I’ve had the honor of styling for over 30 seasons of Fashion Week, the Met Gala, and countless red-carpet moments — but my favorite work is when I get to blend creativity, speed, and intention into styles that make textured hair the star.
I bring that energy to the stage during every stop on my Texture Unleashed: Star Styling Simplified Tour. During my recent stop at America’s Beauty Show, I created four distinct looks. Each is designed to transition fast, hold up under pressure, and celebrate the full spectrum of textured hair.
From quick-change glam to sculptural editorial styles, every look is perfect for red carpets, bridal clients, fashion shows, or backstage environments.
Below are the step-by-steps. Each style was built using The Doux products from Sally Beauty, plus tools, sculpting materials, and editorial accessories all found in my signature Artist on the Go Bag.
Look 1 - Sculpted Texture Crown
1. Blowout
- Blow-dry for a smooth, stretched base.
Products & Tools: Doux Drops Bonding Polish, Mousse Def Texture Foam, O.P.P Heat Protectant Spray; Paddle Brush or Comb Attachment.
2. Cornrow + Sew
- Create 5 sections.
- Cornrow the top crown section forward. Then sew into a figure 8 across the forehead.
- Cornrow side sections around the ears toward the face.
- Sew on accessories.
3. Sleek & Build Ponytails
- Smooth edges.
- Create 3 sleek ponytails stacked in back. Join the side sections into a single ponytail, then create two additional ponytails as your base.
Products & Tools: Big Poppa Defining Gel, Babygirl Edge Brush
4. Create Bantu Knots
- Add synthetic hair to all 3 ponytails.
- Twist into bantu knots and pin securely.
Products: Dosso Beauty Braiding Hair
Pro Tip: Use Specialty Style Builder rings to sculpt perfectly shaped bantu knots.
5. Finish
Decorate the figure 8 braids with editorial accessories to turn this protective style into a statement.
Look 2 - Textured Crown with Cascading Glam
1. Blowout
- Blow-dry for a smooth, stretched base.
Products & Tools: Doux Drops Bonding Polish, Mousse Def Texture Foam, O.P.P Heat Protectant Spray; Paddle Brush or Comb Attachment.
2. Cornrow + Sew
- Create 5 sections.
- Cornrow the top crown section forward. Then sew into a figure 8 across the forehead.
- Cornrow side sections around the ears toward the face.
- Sew on accessories.
3. Sleek & Build Base
- Smooth edges.
- Pull the side sections into one sleek high ponytail and secure.
- Create 2 cornrows in the back and pin them down horizontally as an anchor.
Products & Tools: Big Poppa Defining Gel, Babygirl Edge Brush
4. Add Extensions and Style
- Clip hair extensions on top of the pinned-down cornrows.
- Add extensions to the top ponytail and blend.
- Curl hair.
Products & Tools: Dosso Beauty Extensions, 1-in. Cordless Ceramic Iron
Pro Tip: For stylists on location, compact cordless tools are non-negotiable. I rely on the 1” mobile curling and flat irons in my Artist on the Go Bag for polished finishes and quickie touch-ups.
Look 3 - Quick-Change Glam: Updo to Downstyle
1. Cleanse, Prep, Section
- Shampoo and condition hair.
- Prep: Use Base Gel at the hairline for structure, and Texture Foam for hold and control.
- Blow-dry for a smooth, stretched base.
- Create 5 clean sections to prepare for styling and wig application.
Products: Press Rewind Curl Retention Shampoo, Fast Forward Heat Prep Conditioner, Dear Mama Moisture Milk Leave-In Conditioner, 808 Base Gel, Mousse Def Texture Foam
2. Install Wigs, Prep, and Curl
- Apply products to two wigs.
- Install wigs.
- Curl wigs in 1-inch sections.
Blend the crown section of the natural hair into the wigs by curling it as well for a seamless finish.
Products and Tools: Just Glaze Silkening Fluid, O.P.P. Heat Protectant Spray, 1-in. Cordless Ceramic Iron
3. Finish
- Apply product and finger-comb through to blend and separate the curls.
Products: Doux Drops Bonding Polish
Pro Tip: This look is perfect for quick transitions! You can skip the shampoo and go straight from a structured updo to a flowing downstyle in minutes.
Ideal for red carpets, bridal clients, or any moment that calls for a fast, glam switch-up without starting over.
Look 4 - Avant-Garde Switch-Up: Sleek Base to Sculpted Brilliance
Create a sleek base for a wig that can quickly be switched out with a custom sculptured piece (shown). This saves time and keeps the foundation intact.
1. Cleanse + Prep
- Shampoo and condition hair. Prep with moisturizing leave-in.
- Blow-dry for a smooth, stretched base.
Products: Press Rewind Curl Retention Shampoo, Fast Forward Heat Prep Conditioner, Dear Mama Moisture Milk Leave-In Conditioner, Paddle Brush or Comb Attachment.
2. Create Braid Base
- Cornrow small sections toward the center of the head. Use defining gel for clean parts, grip, and hold while braiding.
- Gather the braid ends and pin them down flat to create a secure, low-profile base — perfect for quick wig or piece changes.
Products: Big Poppa Defining Gel
3. Sculpt Avant-Garde Piece
- Using synthetic hair, create four large 3-strand braids.
- Insert aluminum wire into each braid to shape and structure the form.
- Sew the braids together and pin into the center braid base for secure wear.
Products: Dosso Beauty Braiding Hair
4. Finish + Accessorize.
- Smooth any visible edges.
- Apply polish throughout for shine and control.
- Finish with editorial accessories for a bold, high-fashion touch.
Products: Big Poppa Defining Gel, Doux Drops Bonding Polish.
Pro Tip: A strong braided base (and those cordless tools) will set you up for seamless style swaps! This technique is perfect for runway, editorial, or red carpet when fast transformations are a must.
As an artist committed to celebrating the full spectrum of hair texture, I designed each of these looks with versatility, speed, and impact in mind.
Not only do they showcase the beauty of textured hair, but they reflect the precision and adaptability today’s top stylists need.
The next stop on my Texture Unleashed Tour is Premiere Orlando on May 31. See you there!
Credits
Hairstylist: Monaè Everett
Makeup: Rekema Webster
Photographer: Alex Cirillo