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Kim Kimble

Kim Kimble

Hair stylists have always been stars in their own right because they are the ones who shape pop culture. People like Vidal Sassoon revolutionized the 60’s with his infamous bob cut, Jheri Redding dominated the 80’s with the Jheri Curl, aka ‘The Juicy Curl,’ and now Kim Kimble, who has made millions of women worldwide want to look like Beyoncé.

Make no mistake, this era belongs to iconic hairstylist Kim Kimble.

Where did it all begin? Well, to say that it began in early 2000 when she first started doing Beyoncé’s hair on the set of the “Hip Hopera Carmen” (incidentally, she’s worked with the star on just about everything she’s ever done since then), or even before that when she worked with Halle Berry on the movie “BAPS,” would dismiss the fact that Kimble is a third generation hair stylist. That means, she knows hair at a certain level. Early kitchen table conversations probably revolved around how to best prep hair for relaxers and color. In fact, when speaking to Kim via telephone from her Los Angeles salon, she says that seeing her mom work, as well as her mom’s advice, have played a key role in her success. “She taught me a lot about hair color and confidence,” she says. “I used to question what I did.”

Confidence is surely no longer an issue, as business is booming. Not only is she perhaps the most sought-after hairstylist in the industry, working with some of today’s brightest stars from the aforementioned Beyoncé and Halle Berry, to Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington and even Miss Piggy. Kim also divides her time between TV and film sets, magazine shoots, giving her expert advice on TV shows, and her innovative product lines. There’s the Kimble Beauty Bounce Back Curl collection designed to moisturize, revitalize, hydrate and enhance natural curls, available now at Sally Beauty stores. Kim is also set to launch her SILK product line on HSN this December, consisting of a flat iron, shampoo, conditioner and mist that all work together to prep the hair for heat, while creating a smooth texture and shine, it sounds like a must-have for anyone who regularly straightens her hair.

Kim Kimble

Kim Kimble Silk

Funny enough though, Kim has been wearing her own hair natural these days. “I’ve been working out a lot lately so it works better for me now. But I don’t mind extensions. Weaves are more of a protective style that I wear when I’m busy or I want to give my hair a break,” says Kim.

So how does she feel about relaxers, given so many women are turning natural?

“Relaxers have never worked well for me,” she shares, “but it depends on the hair type. I never tell clients if they should relax or not, however I don’t recommend it if they are coloring. The key is to never make the hair bone straight.”

Kim obviously knows what it takes to reach icon status, so what’s her advice to other budding hair stylists and entrepreneurs?

“Create a business plan and hire a great team of people because your team is important. If you want to be a stylist, you definitely have to educate yourself – learn as much as you can about your craft. Take what you learn, be creative, and make it your own.”

No one can deny that creativity is one of Kim’s strong suits, and it’s a quality that is not lost on her peers. “Dionne Phillips of D’Lashes, an A-list eyelash extension salon in LA, says of Kim: “I think one of her biggest assets is her creativity. She’s not afraid to merge the fashion and hair world. She’s a real groundbreaker.”  

So how does this 25-year hair veteran, and mom of a sixteen-year-old son, stay on top of her game?

“Actually, I like to create trends. I don’t follow,” says Kim. “I’m open for change and creating new styles and new looks for my clients. I think my clients like when I’m able to provide them something new, creative and fresh. I try to stay ahead of the game.”

Yes, we are trying to keep up! For all the latest updates on Kim, including the fact that her addictive WE TV show “LA Hair” will be returning for its 5th season, visit kimkimble.com.

For more about writer and mom Erickka Sy Savané visit ErickkaSySavane.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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