Nadine Mustafa Every once in a while, you stumble upon an Instagram page that is so enticing that you can’t keep your gaze away from it. Sarah Safwat, also known as The Curly Studio, has that effect on people. The way this lady cuts and forms curls, if you will, is spellbinding. Because of her dedication to honoring texture in all of its splendor, Safwat has developed a cult following among curl fanatics. She is the kind of hair stylist we could use more of, with a focused emphasis on shaping, arranging, and designing curves and silhouettes for curly-haired women. It’s obvious that her passion for hair extends far beyond the surface. She develops relationships with her customers, which drives her passion to share their stories and teach others about the appeal of textured hair.
Safwat draws a vibrant image of twists that the world wants to see in a culture where women are marginalized at work for “uncombed” natural curls and young women are bullied at school for displaying their hair texture. We sat down with her in a unique intriguing talk to know more about her inspirational story.
What was the idea behind ‘The Curly Studio’ when it first was launched?
The main goal was to help anyone to love, restore, care & know more about their natural hair. It was important for me to spread knowledge about this type of hair for all women to embrace and flaunt instead of hiding and trying to fit in the beauty standards society has given them.
Your main focus is primarily on curly hair, what sparked your interest and took on such a texture?
There is a recurring popular belief that curly hair is not “nice hair.” Society is changing, and we are all emerging. We should both welcome and enjoy everything, and see ourselves in a new light. I’ve always been a curly head all my life until one day I lost my curls from bleaching at the hairdresser while dying my hair and it all started from here when I decided that I have to bring my curls back! And thus, it motivated me to inspire others to have the same concept of embracing one’s natural beauty.
Unfortunately, so many curly-haired women share almost the same unsettling stories about styling their hair. Why do you think that miseducation about handling their texture continues to be problematic?
Because we are talking about how curly wasn’t likely accepted through decades and how all the old generations were raised on straightening their natural hair all the time.
I used to have people look at me and my mom wondering “why don’t you comp or straighten her hair”. But here’s the catch, curls are a challenging texture to work with. Hairdressers must be careful. Curly textures have previously been avoided due to a lack of comprehension. That being said, I’m seeing a shift in businesses that make curly hair products. It just comes down to knowing who you’re appealing to.
Have you always embraced your natural curls?
I was raised to love how God created me & that I’m special in a way. So whenever I used to hear bad comments or have bullying attitudes, I tend to ignore all this and feel more special about myself. Since then, it became such a personal movement because I am not fighting who I am, I’m learning to take care of it.
Can you walk us through the best hair care routine for preserving the curls?
It all starts with loving & understanding your hair.
To know your curl pattern, hair porosity as well as level of protein to decide what type of products will suit your hair best. Then cutting your chemically treated hair or the heat hair is the first step in preserving & restoring your natural wave.
What are your favorite wash’n go products you rely on?
I’m a product junkie, but my absolute favorite as I am a co-wash Kinky curly knot today is leave-in & custard.
Recommend some natural ingredients at home for easy hair masks.
Here’s what I resort to most of the time; yogurt, eggs, avocado, honey, and banana.
But it all depends on your natural hair protein level.
Why do you feel it is important to embrace your natural hair texture? What is the message behind ‘The Curly Studio’ movement?
I aim to start a revolution in which curls are no longer handled differently from other hair textures in the industry. I want my women to feel like they’re a part of this massive beauty market, rather than a misfit. It’s about the individual and their history, not just the haircut. It’s important to love yourself & be yourself & be confident about yourself so we can raise new generations and never judge or evaluate people for how they look.
I can see A Lot of women & girls now that attend weddings, go to their work & attend conferences with natural hair, they are themselves they accepted & loved that so people started accepting & respecting that as well.
So, if you’re looking for a spot to dry-cut your locks, get proper treatment, or shape your curls for a big event, look no further and give ‘The Curly Studio’ the awaited go.
