from Bedroom Tutorials to Styling music’s Elite: Tevin Washington‘s rise in the Hair Industry
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A new series, “In The Chair With,” is spotlighting the innovative hairstylists shaping today’s beauty landscape, and Tevin Washington’s journey stands out as a testament to passion and self-taught skill. Washington, now a sought-after celebrity stylist, built his foundation not in a salon, but through online tutorials and a dedication to honing his craft.
The Genesis of a Stylist: YouTube and Early Practice
Unlike many in the industry, Washington’s initial foray into hairstyling didn’t begin with formal training.”I used to love watching hair tutorials and videos,” he recalls,explaining that these resources initially sparked his interest. Before even holding a professional curling wand, he was immersed in the world of hair artistry, learning by observing others. This early fascination quickly translated into practice. “I would get a lot of girls and friends who asked me to flat-iron their hair or sew their bundles in,” he says. “That’s when I realized I really enjoyed the process.” He steadily
From Summer Walker to JT: Styling the Stars
Washington’s skills soon caught the attention of prominent artists,beginning with Summer Walker. This opportunity opened doors to collaborate with a constellation of music’s leading voices,including Jazmine Sullivan,Ari Lennox,SZA,and,most notably,the rapper JT.
“There have been so many milestones JT and I have accomplished together, and I’m excited to see where we’ll go next,” Washington states, highlighting a especially fruitful professional relationship. Through lace installs, editorial shoots, and creative collaborations, his core mission remains consistent: empowering Black women to embrace their beauty and feel confident.
Product Preferences and Styling Beliefs
Washington readily shares his current favorite products,praising the efficacy of K18‘s line and the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum as “incredible.” He’s also recently become a devoted fan of Shea Moisture, noting its deeply moisturizing properties, particularly beneficial for his own curly hair. “I’m a curly-haired guy, so I’m always using their leave-ins, shampoos, and conditioners. My hair just loves it and soaks it right up!”
When it comes to styling, Washington expresses a particular fondness for wigs, emphasizing their versatility. “I love the different person or personality someone can become with a wig!” He specializes in creating natural-looking wig styles, aiming to mimic the appearance of hair growing directly from the scalp.He recommends True Hair Company for its “premium raw Indian hair quality, variety of length, textures, and shades.”
The Importance of Hair Health and Client Connection
Washington stresses the importance of consistent hair care, advising, “You should always be giving your hair some type of attention and nurturing. It’s never a good thing to just ignore your hair or throw it up in a ponytail for days on end without proper maintainance.” he advocates for regular brushing, washing, exfoliation, and conditioning.
He also seeks to dispel a common misconception about hair damage, explaining, “Before using any product or tool, it’s important to be informed before using them.A tool or a product cannot damage your hair; however, the person using it without the proper knowledge of that tool or product can damage your hair.”
Beyond technical skill, Washington prioritizes uplifting his clients. “Hair is only an extension of how beautiful they are. The style will not make them beautiful, as they are already beautiful. It’s just going to highlight what was already there!” He emphasizes the importance of building rapport, noting that clients value a warm and welcoming atmosphere. “Hairstyling is not just an exchange of money for services.These ladies want to get to know the person they are letting into their space and trusting with their crown.”
