Celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, and author - Kee Taylor, explains why her career journey is much “Deeper Than Hair.”
“In The Chair With” spotlights the incredible hairstylists in our community who are giving us major inspiration. Each week, they discuss their personal hair and career journeys, what they’ve learned from their clients, and their top hair care tips.
For many young Black girls, getting their hair styled at home by their grandmothers, mothers, or aunts is a rite of passage. But this experience can be fraught with tender-headed memories. As a child, celebrity hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor wiped her tears and picked up her great-grandmother’s comb and brush to slay her strands without the stress.
The West Philadelphia native went on to sit at the footsteps of a neighborhood friend to learn the art of the French roll and braiding. She grew up to become “that girl” in high school who carried hair magazines inside her Trapper Keeper and did all the boys’ cornrows during lunch.
While Taylor studied at the now shuttered Berean School of Cosmetology, it wasn’t until she secured a job at one of Philadelphia’s most popular hair salons that she learned how to shampoo and condition “the correct way.” Taylor tells ESSENCE, “That hands-on training helped me to be the best me. I took the techniques that I learned there and turned them into my own.
She sharpened her skills and built a portfolio styling friend and actress Nafessa Williams for all of her gigs. Their “master alliance,” plus word of mouth, and many years of hustle, led to Taylor opening Deeper Than Hair Salon, penning a children’s book, and editing her very own hair magazine.
Celebrities like Kelly Rowland, Tika Sumpter, Keke Palmer, and Mara Brock Akil trust Taylor with the health of their natural strands. And she’s gone viral for challenging critics who believe that Black hair isn’t beautiful.
Find out more about Kee and her philosophy on hair in the full article available here.
Her current favorite products
I really love Beauty by Anna Braid Bae Styling Gel. I’ve been using that a lot for braiding my hair, slicking it down, and keeping it away. And, of course, Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
The RevAir Reverse-Air Dryer. I love it so bad! It takes me back to when I was a child with the most tender head and wished that my mom-mom had a tool like that.
Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils products are my favorite for my twist outs, braids, and natural curls. When I take my braids out, I use Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy to help me comb my hair without causing too much breakage. I also use the Curl La La Defining Curl Custard and Don’t Shrink Elongating Curling Gel.
Essence.com | By Dana Oliver | August 22, 2024
