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- [00:08]
A
Hello. Hello. This is Brooke Debard and you're listening to the Naked Beauty Podcast. And if you're with us here on YouTube, you are watching the Naked Beauty Podcast. I love when I get to be in studio with my guests. Today on Naked Beauty, I am joined by someone whose talent you have absolutely seen, even if you don't realize it. Corey Moreno is a true multi hyphenate hair artist, a natural hair expert, a visionary stylist, and and the friend you want in your corner when you are ready to transform. I've had the pleasure of experiencing Corey's magical hands myself. And he does it all. Silk presses, curls, color, wigs, protective styling, editorial hair, red carpet, glam. And he approaches every texture with fluency, intention, and artistry. You've seen his work on some of the most iconic women in the culture. Zendaya Queen, Latifah, Jodie Turner Smith, Natasha Lyonne, Chase, Infinity, and Teyana Taylor. Corey's touch is unmistakable. Soft where it needs to be and sculptural where it counts. And always rooted in understanding the unique relationship that we as women have with our hair beyond the glam. He has a deep personal expertise because he has tested techniques on himself, which we're going to get into. He's learned every texture in a very hands on way and has really built an incredible career for himself grounded in curiosity, sense skill, and just pure love of the craft. Corey, I'm so excited to have you here on Naked Beauty.
- [01:34]
B
I'm so excited to be here. Thank you so much for that introduction. I was over here gagging to myself.
- [01:39]
A
Just being like, wow, I've really done it all.
- [01:42]
B
That's really special. Thank you.
- [01:43]
A
Oh, my gosh. Well, I feel like I need to, like, start this conversation from the beginning of when we first met, because I'll. I'll tell the audience. From my perspective, we are at this very kind of fancy who's who of the Beauty World event in New York City. It's the night of the Met gala. We are at Mr. Chow's in Midtown, and they have collected all of the top makeup artists and hairstylists basically in the world who have basically glammed everyone for the Met. So it's like after you've glammed everyone, we're all coming together to do this, like, legendary dinner that happens every year. And I see this beautiful young black man who has this like, very editorial mullet and like these incredible platform boots and just like this little, like, denim jacket and like tiny little waist, and I'm like, who is that And I think. I think it was. Christy introduced us. She was like, oh, you guys need to know each other.
- [02:35]
B
Yes.
- [02:36]
A
And then now we've been, like, locked.
- [02:38]
B
In ever since, and it's been amazing. Brooke is, like, she holds the key to all things beauty in la, which I love. Like, you know, everybody. So it's like, it's been amazing just, like, starting there, and, like, our relationship has trickled into so many other, like, realms, and I just love it.
- [02:54]
A
Yes. And I feel like I've kind of developed a bit of a reputation as someone that really cares about my hair. And so when I work with someone, it really is this, like, collaboration. We're going back and forth. And that's why I love the way that you approach hair, because you approach it as, like, an artist.
- [03:08]
B
100%. 100%. I feel like for as long as I can remember, it's like, I've always been doing art, so hair just kind of became a medium at a certain point. But I definitely love it on that deep level of artistry.
- [03:20]
A
Okay, so take me back to young Corey.
- [03:22]
B
Okay.
- [03:22]
A
What were you like as a little boy?
- [03:25]
B
I was very, very inquisitive. You use all the right words. Like, I would ask so many questions. My aunts and uncles and cousins and my grandmas on both sides, they would just be like, cory, got all the questions, you got all the words? I would just be, like, chatting them up. But as I started getting older, I would just, like, be more into, like, things personally. So I would be sketching and drawing and taking my sister's dolls and, like, twirling their hair up in rollers and straws. So I was just always using my hands to build something or create something from a very, very early age.
- [03:57]
A
So you were always drawn to hair specifically or just kind of making things with your hands?
- [04:02]
B
Making things in my hands initially, but hair has always kind of been around me. Like, my mom would have, like, you know, her. Her days where she's washing and wrapping her hair, wet setting or relaxing her hair. Like, I just, like, watched her do all of that, so. Had a front seat to a very heavy beauty girl back in the 90s. Yeah.
- [04:19]
A
So do you feel like you have those old school hairdresser techniques? Like, what's. Because people are saying that hairdressers are losing the recipes. Do you agree with that?
- [04:26]
B
You know what I would say? I agree with that. I. I'm like, equal parts new age indie hairdresser and equal parts old school, like, traditional black hair salon hairdresser. And I kind of like have merged those worlds and have created a level of cool factor, but still keeping health and hair maintenance at the forefront of like, my work and everything that I do.
- [04:47]
A
Yes, yes. We're going to get into the Hair It All. I didn't even mention in your intro you do women and men. You did Lil Nas X. That's who we're doing that night at Met Gala. And you worked with him a lot for. Are you also like a barber? Like, can you like cut hair?
- [05:00]
B
So, yes, I, I cut hair. I'm a licensed cosmetologist. And when you're a licensed cosmetologist, you can do pretty much anything. You can use clippers and all those things. I think the only thing that separates you from being a barber is using like a straight razor. There's other techniques that you'll learn in barber school, but being a hairdresser I've been, been able to learn. And being a barber also is self taught, so I didn't necessarily get taught by anyone. I just kind of started doing my own thing. I haven't been to the barbershop myself in over like 15 years.
- [05:25]
A
Wow.
- [05:25]
B
I've been like cutting my own hair and doing that, you know, when I had shorter hair. So it's, it's always been a labor of learning on my own.
- [05:32]
A
Oh my gosh. So you, you go to hair school?
- [05:36]
B
Yes, go to hair school. Straight out of high school, like I was signing up, like probably my junior year of high school. I was like already at the, you know, place, like taking a tour and seeing what it's about, figuring out how much it costs. So as soon as I graduated, I think like four months later, I went straight to hair school.
- [05:52]
A
Okay.
- [05:52]
B
And it was life changing.
- [05:54]
A
Was it? I was gonna say, was your family supportive of you?
- [05:56]
B
100%.
- [05:57]
A
Okay, 100%.
- [05:57]
B
At that point. By the time I was in hair school, I had been doing hair for years. I mean, by 13, I was like fully booked. I was doing like, my guidance counselors, my teachers, all the neighborhood girls, they would ride the bus home. And like, this was serious. And I was doing like.
- [06:12]
A
And this is in D.C. this was.
- [06:13]
B
In PG County, Maryland, which I'm from. I'm born and raised in DC, but I kind of grew up in county, Maryland.
- [06:20]
A
And Peachy county is like very kind of affluent bougie, isn't it?
- [06:23]
B
Is it a fluent black? And that's what I have to constantly remind myself that I grew up like doing the most elite black women in the city at a very young age. And I kind of Learned taste very early on. So it's cool to kind of see the journey from being like this 13 year old boy, like doing Victoria's Secret blowouts on like my high school. Like by the time I got to high school, I'm like doing all these things that I was like seeing and it was like unheard of. But, you know, it was a vibe. And I'm glad I stayed true to like my. Because I feel like I still do hair the same exact way that I've always done it.
- [06:57]
A
Yeah.
- [06:57]
B
So I'm glad I stayed true to like that core value of myself. Yeah.
- [07:01]
A
How were you expressing yourself in that time with your own hair when you were a teenager?
- [07:06]
B
I was like, different colors, different shapes. I was relaxing it. I was like, you know, and I was staying very coy with it. I didn't get too out there. Like, I never wore weaves and extensions and wigs like that. That wasn't a thing, I don't think. In the 2000s.
- [07:20]
A
Yes. For boys. Yeah.
- [07:21]
B
Queer boys. To kind of do those things wasn't as like, prominent. And if it was, it was like more difficult to kind of like exist like that. So I would play in colors and different cuts and I would do like designs in my head with like the clippers and things like that. But I definitely expressed myself fully, like the way I dress, the way I did my hair.
- [07:39]
A
You've got to do a video of all of these looks that you used to have. I need to see. I need to see. I know.
- [07:44]
B
It's insane now.
- [07:46]
A
Were you out in high school?
- [07:47]
B
I was. I came out when I was about 13.
- [07:50]
A
Wow. What was that conversation like? It was amazing.
- [07:52]
B
I mean, I just like simply like talked to my mom like, you know, this is what I feel. And she was like, it's okay.
- [07:57]
A
I love that.
- [07:58]
B
Like, my mom's been my best friend, like my whole life. So it was important for her to like show up for me immediately. Like, she's. She doesn't play any games and have never. So when I was like young, she would, you know, defend me on any. Any stance. So yeah, I didn't have any issues coming out, honestly.
- [08:14]
A
That's beautiful.
- [08:14]
B
Honestly, my family's been super supportive.
- [08:17]
A
Did you feel like you were able to like date and be out as like a queer black boy in high school?
- [08:23]
B
Mmm, that's an interesting question. In some regards, of course. Like, I like guys or like, I thought someone was cute or, you know, you know, and it was, you know, okay. But like, I wasn't necessarily dating in high School, I was, like, literally booked as a hairdresser. Like, when I say it was serious, watch the comments under this. They're gonna be like, yes, he used to do my hair in high school. But it was a very serious thing. Like, I would have two and three clients after school and finishing late into the night, like, had a whole salon set up, so I was not worried about boys and dating and all those things.
- [08:54]
A
Oh, my God. Well, your entry into Hollywood, the big leagues of hairdressing, you have a really interesting story that you have to take us through, because you. You really, like, you created your own destiny.
- [09:08]
B
100%. I mean, I've always known that I wanted to do hair at a high level. I always known that I wanted to be respected in the hair industry, whether it was, like, loudly or silently. So when I finished hair school, like, I worked in major salons all through dc, all my. Like, I have about five mentors. So it, like, I've been able to kind of, like, curate my career, my likings, depending on the season I was in. And then eventually I was like, D.C. isn't enough. Like, I want to find my value. And I felt like D.C. was trying to, like, keep me to themselves in a way, and I'm like, I'm just gonna, like, shoot my shot. I literally hit up one of my closest friends still to this day, Vernon Francois. I just, like, literally blind dmed him on.
- [09:52]
A
And we need to tell people that aren't familiar with Vernon, because I feel like if you know the hair scene, like, you know Vernon Francois by name, but he was doing Lupita Nyong' O at this point.
- [10:00]
B
Dina Guerrera, Serena Williams.
- [10:03]
A
Yes.
- [10:03]
B
Cynthia Erivo. Like, I mean, he was loaded with all the. The women in Hollywood at that point that. That wanted to express themselves in a very natural way. So when I saw that, I'm like, he has a viewpoint. I respect that. Like, I want to learn from someone like that. And I just, like, let me know whatever you need me to do, and I'm on my way. Like, a week later, he's like, but.
- [10:23]
A
You sent him a DM on Instagram.
- [10:25]
B
DM him on Instagram Blind.
- [10:26]
A
You didn't have any connection to him? No connection. And you said, what?
- [10:30]
B
In this dm, in this dm, I was like, I really respect your work. I think you're amazing. I would love to assist you. If you have any opportunities, I will make myself completely available. Let me know. And he was like, when can you come to la? I literally was like. And at that time, like, I was Working. I was doing really well for myself. So I'm like, okay, I was charged to take myself to la. We met and week after that we're on set of W magazine and I'm like helping assisting him do Serena Williams hair. I mean, it was like the most insane two weeks of my life.
- [10:58]
A
The thing that's so insane about that story though is you don't tell him, hey, I'm in dc. He's like, when can you be available? And you're like, oh, like next week. Like, you don't even, you don't even bring up the I'm getting on a plane. You just make it happen.
- [11:09]
B
I just appear. I just appear in la. Strutting straight into Soho House. Like, okay, I'm meeting Vernon Francois. But it was honestly like I was ballsy and it paid off. But I did work hard with Vernon. Like, it didn't, it didn't come easily. I assisted him for years and it was an amazing opportunity to kind of like get front seat view of the industry without it being on my shoulders. Like the expectation wasn't on me. So I was able to really like learn and get great insight from him. And he was, you know, Vernon is a London based hairdresser. He is stern, he's strict, he has his way about things. And I like, I'm so grateful that I got that structure at my beginning part of the industry.
- [11:48]
A
Yes. Now being on set, working with talent, working with celebrity, there's like the doing of the hair and then there's all of this stuff around it in terms of the politics and the agents and like who you're exclusive to and just even just being on set. What's the thing about set? They say it's like hurry up and wait is like the pace of work on set. What did you before you were the lead stylist when you were just assisting, what were some of the early things you kind of recognized about what it's like working with talent in Hollywood that you were like clocking like, okay.
- [12:21]
B
I immediately checked in with myself and realized like, ah, you have to not take anything personally. You know, like, this isn't about you. This is like you have to complete like come into this space and completely removed any idea of being satisfied. And I know that sounds harsh, but like that was like the way I really like, I can come into a room and like have this neutral energy. And that was one of the biggest things that I learned because at the end of the day some of these moments are like two hours long. So it goes by so Quick. And it's like, so much money has been paid for my time, and I just want to go and not have any ego and just be present in that moment. So that was one thing that I feel like I learned very early.
- [13:02]
A
Yes. And then you talked about him having a point of view and, like, loving natural textures. I feel like your work has such a point of view. All of the styles that I save from you, it's like a little edgy, it's like a little indie, but it's always, like, soft, like, because it's not always soft, but it's always. What are the right words for what I'm describing?
- [13:22]
B
I'm curious.
- [13:22]
A
Yeah.
- [13:23]
B
I'm so, like, all over the place with what I view my work as and how other people view it. But I do feel like I have this equal parts of, like, edgy, gritty, lived in, but also, like, this harmonious, healthy, like, rooted in, like, who you are type energy. So I'm able to kind of like, bring these worlds together and give, like, black girls, like, edgy cuts or black girls, these, like, dream hairstyles that they've always wanted with their texture and standing true with that. So, like, that's always been like, my, I guess, mission throughout being a hairdresser. Like, I want to work with what you got. I don't want to try to, like, force anything, and I want to, like, bring out your true essence in so many ways. So, you know, being in Hollywood and being behind the chair there, I don't separate them. Like, they.
- [14:11]
A
Yes, because you do both. I feel like we should say that you do. Mere mortals like myself, you know, like, you see. You see the real girls out here working 100%. And then you also do the celebrity 100%.
- [14:23]
B
And it's. It's still a growing journey that I'm trying to get back into as far as being back behind the chair. I haven't been behind a chair in probably over close to seven years, but it's. It's becoming, like, super important for me because I feel like the industry is changing so much, and I want to be at the forefront of the change in a way so that I can remind people of, like, what our fundamentals are and, like, what we grew up on and, like, what really taking care of your hair is about.
- [14:49]
A
Yes.
- [14:50]
B
So, like, moving forward and all of the things that I've done, I think it's really important to just stay true to myself because, like, I'm so, like, a hometown, like, real. And I hate to even minimize the work that I've done. But, like, I think that that's what makes me special in Hollywood. Like, I give them this sense of, like, wow, he's really taking care of my hair. Like, he really is concerned about my texture. He's concerned about my scalp. Like, and he's washing my. Like, it's just like, all these little, little details that I feel like I pour into my clients that your hair.
- [15:20]
A
Washes are so just, like, the level of relaxation I experience. And yeah, even. Even your clients, like, someone like a Queen Latifah, that her hair is all always on point, 100%. It must almost be, like, intimidating to, like, not intimidating to work with her, because she's, like, the loveliest person, but, like, intimidating in terms of, like, what she means to hair culture.
- [15:40]
B
100.
- [15:41]
A
Her hair is always on point, and.
- [15:43]
B
I was lucky enough to kind of be, like, thrown into the mix of her team. And, like, I genuinely have fallen in love with working with her because she is a representation of what I do, which is real hair, and she is consistent with her hair. You know what I mean?
- [15:57]
A
Her hair always looks good, and it looks healthy and shiny, and, like, she.
- [16:03]
B
Has integrity with every style, and I think that that's what's important. We're, like, asking how much we need to do, how much heat we need to use this time. Like, it's a very intentional conversation with each style, which I appreciate, and I'm glad that she's had a stylist that's been able to create that world for her, you know, And I'm just kind of jumping in, being a side piece when needed. But, you know, she's trained properly with what to expect with her hair.
- [16:26]
A
Yeah, she takes it seriously.
- [16:27]
B
She takes it seriously.
- [16:28]
A
Having great hair is never accidental. You never. It's never right.
- [16:33]
B
No. It takes so much work to, like, achieve healthy hair that, like, you're not gonna accidentally just slide into it.
- [16:40]
A
Right, Right. Oh, my gosh. Okay. I've listed a bunch of hair questions that I want to get your POV on.
- [16:49]
B
Okay.
- [16:49]
A
But I also want to talk to you. You know, there's this whole conversation about stylists today and the drama around stylists, and I'm sure you've seen these rules that they have where it's like, you've got to pay 50% up front, and you've got to come with your hair washed and conditioned and detangled and pre parted.
- [17:05]
B
Yeah.
- [17:06]
A
And it's just, like, it's a little bit crazy.
- [17:08]
B
It's a bit much, and it's like, for me, even as I'm gearing myself up to go back behind the chair, like, I want it to feel homegrown. And it's like, you get to talk to me. We can consult. We gonna have a conversation. Like, I don't want you to come in and do anything. Like, I want to include everything in my price. Like, I don't need it to be chopped up. And, like, so you know what you're expecting. But, like, all these deposits and these fees and, like, these rules, it just. It feels like we've lost the plot. Like, we're just doing hair, people.
- [17:38]
A
And also. But also salons, my whole life growing up have been a safe space. It's been this place where you can, like, exhale and, like, let go, and then to have all of these rules on top of it, and it just feels like a very tense relation. It's, like, combative almost from the start.
- [17:53]
B
And I'm real. Exactly. Combative is a great word. But I'm also realizing that a lot of women are deterred from even going because it's like, what if I don't wash my hair good enough or detangle it good enough? Or what if they judge me with my hair at this natural state? Like, so it just. It's so many levels of, like, deterring that I always like to create a space where I'm, like, welcoming people in and, like, showing them that it's like, okay, like, we're gonna clean that scalp. We're gonna get that hair hydrated. We're gonna fix those damaged ends or whatever we.
- [18:23]
A
Right.
- [18:23]
B
I don't want people to feel scared to, like, acknowledge those things. It's like going to the doctors. Like, people don't acknowledge that. Like, you're going to get a checkup on what you've been doing to your hair for however long.
- [18:33]
A
Yes.
- [18:33]
B
So it's like, it can be a scary situation.
- [18:36]
A
It's definitely intimate, and you don't want to feel judged. And. Yeah, I think. But the flip side, you can also be a nightmare client, 100%. And people also need to own that and, like, recognize that. Have you ever had to break up with a client?
- [18:53]
B
100%. And I'm like, I'm so dark, direct. That, like, you know, and I'm so emotionally involved. This is like. Like some of the most personal relationships.
- [19:00]
A
Yes.
- [19:01]
B
You know, I've had in my life. So it's like, to understand that this won't be a thing anymore. And it's interesting because, like, recently I did a client that I broke up with, like, years ago, I had did her hair again. And it felt good to be able to have that separation because, like, the boundary was set at that point. So, like, we know what to expect from each other. But in general, the goal would not to be like breaking, breaking up with clients.
- [19:25]
A
What can a client do to be broken up with? Hmm.
- [19:28]
B
My biggest thing is not being honest and not having grace. I think it's really important for us to kind of be on the same page. You have realistic expectations of what your hair can do and me be open and honest with you with what I can deliver you. You know what I mean? Like, I'm never going to like, tell you, like, your hair can do this if, like, it can't, because I feel like that creates this, like, idea of results that are possible.
- [19:54]
A
Another thing I feel like I have definitely been victim to, but I've now I've since course corrected saving any hair inspiration of Rihanna. She just has a face.
- [20:04]
B
She, it's.
- [20:05]
A
She can do anything with her hair and it's gonna look fly because she is who she is. And it's like, Brooke, you don't look anything like this woman.
- [20:12]
B
Exactly.
- [20:13]
A
Do you like, do you like Rihanna or do you like the hairstyle that she has?
- [20:16]
B
Exactly.
- [20:16]
A
See, sometimes it's like learning to separate because people will probably bring you all sorts of reference im.
- [20:21]
B
And that's one big thing that I do. I don't show references. I don't look at them. Like, I like to curate together. Who are you? Like, I would rather show you a color palette of leaves for your hair than I would, like, try to pull up a person. Because it's like, when I'm looking at you and your skin tone and the way you wear your makeup and your existing hair, it's hard to use a reference.
- [20:40]
A
Yes. Ooh. That's another amazing tip that I learned years ago that when you go into a hair appointment for the first time, dress like how you normally dress, wear your make so that. Cause they're.
- [20:50]
B
They need to see your vibe 100%, your whole element. Like.
- [20:53]
A
Yes.
- [20:53]
B
And that first consultation is so important. Like, and even me, I'm asking, like, what's your personal style? Like, what are you trying to give? Like, what era are you in in your life? And all those little details about, like, how you dress, how you wear your makeup like that could, you know, inspire the stylist to really give you something that would be impactful for your image?
- [21:11]
A
Yes. Yes. That's why I said you're the person that people want in their corner when they're trying to transform. Okay, so I've listed my top, top hair concerns. Most of these are black girl hair concerns, but some of them are universal. Okay. What is the best way to lay edges that stay all day without flakiness? Okay, I need. I need the products and the tools.
- [21:34]
B
Okay. So I'm gonna give a couple different product and tool rundowns depending on your texture.
- [21:40]
A
Okay.
- [21:40]
B
If your hair is tight and tighter coiled.
- [21:44]
A
Wait, I need to pause you here. Oh, wait, I think you're about to say it. How do you feel about the 4C? 4A, 4B, 3B, 3. Like, how do you feel about the hair typing?
- [21:51]
B
It's not the language I learned in. And I understand it because it's, like, so widely used.
- [21:56]
A
Yeah.
- [21:56]
B
But I. I try to, like, not even categorize my clients in that way, because even within their hair, they have four or five different textures. So it's like, that confuses me.
- [22:06]
A
Yes. Okay.
- [22:07]
B
So I always just like, okay, so it's coily here. It's a little wavy on this side.
- [22:10]
A
Right, right.
- [22:11]
B
A little tighter here.
- [22:12]
A
Okay, so. But anyway, you were saying if you have a tight te.
- [22:14]
B
So for a tighter texture, what I love, like, and I've been loving this edge control so much lately, and this has got to be a major shout out for them. But Baskin Lather's edge control is actually really, really good.
- [22:25]
A
Baskin Lather. Okay. Where do you buy this?
- [22:27]
B
You can buy it on Instagram, online, Amazon. What I will say about this product is that it loves water. So for the girl who's like, you know, tighter curls, like 4B, 4C. Like, in the fours, making sure you let your baby hairs be completely dry before you're applying this edge control is imperative. Even if you have a wet, slick bag that you've used gel or leave in conditioner, that hairline needs to be dry and free of all other product. If it's not, it'll, like, curdle and mix with the edge control improperly. But I love basking lather because, like, it flakes a little bit, but it's one of those products that you can almost reactivate with a little bit of water. So, you know, on those days where I'm, like, bouncing around and my edges might, like, lift up, it's like, oh, I can just go in the bathroom and, like, wet them down a little bit and. And it reactivates the product almost.
- [23:15]
A
Do you like using an edge control brush sometimes? Is a toothbrush fine?
- [23:19]
B
You need something stronger. Bristle. But like, it just depends on your density. If your hair is finer, like, don't use too tough of a brush.
- [23:26]
A
Yeah.
- [23:26]
B
If your hair, you know, can handle a little bit more tension, you can use a, a little bit firmer bull bristle brush. But I, I, I kind of use what, what I need in the moment.
- [23:35]
A
Yes. Okay. How to keep your silk presses from reverting in humidity.
- [23:40]
B
Hmm. You can't prevent it from reverting, but what you can do is, like, give it the best sole that you can so that it can survive. Like, put all the best intentions in. And you can't moisturize the hair beyond the shampoo bowl. So I think, like, starting at that, like, shampoo condition, deep treatment, like, everything while you're wet, that's what's going to be imperative for your silk pressure. Because you want something light and fluffy that you can kind of exist and then let kind of get oily on its own.
- [24:09]
A
Yes.
- [24:10]
B
So I would say starting with an amazing deep, deep, deep mess steam treatment. Those things will really, really reinforce the smoothing properties in your silk press.
- [24:20]
A
Cory is famous for his silk presses. I've had the pleasure of experiencing them. What do you think makes your silk presses unique?
- [24:25]
B
I think that I, I'm not, I'm never limited with someone with a unique hair length. And I feel like us as black people, and black women specifically, sometimes, like, you know, in those awkward hair lengths, you feel like, oh, I don't know if I want to see my hair like this, but, like, I've been able to, like, really rectify that by, like, showing off, like, different parts of the beauty of, like, the head shape and all these things with those in between lengths.
- [24:52]
A
It's like the way that you curl it. Because I've had my hair done since you did it, and I was like, I don't really like this because I, you know, you know where my natural hair is. I'm at this, like, in, not at the, like, bob, but it's not at the, like, it's down her back. It's like, at that in between, just on the shoulder. It kind of makes me feel like a middle schooler. Like, it's just very, like, kind of like 100%. It's not giving inches and it's not giving chic bob. It's just like that in between. But the way that you kind of like, curled it and created body and like, you parted it on the side and it was so glossy and bouncy and shiny. I love that.
- [25:24]
B
And the thing is, I feel like when I'm doing a blowout. I'm almost like doing a dance around the hair, like, as I'm round brushing and like styling is, I want the hair to feel like it has movement. And I think that a lot of silk presses, like, are just so bust down, so sleek. It's just like it's lost its life almost.
- [25:41]
A
Yes.
- [25:42]
B
So I don't mind a little bit of, A little bit of grittiness to it, A little bit of texture in some departments.
- [25:47]
A
Yeah, some fluffiness is nice.
- [25:48]
B
100%. 100%. So I like, you know, almost always like, recommend a little bit of a body round brush look, even if you, your goal is for it to be busted down and straight. Like, I always recommend to start there because it, like, it leaves the hair with so much more life and just doing it bone straight.
- [26:03]
A
What tools do you like to use for a silk press? Flat iron?
- [26:07]
B
Good question. Okay, so from the start with blow drying, I love to blow dry from my silk press with a Paul Mitchell Denman brush. They're wooden, they don't melt. This is my favorite demon brush. It's tried and true.
- [26:20]
A
Okay.
- [26:20]
B
As far as styling products, you all might have to join me for, you know, advanced education to get those details. But I love a combo of a cream, a oil, and maybe a mousse, depending on the density of the client's hair. But like really coating that hair and really letting them. It marinate within sections before I blow out.
- [26:38]
A
And what about a heat protectant?
- [26:40]
B
If you're using the right shampoo and conditioner and you're moisturizing the hair and this is what I. I don't know if I might get in trouble.
- [26:47]
A
No, say it. Because I, I hear from stylists all the time that they, like, are not obsessed with heat protectants.
- [26:52]
B
Heat protectants have so much alcohol in them that it almost. It's going to protect you from the heat, but it's also gonna dry you out at the same time. So I like my heat protection to be that like, rooted hydration where it's like undeniably hydrated. So once we've blow dried, your hair doesn't feel like hay. So it's like you feel confident and like, oh, once I run this flatiron over it, I'm gonna be good.
- [27:13]
A
Yes. If you do one pass, I'm a single.
- [27:16]
B
Okay. So you guys will have to join the seminar to get all these details.
- [27:22]
A
Yes.
- [27:22]
B
But I would prefer to stay under two passes. One pass, preferably. If the hair is blow dried properly, you should be able to Execute with one pass, and that's curling as well. Like, if you need to put a curl in it, you should be getting all that done within that first pass with the right amount of tension and the right product. Like, it's sealed.
- [27:39]
A
But I'm just imagining my white listeners listening to this and, like, trying to follow along. But this is great education for everyone listening.
- [27:46]
B
Yes, everybody is welcome into the education of a silk press 100%. And as far as hot tools, I have loved this flatiron for so long. It's called H2Pro. It's a diamond plate, 1 inch flat iron that is like, my favorite flat iron. The one I have right now is probably like 8 years old. And it's so, like, it just. It works so good. It smooths the hair so well. It leaves the hair so shiny. It's my favorite flat iron.
- [28:10]
A
Oh, my gosh. Okay, what is the real solution for breakage either at the crown or on your edges? You know, I'm on my edge growing journey. I've been using the sacred drops. Okay. And I have to say, I think they're doing what they need to be doing. But I also take hair vitamins. Okay. Which I've been, like, very strict about. But what's like, the real solution for breakage at the crown of your hair?
- [28:32]
B
Tell me where you're asking about crown specifically. Like, at the root on the crown and the crown of their hair on the ends. Like, because breakage can be a lot of different things.
- [28:41]
A
Let's do both. For people that are experienced hair breakage anywhere.
- [28:45]
B
Yeah. So for me, I think that if you're experiencing heavy breakage, I feel like you should get a consultation with a stylist just so that you. Because I can give directives right now. But, like, everybody's case is so different and they're gonna need so many different things. But I'm like, step one, get a consultation. Step two, do a really good mending heavy. The oiliest conditioner that you can find. A couple of my favorites are, I will probably say on the more inexpensive Amica soul food, like, do a really, really good treatment. Sit under the dryer for an hour, go to the sauna and steam with a really good treatment. Like, your ends are thirsty. That's where breakage happens. When your hair is dry, that will be my first step. And after that, I would try to then really inspect your hair and see where it's coming. Is it just on the ends? And your ends are kind of fuzzy and you're getting fairy knots, and you just Need a trim? Or is it like shattered from the root and you have short pieces at the root and all these different lengths within the lengths of your hair. Those are two very different approaches. For a shattered, like, breakage throughout the whole head. I would recommend a deep series of treatments, which is bouncing between protein and moisture. Cause you need a little bit of both to kind of balance your hair out. And also I'm a bit radical. Like, I don't do the whole, like, let's trim. Let's do a little bit here, a little bit, like, take off what needs to go. And like, let's prevail forward, like, with a new goal. I'm all about planning with hair. So it's like, you know, we'll cut your hair down. It's like, I'm planning for what we'll be doing next summer.
- [30:14]
A
Right.
- [30:15]
B
And next winter. And like, all these little details. But, like, I like to just cut it.
- [30:19]
A
Yes. Off. Yes.
- [30:21]
B
Fresh start. And break it on the ends, of course. Get it. Get a good trim. But I'm a bit aggressive and assertive when it comes to, like, hair health in that way. Like, I don't pitter patter around the truth. I'm like, so, like, in your face about that. I'm like, look, like, this is the real about your hair, right?
- [30:35]
A
Well, you took my highlights down. I came. I came back. I came back from somewhere with highlights, and you were like, we're going to take these down.
- [30:41]
B
I'm like, this is too blonde.
- [30:43]
A
It's too blonde. It's just not gonna work 100%. But when you do say that my hair feels good and it's healthy, I take it as the ultimate compliment. Cause I'm like, okay, when Corey is saying that my hair is thriving, that means that I'm doing everything I need to do 100%. But I do love how you plan long term. I think that's great. Because even if you're, you know, you're. You're a man of the world. You're. You're in London, you're in Paris. I can't. I can catch you when I can catch you, but I will definitely always consult with you. Okay, this is what I'm planning to do next with my hair. Does this align with the plan and the vision we have for my hair?
- [31:11]
B
Exactly. And beyond that, it's like a timestamp for yourself of acknowledging like, okay, this is where I need to be here. This is the season that I said I'm gonna do this. And you're preparing yourself for it. So it's not just, like a surprise. I think earlier you said something like, no one accidentally has, like, good hair.
- [31:27]
A
Yeah.
- [31:28]
B
It's like, it's all a plan. Honestly.
- [31:29]
A
It's all a plan. It's all a plan. Okay. Oof. What to do when your leave out won't blend in no matter what?
- [31:39]
B
Well, first things first, you have to make sure you have any questions extension that matches you at reversion. So, like, that's, like, my rule of thumb.
- [31:47]
A
This is why we went kinky straight.
- [31:49]
B
For your you part.
- [31:49]
A
For my U part, which I'm obsessed. Like, you introduced me to the U. You were like, I'm so excited to introduce you to the U part world. And I was like, I am ready for this. Because, yes, having that kinky, straight texture for a black woman is everything.
- [32:01]
B
It changes the game because it also, like, makes you less inclined to beat your leave off the smithereens. Like, you're able to really, like, let it breathe and, like, let it revert and do. Do, you know, twist out styles or roller sets or rod sets and let your hair exist in that naturalness. I think that that's really, really important. And things that people aren't really speaking on.
- [32:21]
A
I think putting heat on your hair that's not clean is something that I have learned is, like, the worst thing for your hair for heat damage. So it's like, if your leave out's not blending, you actually just need to just wash the leave out again, 100%. Start from scratch.
- [32:34]
B
And that's an option. Of course you can wash it and start from scratch. That'll immediately reset you. And I think that people get so scared about, like, wetting up the whole thing. It's like, quick tip over in the sink, wash the leave out. Okay. And you're good. I mean that. And that's. Those are the protective elements of having a sewing. You have less hair to kind of deal with.
- [32:50]
A
Right.
- [32:50]
B
So you're only left with these, like, you know, corners to figure out.
- [32:54]
A
Yeah, no, I think that that's, like, really important. Okay. Ooh. This. Okay, I'm so curious. Your answer for this. What is the best protective style for growth? And what is a protective style that you think actually causes the most damage?
- [33:07]
B
Mm. Oh, God. This is gonna get me in trouble, girl. I would say the. The protective style that is best for growth is simple wash and goes.
- [33:18]
A
Wait, wait. First of all, I've never heard anyone call a wash and go a protective style.
- [33:22]
B
I consider, like, when I get. When I do my wash and go, I wear My wash and go for a week and a half and.
- [33:27]
A
But are your ends out?
- [33:29]
B
So protective to me is no manipulation, no combing.
- [33:33]
A
Okay.
- [33:33]
B
No wedding, no washing.
- [33:35]
A
Okay.
- [33:35]
B
That's a protective style to me. So that applies to braids, weaves, two strand twists.
- [33:42]
A
So all those things, a wash and go for me is very difficult. It's like it's tangled. It doesn't. It's not.
- [33:50]
B
And it's. It's a labor of love. Also, some people aren't wash and go people. I was gonna say twist outs and two strand twists also. So, like, if I were to do a two strand twist on myself and take it out, in theory, for a braid out, that's my protective style. I consider those protective styles because in those states, a wash and go and a twist out are going to be your healthiest protective styles for growth. Because your hair, it has some direction to it, it has some water, but it's not vulnerable to the elements where you're having to brush and comb every day.
- [34:20]
A
Yes.
- [34:21]
B
That's what considers it a protective style to me.
- [34:23]
A
Interesting. Have you heard this term of straight hair naturals?
- [34:26]
B
100%. 100%. I consider them more like trained.
- [34:30]
A
Like heat trained.
- [34:31]
B
Heat trained, but okay.
- [34:32]
A
But is heat trained really just another word for heat damage? Chair.
- [34:36]
B
I mean, tomato, tomato. But it's like if it's done in a healthy way. Like I grew up in, like you said, PG county, where it's like, these are affluent women, they're lawyers, they're doctors, and not that natural isn't something that they deemed, you know, chic or elevated. And I have just as many curly clients as I did blowout clients. So my silk press clients, like, they were there every week, every other week. And it's like their hair knew how to get into formation and would not revert.
- [35:02]
A
Interesting. Interesting. Okay. What do you think is the most damaging protective style?
- [35:06]
B
The most damaging protective style, I will probably have to say is, and there's a lot of girls that do them, is quick weaves. I hate quick weaves.
- [35:12]
A
Wait, what is even a quick weave?
- [35:13]
B
A quick weave is like a bonded in.
- [35:15]
A
When it's glued.
- [35:16]
B
When it's glued. But like, there's a lot of methods that weave can be glued in where as though it's bonds or it's weft straight to the scalp. But what I'm speaking of is when your hair is braided down and it's a bald cap put on like a wig cap, and then it's a protector put down and then you let that dry and Then you put like. I think that that is like your scalp can't breathe.
- [35:37]
A
Yeah.
- [35:37]
B
You know, and I just. It just feels extremely drying to me. Like, I like to be able to hydrate in a protective style. If I can't nourish the hair while it's in it, it's not considered protective to me.
- [35:49]
A
Yes.
- [35:49]
B
So I would say that's the most damaging.
- [35:51]
A
Okay. I love that. This really is black girl 101. All things hair. Braids. We love braids. We love a braided moment. What is the best way to keep your scalp thriving while you're in braids and to keep your braids. I wash my braids. I love washing my braids. But. But it does. It does age them. It's not going to give like super clean, perfect. But what is the best way to keep your scalp and hair healthy while in braids while also not compromising too much on the way they look?
- [36:17]
B
I would say I've fallen in love with the sacred scalp line. Honestly, the scalp spray is really, really phenomenal. I wear braids all the time and it's like my favorite, like, refresher. Keep my scalp free of any debris or any feels or itchy itchiness. But as far as, like maintaining this, like, the length of the braids, I think it's really important to understand the lifespan of the types of braids that you're getting first.
- [36:41]
A
Yes. Do you think synthetic lasts longer than human hair?
- [36:44]
B
It depends. Depends, I feel like depends on the type of braid that you're getting. I feel like synthetic on anything above a medium sized braid is like not lasting long. You know what I mean? But I think it's more so your part size really determines how long it's going to last.
- [36:58]
A
Interesting.
- [36:59]
B
Not really the texture of the. The extension hair.
- [37:02]
A
Yes.
- [37:02]
B
But as far as this, my new favorite thing is honestly, steaming extensions and braids. Like synthetic braids. Like, I'll take a closed steamer and put it on the lowest setting and like literally steam them suckers down, mousse it down really good, sit under the dryer, get a nice little reset. And that steam just kind of like helps like relax the fibers of the braids and make them less kind of like stiff or stale. Like, if you have any dents from ponytails, it'll get it all out without like collapsing them from a dip. So it's like. It's like a baby dip in a way.
- [37:31]
A
Wow. I love that. I love that.
- [37:33]
B
My favorite little braid touch up.
- [37:34]
A
Yes. What braid styles are you loving right now? I feel like the girls are loving the bohos.
- [37:39]
B
They love the. The bohos are not going anywhere for a while.
- [37:42]
A
The bohos are not going anywhere. But here's my thing about the boho of it all. It's still so much maintenance. Like, I feel like I put my hair in braids so I don't have to worry about my hair. If you have so much loose hair out and it's curly, it's like you're gonna have to detangle 100%. There's work that comes with it.
- [37:55]
B
100%. I think that the bohos are nice. I love a boho braid. I'm quite fond of them. What I'm really into, I'm into these like, weave, braid, bob, like, and it's like more cornrowed, less of an individual.
- [38:11]
A
Yes.
- [38:11]
B
Like, that's been my favorite braid style lately. Just because like I, as an artist, I love doing braids. It's great. But I also have gotten to a point in my career where I'm like, is it worth it for me to do braids? And am I gonna be able to see the amount of people that I wanna see doing braids? So I like the half and half aspect where I get to still give that protective element, but give you the full protectiveness of a sewing as well.
- [38:35]
A
Yes.
- [38:35]
B
So that's one of my favorites.
- [38:37]
A
That's one of the styles that we did together.
- [38:38]
B
Correct. Correct.
- [38:39]
A
How often should we really be trimming our ends?
- [38:42]
B
I think it should be an as needed thing. Like if you take out braids and your ends need trimming. I don't care if you got those got it trimmed before you put them in. I'm. I would like to trim. You know, I, I'm just really like proactive and I think it's important like to not sit on. Sit on things too much. But like, rule of thumb is genuinely like quarterly, like curly. Curly Girls who wear their hair natural and wash and goes say quarterly is pretty responsible.
- [39:09]
A
Yes. What do you think is the best go to style for. Let's just say type 4 hair for ease. When you don't. You don't have access to a stylist and you're just at home getting your hair together. What's like a good go to style?
- [39:21]
B
A good go to style for somebody in a 4C natural?
- [39:24]
A
Yes.
- [39:25]
B
Natural, I would say. Hmm, that's a good question. Anywhere below the ears, always a bantu knot or a rod set is gonna like. I am a traditional hairdresser in that way where I love to, to set hair.
- [39:37]
A
Yes.
- [39:38]
B
So like the preparation matters and like, I would jump in with some twists or rods, but just any of that effort, I feel like reads so just like luxe on natural hair.
- [39:48]
A
Yes.
- [39:49]
B
So any type of set, whether it's twist style, two strand twists, flat twists, broad set, I think that those are like immediate go tos for someone at home. Inexpensive. It doesn't cost anything.
- [39:59]
A
Yeah. I think it's also really chic and it's so funny because I haven't had, I haven't been wearing my textured hair for events, but when I do see a woman just in a wash and go, a two strand twist, it's just so, it's like couture.
- [40:11]
B
It's like so chic.
- [40:13]
A
It's just so chic. To wear your natural hair and its natural texture and just let it do what it does.
- [40:19]
B
And it's like, I feel like the girls in those more shorter lengths need to just evolve a bit and be able to appreciate themselves in those moments. Because like I look back to the references from the 70s and the 80s and it's just like the level of chicness that I saw with like the fro eras is just like you can push through with a short fro.
- [40:38]
A
Yes. Okay. Best bedtime routine for natural hair. Silk pressed hair. You taught me how to wrap my hair. What an education that was. What an education that was. That was like life changing for me. But what is like the best nighttime routine for your hair? A bonnet. A silk scarf.
- [40:56]
B
I love a satin bonnet. I love a satin pillowcase in case I. The bonnet comes off. But I feel as though that like when you overthink it, that's when you like really, it's. It doesn't turn out right the next day.
- [41:05]
A
Yeah.
- [41:06]
B
So it's like if you're natural and you're in a wash and go, just simply put your bonnet on and go to sleep, go have a wash and go date. Because I think if a wash and go is done properly and each strand is shingled through beautifully and you have definition and you might not love day one. Brooke. I know you're not going to like it.
- [41:20]
A
Yeah, I'm just going to be like.
- [41:22]
B
Too, you know, defined and all that. But if you like go through the journey with that wash and go by day four or five, you're gonna be like, wow, my hair is like eating and I've only wore a bonnet every night and sprinkled water on it like the next morning.
- [41:34]
A
I'm open to trying. I'm open to trying a product that everyone should have in their bathroom for.
- [41:40]
B
Hair or just in general?
- [41:41]
A
For hair.
- [41:42]
B
Okay. Because I love all things beauty.
- [41:45]
A
I know we're gonna. I'm gonna get into that. We're wrapping up the hair section before I get into all the. All the stuff you love.
- [41:50]
B
Okay. I would say all around, great hair product for everyone to have, whether they're natural or. This is a hard one. There's no real universal product that everyone could have. But if I would say, like, my favorite would be Miriam Quvedo 24 Karat Gold Conditioner would be.
- [42:12]
A
Yeah. And how much is it again?
- [42:13]
B
I think it's like two or $300, something like that.
- [42:17]
A
That's just.
- [42:17]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [42:20]
A
Happy that you love it. Okay. As a man with style and taste and grace and just, like, esthetic in all parts of your life, what are the beauty products that you feel, like, really ground your routine? Whether it's skin care.
- [42:35]
B
I'm really into fragrance.
- [42:37]
A
You always smell so good.
- [42:38]
B
A fragrance always brightens up my day. I'm spraying all throughout the day, mixing and matching. But, like, my morning skincare routine is, like, so important to me. I guash wa, like, on my way all the way to work. Like, I'm doing it in the car, but, like, I love to, like, lather myself in all the good oils and, like, the smell goods and, like, that's just, like, what grounds me before I have to go and present myself to a client and, like, hover over them. I just like to, like, feel my best. As of lately, I've been getting into, like, doing my own, like, gel polish on my nails.
- [43:08]
A
Oh, my gosh.
- [43:09]
B
You do.
- [43:09]
A
Wait, you did that yourself?
- [43:11]
B
You can do everything.
- [43:12]
A
This is what I was saying to you in the car. You can really do everything now when it comes to your wellness journey. I know you're very into yoga, and you were like, a bit of a yogi yourself. How did you get into that?
- [43:23]
B
I'm a baby yogi, I would say I feel like, la conditioned you to, like, find a space to, like, release. And I kind of stumbled across a yoga studio and, like, a group of black queer men who were doing yoga. And I'm like, oh, my God. Like, this is the reset that I need every day. And it's honestly been so transformative. It. It gives me this, like, steal that I feel like most beauty people need on top of, like, the stretching and the body work that comes out of doing yoga. Like, I feel like my body is more prepared to stand and, you know, get in these contorted positions to, like, do my job. So, like, yoga has honestly changed my life.
- [44:01]
A
Honestly, I love that. Yeah. You're in this service role. Right. You have to make yourself available to people. Your time isn't always yours. Things change at the last minute. I mean, it's not easy.
- [44:13]
B
No, it's, it's a hard life. I mean, even just like with having friendships and family and, you know, relationships, like, you, you kind of get into these, these corner spaces where it's like, choose to do this iconic opportunity or go to Thanksgiving dinner. Like, it's like, you know, I'm constantly facing those spaces, but as I'm getting older, I'm really able to make the best decision for what's gonna make me happy. So, you know, I, I don't mind saying no.
- [44:37]
A
Yes.
- [44:37]
B
And it's been feeling good.
- [44:38]
A
What's been like, the most exciting job you've been able to do? Like, someone calls you and you get whisked off to somewhere in a plane where you've just been like, I mean, you've done everything, so you've done all of the big awards shows. I mean, when I saw Zendaya at the Golden Globes with that curl, I was like, who did her hair? And then I saw your name and I was like, oh, of course.
- [44:57]
B
And you know, moments like that are definitely, like, very like, close to my heart. Because I feel like in Hollywood and in the entertainment industry, it's like a lot of like, wig work, a lot of beautiful wig work and a lot of avant garde things. But like, I love true old fashioned hairdressing. And that was a roller set that we did, and she sat under the dryer for two hours and it's like she let me give her real hairdressing and I feel so proud when I'm able to display my work. And it's iconic and it's something that's so true to who I am. But to answer your question about who I had the most iconic moment with, I would probably say Lil Nas X. He really whisked me off and changed my life in a way where I was able to heal the little boy in me, express all the creativity that I've had all my life out on someone on such a huge, you know, platform and someone that was willing to, like, take risk and like, be adventurous. And I literally have literally seen the entire world in a couple of shots just by being on tour. So I have a lot of gratitude. Gratitude for him. He's a very close friend of mine, so that experience changed me.
- [45:59]
A
He seems like a very special person. And I feel like you're. And I'm like, I don't know him, but, like, I feel like your energies, like, would match each other 100%. 100%. That's amazing.
- [46:08]
B
I'm like, the calm and he's. The vibes and the fun, and it's like, it's cool. And we get to create together. And it was really special. Just also, like, on an iconic field within myself, I'm like, I've never seen a black queer man work this closely with another black queer man. And beauty and Hollywood. I mean, on the beauty stance, like, not really, especially on his level. And the creative things that he was doing, it felt like a brotherhood that I hadn't seen. So it was really important for me to, like, show out every time I had the chance to.
- [46:39]
A
Do you feel like there's camaraderie within the hair community, or do you feel like there's some sort of, like, underlying competition?
- [46:45]
B
I mean, the industry is. It has conditioned us to, like, be in competition. It's like a client can book you one day and book your friend the next, and you have to, like, take that on the chin and keep it pushing because, like, at the end of the day, it's like, they have autonomy. You know, they can choose. That's another thing that I've had to just condition myself with, like, not taking anything personal. Like, I don't own these clients. These aren't my jobs.
- [47:10]
A
Right.
- [47:10]
B
No one owes me anything.
- [47:12]
A
But isn't there sometimes where, like, people. Talent expects you to be exclusive to them? I mean, that's like a different.
- [47:17]
B
And that's a thing. That's. Those are the beautiful moments. Those when you've, like, you've really hit a good moment because, you know, everything is happening so fast. Availabilities shift so much. So when you align with the talent and you're able to, like, show up for them consistently. Like, those are when the real stylist client relationships are built. And you see them in, like, for example, like, a doja. Cat and J. Stay Ready. Like, it's like they have a beautiful relationship or the way Malcolm and Dochi were. Like, they've had the opportunity to build with them. And, you know, I love those moments.
- [47:47]
A
Yes. Yes. Do you feel like you have that with any of your.
- [47:51]
B
I feel like every couple of eras of my life, I always land with the people that I'm supposed to be with. Like, I started out with, like, Cynthia Erivo as my main client. I did, like, TV and film. I did. I mean, just so much with her. I mean, she's a brilliant talent.
- [48:07]
A
Did she sing while she was getting her hair done? Did you get to hear her? Absolutely.
- [48:10]
B
She would sing and whistle and do all these cool things with her voice. But after that, I met Lil Nas X and that was a life changing experience. And, like, that felt organic. And, like, now I've recently been working with Chase Infinity, which she's like, a rising star, and, like, she's so in alignment with who I am as an artist. And I just feel like Hollywood traps you in that way where it's like, it's gonna always present you with these opportunities that, like, feel so, like, in alignment with you that you can't say no.
- [48:38]
A
Oh, my gosh. Have there ever been things that you've gone to or, like, being around the Golden Globes or being at Grammys or where, like, you thought it was going to be one way from just, like, growing up watching it on tv, and then when you get there and you're in the room and you're like, oh, it's actually not how I thought it was.
- [48:50]
B
100%. Some of these award shows, it's like, oh, the red carpet's in the garage, you know, like, and it's this, like, omnimous, like, thing. And it's like, wait, this is where all this goes down. The red carpet's only, like, two feet long. But it's cool to be a part of some of these moments because, you know, I see all the hard work that goes into, you know, some of these setups and some of these, like, orchestrated moments and, like, they go down in history. So I'm just, like, really proud to be a part of a lot of these very interesting in Hollywood moments.
- [49:21]
A
What would you say this next era for your career is?
- [49:24]
B
Good question. This next era is about release and giving back. And when you say release, what do.
- [49:31]
A
You mean by that?
- [49:31]
B
Releasing things that don't feel like. Cause I feel like for all the years I've been in the industry and in Hollywood, I tried to conform to what I thought would make sense for the clients in Hollywood and media and all of these things. Like, as an, like, me as an artist, not like, the work that I'm doing, but, like, me. Like, the choices that I made, the clients that I choose to go to. But moving forward, I kind of want to, like, free myself of any, like, expectation. Like, I just kind of, like, want to, like, let myself do what comes naturally. And it looks like really giving back to the next generation. Like, I really want them to love hairdressing.
- [50:10]
A
You're like, how old are you?
- [50:11]
B
I've been doing hair since I was, like, 11, like, professionally. So, like, to be 31, I'm like, I want to get in on stuff now so I can, like, be impactful to the next generation. And they can love hair the way that I love hair. Yeah. That's what the next era looks like for me.
- [50:28]
A
I love that.
- [50:29]
B
And a lot of education. Like, I want to do some education, spread my knowledge a bit.
- [50:33]
A
Yeah.
- [50:34]
B
Inspire, like, my. My peers.
- [50:36]
A
I know.
- [50:37]
B
And kind of, like, break up some of these, like, qualms about the industry and, like, you know, get us back. Re excited about, you know, being service providers, because I think that we've forgotten that in some regards.
- [50:48]
A
Yes. Well, you've got to do more podcasts. Is this first podcast.
- [50:51]
B
This is actually my first podcast. I've actually been so nervous this whole time.
- [50:55]
A
What? You don't seem nervous at all. Denisha, does he seem nervous at all? You're such a superstar. I'm so honored, and it's just been so beautiful for me as a friend and client, just to see the evolution. It was so great working with you on set with Refinery 29, and just to see you in your, like, superstar era and seeing you kind of create these amazing looks for us on set. I feel like you've just. Just, you know, since we. Since we met at Mr. Chow's that night, it's just been, like, a steady ascent. And so it's like, gosh, this time next year, like, I mean, who knows? Who knows? Would you ever do product?
- [51:30]
B
Yeah, but I. I'm so intentional that, like, I would probably come out with tools before I come out with product. Let's say that.
- [51:37]
A
Yes.
- [51:38]
B
Just because I feel as though that, like, products are so. And even just, like, with this, the status of black beauty brands right now, like, I don't want anything temporary. You know, I want something that's gonna be around if I'm gonna release a product like that. But, yeah, I'm into a lot of other things, so maybe some tools in the works, but product, not right now.
- [51:57]
A
Okay. Okay. And then when you want to just, like, have fun, let loose, what do you. What do you do? Where.
- [52:02]
B
Where.
- [52:03]
A
Where do we find Cori on a Saturday night?
- [52:05]
B
Question. A Saturday night?
- [52:06]
A
Or maybe not a Saturday night, but when you just want to have fun.
- [52:08]
B
When I want to have.
- [52:09]
A
Are you playing video games?
- [52:10]
B
I love video games.
- [52:11]
A
Okay.
- [52:12]
B
I love sketching on my iPad. It's so funny that you said, I literally will play sims on my computer.
- [52:17]
A
Okay.
- [52:17]
B
This, like, helps me escape.
- [52:18]
A
I love the Sims. Do you, like, make the Sims have amazing hair?
- [52:21]
B
100%. They have beautiful homes. Amazing hair. But I also love, like, first person shooter games on.
- [52:27]
A
Oh, my God. Corey.
- [52:29]
B
I'm very eccentric when it comes to things like that, but I'm really into art as well, so I do a lot of sketching and drawing and mixed medias.
- [52:37]
A
Yeah.
- [52:37]
B
Just like, dive into other things.
- [52:39]
A
You watch anime too, right?
- [52:40]
B
I watch a lot of anime, yes.
- [52:43]
A
I feel like, is it Meg thee stallion who, like, loves anime?
- [52:45]
B
Meg the stallion love loves anime.
- [52:47]
A
Have you ever worked with her?
- [52:48]
B
I haven't, I haven't.
- [52:49]
A
I feel like you guys could do some fab things together.
- [52:51]
B
Okay.
- [52:52]
A
Yeah. You don't see it as long.
- [52:54]
B
The thing is, if, like, I feel like if someone is booking me as a side quest because, like, most of these girls have stylists.
- [53:01]
A
Yeah.
- [53:01]
B
They're booking me when they want their real hair silk press, like, you know what I mean? Like, I'm like a Hollywood's hair healer in that way where it's like, call me when you're ready for some good work.
- [53:10]
A
Some real hair.
- [53:11]
B
Some real hair done.
- [53:12]
A
Yeah.
- [53:12]
B
And it's like, you know, I love the wigs. I love all of the artistry. That's a whole other lane that I'm pretty good at.
- [53:17]
A
Yeah, I was gonna say you can do that too.
- [53:18]
B
Yeah, I do that as well. But it's like I'm nitty gritty when it comes to hair care. So, like, that's why I want the girls to cheat on their main. Main stylist with me.
- [53:28]
A
Yes. Yes. Okay. And then my final question, which is, when do you feel most beautiful?
- [53:35]
B
That's a good question. I feel most beautiful, honestly, like, fresh out the shower, like, doused in all my facial oils. Like, that's when I feel so beautiful and my hair's like, dripping wet. Like, that's just like, I feel like peak Corey Core.
- [53:51]
A
Yeah. Peak Corey Core. I love that. I love that. It's been such a pleasure talking to you on Naked Beauty. You've been amazing. You've blessed us with so much knowledge too. So for everyone listening, if you want more of Cory in your lives, I will drop where you can follow him in the show notes. And of course I will link to all of the incredible products that you mentioned. And. And yeah, we're here. We have a front row seat to the Corey show. So we're excited to see what happens next.
- [54:13]
B
I'm excited to see what happens next. Thank you, Ruth.
- [54:16]
A
All right. Guys, thank you so much for listening. Is love gets so sparkling Working so hard every night and day and now.
- [54:42]
B
We get the payback Trying so hard.
- [54:44]
A
Saving up the paper now we get.
- [54:46]
B
To lay back Working so hard every night and day and now we get to pay back.
- [54:53]
A
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A
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