest.

Simply put, curly hair is timeless when done properly.

So if you think that you may have found the right person to work with your curl, be proud and keep in mind that you have valuable information to add to the conversation. You may likely know your hair better than you think.

I wish you beautiful curls!