Gentle styling is a new approach to styling natural hair that focuses on minimizing damage and promoting growth. It focuses on being mindful of the hair’s needs and avoids practices that can cause damage.
This new approach was coined by Erin H. Maybin and is reimagining how people work with natural hair. But Gentle Styling is not the first time that Erin has made an impact in the natural hair community. Erin has played a pivotal role in shaping the world of hair education, ensuring a voice for natural hair styling by being on government boards for years.
Beyond those important pieces, Erin is also the EVP of Education Development and co-founder of the Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition (NHBC). The NHBC has been working to elevate the art and science of the natural hair care industry through its four pillars of Advocacy & Activism, Ethical Education, Business Development, and Community Health & Safety. Erin lives and breathes this mission with her Hair S.T.E.A.M. LAB™, where she educates on the science and artistry of hair using steam.
Intrigued? Erin joined Volume Up by The Tease to talk about all things gentle stylings, the NHBC and S.T.E.A.M. LAB.
Head to wherever you stream your podcasts to learn about how Erin and her colleagues are actively working to make a difference in our industry.
“In order to become a natural hairstylist and a braider it takes years of work. It’s not just one day, I woke up and this is what I do. No. There’s science and art attached to it.”
“Hair comes in all types and textures, regardless of how you spin it. Now we can teach about one, which has been for years, but now the majority of people have some form of texture.”
“We are able to get the ears of the most prominent people and they value our opinion. That’s why we make the world go round, not just because we’re making beautiful hair, but because we actually have something profound to say.”
Listen to the full episode here or wherever you stream and head over to our Instagrams @Readthetease and @volumeupbythetease.
