
Detroit entrepreneur and hairdresser Kathy “Kat” English has opened a new hair salon — Alotta Locs Hair Suite — at 22000 Grand River Ave., Suite 400, in Detroit’s Old Redford neighborhood.
Located in The Obama Building, Alotta Locs has a team of locticians, or stylists who cultivate locs from one’s own natural hair without the use of chemicals, heat, and perms.
Alotta Locs specializes in sisterlocksä, micro twists, and traditional starter locs, and offers additional natural hair alternatives for men, women, and children with kinky, curly textured hair to fine hair and everything in between.
“I always knew that I would one day become a hairstylist,” English says. “Hair is my passion and I’ve spent nearly my entire life honing my skills, even when I was in college and working in a completely different industry.
“What sets me and my brand apart from other locticians is that I focus on the whole client. I provide hair care education and support for clients who are transitioning from permed hair to natural hair and ongoing education services for healthy hair growth. I build relationships and trust with my clients. For me, it’s more than just hair. It’s about the importance of embracing natural hair and the cultural significance of that.
English was born and raised in Detroit. While growing up, her family’s kitchen was turned into a “salon” on weekends where she and her grandmother, mom, and extended family members would do each other’s hair for the week ahead.
In 2015, she established Alotta Locs, grew a team of stylists, and moved into a brick and mortar in Southfield. English is a fall 2022 graduate of TechTown Detroit’s Retail Boot Camp and recipient of a $5,000 Kickstart Award.
Alotta Locs also offers hands-on classes and mentorship opportunities in-person and virtually for people who want to learn about locs and are considering starting their own loc business. Classes are meant to be affordable, and materials are included.
Alotta Locs will present a one-day loctician certificate workshop taking place Saturday, June 8, to provide a continuum for loc education, cultural understanding, and share techniques for maintaining afro-textured hair.
Hosted by English, she recommends the workshop for hair stylists, cosmetologists, and aspiring locticians. No experience is required. Classes are small and space is limited. Participants will learn loc cultivation techniques, loc care and maintenance, loc repair tips, mentorship opportunities, and more. Early bird registration is now open online at alottalocs.com.