When it comes to hair expert Kim Kimble, becoming a third-generation stylist is a family affair! Following her mother and two grandmothers’ footsteps, pursuing a career in the beauty industry was embedded in Kimble’s DNA. From Beyoncé to Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, Rihanna, and Zendaya, she is the go-to hair guru. But working with your favorite celebs is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility of the 49-year-old.
Despite the pandemic, Kimble has been able to pivot in the face of adversity with the recent launch of her natural hair care line Kim Kimble X Sally Beauty Wet Goods Line, exclusively with Sally Beauty Supply. By utilizing her decades of experience working with various hair types and textures, she is continuing to build her global hair empire. BlackLove.com spoke with the stylist to the stars about at-home hairstyling tips, the importance of nurturing relationships, managing your mental capacity, and the biggest lesson she’s learned since the beginning of COVID-19.
BlackLove.com: With everything currently happening, how are you personally managing your mental capacity?
Kim Kimble:I’m keeping myself busy. There has been a massive change in the business and how it’s being done. I’m taking the time to reinvent myself with the mindset of working in a different capacity.
The things you do to tend to your individualized hair care needs is a form of self-love.
BL.com: Your hair is your crown, and healthy hair maintenance is essential in our community. But with COVID-19 restrictions, going to a salon regularly is limited. How do you personally build a healthy relationship with your hair?
KK:Acceptance is everything. By accepting where you are, how things are, and what you have, things can then be altered. You can always change your hair by putting in hair pieces or wearing wigs. But most importantly, self-love and self-hair care is essential, such as conditioning your scalp and doing consistent hair treatments. Overall, just loving your natural hair. If you treat your hair well and use the right products, it’ll improve your hair’s texture. The things you do to tend to your individualized hair care needs is a form of self-love.
BL.com: What are your top three dos and don’ts for natural hair care?
Credit: sharesenicole_
KK:The first rule is not to use products that contain alcohol because it dries out your hair. Also, try to get it [your hair] cut into a shape. Don’t just grow it out naturally without giving it any shape or style. Lastly, do not go days without combing your hair. You have to comb your hair every time you wet it because it begins to tangle or lock and dread. Unless that’s the look you’re going for, you need to make sure you comb your hair out regularly.
The Dos:Hot oil treatments and conditioning masks are a must! If you use a co-wash, you need to shampoo in between your co-washes. You need to get some soap on your scalp to help cleanse your hair really well, which promotes healthy hair growth. This last one is one of my personal dos. I think you should get some color and pizazz your hair up. But if you decide to get color in your hair, you have to make sure that your hair stays conditioned and hydrated. Hydration is the key for curly, natural hair.
BL.com: Despite the current circumstances, how are you nurturing your relationships in these times?
KK: I’ve been reaching out to check on people and make sure they’re okay. I think that’s important because sometimes, you never know what people are going through. There were some people that I hadn’t checked on, and I later found out they were not doing well. Some people have been severely depressed during this time, or they’re struggling with different things.
I’ll send them a quick text to say, “Hey, just wanted to make sure you’re doing okay.” As for my clients, I have a set up on the Booksy app I use for mentoring or private consultations over Zoom. If my clients need something, that’s how I can offer my help to them.
I’m taking the time to reinvent myself with the mindset of working in a different capacity.
BL.com: What have you learned, or has been your biggest takeaway during the pandemic?
KK:I have to say gratitude. I’m grateful for God’s grace because he’s had grace on my family and me. I’ve learned to appreciate a lot of things because now there’s many things I can’t do that we were usually able to do, and I took for granted. That’s why gratitude and gratefulness are so important right now.
Life is short, and you want to enjoy it. There will have to be new beginnings, and that’s something I’m learning to accept. There will be changes whether you want it or not.
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