With Textured Hair Experts Roegshana Versfeld and Alexandra Santos.
As professionals in the hairdressing industry, understanding a broad range of hair types is crucial in providing the best solutions for your clients.
To meet the increasing consumer demand for salon services that specifically address the needs of textured hair types, being able to confidently cater to this client group is key! However, it’s vital to remember that working with textured hair requires specialised knowledge and experience, utilising the right cutting techniques, colour placement and care services.
Giving us their expert insights on the topic in the first instalment of our two-part series, we catch up with Roegshana Versfeld and Alexandra Santos as they delve into their careers within the hairdressing industry and uncover what attracted them to specialise in textured hair...
Roegshana
“I started after high school at one of the most established hair colleges in Cape Town, where I graduated. This allowed me to dive into multiple international courses with Allilon, opening my eyes to next level creativity and realising that if education inspires me, I want to inspire others. After 12 years of working as a stylist full time, managing and being an in-salon educator, I made the move into education.
Once I started working for Schwarzkopf Professional, my career took off. This is where I realised, I matter as an individual and so do so many others - that alone inspires a creativity like no other. Now here I am, living a dream creating content on a global stage.”
Alexandra
“I've been a hairdresser for 23 years. I graduated from a Japanese school called Soho, here in São Paulo. My greatest passion [working with textured hair] developed from when I learnt how to take care of my curly hair, which at the time when I was a child, was without any finishing products.”
Roegshana
“I never started my career knowing this was the path I wanted to be on. At the age of 17, how do you make what you think is a lifelong decision? I was weighing up the option of being a chef or a hair stylist. The decision was clear when my mom said, “You do realise you can’t wear heels if you’re a chef”, the answer was clear after that!
The owner of the hair salon challenged me in so many ways and I was determined to be great at a young age. Through working long hours, continuously practicing techniques on hair models to better myself and extensive training, I discovered colour was my forte. But still a part of me was not fully satisfied, as I have always wanted to help people in some way or another. That’s where my education journey started, but I found my identity in the community of Schwarzkopf.”
Alexandra
“Through my increasing knowledge of curly and frizzy hair fibres, I have become more passionate.”
Roegshana
“To educate in a safe environment and give people the freedom to express themselves without judgement, to uplift and change the way people see themselves inside and out. As well as creating a space for people to speak openly about their experiences.
This industry is far more than just beautifying the individual that sits in your chair. It’s a journey of discovery that we walk together. As women, I feel we often bring one another down instead of uplifting those around us. Once I started, I knew this was my life’s journey. Educating others in the hair industry is incredibly rewarding and exactly where I belong.”
Alexandra
“Strengthening education for professionals and showing the importance of the brand's technological growth.”
Roegshana
“Schwarzkopf Professional allows me to be the best version of myself as an educator and stylist through innovative technologies, breakthroughs within the industry and putting the stylist first. Developing colour and retail way before “trends” in the industry occur – I like to believe I am a few steps ahead and this allows me to challenge myself. I love the sustainability aspect too, giving back to the community through charity work, like Shaping Futures, and empowering us.”
Alexandra
“For me, it’s the way Schwarzkopf Professional values the authenticity of different people and profiles, showing the impact of different standards without restrictions in society.”
Roegshana
“The initial attraction came from my mom who told me “One cannot claim they are a hair stylist if they cannot do all hair types.” Since then, I have made an active point of making every hair type feel celebrated but more so, I realised there was a lack of education and know-how in the industry regarding curly hair and I made this my mission.
Textured hair has so much character and life, and it changes once colour is applied in the most incredible ways. It’s fun and forever challenging as no curl is the same. I love that curly hair clients keep me on my toes with their needs.”
Alexandra
“I love it because I have textured hair, and it encourages me to engage with other people to show how wonderful our hair is. It also gives more value to their personality. My favourite ranges include Oil Ultime, FIBRE CLINIX and finishing products from the OSiS range.”
Don’t forget to follow Roegshana @shana_hcbpro and Alexandra @ale.edupro on social media, as well as Schwarzkopf Professional, @schwarzkopfpro for the latest inspiration and educational hairdresser snippets, including everything Textured Hair!
And remember to check back for the second instalment of our Textured Hair Q&A where Roegshana and Alessandra talk tips, tricks and products – coming soon!
Become an expert in creating the latest looks with Schwarzkopf Professional eAcademy. Register for free and have a variety of colour service inspiration, product knowledge and trending techniques at your fingertips!
Explore our world-class Colour, Backbar, Styling and Visionary seminars; developed to enhance the skills you already have and help you do what you do, better.
Master any in-salon service by staying on-trend with the latest tips and tricks and essential product knowledge over on the eAcademy.