Rasheena Brooks, Hairstylist of 24 years, Color & Business Educator, Platform artist, and Co-Owner of the #1 natural hair products In the world, WOW Natural Hair Products. Rasheena specializes in Natural Styling, Color & Silkening treatments becoming one of the most sought-after stylists from New Jersey!

As a leader in the industry, Rasheena is very passionate about the Beauty industry and has mentored and taught thousands of stylist hair education. Rasheena has decided to expand by not only offering hair services to clients but also by offering continued education for new and seasoned Beauty pros!! Digital courses are currently available for Beauty professionals. Rasheena believes to be successful in the Beauty industry, you must always continue your education. 

Can you tell us about your journey in the hair industry and how you became a sought-after stylist in New Jersey?

Like most of us in the Beauty industry, my journey started as a kid when I discovered I had a passion for hair because I loved to do my own all the time. Then it turned into me doing my friends and family and all of the people around me saw that I had a talent.  I am a New Jersey native and I was fortunate enough to go to a high school that offered the cosmetology course to students who qualified for the class. My senior year in high school, my school took us to the state board and I graduated high school with my license. I’ve been in a salon since then. 

From there, I assisted for a while in a couple of different salons. I learned a lot and when I was ready, I applied at a natural hair salon, because I had a passion for natural hair, and became a full-time stylist.  I recommend everyone start off assisting first because you do learn so much in that position.   Working in that salon was great for me! That’s where my career took off for me. I got serious, got business cards and I would get out every day and promote myself.  I started to bring in clients and they would also promote me. Before I knew it, I had clients left and right. At that time, natural hair wasn’t popular. Everyone still had relaxers. Since I was one of the few who did natural hair & locs, my name rung bells when it came to those services because I became known for doing them. So when they became big, I was one of the stylists who always got recommended! 

As a hairstylist for 24 years, what inspired you to venture into hair education and mentorship for other beauty professionals?

What Inspired me to become an educator early in my career is, that I was always the type that always wanted to learn. I wanted to be the best so I constantly was taking classes and always staying abreast on what was going on in the Beauty industry because It’s constantly changing. Most people don’t know but in Beauty school, you are learning what you need to know to pass the test. Once you graduate, the success of your career is solely based on you! I was hungry!!!! What I realized is I had the talent but lacked the business education of the industry so I would constantly seek those classes.  I would go to hair shows and be fascinated with the educators. I knew I wanted to do what they did. I would always share what I learned with other stylists in my circle anyway and I realized I enjoyed helping others. That’s what sparked my career in teaching and platform artistry. 

What motivated you to co-create WOW Natural Hair Products, and what sets them apart from other products in the market?

To be honest, a product line was always a thought in my head but my business partner, Omar Townes, is the person that should get the credit. He is the owner of the biggest salon suites in the world, Cut Creaters Salon Suites and he is the original creator of a product line he had previously. WOW was something that came to him. He came to me about it and boom, WOW was born. What makes us different is our products are alcohol-free and our products are made by stylists. Our loc gel causes no flaking and no white residue but must be used correctly! We have products that are great for the hair & scalp. Our products for the scalp do not clog the pores. 

Could you share some insights into the importance of continued education for beauty professionals, and how it contributes to success in the industry?

Continued education is extremely important. As I stated earlier, things are constantly moving and changing. You have to stay current or you will get left behind. I think if Beauty professionals realized how important continued education is then there would be fewer lawsuits happening in the world and also more Beauty professionals would be able to retire the right way if they were educated better on their finances. That’s probably one of the biggest issues I see happening. We have to work the rest of our lives because we don’t know how to set ourselves up for retirement. 

With digital courses now available, what topics do you cover, and how do you ensure that your educational content is relevant and valuable for both new and seasoned beauty professionals?

I currently have a digital product available for Beauty professionals called, Foundations and Formulations Color Theory. Although the industry is constantly evolving, color theory pretty much stays the same. I get back to the basics in the video. 

What advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists who are looking to make a mark in the industry?

The best advice I would give to an aspiring hairstylist would be to always be consistent, always continue your education and GET YOU A MENTOR!

How do you stay current with the latest trends and techniques in hairstyling, and how do you incorporate them into your work and educational programs?

I stay current by attending classes, and trade shows, and ever since covid, now we have virtual classes for people who may not be able to travel or just want to learn in the comfort of their own home. Anything new I learn, I implement it right away!  With all of these ways of getting an education, there is no excuse why Beauty professionals shouldn’t always be learning. 

As a co-owner of a successful hair product line, how do you balance your roles as a stylist, educator, and entrepreneur?

Balance is very hard lol but I am grateful that I no longer have to be behind the chair full-time. At this point in my career, I’m in the salon about 1-2 days a week and our product line has become my number 1 focus. Starting a company of this magnitude requires a lot of attention and I am currently in the process of putting systems in place and building a team around the world for WOW as we are growing. 

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