There are thousands of hair stylists who work with locs but none like Phoenix Rose. Phoenix Rose is a multi-talented artist who is most notable in the loc world for her exceptional skills in hair coloring. She is also a trained barber, makeup artist, and singer. The one thing that ties all her talents together is art. In a world starved of beauty, Phoenix Rose rises. Loc Genius sat with Phoenix Rose to learn more about her artistry. Check out Phoenix in part two to learn more about loc color.
Phoenix Rose on Locs
Loc Genius: What do you love about locs?
PR: There’s so much I love about locs. Despite what many believe, locs are extremely versatile. I also love how unique they are to the individual because there are so many personalized factors that lend themselves to the overall look of the locs. I cherish the connection that locs provide to my ancestral lineage. And there is something mystical about retaining every strand of hair over a given period of time, since locs trap the hair you would otherwise shed.
LG: When did you start your locs?
PR: I have had two sets of locs. I started the first set in 2011 and combed them out around 2015. Then my second set was started in 2017, and I recently shaved my head in December of last year [in] 2021.
Phoenix Rose’s Loc Artistry
LG: When did you start styling locs?
PR: I officially began styling locs when I started my barber apprenticeship in 2008. I began specializing in loc maintenance and styling when I joined the stylists at Tru Rootz Natural Hair Studios in 2012.
LG: How did you get started with natural hair and locs?
PR: The first salon I ever worked in, where I apprenticed, was in a mall. I made it my mission from day one to learn to service all types of hair, since you never knew who was going to walk through the door. Shortly after, I began my own natural hair journey, which I restarted 3 times due to trial and lots of error. Information and products for natural hair were far less accessible at the time, and my friends and I would experiment on natural remedies and diy products and styling solutions. It was when I moved to New Orleans and began working at Tru Rootz that I received advanced level education in natural hair and loc maintenance.
I didn’t set out to be the color guru. This is what I wanted to look like. There has to be somebody who wanted to look like this too.
Phoenix Rose
The World of Color
LG: What drew you to hair color?
PR: I took a class of oil-based color for ethnic hair. I remember thinking this is something I need to get ahead of. The shades were gorgeous and rich. I fell in love literally fell in love. Then I was like okay I need to learn how to do this properly for us…for me. I thought we couldn’t do certain colors. At the time we didn’t go past auburn or burgundy. At the time our options were black, honey blonde, burgundy and auburn. I wanted something different. Once I started taking more classes, I figured out how to get our hair to a base where we can get it to any color while maintaining a healthy crown.
I went to a lot of shows and took classes and products were developing like special effects colors. So I was playing. I was experimenting. The response from others was making me think lets keep pushing. I think the challenge of it made me keep going with it.
When I loc’d my hair, nobody was coloring locs like that. There was this whole fear that your locs are going to break off. You can’t tell me I can’t do something. I was like “Oh really? Watch me!” It was not arrogance, but it was like challenge accepted. I wanted to find my own lane and ride it out.
LG: When did you first color hair?
PR: I have been coloring hair since 2009.
LG: What does color add to a hairstyle?
PR: Color elevates any hairstyle. It adds dimension, personality, and it communicates another layer of personality. You can have a bob and if its black, neon green, or red. It communicates something different with each color.
LG: What would you tell someone who is afraid?
PR: I would recommend a starting with a section or a few locs. For fears, if someone is afraid of perceptions because of a job that requires you to be more conservative, I recommend putting color in a place you can easily hide it. If someone is afraid of how it will look, try something temporary like color waxes or sprays that are low commitment or color your tips (ends of the loc). Color that is closer to your face is more expressive. Ease into it. It’s not irreversible. You can always go back to your natural color. If you fear damage, please see a professional and do not do it yourself.
Hair Sprinkles
LG: Tell me about Hair Sprinkles.
PR: It was created by AmberMimz. Hair Sprinkles is the method of installation of crown adornments not the product themselves. You can do beads, charms, or crystals. When installed they last from 9 months to 2 years when done properly by a certified stylist. Hair Sprinkles will not be altered by color process if done correctly with the right materials. You can use as little or as much as you want. They can be removed and are not permanent. You can also do them on any textured extensions like braids, twists, faux locs, locs, and loose natural hair.
Hair Sprinkle Certification
LG: Why is HS certification important?
PR: Certification matters because you give homage to creator. Certification grants you access to the creator. They are in service and accessible, so learn from them. Lastly, installation without certification can cause irreparable damage.
Hair Damage from Hair Sprinkles
LG: How can hair get damaged Hair Sprinkles?
PR: Adorning your hair should not lead to losing your hair. Installing Hair Sprinkles on your own can create mildew growth inside the loc because of the [lack of knowledge about the proper] installation materials. Breakage may also happen.
Locs need to be mature (at least 12 months). If you add Hair Sprinkles to locs that are not mature, the sprinkle can get trapped inside of the loc. The loc should also be a minimum 6 inches long.
Phoenix Rose’s Recommendations For Coloring Locs
LG: What are some things diy-ers needs to look for after coloring their hair?
PR: If you have colored your locs, monitor your hair for changes like:
- Texture differences- Chemicals that process color can loosen curl pattern. The chemicals should not straighten hair. This happens a lot when bleaching.
- Dry, brittle hair is also a sign that hair needs attention.
- Breakage- If your loc breaks from touch in pieces, seek immediate help.
- Overlapping color is a common cause of damage which results in over-processed hair. It is important to have enough inches of new growth to ensure that there is no overlapping the color. Coloring hair that has been previously colored results in over-processing.
LG: What are some things diy-ers needs to look for after coloring their hair?
PR: Seek professional assistance! Even though I was that person, [book] a consultation to make sure your hair is healthy. Even if you did everything right, if you are unaware of your hair condition, you may start your color from an unhealthy place. Professional assistance can make sure that you start your hair color journey from a healthy place.
Color elevates any hairstyle. It communicates another layer of personality.
Phoenix Rose
LG: What are some hair care products that you like?
PR: For leave in conditioners Healthy Sexy Hair has a CBD Spray and Tri-wheat Spray. It is the consistency of water and was developed as a daily leave in. For colors, I like Pulp Riot and Pravana Vivids. Biolage Raw and Black Carbon are great shampoos. For retwisting I love Shea Butter.
LG: Anything else you would like to say?
PR: It is important to use products with sunscreen. When you lighten your hair, it needs to be protected from the sun’s rays. Color safe products means it has sunscreen in it. The more products you use the better. It can be in shampoo, conditioner, or leave in spray. I recommend doing it in shampoo and in styling. It helps the color not fade, last longer, and helps to fortify the integrity of the hair.
Where to find Phoenix Rose
Phoenix Rose is available for styling and consultation. To learn more about Phoenix Rose or to make an appointment contact her on her website or Instagram. You can also call to book her at Tru Rootz Salon in New Orleans, Louisiana at (504) 433-8198. Listen to Phoenix’s music on Spotify.