Natural Edgez: One Edgy Natural Hair Stylist

If you are looking for a natural hair stylist in Brooklyn, NY, then look no more, Natural Edgez’s Thema Taylor is where you stop. As soon as, Thema became a Thirsty Roots Member I fell in love with her hairstyles and creative hair designs.

When I had the privilege to talk with her about becoming a hair stylist and her personal natural hair care tips, I learned that with 13 years of experience, Thema has creative knack and love for natural hair styling.

Below you can view some of the edgy, funky, and hot hair designs of Natural Edgez’s Thema Taylor, also you can check her profile out in Thirsty Roots Community for more pics and styles.

 

Get more information about Natural Edgez:

MySpace: myspace.com/naturaledgez

Twitter: @naturaledgez

Read on to get to know the talent behind Natural Edgez:

TR: How long have you been styling natural hair?

I’ve been a Natural Hairstylist for 13 years

TR: Why did you choose to be a healthy hair stylist focusing on natural hair?

I chose to do Natural Hair because to me it represents Freedom. Letting go of all the chemicals that does  nothing but damage our hair in it’s natural state.Overall I think it’s important to work with whatever texture God has given you.

TR: Tell me about your professional background and career.

I’ve always knew how to do hair but not on a professional level. I was trained professionally under Anu Prestonia, owner of Khamit Kinks, and that’s where I’ve blossomed as a natural hair stylist. I also worked with many other talented professionals for a total of 10 years and then in 2007 I decided to step out on faith and start my own business.Since then it’s been 4 years and I’ve really grown as a entrepreneur and hair stylist.

TR: Why do you choose to be a self-made independent stylist and not work in a salon.

It feels great to do what you want to do and not be confined to someone telling you what’s acceptable and what’s not. I’m showing people that natural hair can be fun, daring, and funky.

TR: Have you styled any celebrities? If so, who?

I’ve styled celebrities when I was working in a salon but not since I been on my own. I’ve assisted in styling Terri McMillian, Roberta Flack (assisted), Q-Tip (assisted), Renee from the group Zhane (assisted) and Stevie Wonder (assisted).

TR: What is your specialty, as far has hairstyles?

My specialty at this moment and time is creating cornrows and twist combinations

TR: How do you come up with styling ideas; what inspires you?

Most of the times I already have a style in my mind or it’s a collaboration between my client and I. I also love to watch “Soul Train”(70’s edition). My inspiration comes from the era of the 60’s through the early 80’s.

TR: How long does it take to style one of your styles on average or a range of time?

The styles that require added hair takes about 4-5 hrs to do. Natural hairstyles in it’s natural state takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2hrs to do.

TR: Do you help women transition from relax to natural? If so, what are some of your techniques for this process?

One of my suggestions for transitioning from relaxed hair is to wear a protective hairstyle (ex:using extensions/sew in weave). A protective hairstyle can last anywhere from 2-3 months depending on the style. When your ready to take  your style out it’s best to cut 2 inches off the bottom. In between this time you can wear your own hair for about 2 weeks to let it breathe and give it a rest. Then you would just repeat this process all over again until you reach your goal.

TR: What is the biggest challenge with caring for and styling natural hair?

One of the biggest challenges is finding products that work with different hair types. Some hair textures requires more attention/treatment than others. In my opinion there’s not enough products  that works well with coarser hair textures. It would be great to see more products that caters to kinky/coarser hair textures.

TR: What hair care products do you recommend for natural hair, or black hair in general, also?

I recommend Castor oil, Coconut oil, Shea butter and Glycerin. All of these products helps to promote strong, moisturizing healthy hair

TR: In your experience, what do you think is the main reason why natural hair is not the norm for the majority of black women?

In my opinion black women  still aren’t comfortable with their own hair texture. It’s all about what society thinks. Some women have been teased-their hair is too coarse or it’s too short. Most black women don’t want to deal with hearing their hair is too “nappy” or it’s not straight enough for the work place. It’s all about fitting in and having this European look.

TR: Anything you would like to tell Thirsty Roots readers?

It’s important to realize how much healthier your hair is once you go natural. I am happy that many people are joining the natural hair world movement and I am also happy that I am a part of this movement.