January 5, 2009
Kafele's Pursuit By: Yardley Messeroux
"The
Pursuit of Nappyness" was the first thing that drew my attention. It led me to
find out who was wearing such a bold statement on his shirt among the crowd at The
Coil Review's launch party in Spring 2008. Amazing locs and a friendly circle of
well known stylists and product company executives, it was Kafele. But without the
declarative fashion and industry entourage--really, who couldn't recognize that
it was him?
Kafele has been a respected natural hair care & styling professional for over
10 years, featured in countless hair shows, magazines and conferences, and has been
awarded the title of Loc Stylist Champion, 11 years in a row at the World Natural
Hair, Health & Beauty Show in Atlanta.
After frequent encounters at annual natural hair events last year, it was about
time we had Kafele share his thoughts and expertise with you. Here is the man who
considers himself a 'Self-Esteem Specialist', by bringing forth transformation in
natural hair care and loc cultivation. This is Kafele.
What brought you to a career in natural hair care and styling?
I've always seen my mother wear her hair natural, and her reasons for doing so,
whether spiritual, cultural or the love for her God giving self, made me question
why we as a society can not fully embrace the love of our natural
hair. As a client back in the day in watching me get my hair comb-twisted, the
skills and the technique of natural hair styling peeked my curiosity. After experimenting
the technique of what I visualized on family and friends, I was led to Lock's and
Chop's in New York City; the authority on natural hair care training.
What is it that you adore about your profession and what is it that you can
do without?
I feel that I have been privileged to continue a legacy of natural hair styling,
one of the true existing art forms in our culture that we can still call our own.
I also adore the creative collaboration on photoshoots where I can get a 'natural
high' working with other artists such as photographers, make up artists, fashion stylists,
models or other hair stylists. Additionally, the most special thing to me is the
interaction I have on a day to day basis with my clients--where the relationship
between stylist and client evolves into friendship.
What I can do without is the lack of community, lack of salon franchise and the
unnecessary competition and insecurities between peers.
Who in the public eye have you worked with that show an excellent example of
natural hair worn superbly?
Retired Heavyweight Champ Lennox Lewis and Atlanta Georgia's Natural Hair Supermodel,
Giovanni.
What kind of products do you swear by and use on your clients?
First and foremost I swear by my self-made product, K – Oil, which I believe is
the best lubricant for natural hair and locs. I also highly recommend the Jane Carter
Solutions Natural Hair Care Line.
As many women of color are choosing to make the transition back to their natural
texture, do you have any thoughts on why that is? Is it a trend or here to stay?
Natural hair styles are the only things that are trends. The wearing of natural
hair is not about transitioning back; it is about embracing self. In the new millennium
where health is a major concern, clients are becoming more holistic in their habits
of eating, exercise and their choice to wear their hair chemically free.
As a haircare professional at the pulse of what's hot, what is a style trend
that you predict us seeing more of in this new year?
Soft loc'd hair styles without all the braiding, crisscross and fish scale patterns.
With natural hair becoming as popular as it has been over the past several years,
has the
world of natural hair become a competitive industry as a result?
It all depends if you consider yourself a competitive stylist. Not every stylist
will look at their service as a career. There will always be those who see there services as a job, and their method of operation will continuously be mechanical.
For my self, it is important for me to keep my name "hot" in the game, which basically
means staying cutting edge, visible and trendsetting!
What advise would you give someone who aspires to enter the industry of natural
hair?
1. Seek someone who is qualified to offer you a mentoring program or an apprenticeship
2. Honor and respect the aspect of the cultural art
3. Be willing to make sacrifices for clientele
Where can we see Kafele in 2009?
You can see me at the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair and Beauty Show
in the Loc
Styling Competition, to hold down my throne as the Loc Stylist Champion; in New
York City setting the standard for well groomed locs and natural hair; as well as
on the road as a Jane Carter Solutions Spokesperson. Top of Page
