A Curly Conversation with the Creator of Cadō, Hair By Reema
The journey into the world of curls is a unique experience, and who better to guide us through the twists and turns than the acclaimed Reema Jaber, founder and creator of the Cadō Curly Method. Renowned in the industry for her mastery in the art of curly hair care, Reema brings her proficiency and passion to every curl she touches. Reema is an award-winning stylist, salon owner, and Schwarzkopf and Arc Scissors ambassador located in Mississauga, Ontario. In this exclusive interview, we learn about the secrets behind her personalized approach, gaining insights into her unique methods, challenges faced by curly-haired individuals, and empowering clients to embrace the natural beauty of their curls. Join us as we unwrap the wisdom of a stylist whose expertise has shaped the curly hair narrative in the beauty world.
About the Curly Hair Method
BD: Reema, what inspired your specialization in curly hair?
RJ: I have always loved curly hair. Before hair school, I styled my friends’ curly hair, wanting them to embrace their natural curls. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. If they didn’t have curls, I’d give them curls. I just really loved curls, I don’t know why [laughs], it was something that was put in me. I loved hair in general, but when I got to hair school at Aveda, we did one class of curly hair cutting and I really enjoyed it. Especially because there was a huge need for it and I felt that everyone should feel comfortable sitting in my chair, regardless of their hair type. This resonated with me, and it’s something I truly felt I needed to do. I didn’t intend to specialize, but at the time, it wasn’t very popular and there was a need. Honestly, people kind of made me the curly hair specialist more than I made myself the curly hair specialist. I specialize in all hair, but that’s definitely my niche.
BD: Even Before Cadō?
RJ: Even before Cadō. I’ve been doing curly hair since I started doing hair in general, and even before that I was doing curly hair on friends and people struggling with their hair because of our culture. So, yeah, I’ve always done it. It just boomed after COVID. My clients wanted to embrace their curly hair more and I’m the person they came to because I’m the only person they knew that could deal with their specific hair type. It was hard to find someone that was comfortable with all textures.
Client Experience
BD: How do you tailor experiences for curly clients specifically?
RJ: With curly hair clients, you have to be very honest with them. At the end of the day, clients respect honesty. They need to understand that they can’t get everything and be realistic with their inspiration photos. They might want a style designed for straight hair, but it will look different on curly hair. Nowadays, there’s more inspiration for curly hair but, for a long time, clients brought in photos of straight hair for reference. Being honest with them and dealing with each client differently is key. Everyone has different hair, so it’s a tailored experience. That’s why I created the Cadō method.
The Cadō Method
BD: Can you explain the Cadō method you’ve developed for working with curly hair?
RJ: The Cadō method is a tailored approach. I created Cadō because I wanted to simplify things for stylists while tailoring the experience for the client. Unlike commercialized methods, Cadō allows personalization for every look, considering the client’s texture, needs, and more.
BD: In what ways does it differ from other curly methods that makes it like more simplified?
RJ: I haven’t taken other curly method classes, as I’m a creative person who enjoys creating and trying different things. Cadō offers multiple ways of cutting curly hair and works with all textures, while emphasizing the foundations of cutting hair rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Challenges and Solutions
BD: Amazing, I love that! What are some common challenges faced by clients with curly hair and how do you address them?
RJ: One of them definitely would be with highly textured hair clients wanting longer hair or to elongate their hair. Some clients fixate on length. Communication is key; I educate clients on the relationship between hair health and length.. I had a client the other day that said, “my hair just won’t grow.” And all I had to say to her was, “the healthier your hair gets the more it coils up, the longer it gets the more coils up. So stop fixating on length and concentrate on getting the shape that you like.” So just really communicating and educating your clients is key.
Also, a common challenge would be dryness and damage because of how the clients have been treating their hair. It could be due to products, heat damage, or sometimes because of color damage. I would say damage and length are our primary client concerns.
Another challenge would be clients accepting their own texture and curl pattern. Many clients come in complaining about their hair texture or curl pattern. So it’s really as simple as having them embrace their hair and just giving them a style that makes them feel beautiful.
Education and Empowerment
BD: How do you educate clients about their curl patterns and maintenance and how to embrace and care for their natural curls?
RJ: A thorough consultation is essential. I ask questions to understand the client, their hair history, products used, and inspirations.
It’s very important for me to ask questions to really understand my client, why what’s happening is happening. I have to be very honest with them. If they already have dry and damaged hair, I don’t recommend doing a color service or bleaching service. Also, I give them options. But my main, main thing is to give them a routine at home. So if they’re using oils, I get them to stop that. I get them to start clarifying their hair, using high quality shampoos, treating their hair and educate clients on protein and hydrating treatments based on hair needs. Proper language is crucial, especially with clients who may have experienced trauma related to their hair.
BD: And the embracing part? How do you get them to embrace their curls instead of wanting something different than what they have?
RJ: Showing clients the potential of their hair is my main objective. The first thing I do when I see my client is I compliment them on something that I love about them, whether it’s their texture, the color, something. I always compliment them because I feel like that will help them feel comfort, and then showing them the potential of their hair. The number one thing clients say is” I’ve never seen my hair like this. I didn’t know my hair could do that.”
Emerging Trends
BD: I love watching their reactions to their hair! The transformations are truly amazing. Are there any emerging trends or innovations in the curly hair care industry that you find exciting?
RJ: I’m always open to change. Trying different tools or products, even if it’s uncomfortable, leads to growth. There’s new oiling trends and new brushes or products all the time. If someone recommends something, I’ll try it. There’s certain trends like oiling, for example, Rosemary oiling is a little risky. I like it, I like that oils are a thing. Culturally, we use a lot of oils, but there’s an art to oiling. And I feel like if you don’t know how to oil, you need to refrain from it. So these are some trends that are happening right now that may be good or bad, but always being uncomfortable and trying something then going with it if you like it. There’s always a trend in the curly industry.
BD: I agree with you on the oiling. We have so many people from so many different backgrounds where hair oiling is part of their culture, so they’re always putting oil on their hair. And if you don’t know how to do it properly, it can be harder on the hair. Especially when you go in for a lightening service and things like that.
RJ: Exactly.
Finding YOUR Curly Stylist
BD: What advice would you give clients looking for a stylist who specializes in curly hair? You have the Cadō stylist locator, but let’s just say that there’s not a Cadō stylist within the area. How else would they go about selecting a stylist to go see?
RJ: If you’re a Cadō specialist, and if you’re Cadō certified and have taken the workshop, I know that you’re doing a beautiful job. I can always tell that it’s Cadō. Everyone can always tell when work has come out of our salons specifically because we all do very similar styles, but every stylist still has a touch. It’s their personal touch. So you as the client should look at the stylist’s portfolio. Cadō can be done on all kinds of textures. Cadō can be done on all kinds of lengths. So you as the client, have a responsibility to look at prospective stylists’ page. Everyone’s page is on Instagram or TikTok. It’s your responsibility as a client to look at the work that you love. For example, if you don’t see any pixies on my page, you probably shouldn’t come to me for pixie because I don’t specializes in them. If I do only bleach outs or if I do only unicorn hair, maybe I’m not the person for the air touch technique. You know what I mean? So I think it’s very important that you as the client, search for the stylist that you feel their work best suits your style.
Memorable Experiences from the Diary of Hair By Reema
BD: That’s good. Yeah. That’s very good. So my last question is, can you share a memorable client transformation story, like a specific story of something you’ve done that you absolutely loved being a part of, and if every experience were like this one, you’ll be the happiest person alive forever?
RJ: To be honest with you, every experience is like this for me. I really do love every single client’s transformation. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be my model in Germany. My first model in Germany that had the henna in her hair, and she shocked me because she was supposed to have virgin hair. It’s something that was memorable for me because it was fun and she didn’t know the potential of her hair. She had previous hair trauma etc. I loved seeing her reaction, taking her on stage and seeing some of the best stylists from all around the world love her hair. That was a memorable moment for me and something I really enjoyed.
BD: I was wondering if you were going to say that because it was such a creative experience for you. And because Color Crafters is such a huge thing, you know, and you got to do so much on her, but not what your everyday client would probably want.
RJ: Exactly, exactly. It was an experience that was very creative and I love being creative.
Closing Remarks
BD: Are there any other things that you think that we have not like touched on that you would like a curly haired client to know?
RJ: Be cautious with product choices and trust your stylist’s recommendations. Find a stylist that resonates with you and trust them with your hair.
BD: That is a very important final word! Thank you so much for your time and your insight!
As we conclude this insightful conversation with Hair by Reema, we’re left with a wealth of knowledge about the artistry and passion behind curly hair care. A huge thank you to Reema Jaber for generously sharing her expertise and experiences with us. We hope you, our readers, found this interview as enriching as we did. You can follow Reema on Instagram and Tik Tok by her handle – @hairbyreema – and her salon Instagram – @hairbyreemasalon.
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Until next time, happy reading, happy styling!
