From Brooklyn Beginnings to Celebrity Stylist
Suzette Boozer, a Brooklyn-born celebrity hairstylist, has become a trusted name for clients like Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Quinta Brunson, Teyana Taylor, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Known for her work with Dippity-Do and as a former beauty editor at Honey Magazine, Boozer has spent decades mastering textured hair.
She explains, “As a hairstylist, I’ve done everything to my hair. My texture is easier to style now than it ever was in the ’90s when we were all just trying to figure it out with limited options and unpredictable results.” Her personal journey with textured hair laid the foundation for her career and informs how she teaches Black women to care for and embrace their own hair.
Boozer’s career began early. In high school, she practiced on friends’ hair between classes, learning different textures, densities, and lengths. Summers were spent full-time in a salon as an apprentice. Over time, her dedication brought her to celebrity clients, and she has used her platform to educate and empower others along the way.
Educating Clients Beyond the Chair
Boozer believes hairstyling is more than a service—it’s a form of education. “I walk my clients through every step of what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, what products I’m using, and what they should expect,” she says. She stresses that true success comes when clients feel confident replicating styles themselves.
Her approach transforms her role from stylist to trusted professional. “Real success isn’t just about how great they look when they leave, it’s about how confident they feel when they do it themselves,” Boozer says. This focus on empowerment has made her a standout figure in Black women’s beauty communities.
She also emphasizes understanding hair scientifically and technically, debunking myths that limit possibilities. “Hair doesn’t operate by race, it operates by texture, density, porosity, and condition. Education removes those limitations,” she says.
Favorite Products and Techniques for Textured Hair
Boozer shares a passion for products designed specifically for curly and textured hair. She highlights Dippity-Do Girls with Curls, a brand she grew up with and now uses professionally. “Their range is thoughtfully developed; each product serves a clear purpose for different curl patterns and styling needs,” she explains.
Her favorite styles are not dictated by trends but by what suits the client’s face, bone structure, lifestyle, and personality. “A look can be beautiful on its own, but if it’s not compatible with the person wearing it, it doesn’t translate,” she says. For Boozer, styling is about harmony and authenticity.
Promoting Hair Health as True Beauty
Boozer emphasizes that healthy hair comes first. “Never abuse it. Do what’s right for your hair, not just what’s trending. Treat it with intention,” she advises. She encourages clients to research stylists who value hair care as much as the finished look, because integrity and health are essential for beauty.
She also stresses the healing aspect of hairstyling. “When I look at my client list and see relationships that have lasted over a decade, some even two decades, I know I’m doing something right. Healing is trust, loyalty, and someone choosing your chair again and again,” Boozer says. For her, hairstyling is not just about appearance—it’s about building confidence, restoring identity, and empowering Black women to embrace their natural textures.
Impact on Black Women’s Hair Community
Through her work, Boozer has created a space where Black women can learn, experiment, and feel proud of their hair. Her mentorship, product recommendations, and educational approach help clients move past limitations and discover the versatility of textured hair. She concludes, “Textured hair isn’t difficult. It just requires understanding.”
Boozer’s influence continues to grow as she combines celebrity styling with accessible education, helping a new generation of Black women feel confident, capable, and proud of their hair.
