Meet Kya BilalKya Bilal has been a textured hairstylist for over a 20 years, and has spent the last 12 years working with celebrities and entertainers. Not only has Kya been the lead hair stylist for two Super bowls, she has been nominated for two Emmie’s, a Guild award and has been part of an Oscar- winning team for the film Mad Max. Kya currently splits her time between working with clients at her LA-based salon and working as head hair department through the entertainment industry (television and films).
In this episode, we speak to Kya about her experience building her career as a textured hairstylist and how she has seen the industry transform.
Where to find Kya: Instagram | Website
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Kya so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[02:44] Where did your career as a hair stylist start?
[15:00] What did you have to learn in order to level up as a stylist?
[17:01] What was it like running your first salon and teaching other stylists?
[19:55] Tell us about some of the most memorable moments of your career as a TV and film hair stylist.
[22:04] Do you feel like working on the Lip Sync battle prepared you for the Superbowl?
[25:29] What has been your experience of hair and make-up unions for TV & film?
[31:07] Talk us through what it’s like leading a team of stylists for a Superbowl.
[32:30] What are some of the key things that you look for in stylists that you choose for your teams?
[35:49] How do you approach working with celebrity clients when they have so many different requests and requirements?
[39:04] Having been to the launch of Beyonce’s haircare line (Cecred) and tested the products, how does it compare to what you usually use with clients?
[42:20] What Black owned hair products have a permanent place on your shelf?
[44:17] What are the mistakes you see stylists making and what can they do to avoid them?
[45:08] Do you thin thinks will get better if stylists focus more on education or when they double down on customer service?
[48:40] What’s next for Kya ?
Psst… want to ask one of our guests a question? Submit your questions at the bottom of the newsletter.
Who has Kya styled?
Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
* If you want to get into editorial styling don’t just wait for the opportunity to come along, create one. Find your own models, create your own set and start building your portfolio. Having an online presence is key, so whether you have a website, use an external booking platform or create an EPK (electronic press kit), look for opportunities to be seen by the thousands of people searching for textured hair stylists online.
For everyone 💛
* The language we use and associate with our hair is either empowering or damaging. Negatively labelling textured hair as ‘difficult’, ‘tough’, or ‘unruly’, can make it more challenging to embrace our hair texture.
* Choosing the right hair tool (e.g. combs, brushes) is just as important as finding the right products and can transform our experiences from painful to enjoyable in an instant. Also, bear in mind that it’s easier to comb textured hair when it’s wet.
* Learn more about Felicia’s book, Root Therapy.
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