As Textured Haircare Specialist & Lead Educator for Curlsmith, Sharley Viola’s work has taken her across the world, educating hairstylists and those in the textured hair community on curl health and styling.
A hairstylist herself, Sharley’s practical knowledge and experience in the salon space makes her instantly relatable as well as authoritative. But her expertise doesn’t just come from her time in the salon – this self-dubbed ‘product junkie’ has tried and tested more Curlsmith products than you could shake a brush at!
Here, Sharley shares titbits from her work as a hair educator, her own Curlsmith must-haves, and tips for curly girls who like to experiment with heat styling.
How did you get your start in hair education?
I started my career as a hairstylist working in a salon, a space filled with various opportunities such as being a part of the Artistic team, management, or salon trainer. Being the person I am, I explored all options and realised that my true passion was education.
My first educator role was teaching assistants in salons to support their learning in the academy, which was very rewarding. As my career progressed, an opportunity arose to become a textured hair specialist. Stepping into this role, I knew I was contributing to a transformative period in the industry. Around this time, the standards were shifting to make it mandatory to complete training with texture hair to qualify as a hairstylist, which wasn’t previously a requirement.
Eighteen months into this role, another exciting opportunity materialised: becoming the Lead Educator at Curlsmith. The decision to accept this role was underlined by observations from working with prestigious brands in the salon; there was an evident gap in the market for a prestige brand dedicated solely to waves, curls, and coils.
With a deep sense of purpose, I recognised that this was the next leg of my journey—to contribute to the education of the textured hair community with the backing of an incredible brand committed to their care.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of your day as a hair educator?
My favourite parts of my day are during educational calls, whether they involve my team members, retailers, or the field team. I love sharing insights and knowledge about textured hair and the Curlsmith range. We have such a wide range of products, and given the diversity of our recipes, tailoring recommendations to suit individual needs ensures that everyone experiences the full benefits of our range.
There isn’t a moment I would label as my least favorite part of my day, as each day is different. However, if I were to pinpoint a challenge, it would be the early morning calls required for filming or event preparations. Particularly in the winter, waking at 5.45 am can be grim!
What’s something you’ve discovered during your career that has completely changed your understanding of textured hair?
What completely changed my understanding of textured hair was the various factors that play a role in understanding your hair’s needs. An understanding of textures, curl patterns, and porosities is critical in creating a successful haircare routine for the best care.
You’re a self-confessed product junkie – what can your curls not do without?
Selecting a single product is too challenging for a product junkie like me, but I can narrow it down to a few select favourites. One of my top picks has to be my deep conditioning treatment. With a weekly hair-washing routine, I must rejuvenate my locks with my all-time favourite Double Cream Deep Quencher, which delivers rich moisture without weighing down my strands.
Following my conditioner, a leave-in is a must; the Hold Me Softly Style Balm, doubling up as a curls cream, consistently delivers the perfect moisture level while enhancing my coils. I swear by the Curls Defining Styling Souffle to seal the deal for a medium hold and lasting style. This selection is my go-to all-time favourite; however, I am known to stray into the other recipes occasionally.
Scalp massage – is it really all that?
A scalp massage is one of the most relaxing experiences. It has been suggested that daily scalp massages can stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles to promote hair growth and scalp health. Scalp massaging is a great method to work serums into the scalp, such as our Scalp Stimulating Booster and Density Elixer, which are designed to help support healthy hair growth.
Hair maintenance can become tiresome and repetitive; what’s the best way to turn it into an enjoyable part of your self-care routine?
This is a familiar feeling among those with textured hair. To make my routine enjoyable, I select one of my favourite TV shows for background entertainment, tune into a playlist, or connect with a friend for a catch-up while I style my coils. Caring for your hair doesn’t need to be a silent gaze in the mirror; paring it with something enjoyable makes it less like a repetitive, tiresome task.
Protein and moisture are two essential elements for healthy curls. But which should we prioritise?
Both are essential to maintain healthy hair and finding the right balance is key. However, knowing which to prioritise depends on your hair’s needs. If your hair feels dry and brittle, prioritise moisture; alternatively, if your strand feels limp and lacks structure, lean towards protein. Our Strength Recipe contains various protein-enriched products, including our Bond Curl Rehab Salve, a pre-poo treatment that targets all three hair bonds to strengthen and restore your tresses.
Is there a gentle way to use heat on curls?
Yes, there is; I swear by my Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer. Specifically developed with textured hair in mind, you can guarantee that your curls will stay in great condition. Your curls are safer than a traditional dryer, even at the highest temperature. However, I still apply Miracle Shield as a heat protector before using the dryer.
