Nehal Adel and I are laughing on Zoom as we’re chatting while she’s on holiday in Thailand. A gorgeous backdrop of pure white sands and palm trees are behind her and she has a big smile plastered on her face with her normally curly hair pulled back into a bun. “I thought we weren’t allowed to wear buns!” I say teasingly, referring to one of her cardinal rules I learned when she had given me the best haircut of my life just two weeks before. “I’m at the beach! And the light salt water has been amazing for my hair. Besides, we all deserve a break, sometimes!”

Of course, Nehal only laughed this off after explaining to me the difference between tying back wet hair and causing mechanical damage, stripping your curls of their natural flow and a once in a while good natured pull back on the beach. She is meticulous about her process in helping others embrace and rock their curly hair, because she had undergone a challenge with her own hair as well.

“I never knew I had curly hair,” she told me. “Okay… I did know, but I didn’t know what to do with my curly hair. I always saw that hair came in two different types: straight and frizzy, and mine was always frizzy.” And the way she’d deal with her frizzy hair was by always straightening it or putting it up into a bun. “I freaked out and went to dermatologists and everything because my hair was always so frizzy.” But when she realized that nobody could help her fix her hair, she started to research ways to take care of it herself. In doing this, along with trial and error with different products, she learned a lot about how to cut, style and manage her hair, transforming it from a hopelessly frizzy mess to a gorgeous tangle of curls that she would later share with the world – or at least Kuwait.

Having moved from Egypt to Kuwait to work as a translator at the Korean embassy just before the Pandemic, Nehal (who is, by the way, fluent in Korean! How fab is that?) armed herself with her newly-acquired knowledge to spread the gospel of curly hair care to other curly girls in Kuwait, offering haircuts and tutorials during the pandemic. “Full lockdown was especially hard on the curly girls of Kuwait. Many of them were freaking out about their hair because it was so damaged and they didn’t know how to deal with it.” So, to fix this, Nehal started a Facebook group with tutorials to help empower curly girls to manage their own hair.

The response to this was immediate, and led to Nehal, who had been cutting her own curly hair to open up her studio to the public, taking appointments. And before she knew it, more people were asking for her services. “I wanted to empower other curly girls, because I felt so empowered after learning how to cut my own hair. Every curly girl has been traumatized at the salon at least once in her life – I know I have. And the key to having curly hair you can style on your own and feel proud of starts with a good haircut.”

Many of Kuwait’s resident curlies have gotten their hair cut at Nabi Curls by Nehal. She’s even had some high profile clients in her chair, such as influencers and members of high society and the royal family, which organically led to a lot of exposure. And if you are to look at her portfolio on Instagram, you’ll see a collection of before and after pictures, showing women who are elated with their curly cut results. Speaking from firsthand experience, Nehal’s know-how and thoroughness makes a world of a difference. She really does know how to analyze a face and give a curly girl a dry cut that opens up her face and makes her features stand out in an attractive way, instilling confidence as a result into every person who parks herself onto Nabi Curls’ chair. But all those who have gotten their hair cut (or read: life changed) by Nehal know that it isn’t a brief procedure.

First, Nehal asks that you send her a photo of your hair, and that you answer a brief questionnaire asking about your hair care routine, if you’ve ever dyed your hair, what kind of products you use, etc. Then, she asks that you wash your hair and let it dry completely by the time you make it to her studio. Once you’re there, she analyzes your curls, explaining to you what type of hair you have and your curls’ natural behavior that hinders your hair from achieving the type of shape you want it to achieve. This leads to her assessing the haircut that will work best for you, a dry cut, a wash, followed by a styling session. Throughout the whole process, she walks you through every step, explaining and encouraging you to take notes. She teaches you how to wash and style your hair, and even recommends the products you should use, sending you a detailed list afterwards. The whole experience is bespoke and handheld, ensuring that you’re a part of every step. Nehal’s services are fully personalized and are designed to empower, leaving every curly girl with the tricks and tools to take care of her own hair and achieve those instagram-worthy curly looks we’ve all dreamt of having at some point or the other.

“My advice to any curly girl is to start with a great haircut. Because if you have a great haircut, you’ll be able to conquer anything with your hair, and you’ll always feel great. Confidence is key.” And no wonder she calls her salon Nabi Curls – as “Nabi” means butterfly in Korean. “It’s also a pleasant surprise that in Kuwaiti slang, Nabi means “I want”. But the way I see it is, you come to my chair in your cocoon. Four hours later, you’ll emerge back out into the world as a butterfly.” With the volume and luster she achieves, happy butterflies emerge, indeed!

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Stubborn.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Beautiful.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
I couldn’t think of any, as I do believe that everyone has their own point of view and “ridiculous “ is objective.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I joined the Faculty of languages, Korean language department after high school just because of the Korean drama shows I watched and was hooked on.
What is your theme song?
“Hall of fame” by the Script.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Freedom.
Where would you like to live?
On an Island country like Thailand.
What is your dream retirement location?
In the making.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“When there is will, there is always a way”.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or life?
Horse, strong, free, independent yet very gentle and kind.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Family gatherings.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
Isis, the Ancient Egyptian goddess of healing and magic.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Friendly.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Being a perfectionist, a blessing and a curse at the same time, sometimes I forget that natural is not perfect and perfect is not natural.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Egyptian former president Anwar Alsadat.
What in the world do you least desire?
Arrogance.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Kindness for sure.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I’m extra caring and they like to open up to me I guess.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Self love.

Want to change your hair and your life with Nabi Curls by Nehal? Take the first step and check out her Instagram page @nabicurls_bynehal.