Why Most Stylists Never Learned to Cut Curly Hair

Why Most Stylists Never Learned to Cut Curly Hair

From We Are Spiraling by Priya Anand

April 10, 2026 · 20 min · Season 1 · Episode 10

About this episode

The episode discusses the historical neglect of curly hair in cosmetology education and features an interview with Roxy Reaves about her advocacy for change.

New York state law now requires cosmetology schools to teach students how to work with curly hair. We trace the history of haircutting and ask why it took so long for curly hair to be acknowledged. And we talk to Roxy Reaves, founder of Oakland, California-based Coastal Curl, who pushed Aveda to change how it trains stylists. Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes stories: WeAreSpiraling.com Follow Priya on Instagram and TikTok MAYURA waitlist and Instagram This show is also o...

People in this episode

Host: Priya Anand

Guest: Roxy Reaves

Topics covered

  • curly hair
  • cosmetology education
  • haircutting history
  • stylist training
  • beauty standards

Keywords

  • curly hair
  • cosmetology
  • haircutting
  • stylist training
  • Aveda
  • Roxy Reaves
  • New York law

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Aveda

Places: New York, Oakland, California

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