Using talent and creativity as a student entreprenuer, OH junior Peyton Allen uses her skills to transform clients’ hair.
“I started doing my own hair because it seemed easy,” Allen said. “It’s more affordable, but what I liked most about doing it was that I could do it to my liking and the vision in my head.“
Allen started doing hair in middle school on herself. She started to gain some recognition, and many people would ask her, “Who did your hair?” or “Am I able to book an appointment to get mine done?”
“I never did it for the money; people would encourage me to expand the idea of doing hair and to make an [Instagram] account, which I did at the end of my sophomore year,” Allen shared, whose Instagram account is @peythestylist.
Using her bedroom at home, Allen personalized and decorated her room for her business to make clients feel relaxed in a comfortable gold chair and big mirror, so clients can see the process while getting their hair done.
OH junior Brooke McGee was one of the first clients Allen worked with.
“I started going to Peyton because I needed a close hairstylist, and she’s my friend,” McGee said. “I was impressed by how good a 17-year-old can do hair. Her prices are also very affordable.”
Allen can accomplish a wide variety of services on men and women, as well as kids. Her hair services include:
- fulani braids, a traditional West African hairstyle originating from the Fula people, made with thin-to-medium cornrows and locks
- rope-like strands of hair formed by matting, coiling, braiding, or twisting hair so that it locks together over time
- twists: protective hairstyle created by twisting two sections of natural hair or extensions around each other, producing a rope-like appearance and lastly lace application
- wigs to create a highly realistic, natural-looking hairline and scalp appearance
Beyond the impressive hairstyles and affordable prices, Alen’s business has become a place where clients feel valued and where she has found personal growth.
“I love the connections I’ve made along the way,” Allen said. “Most of my clients and I have begun bonds outside of the chair. As a quiet person, this business has made me open out of my shell more.”
On Allen’s Instagram, it shows many videos of her clients and their stunning hair.
McGee said, “I see Payton succeeding with her hair business and expanding on her talents, for example, right now she’s starting to do wigs.”
Allen plans to continue with her business and continues to accept new clients.
Anyone can book an appointment with Allen with a simple DM to her Instagram account @peythestylistt of what style you have in mind. According to her clients, she is very flexible and is willing to find a time right for services.
My name is Maliyah Gossett, I am a junior at OHS and I love to attend the activities here at OHS. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
