Alifia is a Fresno-based multitalented PRO stylist and educator with 25 years of experience in the hair industry who we are lucky to have as the Senior Manager of Education + Training here at K18. Her true passion lies in educating colleagues and emerging cosmetology professionals in curly-coily hair knowledge and awareness.

This Stylist Appreciation Day, she’s sharing her personal hair journey including top hair tips, advice for other stylists, and what she wishes clients knew about being on the other side of the salon chair.

tell us about your personal hair journey, how has it changed over the years?

My routine has changed dramatically over the decades. I used to have relaxed hair and having my hair done often was really important to me, but then I fell in love with my natural hair. It was also very important for me to model self-love and appreciation for my coils for my daughter. I’ve been relaxer-free for fifteen years now!

It took some time to understand my hair and there was a lot of trial and error, but now it’s very simplistic because I know exactly what my hair needs which makes it so much easier. Honestly, my beauty routine as a whole has changed—less is more applies to everything. It’s about enhancing, not masking.

who inspires you both in the salon and out? any beauty icons or personal heroes?

I’m most inspired by clients who want to understand their hair, both in and out of the salon. The best feeling behind the chair is revealing a client’s newly hydrated curls that they didn’t imagine they had, reintroducing them to their healthy hair. Experiencing how a client’s eyes light up when they see their new hair never gets old. 

My personal hero is my mom, I’ve learned so much from her. She’s been a stylist for 40+ years and I grew up watching her in the salon creating beautiful styles and taking creative risks with clients. She taught me that ingredients can tell you everything you need to know about a product. She believed in using what worked for hair, not just what was marketed towards coily hair. 

how did you get to where you are today? any advice for someone just starting their stylist career?

I was my mother’s assistant in high school. I’ve always loved the industry and for me personally it’s been an evolution from makeup to nails and then I finally landed on hair. When I saw how much I could impact someone’s life with a beautiful salon experience, I knew I was on the right path. Then, I fell in love with cultivating that same passion in students at the beauty school level

To a new stylist: Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself, invest your time and passion into who and what you want to become in this industry, the opportunity is there waiting for you. I would also add that you never know who is watching you, so do everything you can with integrity and grace. 

what’s your favorite part about being a stylist? and the hardest part?

My favorite part about being a stylist is the freedom to create, from beautiful looks for clients to founding amazing businesses for fellow stylists to hone their craft. 

The hardest part is that people don’t always respect haircare. Even though it is a billion-dollar industry and stylists have thriving businesses we still hear things like, “you just do hair” and “when are you going to really start a career?” but the industry has changed so much and now we see more social proof than ever that this is a lucrative industry filled with brilliant, talented people. 

anything you wish clients knew about being on the other side of the chair? 

I wish clients knew how important it is to be honest with their stylist. It’s a partnership and we share a common goal to get your desired results in the healthiest way, but there has to be trust. The more we know, the more clear we can be with the plan. 

what knowledge do you want to empower other stylists with? 

How to make every exchange with your client an educational moment. Our clients are curious and passionate about their hair, we have the opportunity to empower them to understand their individual hair needs and make educated decisions. 

what has it been like working in the hair and beauty industry? Both the parts where the industry has room to grow, and the moments of connection and progress?

I’ve had some amazing experiences in the past 25 years. There were times when I didn’t feel heard as a stylist, and felt like I was being put in a box. Those times motivated me to be better and keep pushing. 

There have been just as many times when I felt so connected and inspired by the people around me that paved the way for stylists like myself. Being a part of K18 has been the most rewarding experience in my career so far. 

It’s not about what has been done, it’s always thinking about fearless innovation, not only from a biotechnology point of view but also from a human one.

what are your top hair tips and favorite products?

Everything is better with healthy hair. 

Start with repair first. The K18 molecular repair mask is my favorite product, I use it several times a month to keep my hair health, smooth, and resilient and to reverse any damage. I recommend it for all my clients to maintain their hair health between their K18REPAIR™ service in the salon. 

Other than that, a good clarifying shampoo is a must for EVERYONE. It improves the efficacy of your styling products and treatments. I use the K18 PEPTIDE PREP detox shampoo to eliminate product and sebum buildup. A clean canvas is the best way to ensure that curls and coils can take in hydration during the shampoo phase. It’s a must for natural shine and bounce!