ABOUT

Meet Kaori Nik

Species: Afro-Alien │Home Planet: South Side Chicago

17+

Years Licensed Cosmetologist

100k+

Instagram Community

50+

Celebrity Clients

20+

Major Awards

Artistry Meets Storytelling

Kaori Nik is an international beauty and special effects artist with 17 years in the industry. As a licensed cosmetologist, she works across natural hair, makeup, and SFX—blending beauty with storytelling and immersive visual experiences.

Her work spans high-profile clients and global stages including New York Fashion Week, the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, Kaori teaches hair and makeup skills while empowering creativity and cosmetic literacy.

Afro Vegan Beauty: A Movement Born in 2019

Kaori Nik is an international beauty and special effects artist with 17 years in the industry. As a licensed cosmetologist, she works across natural hair, makeup, and SFX—blending beauty with storytelling and immersive visual experiences.

Her work spans high-profile clients and global stages including New York Fashion Week, the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, Kaori teaches hair and makeup skills while empowering creativity and cosmetic literacy.

Through her work, Kaori continues to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty while pushing creative boundaries in the beauty industry. Her tagline says it all: Natural Beauty. Intentional Care.

Core Values

What I Stand For

Plant-Based Living

Embracing vegan wellness for a healthier lifestyle

Natural Beauty

Celebrating authentic beauty in all forms

Education & Empowerment

Sharing knowledge to uplift others

Community Building

Creating safe spaces for growth

Conscious Consumption

Making mindful product choices

Supporting Black-Owned

Championing Black businesses

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What hair services do you offer?

I offer a full range of professional hair services including:
• Natural hair styling and consultations
• Protective styling (braids, twists, cornrows)
• Locs installation, maintenance, and retwisting
• Bridal and special event hair
• Silk presses and heat styling
• Wash and style services
• Editorial and photoshoot styling
• Hair health assessments and personalized care plans

Do you specialize in any particular hair types?

Yes! I specialize in natural, textured, and coily hair (types 3A-4C). With 20 years of experience, I'm deeply knowledgeable about the unique needs of melanated skin and textured hair. However, I work with all hair types and textures.

Are you a licensed cosmetologist?

Absolutely! I'm a licensed professional cosmetologist with over 15 years of licensure and 20+ years of experience in the beauty industry.

Where are you located and do you offer mobile services?

I'm based in Los Angeles, California. I offer both in-studio services and on-location services for bridal parties, special events, and photoshoots. Travel fees may apply depending on location.

What is a natural hair consultation?

A natural hair consultation is a personalized session where I assess your hair type, texture, density, and porosity. We discuss your hair goals, current routine, and any challenges you're facing. I provide customized product recommendations and create a hair care plan specifically for your needs. Consultations are available in 30-minute or 60-minute sessions, both virtually and in-person.

How do I know what products to use on my natural hair?

That's exactly what consultations are for! During a consultation, I evaluate your specific hair needs and recommend products based on your hair type, porosity, and goals. I can also guide you toward vegan and natural product options if that aligns with your values.

Do you do silk presses on natural hair?

Yes! I offer silk presses and heat styling services. I prioritize hair health, so I always use heat protectants and proper techniques to minimize damage. I'll also provide guidance on maintaining your silk press and protecting your hair between heat styling sessions.

Can you help me transition from relaxed to natural hair?

Absolutely! The transition from relaxed to natural hair is a journey, and I'm here to support you through it. We can discuss big chop options, transitioning styles, protective styling to help you grow out your natural texture, and creating a healthy hair regimen.

My natural hair feels dry and brittle. Can you help?

Yes! Dryness and brittleness are common concerns, and they're usually related to moisture retention, product selection, or technique. Book a natural hair consultation so I can assess your hair's porosity and condition, then create a customized moisture routine for you.

What protective styles do you offer?

I offer a wide range of protective styling including: • Cornrows (straight back, patterns, feed-in) • Two-strand twists • Flat twists

How long do protective styles typically last?

It depends on the style:
• Cornrows: 2-4 weeks
• Twists: 3-6 weeks Longevity also depends on your hair growth rate, how well you maintain the style, and your nighttime routine.

Will protective styling damage my hair?

When done correctly with proper tension and technique, protective styles should not damage your hair. In fact, they can promote hair growth and health by reducing manipulation. I'm very careful about tension, especially at the hairline and edges, to prevent traction alopecia. I'll also teach you how to maintain your protective style to keep your hair healthy underneath.

Do you use my hair or do I need to bring extensions?

For most protective styles, you'll need to provide or purchase extension hair. I can recommend specific brands and textures that work best for each style. If you're unsure what to get, let me know during booking and I'll guide you.

How should I maintain my protective style?

I provide detailed aftercare instructions with every protective style service. Generally, you should: • Moisturize your scalp regularly with light oils or leave-in spray • Sleep with a satin/silk bonnet or pillowcase • Keep your scalp clean (dry shampoo or diluted shampoo applied with applicator bottle) • Don't keep styles in longer than recommended • Avoid excessive manipulation

Can you work with short hair?

Yes! Even if your natural hair is short, I can create beautiful protective styles with extensions. We'll discuss which styles work best for your current length during consultation.

What locs services do you offer?

I offer comprehensive locs services including: • Locs installation (comb coil, two-strand twist, interlocking methods) • Locs retwisting and maintenance • Locs styling (updos, half-up styles, accessorizing) • Locs coloring and treatments • Locs consultations (starting, maintaining, or ending your journey) • Locs repair and troubleshooting

I want to start locs. Which method is best?

The best method depends on your hair texture, length, and desired look: • Comb coil method: Great for coily hair (4B-4C), creates cylindrical locs • Two-strand twist method: Works for most textures, creates rounder locs • Interlocking: Most secure, works for all textures, great for fine hair During a consultation, we'll discuss your hair goals and I'll recommend the best method for you.

How often should I get my locs retwisted?

Typically every 4-8 weeks depending on: • Your hair growth rate • Your desired level of neatness • Whether you're in the beginning stages or mature locs stage • Your lifestyle and activities Over-retwisting can cause thinning, so we'll find the right schedule for your hair health.

My locs are thinning at the roots. What should I do?

Thinning can be caused by excessive tension, over-retwisting, or not enough rest between maintenance. Book a locs consultation so I can assess the situation and create a recovery plan. This might include adjusting your retwist schedule, switching methods, or implementing strengthening treatments.

Do you do bridal hair?

Yes! Bridal hair is one of my specialties. I've worked with countless brides and bridal parties, creating everything from elegant updos to natural, flowing styles. I specialize in working with natural and textured hair for brides who want to look like their best, most elevated selves.

How far in advance should I book for my wedding?

I recommend booking 4-6 months in advance, especially for wedding season (May-October). This ensures you get your preferred date and allows time for a trial session.

Do you require a bridal trial?

While not always required, I highly recommend a trial session 4-8 weeks before your wedding. This allows us to perfect your look, test the longevity of the style, and make any adjustments. Trials give you peace of mind on your big day.

Can you do hair for my entire bridal party?

Yes! I can accommodate bridal parties. Depending on the size, I may bring an assistant or coordinate with trusted colleagues to ensure everyone is ready on time. Let me know your bridal party size when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Do you travel for weddings?

Absolutely! I travel for weddings throughout Southern California and beyond. Travel fees apply based on distance and travel time. Destination weddings are also possible - contact me for custom quotes.

What styles do you recommend for special events?

It depends on your outfit, the event type, and your personal style! Popular options include: • Elegant updos and buns • Sleek ponytails (high, low, or side) • Hollywood waves • Natural hair styled in defined curls • Half-up, half-down styles • Braided crowns or accents • Loc updos and creative styles I'll work with you to create a look that complements your vision.

How long will my special event hairstyle last?

With proper products and techniques, most special event styles last 8-12 hours or more. I always use professional-grade products for hold and longevity. I'll also provide touch-up tips if needed.

How do I book a hair appointment?

You can book through the online calendar on my website. Select the service you need, choose an available date and time, complete the booking form, and pay your deposit to confirm.

How much do your hair services cost?

Pricing varies based on the service, hair length, density, and time required. Here are general guidelines: • Consultations: Starting at $50 (30 min) to $100 (60 min) • Protective styles: $150-$400+ depending on style and size • Locs retwist: $75-$200 depending on length and density • Locs installation: $250-$500+ depending on method and length • Bridal hair: Custom quotes starting at $200+ • Silk press/blowout: $100-$250 depending on length Contact me for a custom quote based on your specific needs!

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, all appointments require a deposit to secure your booking. Deposits are applied to your service total and are non-refundable but can be transferred to a rescheduled appointment with 48-hour notice.

What's your cancellation policy?

I require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. With 48+ hours notice, your deposit can be applied to a future appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours result in forfeited deposits due to the reserved time slot.

Do you charge a consultation fee that's separate from the service?

For standalone consultations (when you're seeking advice but not booking a service immediately), yes, there is a consultation fee. However, if you book a service immediately following the consultation, the consultation fee is often waived or applied to your service. Contact me to discuss your specific situation.

How long do appointments typically take?

Service times vary: • Consultations: 30-60 minutes • Wash and style: 1.5-2 hours • Silk press: 2-3 hours • Small box braids: 5-8 hours • Medium box braids: 4-6 hours • Knotless braids: 5-10 hours • Locs retwist: 2-4 hours • Bridal hair: 1.5-2 hours • Protective style takedown: 1-3 hours I'll give you an estimated time when you book.

What hair products do you use?

I use professional-grade products with a focus on natural, vegan, and clean ingredients whenever possible. Brands I love include plant-based lines and products specifically formulated for textured hair. I'm happy to share specific product recommendations during your service or consultation.

Can I purchase the products you use?

While I don't currently retail products in-studio, I provide detailed product recommendations and can point you to where to purchase them. I also offer a "Vegan Beauty Product Guidance" consultation if you want comprehensive product education.

Do you only use vegan products?

While I prioritize vegan and natural products in alignment with my Afro-Vegan Beauty platform, I'm flexible and judgment-free. My goal is to use what works best for your hair health. I can absolutely work with all-vegan products if that's your preference.

How can I maintain healthy hair between appointments?

Healthy hair maintenance includes: • Moisture: Deep condition weekly, use leave-in conditioners • Protection: Sleep on satin/silk pillowcases or bonnets • Gentle handling: Detangle when wet with conditioner, use wide-tooth combs • Trim regularly: Remove split ends every 8-12 weeks • Low manipulation: Protective styles help reduce daily manipulation • Scalp care: Keep scalp clean and moisturized I provide personalized hair care plans during consultations!

Do you work with hair extensions and wigs?

Yes, I can style wigs and work with extensions for added length or volume. I also offer wig customization, cutting, and styling services.

I have alopecia or hair loss. Can you help?

I approach hair loss and alopecia with sensitivity and care. While I'm not a medical professional and can't treat the underlying condition, I can help you with: • Protective styling that doesn't add tension • Scalp care recommendations • Styles that work with your current hair pattern • Wig consultation and styling • Building confidence during your hair journey Let's have a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns.

Can you teach me how to do my own hair?

Absolutely! That's one of my passions - education and empowerment. I offer: • One-on-one hair consultations with hands-on instruction • Digital workshops on natural hair care and styling techniques • Personalized tutorials during your appointment • "Hair Ritual Sundays" live workshops Check out my workshops page or book a consultation focused on learning!

Do you offer kids' hair services?

Yes, I work with children and teens! I'm patient and gentle, and I specialize in protective styles and natural hair care for young ones. Parents are welcome to stay during the appointment.

How do virtual hair consultations work?

Virtual consultations are conducted via video call (Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet). You'll show me your hair in its current state, we'll discuss your concerns and goals, and I'll provide personalized recommendations for products, techniques, and routines. You'll receive a follow-up email with all my recommendations summarized.

Can I book a virtual consultation from anywhere?

Yes! Virtual consultations are available to anyone, anywhere in the world. This is perfect if you're not in the LA area but want professional guidance on your hair journey.

What should I prepare for a virtual consultation?

Come with: • Clean, product-free hair (if possible) so I can assess your natural texture • Your current products to show me • Any questions or concerns written down • Good lighting so I can see your hair clearly • Photos of styles you're interested in (optional)

Natural Beauty. Intentional Care.
Celebrity hair & makeup artistry meets vegan wellness.

Contact

✉️ [email protected]

📍Los Angeles, California

© 2026 Kaori Nik. All rights reserved.