A Tight Curl Specialist’s Plea to Cut It Kinky: Healing Our Community Starts Here

[@CoilyCode]

If humility is lacking on their end, this won’t be received. The fact that so many spoke up and sought out these ladies for help and they were met with gaslighting, is a sad reflection of their hearts. You have been gentle in your reproach and also humble in sharing your own revelations. Based on how they’ve moved, I doubt it will be received. But hopefully other tight curl specialists will follow along and make adjustments that is best for their clients. It can’t feel good to know your practices compromised your clients hair. Thanks Abena for sharing and let’s hope we can all be mature and grow from here.

[@shelly.v.247]

‼️👏🏽💯

[@shvonneboudreaux]

I’m a stylist who took the class for the haircuts and never did the method because I knew it was dry af. Now 5 years later we see that’s definitely the case

[@tmcurly]

Wow really? Can you elaborate more ? I always thought the hair looked stiff.

[@shvonneboudreaux]

@ as a cosmetic chemist before I was a hairstylist there weren’t any emollient rich products they were suggesting. Now are leave ins optional if you don’t want your gel broken down? Yes, however the moisture then needs to come from somewhere. A rinse out conditioner on low porosity hair gets absolutely nothing accomplished. Then with over cleansing the hair and never fully replacing the moisture. Innersense is mostly protein and isn’t originally formulated with lower porosity hair types in mind etc. So over time you have a raised cuticle layer due to over cleansing and dehydration due to not replacing the fatty acids in the hair causing lipid barrier damage.

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

​​@@shvonneboudreaux Less loudmouthed harping about "lICENseD prOfESsioNaLz" and MORE ACTUAL EXPERTISE AND sound-byte free science, please! ❤❤❤ May people like you who know what they're talking about, unsexy though real knowledge may be, gain a platform that can truly benefit the community.

[@dimensionsbygina]

​@shvonneboudreaux This is what saved my hair. My friend is also a cosmetic chemist. She told me the exact same thing. She said I didn't "need" a leave in but would need a rich moisture rinse out or DC. This would would help protect my have from the constant washing. I also didn't use the shampoos they suggested. I tried them but knew immediately they were not hydrating enough and didn't have the emollients needed for my hair.

[@joybanks4974]

You need to go forward with your own Hydrate and Define method if BGC and CIK don't receive this and make changes. Bless you, Ebena, for addressing this with integrity and humility.

[@ahardy6069]

Thank you for your transparency. I have been following BGC since 2019. Initially AG was a part of my regimen. I identified that AG was too strong for my strands. My stylist who was trained by the As at that time had me to switch. That stylist also told me that the only way to see all the split ends was to blow out and flat ironed. I had experienced curl damage and did not want to go that route and I opted for a curly cut. She also focused on not using the raw oils and butters during styling. She also instructed me to not over cleanse, be aware of clothing that could compromise my hair ends, gentle detangling, not to over manipulate my hair, etc. When there was a need, we still deep conditioned and used protein treatments. Almost six years later and my hair is healthy. My routine has changed when there was a need. I wish everyone the best.

[@Petite-s5w]

Did you still incorporate leave ins?

[@ahardy6069]

@Petite-s5w - No. After one salon visit in 2021, my stylist used a leave-in from Trepadora. She asked me to evaluate my hair that week and get back with her to see if I noticed a difference. I didn't, so a leave-in was never incorporated in my regimen. I live in the South; so it's very humid. My new curl specialist has not recommended one either. I'm not against using a leave-in if there was a need for one. I like the simplicity of my routine.

[@StaniaJ]

​@@ahardy6069 I would say I've had a similar experience! I will give the A's, in the WYDH ebook they did say pay attn to your hair and choose the appropriate level of shampoo for how dirty it is. That squeaky clean feel from AG Balance made me think it was a little stronger, so I only use it if I think I have a lot of buildup. My stylist is not a CIK stylist but gave the same advice the A's did about leave-ins. If ever I or my stylist thought I needed a deep conditioner, then I used one. When all this started I had my hair blown out and assessed, luckily it was all good🙏🏾. Last wash I even examined strands from my brush like Afrikanhairgod suggested and they were all good. I normally get 3 curly cuts and 1 blown out cut a yr.

[@ahardy6069]

@StaniaJ - So happy to hear your hair is healthy as well. I recently cut and colored my hair into a very short style. I plan to keep it short indefinitely. I blew my hair out to get color back in October. My I-Can-Grow-Your-Perm-Out- Only-stylist color prices were cheaper, so I opted to go to her. She had no issues with my hair. Best of wishes to you.

[@shelly.v.247]

Abena, the humility you’ve shown Aeleise (owner of Cut It Kinky-CIK) and Aishia (owner of Black Girl Curls-BGC) is AMAZING! Especially given that they haven’t supported you with your well performing brand ENBBA NATURALS. That’s even after you’ve been a huge supporter of their businesses. I can assure you that I’m not the only one who has noticed. Sorry but that needs to be publicly acknowledged!!!! You are so kind, respectful, graceful and honest! I thank you for using your voice and platform as a stylist to speak up to help protect others from enduring this same awful experience! Also, thank you for your integrity and dedication to help spread awareness that these methods are flawed. It’s time for us to refocus and share solutions so that the community can begin to heal. ❤️‍🩹

[@tmcurly]

🥰🥰🥰

[@lashandalemua2192]

They definitely didn't support her brand when I was in the group. Aisha snubbed it.

[@ArethaRenee]

They never supported her and acted like they could not be bothered with trying out her products. She deserves better from them.

[@TheRoyalTreatmentInc]

Abena, you smiled and seasoned your words so graciously. There’s no way that they couldn’t respond to such a positive message.

[@EmbraceNaturalBeauty]

Shelly, you have truly blessed my heart. Thank you for your support! Let’s keep focusing on solutions and healing together. ❤‍🩹

[@rdaliz]

I really love how you are reframing this issue. Seriously, yes, let's not blame each other. Let's take accountability from all perspectives. I knew there was something missing. As a former hard core oils and butters user, I always knew there needed to be a balance. But definitely starting with a clean head of hair is needed. I cannot wait to see how tight curl specialists navigate this issue. We have all come too far, let's work together!

[@satzhair]

Abena thank you for speaking up on your platform. The stylist that didn’t do the 30day detox were looked over because we weren’t apart of the “click”. Some have already unfollowed and blocked me since the video with narada and I’m okay with that. I’m always pick the side of my clients. Continue to speak up and do what’s best for the woman,men that sit in your chair

[@shelly.v.247]

@@satzhair They unfollowed and blocked you??? All for just telling the truth? I didn’t hear you mention any names or anything! Sis, thank for moving with integrity even though some people don’t.

[@tmcurly]

They are absolutely childish let them do that. Watch as they loose clients due to the damage whilst you stay thriving. The truth is the truth besides taking any side.

[@tmcurly]

Their whole method is cooked!! It’s over !!😠

[@SimplyTamz]

I appreciate that more stylist are coming forward. Although I couldn’t help but feel sad hearing your testimony. It’s sad when it takes a personal experience as a professional to pause and listen instead of dismissing the issue. So many signs and messages were willfully and intentionally ignored. I hope curiosity comes back into the hair community. To be curious when you hear about damage, hair breakage, hair loss, and other issues. Instead of believing you may be the exception. I think that could really help the natural hair community in general. ❤

[@1922mistyblue]

It’s so good that you with years and years of curly hair cutting and trichology are on the front line for educating others

[@judis9184]

Very well articulated Abena! I think there’s many women like myself who suffered damage but were too ashamed to even admit it. Life is full of adjustments and this is no different. I’m hoping that your message is accepted and adjustments are made so that many more individuals aren’t injured. Thank you Abena for your video. You are a woman of deep integrity and passionate about your craft. Love you sis! ❤👍🏽

[@Lady_t_dc7775]

Thank you, Abena, for leading with transparency and integrity. Using your platform to spread the word about the damage people experience from using the BGC method, is a standup act!

[@abcisme]

There was so much grace laced within your message that is so hard to come by, not only in this conversation but in the world at large. I’m not sure if BGC will receive this, but I want you to be assured that the tone of your message was 100% aligned with your intention. Bravo!

[@GoesbyDrea]

I have damage in the same places as you I’ve had 4 inches cut off but in a protective style (flat twists) you can still see the broken pieces on top sticking out. Looking forward to see your reparative journey! Thank you for these videos ❤!!

[@tannicejeanpierre6421]

Thank you so much for trying to heal the community. Your message is being received, I’m sure of it.

[@yahushuaschosen4129]

Thank you for this message! It was carefully delivered, received from a place of love, and allowing for growth. I have learned so much from your videos and still learning, especially from this one. I could feel your empathy and it ran deep. Thank you for your transparency and all you do for the national hair community. May the Most High God continue to bless you, your business, clients and may your hair be completely restored as soon as possible. You are such a kind and thoughtful person. Bless you and have an amazing day!😊🙏🏾

[@causefreedom2020]

I agree with this statement. ❤

[@Lola-v7k4b]

I know this is you specifically reaching out to them stylist to stylist, but if they lack respect for the consumer part of the community, this won’t get anywhere. They started all this-I assume-to positively contribute to their community and in the process, their lack of ‘calibration’ put folks in a position to have to big chop again (despite having to do it when their hair was dehydrated the first time). Given our history, we all know the psychological impact our hair can have on us and they don’t seem to think that’s worth apologizing for. Instead, they dismissed and blocked people that spoke up as if we can’t tell when something is wrong with our hair and only started listening when professionals spoke up and/or started losing clientele. It’s like they place less value on us even though we are literally fueling the stylist business. This oversight hurt a lot of people and how they responded to concerns broke trust. Idc how much knowledge they have, it’s hard to respect-let alone continue to invest in a stylist community that lowkey shows us our perspectives don’t matter…

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

Dismissed and blocked and MOCKED AND RIDICULED!

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

No humility, no love, all cash grab and grifter exploitation

[@drdidihoneybelleayozie4146]

Many hair care entrepreneurs are in the business to cash out and because black women love their hair so much we are seen as an easy gullible target. They are playing in our faces. Since last year I made a decision to use only professional products and a little more moisture and seal my ends, no oils on scalp and my whole head is happy with me

[@Lola-v7k4b]

@@ileanasantamaria2364 yeah, highly unprofessional behavior

[@Lola-v7k4b]

@@drdidihoneybelleayozie4146 that’s such an annoying business strategy, but I guess it fits well with the rest of the capitalist landscape. I’ve noticed a lot of businesses producing things based on trends, making money from the hype and then watching us for the next thing as consumers move onto a new hype. It’s annoying, but kind of smart. Hair product companies catered to afro hair are notorious for this. I’m with you on finding what works for you and sticking to that. I’ve personally decided to do my hair myself at home exclusively and use the same products/ingredients for haircare. Relying on the professionals clearly isn’t working for a lot of us.

[@a9p6m4]

This is the best response I have seen. I hope they have an ear to hear. ❤

[@afuanieto4438]

I experienced the same damage… thank you for speaking on this.

[@cutenobi]

I love the Anthony Dickey method to get my hair hydrated. I only cowash 2 times per week and shampoo every 2 weeks.

[@J_Summer69]

Wow, you should be the ambassador for the natural hair community on this platform for that very mature and well thought out response - kindness positive thoughts is everything. I truly hope your message is received in the spirit it’s been given.

[@lizzieclay6774]

Abena, this was so well said. What a humble and courageous way of representing this. I too have followed the conversation on this and I totally agree with you as far as the right way to handle this. Well done my sister. God bless you. How impactful you are. Thanks so much.

[@MaybelCarl]

Kudos Abena and so sorry for your damage ! Moving forward we all hope these changes will be well applied so that affected clients can heal their hair💕

[@mariafarlane2495]

Thank you Abena for sharing this video and for your care and concern for your clients. I still like doing Wash and Goes and have experienced breakage and dehydration . So I am hoping as we move forward, we can find ways to improve it and see our hair begin to thrive and retain length again.

[@prahootace1356]

You're very sweet & gracious. I don't think I've heard a more kind & encouraging message from any other professionals/users of this hair care method. 💕🙏🏽

[@ArethaRenee]

Cut it Kinky and BGC were money grabs. The stylist need to get together amongst themselves to figure this out.

[@MaybelCarl]

They need to be sued so they learn smh

[@emmyl487]

I am very glad to see more stylists speaking out about this. I have followed you for a long time because your hair is beautiful and you look a lot like my beautiful mother. I hope they will be receptive to your message here. Thank you for sharing this. ❤

[@cmw1336]

Is your mother my mother? 😆 I always thought Abena looked like my mother too and even showed my mother a video of Abena to see what she thought!

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

​@cmw1336 😂😂😂😂

[@emmyl487]

@@cmw1336 😂 I took a screenshot of her for my mom. She agreed they could be sisters!

[@shacur145]

Wow!!! I think you should run for president!!!!! After working in corporate America for years(now retired) I have never heard a better talk to get two opposing sides to work together in my entire life. Bless you for being a voice of reason, thank you for also putting your clients first and really and truly wanting to help them get the best for their hair. I pray that this is received by BGC & Cutitkinky in the diplomatic and heartfelt way that it should. I was also one of those people who NEEDED that xtra moisture and ignored it until I began to lose a lot of hair in my crown. I gave up on the method about a year ago and cut my hair back to neck length. Slowly with the added leave-ins and deep conditioning my hair has begun to grow back. I still do occasional washngo’s but definitely do more twist/braid outs now. 🙏🏾 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@pameladavis895]

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of GOD."

[@TheKhrissss]

Wow! This is an interesting comment considering that when I literally did the same thing and shared my experience you were in my comments saying “can we rest this aftermath” and said people were just “stoking the coals” by simply discussing this issue.

[@tmcurly]

@TheKhrissss Sorry to hear that happened to Shelly, Rosie and Narada too

[@shelly.v.247]

@@TheKhrissssUgh I’m sorry that you were harassed by her for sharing your negative experience too. I commend you even more so Khris, for moving with integrity and publicly acknowledging the aftermath of what happened to your hair. Let’s keep spreading the word so this doesn’t happen to anyone else! 🙏🏽❤️‍🩹

[@TheKhrissss]

@ the selective empathy and understanding makes it seem like trolling or perhaps something else going on there 🤔

[@causefreedom2020]

Amen ❤

[@gladyswj9968]

Thanks Abena. Your real healthy WNG regimen along with Mo are my go-to references. So glad for the gap years as I was never aware of your pivot from maintaining moisture-balance which consistently included your use of deep conditioning and using a leave-in conditioner prior to gel for your thriving WNG. "Stay the 'proven' course" that actually works and makes sense scientifically +++ Be well.

[@lovelyliz5654]

I wish I I could like this video 100x over. I love your authenticity and gracefulness. It’s not what you say but how you say it. I really hope the founders of BCG and CIK receive this well and move accordingly. Explaining what to look for regarding damage and how(why) to know if you need to pivot your hair care routine. I wish I lived closer to you. God bless

[@GoodFoodwithPrudence]

This video was very well done! My hair is similar to yours and has always been able to thrive, but I, too, have damage in the crown, and probably even more. Thank you for this plea to them to calibrate. No one gets it 100% right and whether they show humility or not, they are being brought low.

[@cocovankinks]

Amazing message coming from a peaceful thoughtful love for us black women , we got this sisters we are near the truth … we are only counting on each others to thrive together 💕

[@LuvlyBliss147]

The way you practiced those 9 fruit of the Spirit for this matter has sat my spirit right because I was upset

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

❤❤❤❤

[@janschild]

After a few washes, I knew that cut it curly nonsense was not for me. Aldo, the salon visits were TOO expensive

[@Felicia_Plans]

Humbly and respectfully presented. ❤. This will bless someone. Thank you.

[@rhondadenis3469]

Always love your content. Thanks for sharing

[@p.e.5336]

Well said.❤ Thank you, Abena!

[@gladyswj9968]

Perfect background. It should help remind all of what strands look like following their off-script, damaged guaranteed, short-term look good process as evidenced by a professional on YT who actually read from the course manual which was not adhered to during trainings. We need to call a thing a thing. This appears to have been a classic case of "Bait & Switch" for stylists taking the classes and customers being subjected to it. More than apologies should be sought.

[@ninicracra6539]

Tanks you❤❤❤❤

[@michelejones3154]

Thank you

[@caribqueen63]

This is GREAT!!

[@harmonious.balance]

Thanks for sharing your story. Im interested in the idea that it could sneak up on you. Would you mind sharing your routine from Jan 2023 to Oct 2024? At that point your hair was assessed and in pristine condition having followed the method for over 2 years. I believe there are a number of variables at play and Id like to hear more about your routine in the intervening months.

[@tonyababineaux-nash2337]

That's exactly my experience 😢

[@anneel8115]

You extend a beautiful olive branch but they will probably remain silent to avoid liability. Usually brands, example Deva, stay silent, reformulate, get new testing done and reappear. But here, there is no point of 'where everything worked' to go back to. In the end the hair was not hydrated, it was quietly severely drying. They had said that they were better than KZbin because they saw thousands of heads, if they start talking, how do they justify the method. If they are out here tweaking then it's like any KZbinrs journey. Their main lesson: shampoo the hair is off as their way and what they told you to uses dried out the hair yet they were charging $$ for incorrect info. They promised healty curly hair, not everyone now on bond builders. You have a brand of products that work, don't let this mess affect your hard work.

[@noeland8129]

It def tore my hair up

[@tmcurly]

_Where did the hair science come from? We can’t just makeup these things. I noticed a lot of made up terminology being used also 🥺_

[@Maria-lp3ry]

Like critical mass and baby crown! 🙄🤣🤭

[@BionAvastar3000]

@@Maria-lp3ry Thermal rearrangement smh

[@ArethaRenee]

The made up terminology kills me lol.

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

ESPECIALLY when there's actual, real cosmetic chemistry and trichology out there!!! Come on now!!!

[@anneel8115]

@@tmcurly like saying people have 'unicorn hair' 🙄 which was a dig at Naptural85 to explain her results.

[@JulzMcc]

This was so beautifully articulated and so well put together. Maybe you can/should calibrate the method and take it forward.

[@gloryreflection7080]

I know that sometimes these companies will change up the ingredients on products without warning.

[@helenwiggins9390]

Hello I have heard bits and pieces of this story lately…. anyway I am a all natural girl for 8 years and I have finally mastered my natural hair as of last year, my hair is thriving at 62 yrs old, at this point I want to help others, do you know how I can take some classes or get certified? Btw I have watched your videos from a couple of years ago and I remember how your hair was thriving, any information I would appreciate it thanks🤗

[@Marcie_does_it]

I’ve followed you for yearssssssss, long before I ever decided to wear my natural hair. It was obvious, to me, that your hair had been compromised over the past couple years.

[@carolchurchwell7721]

Yes her studio

[@123456711751]

🙏🏿

[@tmcurly]

_I wonder where BCG found this literature/source/hair science to begin with 🧐_

[@noeland8129]

None! They took anectdotal evidence and applied it to everyone smh

[@ahardy6069]

@tmcurly - Hey. Don't quote me, but I think some of it was basic science and observing client's hair in the salon where excess raw oils and butters were used. The excess raw oils/ butters on the hair strands caused water to not be able to penetrate the hair strands. I can remember a video demonstration of this. One of the As used a clarifying shampoo on a client's hair and the shampoo was not lathering. At that time, the client verified the use of raw oils/butters in her routine. Something similar happened when I went to my first appointment with a curl specialist back in 2019; the Malibu C didn't really lather until the third wash. I had been using a light coconut and olive oil mixture, this gel, that gel, and had never clarified! She taught me what I needed to do; a simple routine and gave me reassurance she would be there to assist me to perfecting my wash n go.

[@BionAvastar3000]

They made it up.

[@ahardy6069]

@BionAvastar3000 - Maybe so, but my hair saw the difference. I can only speak on my experience; it was positive. My heart goes out to all those affected.

[@drdidihoneybelleayozie4146]

It is shocking to say the least. 1 through clarifying shampoo followed by moisturising shampoo and moisture routine is enough for at least 4 to 8 wks. Incessantly clarifying was not science based and they just used the participants as experiments

[@lizh6578]

Recalibrate may equal experimentation on a person’s hair. Otherwise, I think your message is sound.

[@BionAvastar3000]

Sorry to hear that it took your own hair being damaged to finally see the light, but better late than never! ETA: Yes BGC did a phenomenal job gaslighting everybody.

[@Pamclarke-b8c]

Aint that sad...?

[@ViaVena]

Maybe BGC should give a refund to the stylist and clients who have damage 🤔