Today Show Segment Proves Why Naturals Do Their Own Hair

The Today Show proved that the term ‘expert’ might be used a little too loosely. In a segment last week about easy summer hairstyles, hair stylist and YouTube creator Deepica Mutyala was supposed to demonstrate styles you can do in 60 second or less. It was going just fine, until she got to the model with naturally textured hair. That’s when things took a turn for the worse. This right here is why naturals do their own hair. If you haven’t seen the Today Show video, check it out below.

This segment is definitely cringe worthy. We’d like to think that maybe Deepica just wasn’t very knowledgable about styling textured hair, and was not aware she’d have to style a model with that hair type. I guess in the wild world of live television, things like this can happen. I give Malyia McNaughton, the model who’s hair was ruined, lots of credit for keeping her composure. I think we can all agree that Malyia’s hair was much better off before the ‘beauty expert’ got a hold of it.

Turns out McNaughton is not only a model but a stylist in her own right, and was quick to defend Mutyala, telling Yahoo Beauty, “I had no idea my first television experience would be such a memorable one. As an emerging model, the opportunity to be asked to tape for the Today show was a dream come true. Deepica is a true sweetheart and people should not come down on her this harsh. Backstage we practiced the style, it came out right and we expected the same results for the live taping. Unfortunately, with only 60 seconds allotted, the pressure was on and it did not come out how either of us expected.”

Watch this video: Natural Hair Beef | Professionals vs YouTubers

“There are no hard feelings on my part, as I know her truest intentions were never to make a fool out of me,” McNaughton explained. “The goal for the segment was to show inclusion and diversity. Often times, black women are not included in segments as such, so to be that catalyst for my people, rather some felt negatively about it or not, was truly amazing and I am grateful again for the opportunity.”

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I think this incident on the Today Show proves that the ‘hair is hair’ concept just isn’t true. There are definitely distinct differences in caring for and styling textured hair. Unfortunately, those differences are often not taught in beauty schools across the country – even those targeted at Black hair care. The sad part about this, is that unfortunately many women with naturally curly and especially naturally kinky hair have experienced something similar with a professional hair stylist who claim they are experts in styling natural hair. Fortunately it wasn’t on national tv, but still traumatizing.

Watch This Video: Heat Damage or Heat Memory?

It has gone far beyond just a messed up hairstyle. We’re hearing stories of women having their edges snatched out, heat damage, hair breakage, and more. I’ve even heard of some women being told by their hairstylist they need a relaxer, or ‘I’m not doing your nappy hair’ – this is really happening. So forgive me for side-eyeing professionals who are so quick to throw shade towards YouTuber content creators.

via GIPHY

While Malyia is willing to give Deepica another shot, most of us resort to styling our own hair after a bad experiences with a professional. Even though I understand the fear, I still encourage you to not give up on going to a professional – just don’t go to that person anymore. There are tons of amazing, educated, and skilled natural hair stylists out there, and they can prove to be beneficial in maintaining the health of your hair.

Do you have an amazing natural hair stylist you’d like to shout out? In the comments below, tell us who they are and what city they’re. And if you’d like to see a natural hair stylist directory here on Naturally Glam, let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.