Victor Scotti’s journey into the beauty industry is anything but traditional. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the ‘90s, he didn’t always feel free to explore beauty and self-expression. After an unexpected layoff from corporate America became the catalyst for something greater, Victor embarked on a mission to create spaces where everyone can feel beautiful, confident, and seen.
In this interview, Victor shares his experiences, favorite techniques, and what Black hair means to him. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of embracing one’s true calling.
What inspired you to join the beauty industry?
“In the middle of my HR career at Google, I began exploring my personal aesthetic—everything from hair to nails, makeup, and clothes. I was shocked at how empowering it felt to find a style that authentically represented who I was inside and out. This exploration sparked a desire to combine my work in diversity, equity, and inclusion with beauty to create spaces where every person feels seen, beautiful, confident, and worthy.
As a Black, Genderqueer man, I found it challenging to discover beauty spaces where I felt safe, seen, and comfortable. This inspired me to open Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios, a holistic beauty and wellness salon designed to bridge that gap. At Our S.P.A.C.E., we create affirming, inclusive, and sustainable beauty experiences where all identities can feel at home.”
What are your top 3 must-have clean beauty products in the salon?
“Anthony Cosmetics Hair + Beard Oil: This is the first product in my line, and it’s my pride and joy! Formulated with 18 Ayurvedic herbs steeped locally for 48+ hours, this nourishing blend stimulates growth while delivering hydration and shine with a refreshing eucalyptus and spearmint scent. Made with love by a Black and Queer-owned business, it’s a perfect addition to any hair or beard routine.
Pure O Naturals Premium Four Butters Loc and Twist Cream: Lightweight yet effective, this all-natural cream leaves no residue, provides excellent hold, and works beautifully for loc retwists—especially on softer textures.
Twelve12 Beauté Cleanse, Hydrate, and Protect Kit: This trio is my go-to for setting a strong foundation for textured hair. The Cleanse Shampoo, Hydrate Conditioner, and Protect Hair Mist are staples for healthy, moisturized strands.”
What are your favorite techniques?
“I specialize in color, including balayage and dimensional highlights for textured and curly hair. I also love precision barbering, creating seamless fades with shear work and incorporating vivid color accents for bold statements. Additionally, natural styling is a passion of mine—I enjoy wash-and-gos, rod/spiral sets, and twists. Every service I provide is tailored to my guest’s unique vision, using a variety of techniques to create looks that are unapologetically bold and beautiful—just like the person wearing them.”
What is your advice for aspiring stylists?
“Be clear on your “why.” Your passion and purpose will carry you through the challenges and set you apart in the industry. Invest in continuous education, especially in clean beauty and inclusivity, and never be afraid to carve your own path.
If you don’t see your vision reflected in existing spaces, create it. After cosmetology school, I didn’t follow the traditional salon route. Instead, I launched my own salon suite, Our S.P.A.C.E. Studios, to build the affirming and luxurious beauty space I dreamed of. Trust yourself, dream big, and remain authentic—you’ll not only find success but also create meaningful change in the industry.”
What do you think is the future of textured hair and haircare?
“The future of textured hair care lies in innovation—creating products and techniques that amplify the unique beauty and versatility of textured hair. Textured hair naturally defies gravity, forming shapes and silhouettes that are nothing short of artistic. As we move forward, I see a surge in products that celebrate this individuality, designed to enhance the natural curl patterns, elasticity, and strength of textured hair while embracing its dynamic movement and volume.
Brands and stylists will continue to push boundaries with advanced formulations and techniques that prioritize hair health without compromising on creativity. From cutting-edge curl-enhancing solutions to styling methods that embrace shrinkage, definition, and texture, the future will showcase the limitless possibilities of textured hair.
Above all, I believe this future will reflect a shift in mindset: textured hair will not just be managed—it will be celebrated as a powerful expression of identity, culture, and beauty.”
What advice would you give to other black stylists looking to grow their business and clientele?
“Own your uniqueness and build with intention. The beauty industry thrives on individuality, so lean into what makes you and your artistry special. Invest in your brand—both online and in person—by showcasing your work, engaging with your audience, and sharing your expertise. Prioritize customer experience; word-of-mouth referrals are powerful, especially in the Black community. Most importantly, charge your worth, stay committed to continuous learning, and create spaces that reflect the values and clientele you want to attract.”
How do you think Black hair and hairstyling have shaped beauty culture?
“Black hair has set the tone for global beauty culture in more ways than it’s often given credit for. From intricate braiding techniques that date back centuries to bold, gravity-defying afros, our hair has always been a statement of resilience, creativity, and self-expression. Trends like baby hairs, protective styles, and loc artistry—once exclusive to Black culture—are now seen across runways and mainstream beauty campaigns. Black hairstyling has continuously redefined what’s possible in hair artistry, inspiring techniques, innovations, and trends that influence the entire industry.”
Have you noticed more inclusivity in haircare product offerings for Black hair? Where do you think brands still fall short?
“There has definitely been progress—more brands are creating products tailored to textured hair, and retailers are giving Black-owned beauty brands more shelf space. However, the industry still falls short in truly prioritizing the needs of Black consumers. Many mainstream brands add a token “curly” line without deeply understanding the science behind textured hair. We need more innovation that focuses on hydration, elasticity, and hair health rather than just taming or stretching curls. Additionally, professional salon products still lack variety for natural hair textures, making it harder for stylists to access high-performance, non-toxic options at the level of their straight-hair counterparts.”
What historical or cultural hairstyles do you think deserve more recognition?
“Bantu knots, Fulani braids, and locs deserve continued recognition—not just as trends but as deeply rooted styles with cultural significance. Bantu knots, originating from the Zulu people, are both protective and symbolic. Fulani braids, inspired by the Fulani people of West Africa, carry ancestral storytelling within their patterns. Locs, which have existed across African, Caribbean, and even Hindu traditions for centuries, are often misrepresented despite their rich history. These styles, and many others, deserve to be honored as more than just fashion statements but as expressions of lineage, artistry, and identity.”
What’s one message you’d love to share about Black hair for Black History Month?
“Black hair is limitless. It is history, culture, resistance, art, and beauty all in one. Our hair tells stories—of where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going. Whether it’s worn in its natural state, styled in intricate braids, silk pressed, or adorned with color, Black hair is a powerful form of self-expression. This Black History Month, and always, I want every Black person to know: Your hair is magic. It does not need to be tamed, changed, or justified—it is already perfect as it is.”
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