From Ohio to Texas for a Curly Haircut

If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever travel to Texas for a curly haircut, I would have laughed.

But after years of fighting my texture, wearing my hair up, heat styling it, and never quite knowing what my curls actually wanted, I finally booked my first KurlPro curl service. And yes, I flew from Columbus, Ohio, to Fort Worth, Texas, to do it.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Why I Went Looking for a Curl Specialist

I have always known I technically had texture, but like many people with waves and curls, I was never taught how to care for it properly. The women around me growing up all had straight hair, so I learned straight-hair routines for curly hair, which did not serve me well.

My hair is coarse, thick, and very full, with a hidden undercut to reduce weight and bulk. Most days, I let it air dry, throw it into a bun or ponytail, and move on. As a mom to a two-year-old and a business owner, I do not have endless time to experiment. I defaulted to whatever felt easiest, even if it was not right.

I had never seen a curl specialist before. Every salon visit ended with a blowout and straight hair. It always felt fine, but it never felt like me.

Finding Dwell Studio Salon in Fort Worth

Dwell Studio Salon is located in Westworth Village, just west of Fort Worth. It is near Westover Hills, White Settlement, and Western Hills, close to Hawks Creek Golf Course, and directly across the street from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. 

I flew into Dallas Love Field and drove about thirty minutes via the expressway. We stayed downtown at The Kimpton Harper and spent evenings walking Sundance Square, soaking in the holiday energy as they set up the Christmas tree. There was live music, places to relax, and our son absolutely loved it.

We also visited the Fort Worth Stockyards, walked through the shops, took in the old western charm, saw the longhorns, and enjoyed incredible food. Texas in late November was warm and beautiful, especially compared to Ohio.

My First KurlPro Curl Service at Dwell

From the moment I sat in Abigail’s chair, I felt comfortable and safe. That matters deeply when you are trusting someone with curls.

She started with a dry cut, which immediately showed how much damage my hair had been holding onto. Even before washing, my hair already looked better. She also cut my undercut before shampooing, which I loved, because all the stray hairs were washed away instead of lingering after the appointment.

The shampoo experience itself was worth noting. The bowl was incredibly comfortable, and Abigail explained that Dwell uses EcoHeads, an eco-friendly salon system that cleans, softens, and ionizes the water while using significantly less of it. 

Then came my Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment, fully customized to my hair.

We used the Curl Manifesto concentrate for curl definition, paired with an anti-frizz booster infused with polypeptides to smooth and seal the hair. I sat with a warm lavender towel for a few minutes, just enough to relax, then rinsed and headed back to the chair.

Kerastase Fusio Dose

A treatment fully customized to my hair

Learning How to Style My Curls for the First Time

This was the moment everything shifted for me. I realized I had never actually learned how to style my hair.

Abigail walked me through every step. How much product to use, which turned out to be far less than I had been using. How to apply it using a combination of prayer hands and raking. Why towel drying creates frizz. Why absorbing excess water before applying product matters.

We used the Kérastase Curl Manifesto shampoo and conditioner, followed by the Crème De Jour Fondamentale and Mousse Bouffante to set and hold the curl. She used a curl defining brush to guide my natural pattern, something I had always avoided because brushing usually meant instant puff.

This completely changed my perspective.

Diffusing, the Cast, and Seeing My Real Curls

Diffusing took the most time, and for good reason. My hair holds a lot of water, especially at the roots, and building a proper cast takes patience.

Once my hair was fully dry and the cast was gently broken, I saw my curls clearly for the first time.

I have a mix of loose waves, soft curls, and a few spirals. For KurlPro curl typing, I would fall between Helix 1 and Helix 2, with a handful of Helix 3 spirals mixed in. For curl type, I would fall between curl type 2B and 2C. Texture can change over time with proper care, which is part of what makes curls so dynamic.

Even my color looked better. The definition brought out warmth and depth in my dark brown hair, making everything look richer and more intentional.

Before and After my Curly Haircut at Dwell Salon in Westworth Village, Texas

A Moment That Went Deeper Than Hair

One of the most meaningful parts of my appointment had nothing to do with technique.

Abigail and I talked about embracing the texture God gave me, rather than fighting it or reshaping it to fit a mold. I had never thought about my hair that way before.

Letting go of the pressure to fix it felt like a weight lifted off me. It felt like permission to be myself.

What I Took Home & Why

After my appointment, I brought home the Curl Manifesto holiday gift set, which included three full-size products, and one product was essentially free. I also picked up the Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Oil, which is perfect for breaking the cast, refreshing day-two curls, and softening texture after sleep.

I also took home a curl-defining brush. I have always been hesitant to brush my hair, but this taught me to guide my hair texture rather than fight it.

Why This Experience Changed Everything

This trip changed how I feel about my hair in ways I did not expect.

You can learn a lot online, but nothing compares to working with a curly hairstylist who truly understands curls and texture. Someone who educates without judgment, explains the why behind every step, and helps you work with your hair rather than against it.

If you are searching for the best curly hair salon in Fort Worth, a curl specialist near Westworth Village, or a salon that genuinely understands waves, curls, and textured hair, Dwell Studio Salon is worth the visit.

I came to Texas for a haircut and left with a whole new relationship with my hair. That is something I will carry with me long after the curls settle.