This week's episode tackles a question we get ALL the time: Should I be taking hair care advice from my favourite textured hair influencer, or should I stick to licensed professionals?

The short answer? Both have their place, but it's all about knowing WHEN to listen to whom.

🎯 The Bottom Line:

Influencers = Great for discovery and raising awareness

Licensed Stylists = Essential for personalised, science-backed recommendations

💡 Key Insights from This Episode:

The COVID Effect Was Real - The pandemic forced many of us into DIY mode, making influencers our go-to guides. But some of us never went back to professionals, and that's where things get tricky.

Your Hair ≠ Their Hair - Just because a product works amazingly on your favorite influencer doesn't mean it'll work for you. Different biology, health conditions, medications, stress levels, and even sleep patterns all affect how products perform.

The Business Side Matters - Remember, influencing is a JOB. When someone's getting paid to promote a product, they literally can't tell you it sucks (it's probably in their contract!).

The Viral TV Disaster We Can't Stop Talking About:

Cataanda shared the story of influencer Deepika's infamous live TV hair styling fail on the Today Show in 2015. It's a perfect example of why expertise matters - especially when working with textured hair.

✅ States Leading the Way:

These states now REQUIRE textured hair education in cosmetology programs:

California

Connecticut

Louisiana

Maine

Minnesota

New York

Washington

Vermont

(If you live in one of these states, you're in a better position to find knowledgeable stylists!)

🌟 Our Recommendations:

Find a licensed stylist you trust for personalised advice

Use influencers for discovery and industry updates

Cross-check influencer recommendations with your stylist

Look for influencers who are ALSO licensed professionals

Always do your research before trying new products or techniques

💎 Gold Standard Alert:

Cataanda recommends Deeper Than Hair on YouTube - an influencer who's also a licensed stylist doing celebrity hair. That's the sweet spot we're looking for!

Remember: Your hair is connected to your health. Treat advice accordingly. Get personalized recommendations from someone trained to assess YOUR specific needs, not just someone with great content and a ring light.

What's your experience been? Have you found amazing stylists or trusted influencers? Drop us a comment - we love hearing your stories!

Need a stylist? Check out our booking platform to find the best textured hair stylists in London and New York.

🔍 Where to find Cataanda: Instagram | LinkedIn

🔍 Where to find Jade: Instagram | LinkedIn

🪮 Where to find Mane Hook-Up: Website | Instagram

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See you in the next episode!

From, The Mane Hook-Up team

P.S. - We're always looking for episode topics! What do you want us to cover next?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themanecut.substack.com