Are trends helping or hurting curls? In this episode of the Hairdresser Strong Show, we spoke with Stacey Prescott, curl scientist, educator, master cosmetologist, salon owner, author, and creator of CURLtelligence™, about science Over trends.

Stacey breaks down why curl care cannot only be based on trends, product claims, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her work focuses on understanding how natural curls actually behave, then using that knowledge to create better results, stronger consultations, and more trust with clients.

🚨🎤 Stacey Prescott will be taking the stage at the TAPIstry Unveiled Hair Show & Art Expo on October 26th in Hagerstown, MD, where she’ll introduce the fundamental principles behind CURLtelligence™, an evidence-based framework that explains how natural curls actually behave and how beauty professionals can use that knowledge to create better results, stronger consultations, and more trust with clients.

🎟️ Tickets + event details: www.theartistspaletteinvolved.org/hair-show-2026

Key Takeaways:

🔅Learn the why behind the product - Do not stop at “this is for frizz” or “this is for curls.” Stacey talks about understanding what ingredients actually do, when to use them, and when to adjust based on the client’s hair, goals, and environment.

🔅Stop relying only on trend-based curl advice - Curl care cannot be built only on what is popular online. Stacey’s approach is about understanding how natural curls actually behave so stylists can make better choices behind the chair.

🔅Use science to personalize the client experience - Better curl care comes from looking at the actual person in front of you: their curl pattern, hair condition, product history, climate, lifestyle, and what their hair is truly needing.

🔅Client trust grows when you can explain what you are doing - When stylists can explain the reason behind a product, treatment, or technique, clients are more likely to understand the value and trust the recommendation.

🔅Deeper knowledge can change the result - Stacey talks about clients who had been trying everything and still were not getting the outcome they wanted. Sometimes the shift comes from knowing what is actually happening in the hair, not adding more random products.

🔅Mistakes are not failures - One of Stacey’s biggest mindset shifts was learning that mistakes reveal where you can grow. They do not mean you are not capable, and they do not define your worth as a professional.

🔅Never stop learning - The industry keeps evolving, and Stacey’s work is built on continuing to study, question, test, and translate deeper knowledge into real work behind the chair.

RELATED LINKS

📱Follow Stacey on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/byscurls/

🔑Learn more about Stacey & CURLtelligence™ - https://linktr.ee/staceysolumprescott

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com