Fola Kassim - The Curl Coach
Inclusivity has definitely grown, and I’m thrilled to see it, but we still need true equity. Sometimes brands only scratch the surface when it comes to diversity.
Tell us about your career in beauty to date?
I became a hairstylist by accident. After returning to the UK from the USA, where Afro hair care thrives, I struggled to find a stylist who could achieve the same results. A tearful call to my former stylist led me to enroll in a hairdressing course, not to style others, but to manage my own hair. Soon, I was sharing tips and product recommendations, unknowingly becoming a coach. I saw a huge gap in the market for textured and curly hair care, and what started as a personal journey quickly turned into a passion, and ultimately, a career I haven’t looked back from.
What was your first beauty product?
The first product I ever bought myself was a lavender leave-in that I ordered from an American catalogue. Selfcare is something we’re practically born into, so hair products have been around me forever. But that catalogue was like a mini-coach, with step by step instructions that guided me, so I guess I’ve always been looking to coach or be coached on the best ways to care for curls. My mother took care of my hair until I was a teen, but that lavender leave-in marked the start of my own little hair journey.
Describe a day in your life.
My day starts with coffee and a pep talk, because, honestly, I get anxious. Showing up on social media isn’t as effortless as it looks, and imposter syndrome is real, but I’m working on it! If it’s a salon day, I’m focused on transforming curls. Otherwise, I’m creating content and diving into an exciting new project that’s taking up more of my time. Staying active is a must, this job is physical, and health is everything. Fun fact: I’m just as passionate about style as hair, so I love showcasing my fashion side through my Stylist Fit series!
How did you land your job as a Curl Coach?
I kind of created it. The coaching aspect was accidental, too, I remember explaining what I do at a beauty event, and people kept saying, “You’re like a coach for people with curls.” I went home, looked up the “The Curl Coach” domain, and to my surprise, found it was still available. That was the moment I decided to make it official. I’ve been coaching and sharing my knowledge ever since.
What are your plans for your brand?
Ooh, I wish I could spill all the details. Let’s just say I’m expanding my reach, so stay tuned. When everything is ready to launch, you’ll be the first to know. My vision is all about empowerment, helping people embrace their hair, whatever style they choose. I want everyone to have the skills to care for their hair, so visiting the salon becomes a choice rather than a necessity.
What are your current beauty products?
I’m a true minimalist when it comes to makeup; hydrating primer, concealer, and blush are my go to staples. That said, I have a secret stash of Becca products, including their Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation and Skin Perfector Blush, kept fresh in a mini fridge. For lips, I rarely wear lipstick, but when I do, it’s always a bold red MAC Ruby Woo or Bourjois Grand Cru, lined with a perfect, yet mysteriously numbered, lip liner. When it comes to hair, I’m product agnostic and choose based on quality, weather, and style. Brands like Aveda, Innersense, Pattern Beauty, and Kerastase all make the cut. Whether it’s a silk press, twist-out, or fro, I tailor my routine with staple shampoos, conditioners, and leave-ins to achieve the perfect look.
How does the beauty scene now compare to pre 2020?
Inclusivity in beauty has come a long way, but true equity is still lacking. Too often, diversity feels surface level, with darker skin tones and textured hair still not fully represented, much like Hollywood’s approach to Black beauty. I’m committed to pushing for real change by speaking up and sharing knowledge.
Since 2020, we’ve gone from too little information to overwhelming excess, leaving people unsure of what actually works. Beauty is like cooking—you need more than just great ingredients; you need to know how to use them. That’s why I’m passionate about education, empowering people to get the best results, no matter their products.
