Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Campbell.
Hi Adrian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for hair really opened up in cosmetology school, our head instructor/owner was a black woman who was technically trained at Vidal Sassoon.
I never encountered anything like it. She moved with such precision, that anything about her was intentional. From the way, she positioned her body or elbow, to her hand placement in relation to the head. She ignited a new passion within me.
I grew up in the inner-city where most knew an “around the way” stylist/”kitchen beautician” who was over-worked and underpaid. What I witnessed was a new standard, a totally new way of training, and finally a respected career vs a side-hustle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely no. This dream has been in me since I was 6 years old.
I just became licensed within the last 4 years. It ultimately took me 12 years to complete cosmetology school. I stopped doing hair in high school and didn’t have a desire to return ever. I’ve experienced other stopping points as well. Burnout is definitely very real.
Especially, if you continuously do the same thing and styles constantly. You definitely have to be committed to staying current within the beauty industry to keep the spark alive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am mostly recognized for my silk press and secondly for weave/hair extensions, however, I regard myself as a Healthy Hair Expert. Whether you come to get a protective style or your real hair you know that I’m going to make sure your hair is as healthy as possible.
I prioritize treatments, deep conditioner, and keeping moisture in the hair. My approach to hair care is an old school model- one person in your head, consistent service, keeping up without trims and maintenance while incorporating new school techniques.
Blowouts over relaxing hair, avoid damaging styles that are harsh on your edges, advanced cutting techniques, high-end product knowledge, and controlling the amount of heat used on the hair. Understanding the difference between hair textures and density and how it relates to heat.
Understanding natural hair collectively – it’s legit our crown.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The culture and how authentically black it is. How relentless we are in setting standards within the fashion and beauty industry.
One thing about STL is the people are going to “step” and look good doing it. The crime and lack of unity would be our biggest hurdles as a community.
If we were more of a united front and banded together within these neighborhoods we could change the way these schools teach our children, or better yet educate our own kids to begin restructuring.
Pricing:
- Silk press $110
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/adrianraniseslays/
