Celebrity hairstylist Nadia Vassell, owner of the New York-based Nadia Vassell Salon, found success using lessons learned during her childhood in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Her undetectable hair extension methods and other hair artistry techniques have attracted the attention of celebrities like singers Ashanti, Rihanna, Chrisette Michele, rapper Lil’ Mama; and actress Tika Sumpter. Vassell told rolling out about her styling journey and how she maintains relationships and longevity in her salon.
How did you get started in the beauty industry?
I did a little hair modeling back in the day and I responded to a casting call. On the call I had a conversation with the lead hairstylist and mentioned to her I knew how to do braids and I was interested in doing hair. A few weeks later the salon she owned was looking for a salon assistant, and they called me and offered me the position. I was attending cosmetology school around the same time, so I was attending school during the day and going to work during the evening.
What hair trends have you noticed clients requesting in your salon?
Before the pandemic, there was one trend I wasn’t doing in my salon, which were knotless braids. When someone would call for braids, I would refer them to salons I’m familiar with. Ever since I reopened the salon in June, my clients and even new clients have been flocking to get knotless braids.
What type of technology do you use to help manage your business?
I’ve always utilized an online booking system, I want to leave it in their hands. If it’s midnight and they want to book an appointment they can, if they want to cancel they can. Implementing [this] system was a way of making sure I respect people’s time.
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