Let's be honest for a second...
Most people don’t struggle with curly hair because they’re doing something wrong. They struggle because they’ve been given too much advice—most of it conflicting, outdated, or never meant for their hair in the first place.
it's not you,
it's the bad advice.
I’ve spent years behind the chair watching people feel frustrated over things that were never explained to them. So my approach is simple: clear communication, honest education, and decisions that actually make sense for real life.
No pressure to fit into the curl chart or force your hair into someone else’s routine. No performing for the internet. Just clarity and confidence in what actually works.
Where intention meets real life.
I’m Katie Gaw—a curly hair specialist and educator based in Dayton, Ohio.
I’ve been behind the chair for over ten years, and somewhere along the way I realized that most curly hair frustration has nothing to do with effort. It comes from too much noise, too many rules, and not enough real explanation. That’s what pulled me deeper into curls — they force you to slow down, pay attention, and actually think.
My work is rooted in intention and education. I care about how hair looks after you leave the salon, how it fits into your life, and whether it makes sense long-term. We talk things through, make clear decisions, and skip anything that feels unnecessary or performative.
Outside the salon, I’m not doing anything flashy — I’m reading on my Kindle, planning my next trip, or fully rotting at home when life needs to slow down. That’s part of why my approach stays grounded. I value routines that are realistic, boundaries that protect time and energy, and work that feels thoughtful instead of rushed. All of that shows up in the way I do hair.
If you’re looking for someone who will be honest with you, teach you what matters, and help your curls work with your life instead of against it — that’s where I come in.
about the owner
Education beyond the curl chart
My mentorship is built around thinking, not memorizing.
We focus on how to read hair in real time, make confident
decisions, and adapt when things don’t go exactly as
planned — because they won’t.
This is education beyond the curl chart. We talk through
texture, density, lifestyle, timing, and expectations. We
simplify the process so you’re not second-guessing
yourself or relying on rigid systems that fall apart the
second a client doesn’t fit the mold.
I’m not here to teach you “my way.” I’m here to help you
trust your judgment, sharpen your instincts, and feel
confident making decisions on your own — without
overworking yourself or performing for the internet.
If you’re looking for mentorship that’s grounded, practical,
and actually reflects real life behind the chair, you’re in the
right place.
about the mentorship
Curly hair education is often taught like a checklist. Memorize the chart. Follow the steps. Hope for the best.
That’s not how curls actually work behind the chair.
I offer intentional curly hair services and education designed to fit real life—not trends, timelines, or unrealistic routines.
Ready to work together?
From precision curly haircuts to ongoing maintenance and stylist mentorship, every service is rooted in thoughtful decision-making and education beyond the curl chart. The focus is always the same: clarity, confidence, and results that actually hold up.
Choose the path that fits where you’re at right now:
Real people. real results.
"Katie is amazing. Her ability to transform a hair appointment into an incredible experience is bar none!"
"When I first started to see Katie, I had tired, frizzy, heat-damaged curls that I had no idea how to manage. Katie took her time asking me lots of questions, chatting through my hair care, my lifestyle, she even asked questions about my job and factored that in to how I care for and style my hair on a daily basis. She’s amazing at pampering and teaching at the same time, I learned so many ways to improve and protect my curls."
Corinne B.
Our address is...
438 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45410
Nestled between Hugo St. and Brainbridge St. with parking located all around the building.
parking details
The space is called Aura Beauty Collective. Our parking lot is located in the back of the building with pull-in parking spaces and a handful of back to back parallel parking spots.
There is also plenty of parking out front (two hour limit) and along the side streets. Both our front door and back door are a pale mint green color and are both unlocked during regular business hours.
The larger parking lot directly next to us is property of the Dayton Theatre Guild, please be respectful of their space by not using their parking lot.
