Curl Reading
Kinky Hair Type 4a
Curly Hair Product Spotlight: Textured Tresses
BY Michelle Breyer
Since Diane Da Costa published "Textured Tresses" in 2004, she has traveled the country promoting her book.
The many book signings, media interviews and consultations over the past 18 months have reinforced why Da Costa wrote the book in the first place.
"People really do not know their hair textures," Da Costa says.
"They don't know whether it's curly, kinky or coily. It's been enlightening to see how many people didn't know the basics about curly or textured hair and how thirsty they were for information."
In the book, the veteran hairstylist and master designer -- who counts such clients as Grammy winner Lauryn Hill and actor Blair Underwood as clients -- offers solutions and information on the proper care of textured hair. The book sold more than 12,000 copies in the first six months alone, and has become a staple for many women and men with textured hair. The book has also established Da Costa as one of the country's most visible experts on curly, kinky hair.
"Wow!" Da Costa says of the past 18 months. "It's been exciting. It's been overwhelming at times."
Now Da Costa is capitalizing on this momentum to pursue some of her other exciting projects.
In February, Da Costa is relaunching her Tai Texture line -- a collection that has been in the works since November 2004.
"Since I was promoting everyone else's products in the book, I realized that my power in endorsing products was huge," Da Costa says. "I decided it was the right time to produce and create a product line for myself."
Although she came out with a limited edition of the Tai Texture line last February, she had difficulties with her small manufacturer, which couldn't keep up with demand.
So she had to go back to square one. With an infusion of capital, a new chemist and a new manufacturer, she has developed a collection of four Tai Texture styling products: Whipped Cream, Lavender Mist, Style Shine and Botanical Treatment. She plans to add new products each season, with a shampoo and conditioner on the drawing board as well as additional styling products.
She also would like to launch Tai Baby, a line of products for babies and children, as well as a men's line.
Da Costa also has been back behind the chair for the past year, working four days a week at Serenity Salon in New York City on West Broadway's Spa Row. She has big plans for a Tai Textures boutique in downtown Manhattan in late 2006 or early 2007, with beauty products and books, aromatherapy and space to teach hairstyling techniques and do makeovers.
She's also working on a book specially for teens called "Teen Tresses." The book will be filled with tips, questions and rules to help them understand and work with their hair.
"This will be a very fun, witty, exciting book," Da Costa says.
Diane Da Costa's Five New Year's Hair Resolutions
1. Nourish and purify your hair with conditioning treatments and methods.
2. Shape and trim your hair.
3. Have fun with your hair. Be creative.
4. Remember to massage and feed your scalp.
5. Follow the advice of the experts closely. It's the only way you'll get optimal results.