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STORY
Happy hair: Aura Maria David’s story and hair-care tips
A family-inspired beginning, a gentle approach to hairstyling and six personal hair-care tips from a local mobile hairstylist.
It began with her family.
My journey into hairstyling actually began with my own family. My children never really enjoyed going to hair salons — the waiting rooms, being surrounded by many people, and the whole experience could be uncomfortable for them. At the same time, my mother-in-law was getting older and dealing with pain and mobility issues that made going out to a salon difficult.
Seeing their needs inspired me to learn how to care for their hair myself, and eventually I decided to take professional hairstyling classes in my home country, Colombia. What started as a way of helping the people I love became something I truly enjoyed and wanted to share with others.
What I enjoy most about working with my clients is the trust they place in me. Hair is something very personal and special, and I never take for granted the fact that someone trusts me to take care of it. One of the most rewarding moments for me is seeing a client's face at the end of an appointment and knowing that they feel happy and confident with their new look.
How can someone choose a haircut that suits their natural hair and is easy to maintain at home?
I always recommend working with your natural hair texture rather than fighting against it. For an easy-to-maintain style, I love textured cuts with layers because they add movement and give the hair a youthful, effortless look. I like to call it “happy hair” — hair that moves naturally and makes you feel good without requiring a lot of styling.
How often should we get our hair trimmed, especially when we’re trying to grow it?
I recommend getting a trim about every two months. Hair doesn’t always grow evenly, and regular trims help remove dry ends, refresh the shape, and keep the haircut looking polished and healthy while you grow your hair.
What is a common hair-care mistake you wish more people knew to avoid?
Hot water is one of the biggest enemies of healthy hair. I recommend washing your hair with water that is as cool as you can comfortably tolerate. I also recommend applying a small amount of argan oil from the mid-lengths to the ends. It helps keep the ends moisturized and can reduce breakage when brushing or detangling the hair.
I’m also a big fan of apple cider vinegar as an occasional hair and scalp rinse. In areas where the water is hard, mineral buildup can make the hair feel heavy and look dull. A properly diluted apple cider vinegar rinse can help remove buildup and bring the hair back to a more acidic pH.
Aura clarified her own rinse routine: she mixes equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, applies it to her hair and scalp five minutes before showering, then rinses it out and washes with her regular shampoo. She uses it on her own colour-treated hair and has not noticed negative effects on her colour, while noting that results may vary with the hair and colour treatment.
What can help a child or nervous person feel more comfortable getting a haircut?
The most important thing is building trust first. I like to take my time, explain what I’m doing, and work slowly, step by step, without rushing. When people feel heard and know what to expect, they tend to relax and enjoy the experience much more.
What can someone expect from their first appointment with you, and how can they prepare?
I like to get to know the client and understand their hair, lifestyle, and what they are hoping to achieve before starting. My goal is for them to feel comfortable and confident throughout the appointment. Bringing photos of styles or colours they like can also help us understand their vision.
What is your secret to colouring hair?
My biggest secret is to look at the hair as a whole before choosing a colour. I consider the natural colour, previous colour treatments, the condition of the hair, and the client’s desired result. Beautiful colour should also mean healthy-looking hair.
Find your happy hair.
Aura Maria David is a mobile hairstylist serving the Kelowna area. Bring your ideas, your natural texture and a few inspiration photos, and start a conversation about a style that feels like you.