Jameson Dakota never planned to be a hairstylist. The Kentucky-born stylist was always involved in the arts, but had his creative sights set on the stage rather than a salon. He tells me that he never considered hair to be a career, despite always having a hand on a brush or a blowdryer. He recalls chasing older cousins around, attempting to play with their hair. While Dakota moved to New York City from his small southern town with dreams of pursuing musical theater, he grew tired of waiting for people to tell him when he was allowed to be creative. It was this that pushed him toward barber school and eventually led him to cross paths with Jaime and Robin Capili, the would-be owners of what would come to be The Kin Room and eventually Kinhouse. We talked about his journey from assistant to full time stylist, creativity, and his number one hair care rule during a relaxed, sunny afternoon at the Kinhouse salon.

Would you consider yourself a creative? Where does that come from and what does it mean to you? 

I’ve been involved in the arts, always. I was involved in theater, mostly musical theater. I actually moved to New York for theater. Being creative to me means thinking outside of the box. It allows for self-expression without being stifled by rules. To me, theater and hair are both relational. They’re both a collaborative process between you and someone else. 

Would you consider beauty to be a form of self-care? 

100%. Beauty and mental health… fashion and beauty… those are the ultimate forms of self-care. All of those things affect your mental health- it's not just hair. I mean, it’s the only thing you wear everyday. I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older how to take care of myself. You want to be aware of these things because at the end of the day they help you to feel like you. 

Let’s talk about your transition from being a salon assistant to a full time stylist-- who is now taking women clients as well.

Robin and Jaime have very high standards. I have a lot of respect for them as artists- and they’ve taught me a lot. You’re always a student in this industry. I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned throughout my journey is to really love on people. You’re creating a relationship with clients. And I’ve fallen in love with our clients in the process. You get to be a part of these hugely important moments in a client's life. It’s less work and more of a creative thing. I’ll be doing women’s cuts, and taking new clients, so I want to provide the same sense of security to new people in my chair. When I was focused on men’s haircuts, it was a time for me to find my own style. Now I get a chance for new possibilities, new relationships, and new opportunities for creativity. Basically, I get to apply my skills in new ways.

What does your everyday hair care routine look like now? 

I’m really low maintenance right now because I’m growing it back out. I would say my routine is pretty free flowing. Mostly I’ll just use a hair oil. I like Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.

What is one hair care tip that everyone should know? 

One thing that Robin taught me that I’ll never forget-- and this is like the first hair rule; never shampoo everyday. Don’t overwash your hair! Hydration is so important. Everybody’s hair is different, of course, so for some people it might be a few days. If you have curly hair, maybe you can stretch it to a full week. But you never want to shampoo everyday. Your hair has its own natural oils. You don’t want to strip it!

Images By Will Yan | Wardrobe By Jon Vazquez | Makeup By Roxy | Hair By Jameson