Daevaun Linnear uses his talents in styling hair and advertising to grow a career, one that’s received a boost because of the popularity of particular hair weaves.
“I’ve always had a deep love for hair! I started hair styling professionally three years ago,” said Linnear. He works as a stylist at Ladonna’s Classy Creations Unisex Salon located at 13901 E. Warren Ave. “At first, I was doing it as a hobby, but I really took it seriously once the pandemic started … I noticed people getting unemployment checks, so I knew it was a great time to start.”
As a self-taught male hair stylist, Linnear does not want to put himself in a box and values mastering all hair types. He loves how his clientele is continuing to expand and shares how important it is for him to succeed in the hair industry. He said face-to-face networking will always be his primary source of advertising.
“Going out and meeting people is better than social media for me, because it holds more weight when it comes to networking. This is because, if you don’t post, nobody’s going to know who you are … out of sight out of mind. So, I frequently schedule myself to post hair deals,” said Linnear.
Linnear loves the beauty aspect that goes into giving frontal/closure quick weaves. Although he said he likes to perform all styles and techniques, he said two hair styles are very popular here in Detroit.
“Lace frontals are the recent rave. This is because of their versatility and the flawless way it looks like it’s growing from your own scalp … both lace frontals and lace closure hair pieces help to complete your look and are great for styling your wigs, weaves, and natural hair extensions,” according to NaturalGirl Wigs, an online retailer.
Therefore, Linnear tries to be as neat as possible and lets his work speak for itself as he continues to grow his business and says that branding and advertising is very important. When it comes to social media, he makes sure his presence is known.
“I usually advertise through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. I really enjoy making TikTok videos and distributing them on other social media sites. This is because folks respond better to my platform on TikTok, compared to a regular post. This is because my quick tutorial videos are outside the box and great attention grabbers. I break down little steps of what I’m doing and get more than just a double tap,” said Linnear.
Linnear has overcame many challenges while becoming a males hair stylist, and is continuing to show why he has a place in the female dominated beauty industry. “My clients keep me motivated to do hair; I have nice clients that come in consistently. I feel like if I continue to have good people skills, my clients will come back,” said Linnear.
Ladonna Anter, of Ladonna’s Classy Creations Unisex Salon, said how uplifting and fun it has been having Linnear as a hair stylist at her shop.
“Daevaun first joined the shop at the beginning of the year, he’s a good stylist. I enjoy the passion and detail he puts into his work; you can tell he loves what he does. As he progresses in this field, he takes in all information given and executes. I love his ability to please his clients. His passion and willingness to learn the craft, makes me want to give him more. This is because, (I) know he’s going to put it into growing his career,” said Anter.
Client Sharbree Williams is one of Daevaun’s clients.
“l like the way he does hair, and my hair grows every time I get an install from him. When he does my hair it’s always a good vibe. We always laugh and tell jokes. My favorite memory at the shop is when I thought I wanted a short bob but decided to take it out the same day. He was so understanding about my change of decision and scheduled me the very next day, replaced the hair to make my bob longer, and I left the shop completely loving it. It came out really cute,” said Williams.
Linnear does not let anything discourage him from his passion and loves to see his clients happy. He has always had a passion for hair. “The different styles and techniques I come up with is my favorite thing about being a stylist,” said Linnear. When asked about his childhood, he shares memories of how he’s always been a creative visionary. “My grandmother always bought me LEGO’s, because I was always good with my hands and liked to put things together,” said Linnear.
“In a year I see myself still installing hair, and building my clientele,” Linnear said.