Brown Girl Gumbo

If you watched the Oscars last night, you know that there were some beautiful hairdos on the red carpet. Although celebrities’ hair always look gorgeous at events, they don’t get their coifs that way on their own — they have top-notch hairstylists to create eye-catching styles. Pantene’s Celebrity Stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew is one of them.

Takisha is actress Kerry Washington’s current hairstylist and has styled luminaries such as Malinda Williams, Naomi Harris, Brandy, Erika Alexander, Rachel Nick, Cover Girl model Kiara and actor Nick Cannon — to name a few.

This New York native’s work can be seen in films such as the Oscar nominated “Ray,” “She Hate Me,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “The Fantastic Four,” among others. Takisha’s styles have also been featured in the print and television commercial ads for clients Pantene, L’Oreal, and Aveda as well as in Vanity Fair, W, InStyle, Essence, Nylon, Hollywood Life, Black Enterprise, and Ebony magazines.

Even though we might not be able to showcase our manes at star-studded events, we BGs take pride in our hair nonetheless. Whether we wear it natural, curly, textured, straight, braided or somewhere in between, our hair is always on point. That’s why I interviewed Takisha to bring you guys the hair 411.

Check out our Q&A!

BGG: When did you know that you wanted to become a professional hairstylist?
Takisha: I knew when I was 14 years old that I wanted to become a hair stylist so I went to a Vocational School in Queens and I was at the top of my class the whole time.

BGG: How did you get your start as a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: I got my start six years ago when one of my clients referred Kerry Washington to me. From then on I left the salon I was working at and started working for myself and opened Takisha & Associates in Brooklyn, NY. It’s been five years now and business is great!

BGG: What is Kerry Washington’s favorite hairstyle?
Takisha: Her favorite hairstyle is something that is not to neat. She loves a soft brushed out wavy look.

BGG: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about African-American hair?
Takisha: That it take a lot of heat. Blow drying, and then using a curling iron at the same time is too much heat for our hair.

BGG: What will be the hot looks for the upcoming spring season?
Takisha: Hot looks for this spring will be short cropped hair styles. Some fun colors like blonde, platinum and red as well.

BGG: What single styling beauty tool should every BG (Brown Girl) have in her home salon?
Takisha: Good question! Everyone should have a flat iron to smooth out their hair really quickly when it becomes frizzy and Pantene products to protect the hair from heat and perfect your styles.

FHI Technique Series 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron for $84 available at www.amazon.com.

BGG: What style do you enjoy creating the most for your clients? Why?
Takisha: I love a curly hair style. It is very sexy, messy, and you can sleep on it but still have a great look the next couple of days.

BGG: Are there any products that you recommend for maintaining healthy hair for both relaxed and natural hair?
Takisha: I recommend using Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioning shampoo, and the Pantene Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask. These products restore moisture and keep hair healthy. You can purchase it at any drug store.

Available at drugstores nationwide.

BGG: What advice can you give a young woman who wants to become a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: Know your craft, build an amazing portfolio, get an agent, and always be a professional. After that it’s really word of mouth.

BGG: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me!
Takisha: No problem, thank you.

Be sure to check out Takisha’s website: www.takishahair.net Also, please share some of your tips for maintaining strong, healthy hair!