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Detra Vest Smith

@detrashalee

12.3K

followers

2785

following

👩‍🦰2023 SEHA Texture Stylist of the Year
🇺🇸2021 USA Hairstylist of the Year
Matrix National Trainer
Olivia Garden National Educator
Biolage Educator

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

NOBODY told me entrepreneurship would test my patience, confidence, and consistency.

But after 20+ years in the beauty industry and 11+ years in business, here’s what I know:

The journey isn’t always easy, but your vision is worth showing up for.

To every hairstylist building a clientele, growing a business, or trying to figure it all out, KEEP GOING!

Your future self will thank you. ❤️

#HairstylistTips #BeautyIndustry #HairstylistMotivation #SalonOwner #BeautyBusiness

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The perfect day filled with so much love 🥹🫶🏻

Photographer: @photosbylucy.c
Venue: @danclayfarms
Day of coordinator: @ss.weddings.events
Videographer: @cordova_media
Dress: @bellasbridal
Florist: @countryeleganceflorist
Caterer: @redclaytable
DJ/Photo Booth: @szndentco
MUA: @hmbycait
Hair: @detrashalee
Nails: @t.a.t201
Cake: @bakeology_by_amber
Bartending service: @annnnsleya

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After experiencing Premiere Orlando Hair show with some of our team, I’m reminded of how much our industry has changed—and how grateful I am for the people who helped shape my career. ❤️

When I started behind the chair, there was no Instagram, TikTok, or online influencers. If you wanted to learn from someone you admired, you attended classes, traveled to hair shows, asked questions, and built relationships face-to-face.

Many of the people in these photos began as educators and mentors I looked up to. Over the years, those connections became friendships that continue to inspire me today.

The next generation has incredible access to education at their fingertips, but I still believe there’s something special about being in the room, learning in person, and building genuine relationships within our industry.

To every mentor, educator, and friend who has been part of my journey—thank you. I’m forever grateful. ✨

#HairEducation #SalonLife #HairIndustry #Mentorship #NeverStopLearning

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Kentucky Dreams🐎🤍✨

So thankful to be chosen to represent @babylissprousa at this years Derby event with @saloncentric & @saloncentriclouisville 🙏🏼

It was my first visit to Kentucky so it was super special to me. Louisville is a beautiful place, rich in culture. The Derby Museum was amazing! I also got to walk over to see Thunder over Louisville.

I met other educators and friends from all over. The show was a success!
Hope to see you next time & thanks for having me
🤍🐎🏆

#desithediva #kentuckyderbyparty #moxylouisville #thunderoverlouisville2026 #babylissprousa

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When it all comes together, you know you’ve done your job! #btcbigshot2026_avantgardeshot
#oneshothairawards #btcbigshot2026_editorialshot
#btcbigshot2026_textureshot #btcbigshot2026_stylingshot

Hair: @detrashalee
Makeup: @cristinahernandezmakeup
Wardrobe and Model: @jedan711
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs

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Tell me a time you looked at your work and thought “This makes me proud!” I’m proud of every person who is willing to give it their best shot! #btcbigshot2026_avantgardeshot #oneshothairawards #btcbigshot2026_editorialshot
#btcbigshot2026_textureshot #btcbigshot2026_stylingshot
Hair: @detrashalee
Makeup: @cristinahernandezmakeup
Wardrobe and Model: @jedan711
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs

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Have you entered @oneshothairawards? We only have a few days left! #btcbigshot2026_avantgardeshot #oneshothairawards #btcbigshot2026_editorialshot
#btcbigshot2026_textureshot #btcbigshot2026_stylingshot

Hair: @detrashalee
Makeup: @cristinahernandezmakeup
Wardrobe and Model: @jedan711
Photographer: @richardmonsieurs

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Growing Up to Fast
Hair by Detra Smith

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More of Charlee Hair by Detra Smith

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Charlee
Hair by Detra Smith

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Kylie
Hair by Detra Smith

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✈️ Took the real red-eye (two-hour delay and all) to LA for the Matrix Artist Session at the L’Oréal Pro Lab — and WOW, what an experience!
🌟 Not One, but Two NAHA-winning stylists, endless inspiration, and the kind of hands-on training that leaves you buzzing.
✨ Day 1: Braids — no rush, just pure flow. Ended with pau hana + hotel selfies.
✨ Day 2: kicked off with roomie selfies, an the amazing Pattie Rodriguez, then a full day of styling magic. Ending the day with pau Hana round 2
✨ Day 3: Mind blown… we literally made paper out of HAIR. 🤯
Huge mahalo to Daniel Keasling & Michelle O’Connor for making it feel like one-on-one mentorship, and to Gina & Detra for being the dream team leads.
And Corina and Dilek for all you do for us
LA, a hui hou 🌺
💡You know it’s a great class when you get home and immediately start practicing!

@matrix #Artistsession @lorealprolab #oahuhairstylist #matrixartist @danielle.keasling @michelleoconnorbeauty @ginapickett @i.am.dilek.o @detrashalee @honestlycorina @meganwiththeredhair @serinasierrastyles @pati.rodrigz @caitie.colors

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