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Home · News

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut

After years of big billowy curls, it was time for a change. While flipping through outtakes of our February Love on Top hair story and stumbling upon an old image of singer Amel Larrieux, fashion editor Celia Smith finally found a style that made the cut. She takes us inside of Hair Rules salon while she gets a new ‘do for the new year.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 27, 2020
01
The Cut

This is me last week with a head full of hair and bored with it. I’ve worn my hair long my entire life (except when a Dominican blow-out gone wrong left it choppy and badly broken). Up until age 16 my mom relaxed my hair until I decided I to take over at the sighting of spiraled new growth. After months of braid outs to blend my natural curl pattern and the dead straight “permed” hair and several trims later, I’d finally rid my hair of any relaxer.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
02
The Cut

I’m on my way to see my stylist Yesenia at Hair Rules, who’s been caring for my curls for two years after a group of friends hosted a girls night out at the salon. I thought I’d mastered how to work with my hair, but she showed me how to bring out my BCE (best curl ever). I was impressed.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
03
The Cut

At the salon, the editor in me comes out, discussing outtakes from a recent photo shoot from the February issue of ESSENCE plus an old photo of Amel Larrieux onstage in a curly bob. My sister joins me for moral support.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
04
The Cut

In the chair anxious, hoping Yesenia will understand my hybrid of a haircut. But after we agree a dramatic, sharp cut is better than playing it safe with a graduated bob, we’re all in! First she blows it out.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
05
The Cut

Next, she begins to cut it dry to get the shape sharp and just right.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
06
The Cut

Even though my locks of love are on the floor, I’m so excited about this new cut that I’m not looking back — literally.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
07
The Cut

Yesenia making sure both sides are symmetrical.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
08
The Cut

Like a trimmed hedge, the shape is like sculptural perfection. Not too triangular and not too round, she nails it!

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
09
The Cut

I pass by model Coco Rocha on the cover of a mag and she confirmed my new haircut would be tres chic, even before it was finished.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
10
The Cut

I decide to leave with my hair styled curly, so Yesenia re-wets it and we discuss how I’d like to style it. I opt for medium curl capacity (a term I totally made up) because my hair volumizes to full capacity as the days progress.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
11
The Cut

Channeling my inner Beyonce, I sit my “wob” beneath the dryer after she adds Hair Rules products: Nourishment Leave In Conditioner, Blow It All Out, and Wavy Mousse. I’m already loving the look.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
12
The Cut

The overhead dryer semi-dried my hair, so the stylist goes in with a diffuser to stretch my curls and finish it off.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
13
The Cut

I’m one happy, selfie-taking customer when it’s all done.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
14
The Cut

Three days later I’m loving the way my curls fluffed up. The cut definitely gave it new life.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
15
The Cut

It’s pretty freeing to let go and detach yourself from one particular image anyone has about how you should wear your hair because they love it that way. And, at the end of the day, it’s just hair and it will grow back.

Follow Celia on Instagram @Celia.Smith and Twitter @Celiastyle.

A Fashion Editor’s First Hair Cut
Michael Rowe
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