Interviewed By Charron Monaye,

In an era where speed often outweighs quality and viral trends overshadow true expertise, Sherece Lanae’ stands as a rare constant rooted in knowledge, elevated by experience, and driven by purpose. With more than 25 years behind the chair, the Healthy Hair & Retention Specialist and founder of @ Hair Studio Be has built a reputation not just on flawless results, but on a philosophy that puts hair health first, always.

At a time when overbooking has become the norm and client care can feel transactional, Sherece has intentionally created a different standard. At Hair Studio Be, luxury is not just about aesthetics, it’s about time, attention, and trust. No long waits. No double-booking. Just a private, professional environment where each client receives undivided focus and a customized approach to achieving stronger, healthier hair.

Her work goes beyond styling, it’s about restoration, education, and empowerment. For Sherece, healthy hair is not a trend; it’s a commitment. And for the countless clients who have trusted her hands over the years, that commitment has transformed not only their hair, but their confidence.

In this exclusive Hype Hair feature, Sherece Lanae’ opens up about longevity in the industry, the truth about hair retention, and why slowing down may be the ultimate luxury in modern hair care.

HH: After 25+ years in the industry, what has been the biggest shift you’ve seen in how women approach healthy hair and retention?

SL: One of the most significant shifts I’ve witnessed in the industry is the overreliance on weaves, wigs, and braids. What was once a seasonal option, reserved for special occasions, vacations, or a protective summer switch, has now become an everyday dependency.

Too often, women expect to remove these styles and still reveal thriving, healthy hair underneath, without considering the care required to maintain it. The reality is, constant tension, lack of scalp access, and neglect of natural hair in between installs can quietly compromise its health.

Today, braids are worn year-round, and wigs have gone from convenience to constant—some even sleeping in them nightly. But healthy hair is not a byproduct of styling; it’s the result of consistent care, intention, and balance. Without that, no protective style can truly protect.

HH: What are the most common mistakes clients make that sabotage their hair growth without even realizing it?

SL: The most common mistake I see is neglecting routine trims. It may seem minor but skipping them is one of the fastest ways to derail a healthy hair journey. Regular trims are the highest form of preventative maintenance, stopping split ends before they travel, preserving length, and maintaining the overall integrity of the hair. Healthy hair isn’t just about what you add; it’s also about what you’re willing to let go of.

HH: Social media is full of hair advice, what myths or trends do you constantly find yourself correcting?

SL: The idea of “protective styles” has become one of the biggest myths in hair care. In reality, I often question what exactly is the hair being protected from, considering how much damage these styles cause when misused?

The truth is that many so-called protective styles are really styles of convenience. They’re not meant to be worn indefinitely, and when they are, the consequences show up in breakage, thinning edges, and neglected scalp health. That’s why I always encourage my clients to approach styles like braids and sew-ins with intention and limits. They should be worn for no longer than 2 to 3 months at most, and only with proper maintenance in between.

HH: What separates a licensed, experienced cosmetologist from the rise of self-taught “Instagram stylists”?

SL: The difference between a licensed professional stylist and someone who is self-taught isn’t as simple as credentials versus no credentials. I’ve seen licensed stylists lack professionalism, and I’ve seen self-taught artists with undeniable skill. Talent exists on both sides.

But one thing that stayed with me from my very first day in cosmetology school was this: anyone can style hair, but not everyone knows how to care for it and that’s what you’re here to learn. That distinction is everything. Cosmetology education goes beyond technique. It builds a foundation understanding the science of hair, how it functions, how to address damage, and how to respond when challenges arise. It’s theory and practical, not just hands-on execution.

Equally important, it teaches professionalism and the business of the industry, areas that should never take a backseat to talent. Because at the end of the day, this is a service-based business. Skill may bring clients in, but customer service, consistency, and professionalism are what keep them coming back. And that’s where both sides, licensed and self-taught, must remain accountable.

HH: You’ve built @Hair Studio Be around a luxury, no-overbooking model—why was that so important to you?

SL: My luxury, no-overbooking model was born from a simple place what I value and what I refuse to tolerate. I’ve always been drawn to aesthetically pleasing spaces that offer a sense of calm, comfort, and intention. To me, a hair appointment shouldn’t feel rushed or transactional; it should feel like a full sensory experience, something indulgent, restorative, almost like a spa day.

The no-overbooking policy came from first-hand experience on both sides of the chair. I know what it feels like to have your time overlooked, to sit and wait while schedules pile up. It’s something I’ve never liked, so I made it a standard in my business to never pass that frustration on to my clients. Respecting their time is non-negotiable and I expect that same respect in return.

It’s also one of the most common complaints across industry. So, I approached it with intention and structure. I took the time to truly understand how long each service requires and built my booking system, accordingly, assigning appropriate time slots to every appointment. That way, when a client books, there’s no overlap, no rushing, no spillover into the next session. Very simple, Very Demure. 

HH: Can you share a transformation story where restoring someone’s hair also restores their confidence?

SL: Yes, I have countless stories and each one fuels my purpose. My goal is for every person I encounter to walk away with more than just a service, but an experience that restores something within them. Rebuilding confidence is what brings me the greatest joy and constantly reminds me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.

To me, that is the true responsibility of a stylist. It goes far beyond hair. Every client should leave your chair feeling their absolute best or at the very least, better than when they arrived. Because when you change how someone feels about themselves, you’ve done far more than style their hair—you’ve made an impact that lasts.

HH: What advice would you give to new stylists who want longevity and respect in this industry?

SL: Longevity and respect in this industry begin with one truth: this is a service-based business. Ego has no place here. The “you need me, I don’t need you” mindset will quickly leave your chair empty. Real respect in this industry is earned through your clients—they ultimately determine your longevity. When you can retain clients long enough for them to become loyal, familiar faces while still attracting new ones, growth happens organically.

The foundation is simple but non-negotiable: professionalism, exceptional customer service, a solid business structure, and a commitment to continuously sharpening your skills.

HH: Why is it important to have specialists who truly understand textured hair and long-term hair health?

SL: Specialists are essential when it comes to textured hair, an area where many people, especially clients, often feel frustrated. Textured hair requires a deeper level of understanding and intentional care to truly flourish.

Healthy hair specialists prioritize the integrity of the hair above all else. They will never compromise its condition for the sake of a style, because they understand that true beauty begins with healthy hair—and that should always be the ultimate goal.

HH: Rapid Fire / Personal Touch

HH: Your go-to treatment for damaged hair?

SL: K-18 along with a well-balanced moisturizing system on alternate weeks to build the hair back up.

HH: One product every client should have in their routine?

SL: Scheduling routine trim at least every 3 months 

HH: Silk press or protective style—and why?

SL: Silk press! Silk press allows it to fully receive the benefits of proper shampooing, conditioning, and even sunlight exposure. It also helps the natural oils distribute more evenly down the hair shaft. Additionally, it makes preventative maintenance much easier, as the hair is more visible and issues can be identified and addressed sooner.

HH: What does “luxury hair care” mean to you in one sentence?

SL: Luxury hair care is an elevated salon experience where every detail, from the atmosphere to the products used, is intentionally curated to nurture and enhance the hair.

To book your appointment, visit https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/sherecelanae

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