2 mins
ADVENTURES OF A TEXTURE TRAILBLAZER
Celebrity stylist and product innovator, Angela Stevens, talks textured hair and explains why industry education is the way forward
How did a career in hairdressing start for you?
I always loved hair as a child. In high school I started braiding and did friends' hair as a side hustle. Then, when I went to cosmetology school that really expanded my understanding of how far I could take my career. From there, I worked in Chicago for a few years, and decided to move to LA which opened the door to work with celebrities, TV and film. Then it was just about taking opportunities and listening to advice.
When you moved to LA, what skills did you immediately have to get to grips with?
There are a lot of people to please. You have to learn how to take feedback, but still follow the direction that you have in your mind. People outside hairdressing don’t respect the development it takes to execute a style. A look may be a three-hour process and we only have an hour left on set, so you have to figure out as many ways to achieve something as possible so you can satisfy the client, as it may be your only shot to work with them. It’s about not getting overwhelmed and pushing through to finding a happy medium to make everybody feel comfortable with what you’re offering.
Were those skills needed when you worked with Cantu and product brands?
With Cantu and their latest range (Protective Styles by Angela), I wanted my voice to be heard. I felt strongly about bringing a professional level to the product. There was a huge level of collaboration, and the line and the product is truly the vision I had. Being able to collaborate and work with the timelines given, are things I have learned from my past experiences.
What would you say to the industry on the topic of protective hairstyles? Is the industry skilled enough in this area?
I think education is the only way to move forward. If professionals aren't required to learn these techniques, they may never do. I work with the Black Beauty Roster and they are partnered with television companies and production houses to make sure they’re offering online and in-person education – creating a roster of hair and make-up professionals who are well versed in textured hair. And I think something like that, a union or group that can bring all the best texture artists together so that they can be presented to agencies, can help push the industry forward, rather than opportunities being given to people that are less educated in textured hair.
2016
Founded Conscious Curls Hair
2018
Won a daytime Emmy for ‘The Talk’ styling rapper Eve
2021
Opened Conscious Curls Hair flagship store in West Hollywood
2023
Launched Protective Styles by Angela with Cantu