We were lucky to catch up with Sharon Caruso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sharon, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One trend I’m particularly concerned about is the belief that shampooing less—or not at all—is healthier for curly hair. The idea is that shampoo strips the natural oils, so less washing equals shinier, healthier curls. I understand where this comes from—but here’s why that advice can backfire.

Your scalp needs regular cleansing—ideally two to three times a week—depending on lifestyle, workout habits, and even the climate you live in. Neglecting proper cleansing can disrupt the pH balance of the scalp, leading to dandruff, fungal issues, or even blocked follicles that contribute to hair loss.

I’ll never forget one client who came to me with a very unhappy scalp. She had been struggling with it for years, seeing dermatologists and using medicated dandruff shampoos—but nothing worked. She felt discouraged, hopeless, and unseen. After examining her scalp, I gently asked if anyone had ever mentioned the possibility of a fungal issue. She said no—even her doctor hadn’t brought it up. Trusting my instincts, I offered her a natural hair tonic I personally formulated and instructed her to use it at home between visits. It wasn’t something I applied in the salon—it was her own consistent use that made the difference. Two months later, she returned in tears—happy tears. Her scalp had completely healed. She told me she was ecstatic and couldn’t believe the solution was so simple after all those years. That moment reminded me that while education and training are critical, it’s often our intuition that guides us to the root of what someone truly needs. It’s become the fabric through which my expertise has evolved.

Sharon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Being a hairstylist for 19 years has taught me far more than just artistic techniques — it’s taught me life lessons I’ll nurture for a lifetime. My journey began at just 19 years young, and over the years, I’ve grown, evolved, and deepened my craft. In 2020, Curls by Caruso was born — an expression of my purpose as a Curly Hair Sculptor for every curl under the moon.

What sets me apart is how I see hairstyling as more than just a service — it’s a sacred exchange of energy. To place your hands on someone and be trusted with their self-expression is a powerful act. When that connection is rooted in safety and vulnerability, magic happens. That magic is the essence of Curls by Caruso.

My calling was ignited by a personal experience that left me heartbroken — leaving a salon with brittle, broken curls where there was once vibrance and health. That moment stayed with me. As more clients sat in my chair, I began to hear the same stories over and over: curls misunderstood, mistreated, and mishandled by stylists unfamiliar with the true nature of textured hair.

The truth is, working with curly hair is both a personal and professional choice. While some education programs skim past it, I chose to dive deeply into this craft. It takes awareness, curiosity, discipline — and heart.

At Curls by Caruso, I assess the curl pattern, the hair’s health, and the client’s goals before I ever lift my shears. Sculpting curls, to me, is like sculpting wax for jewelry — another one of my passions. I work piece by piece, curl by curl, honoring the shape of the head, the hair’s density and porosity, and the overall energy of the person sitting in front of me.

But technique alone isn’t enough. I create a soulful, safe space where every client feels heard and seen. You’ll find healing gemstones throughout my studio, subtle sound frequencies flowing through the air, and a calm that invites transformation. It’s not just a haircut — it’s a healing, a connection, a moment of confidence reclaimed.

Being a stylist often feels like being part life coach, part therapist — and that’s something I truly honor. The challenges I’ve faced — both personal and professional — shaped me into the woman and artist I am today. The hard parts gave me the strength and resilience to walk this independent path with love, grace, and truth.

Curls by Caruso is more than a business. It’s a movement rooted in self-love, transformation, and the belief that trust, energy, and intention can change lives — one curl at a time.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe one of the driving forces behind my reputation in the curly hair space is that I live it — I have curly hair myself. That lived experience is something no certification or class can replace. You wouldn’t believe the trauma clients have shared with me — from botched cuts to being misunderstood or shamed in salon chairs. I’ve been there, too.

Because of that, when someone with curls sits in my chair, they immediately feel a sense of comfort and safety. There’s an unspoken understanding. I don’t just talk about curls — I’ve lived the journey, and that creates a deeper level of trust. Clients are more open, more receptive to education and recommendations, because they know I truly get it.

This shared experience has been one of my greatest assets — not just in building my brand, but in creating real transformation for the people who come to me. They’re not just getting a haircut; they’re being heard, respected, and empowered by someone who walks the same path. That kind of connection builds loyalty — and from that, a reputation was born.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy has always been rooted in authenticity, word-of-mouth, and creating meaningful experiences. I didn’t follow a traditional marketing playbook — instead, I poured my energy into giving every client a deeply personal, healing, and educational experience. When someone leaves my chair feeling confident, understood, and truly seen, they naturally want to share that with others. That’s the kind of growth money can’t buy.

I also believe in sharing what I know. Education builds trust, and I want every client to leave feeling empowered and seen. That empowerment builds long-term relationships. It turns one-time visitors into loyal clients, and loyal clients into your greatest advocates.

I’d also say consistency plays a big role. From the moment someone walks into the space I’ve created, they feel calm, welcomed, and safe. That emotional consistency — paired with results that speak for themselves — is what keeps clients coming back and sending others my way.

At the end of the day, it’s not about numbers — it’s about the quality of the connection. That’s how Curls by Caruso continues to grow — one honest, heart-filled experience at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://curlsbycaruso.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlsbycaruso/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080409403651
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/curls-by-caruso-encino-7