Celebrating Excellence in Natural Hair Care: The 21Ninety Awards 2023

Celebrating Black Beauty: The 21Ninety Awards Honor Trailblazers in Natural Hair Care

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The 21Ninety Awards have long stood as a beacon of recognition for women shaping the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle landscape. This year, the awards took a transformative turn, shifting focus from products to the remarkable individuals who cultivate confidence, representation, and community for Black women. Among the standout categories was the Best Natural Hair or Protective Stylist award, spotlighting innovators redefining the narrative around textured hair.

Natural and protective hairstyles are not just fashion statements; they are profound expressions of heritage, resilience, and creativity. Recognizing those who excel in this space means celebrating the voices that inspire women to embrace their natural beauty on their own terms.

First Place: Kenidia D Quinones

Leading the charge is Kenidia D Quinones, known to her followers as Curling Me Krazy. Based in Florida, Quinones has emerged as a respected figure in natural hair styling and education. Her vibrant online platform celebrates the individuality of curls, offering precision cuts, curl definitions, and styling tutorials that resonate with a diverse audience.

Quinones’ journey with natural hair began as a personal act of self-acceptance. “I shaved my hair off ten years ago to actually embrace my hair,” she shared with 21Ninety. “When I started doing that, people would say, ‘Oh my gosh, how did you do that?’ I felt confident enough to say, ‘This is who I am, this is my essence, this is my culture, my roots. Why not share it with the world?’”

Her philosophy emphasizes freedom of expression and the redefinition of beauty standards. “It’s not about having to straighten your hair to feel pretty,” she explained. “You can feel beautiful with braids, with a sleek ponytail, or with your curls out. Our hair is versatile; that’s the beauty of it.”

Beyond her styling chair, Quinones actively contributes to her community through Curlsgiving, an annual event designed to educate and connect natural hair enthusiasts. “My next goal is to teach,” she said. “I want to inspire others to do this work with the same passion, to help people feel their best in their natural state.”

Second Place: Esther Etienne

In second place is Esther Etienne, a Miami-born stylist and entrepreneur who has carved a niche in luxury styling. As the owner of Etienne Glamour Salon Suites in Atlanta, she has created a haven for women seeking private, high-end styling experiences while fostering growth for fellow beauty professionals.

Etienne’s journey began modestly, doing hair for friends and family before enrolling in cosmetology school. “Doing hair was not always a passion of mine,” she reflected. “Once I became pregnant, it forced me to become more independent. I started doing hair at home, never thinking it would grow this big.”

Her signature techniques, including seamless closure sew-ins and invisible part installs, have garnered a loyal clientele. Etienne’s approach merges protective styling with a commitment to hair health, allowing women to explore their looks without compromising their natural strands.

Through her salon, she has expanded her influence into business ownership and mentorship, embodying a modern vision of beauty entrepreneurship rooted in skill, service, and community.

Third Place: Aisha Strickland

Rounding out the top three is Aisha Strickland, a Chicago-based stylist and educator dedicated to women with tight curl textures. As the founder of Black Girl Curls and co-creator of Black Curl Magic, Strickland aims to simplify natural hair care while celebrating the diversity of curls often overlooked in mainstream beauty conversations.

“Being recognized in this way means so much,” she shared with 21Ninety. “Not just for me personally, but for the entire community of Black folks who have fallen in love with, learned to care for, and now confidently show up in the hair that grows from their scalp.”

Strickland’s journey began as a beauty blogger, fueled by curiosity and frustration over the complexities of caring for natural hair. “I wanted to understand hair from the inside out—not only for myself, but so I could help other naturals cut through the noise,” she explained.

Through her salon, The Curl Society Studio, and her digital platforms, Strickland provides styling services, workshops, and resources that empower both clients and fellow stylists. Her influence extends into product development and partnerships with brands like CurlMix and Innersense.

A Shift in Recognition

The Best Natural Hair or Protective Stylist honorees exemplify the fusion of creativity and cultural responsibility. Kenidia D Quinones, Esther Etienne, and Aisha Strickland are not just redefining the landscape of Black hair care; they are inspiring a movement that celebrates authenticity and self-love.

This year’s awards reflect a broader shift within the 21Ninety Awards, focusing on people rather than products. The honorees were selected not only for their talent but for their ability to inspire others and embody 21Ninety’s mission to empower Black women through beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.

As the celebration of Black beauty continues, the impact of these trailblazers will resonate far beyond the salon, fostering a culture of confidence and community for generations to come.