Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of curly hair with the incredible Martina Nicholas, a texture expert and educator who is revolutionizing the industry. Martina shares her personal journey of embracing her natural curls after years of straightening treatments and how it transformed her career. Her passion for educating others on proper curly hair care is evident as she debunks common myths and misconceptions about texture and curly hair, offering invaluable insights that every hairstylist should know.

One major highlight of our conversation was Martina’s emphasis on the importance of water in curly hair care. She explains how water should be viewed as a crucial product in itself, essential for maintaining curl elasticity, reducing frizz, and ensuring product absorption. Martina provides practical advice on how to incorporate water effectively into curly hair routines, from shampooing and conditioning to styling. This simple yet profound shift in perspective can significantly improve the health and appearance of curly hair, making it a must-know for both stylists and clients alike.

We also tackled the often-debated topic of cutting curly hair wet versus dry. Martina, a staunch advocate for dry cutting, shares her expertise on why cutting curls dry allows for more precision and better visualization of the final shape. She discusses the unique challenges presented by different curl patterns and the importance of customized cutting techniques based on individual client needs. This approach ensures that the natural beauty and integrity of curly hair are preserved, providing clients with a style that complements their texture.

Additionally, Martina sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding protective styles and the use of oils in curly hair care. She explains how overuse of heavy oils can lead to dehydration, making hair difficult to manage. Instead, she advocates for moderation and proper maintenance of protective styles to avoid damage. Her insights on how to responsibly lighten curly hair while preserving curl integrity are invaluable, especially for clients seeking a color change without compromising their natural texture.

For those looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in curly hair care, Martina offers a variety of educational resources, including virtual classes and one-on-one training. Her hands-on approach and brand-agnostic product knowledge make her an exceptional mentor for stylists aiming to excel in this niche.

Follow her on Instagram at @sunflowercurlseducation and check out her upcoming classes to transform your curly hair services and expand your clientele. This episode is a treasure trove of information that will inspire and equip you to better serve your curly-haired clients.

Connect with Martina on Instagram - @martinanicholas

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