In an effort to address the gap in education around styling textured hair, Portland resident Melody Brown, owner, and master stylist at L&M Hair Company, has pioneered Oregon’s inaugural two-month program dedicated to textured hair styling.
Recognizing the significance of hair as a woman’s crown, Brown has taken the initiative to create a comprehensive program aimed at licensing and educating stylists on the intricate art of working with textured hair. At her salons in Southeast and Northeast Portland, she imparts her expertise in styling and educates others on techniques related to wigs, locks, braids, and more. Brown emphasizes that these skills are often insufficiently covered in traditional beauty schools.
Gino Watson, a hairstylist at L&M Hair Company, attests to Brown’s impact, stating, “I didn’t know how to do really much hair, to be honest. I didn’t know how to really curl that well, so, Melody kind of took her time with me.”
According to Brown, beauty schools typically provide minimal education on textured hair, offering only a brief section without substantial hands-on experience. This gap in education leaves stylists feeling less confident in their ability to work with textured hair.
Compounding the challenge, Brown notes that there is a shortage of stylists in Portland to meet the growing demand for textured hair services. Client Whitney Meskimen emphasizes the difficulty of finding a safe and trusted space for textured hair care, leading her to remain within her family’s circle for over a decade.
To combat these issues, Brown has not only developed the program but also expanded her team by hiring stylists like Watson who have completed the training. The success of her program is evident as individuals completing it have the potential to earn six figures, even in their first year, providing economic stability and independence.
Six individuals have already graduated from Brown’s program, with tuition ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 based on the stylist’s chosen specialization. Notably, Brown has also facilitated 17 individuals in obtaining their natural hair care license from the state.
Reflecting on her journey, Brown shares, “Hard work pays off. Staying true to your vision pays off, and following your heart and leading with integrity… I feel like you’ll be able to pretty much do whatever you put your mind to.” Her pioneering efforts are not only transforming the hairstyling landscape in Oregon but also empowering stylists to excel in the field of textured hair care.
