Aishia Strickland

Aishia Strickland is a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in tight curl and natural hair care and styling. Her interest in the field began with a beauty blog started in 2009, and she enrolled in beauty school in the summer of 2015.

She is co-founder and CEO and Creative Director of Black Girl Curls, which she built with Aeleise Olarvia. According to the business, Black Girl Curls has educated tens of thousands of consumers on natural hair care. Alongside client work, the studio offers a two-day group workshop for stylists on styling tight curls, one-on-one private in-person classes for stylists, and salon staff training, consulting, in-person workshops, feature articles and events.

Clients at the chair can expect a Wash and Go appointment for new clients, and the studio encourages new clients to book a full service appointment. Consultations happen during the appointment at the shampoo bowl rather than as a separate booking. Appointments typically run three to four hours, depending on hair length, density and condition. Detangling is limited to about 30 minutes. Clients are asked to have their hair shampooed within the last seven days, and freshly washed hair is not required. Maintenance visits, seasonal refreshes and other menu additions are offered to existing clients.

Because the work is done part time behind the chair, availability is limited. The schedule is posted monthly, and newsletter sign-up is used to alert clients when openings appear. The booking system may not reflect appointment times accurately. Cash and credit are accepted for services and tips, and gift cards are available. Metered parking is available on Chicago Avenue.

Education is central to the studio, with tight curl natural hair care taught to both consumers and professionals.