Meet Nita
Nita is a powerhouse stylist and the founder of Healthy Hair Couture, a salon and wellness destination built for serious hair healing. Based in Dallas, Nita has made it her mission to make sure every woman looks good regardless of their hair texture. With over 10 years of experience and certified expertise in hair loss prevention and restoration, Nita blends cosmetology, science and compassion in every service she offers.
In this episode, we talk to Nita about her journey from playing with Barbie heads as a child to building a thriving salon business, and what up-and-coming stylists can learn from her approach to prioritizing hair health alongside style.
Where to find Nita: Instagram | Website
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Nita, so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[01:35] How did you get into the hair industry and how did you get to where you are today?
[03:00] How did that playful experimenting in your early years shape your passion as an adult?
[04:30] What was that experience like when clients started traveling to see you in college?
[07:55] How did that influence your business decisions about pricing?
[11:02] How did you develop your philosophy of pairing style with hair health?
[13:17] When a client wants to do something that goes against what you think they should do, how do you approach the situation?
[15:52] Can you explain to customers why consultations are so important?
[19:26] Which of your services (cut, colour, extensions) are you most passionate about?
[26:15] How do you educate and empower clients to maintain confidence at home?
[30:59] What are the pros and challenges of running a suite-based studio?
[37:00] What was one key takeaway that permanently shifted your approach post-COVID?
[39:36] Do you have suggestions for how stylists can look after themselves physically while working?
[42:05] How do you choose the right brands or people to work with?
[45:23] What's next for you?
Who has Nita styled?
Nita’s top tip for stylists
Nita's top tip: Don't run your business like the typical stylist of your age and race. Make sure that you're professional, no matter where you're at. I've been in some unprofessional environments, but one thing my clients can always say is when you come to my chair, I'm going to make sure I'm professional because I want you to enjoy your experience. Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
Consultations are absolutely essential and should be treated like a first date. Nita emphasises that everything from a relaxer you had at six years old to recent trauma can impact how you handle a client's appointment. The consultation helps you understand their hair goals, history, and concerns while allowing them to ask questions. It's not just about the initial appointment - it sets the foundation for the entire client relationship.
Hair health and style don't have to be mutually exclusive. Nita's philosophy is that you can achieve any look you want as long as your hair is healthy and you're committed to maintenance. This approach has allowed her to work with clients who want double chemical processes (relaxed and coloured hair) because she ensures they understand the commitment required.
The business side matters just as much as the technical skills. From her college days charging affordable prices to building a professional atmosphere in her suite, Nita learned early that how you handle business impacts your success. She recommends weighing the pros and cons of different work environments (commission salons vs. booth rental vs. suites) and always maintaining professionalism regardless of setting.
Self-care isn't optional - it's essential for business success. COVID taught Nita that if you're not good, your business isn't good, and your clients aren't good. This includes having a support system of fellow stylists who understand your challenges, investing in massages for repetitive motion strain, comfortable shoes and clothing, and proper floor mats.
Building a brand means being selective about collaborations. Nita advises researching any brand thoroughly before agreeing to work with them, as their reputation becomes tied to yours. She's not afraid to ask platforms to remove her work if she doesn't feel aligned with their values.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, and YouTube.
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