About Melissa

My Curl Philosophy

Unlike many other stylists, I don’t believe you need a 20-step routine to keep your hair looking and feeling good. Instead of focusing on pure styling, I choose to focus on simple tweaks to your haircare techniques that will save you time and energy. All you need to do to maintain vibrant curls is to give your hair what it’s asking for. If you treat your hair right, it will treat you right.


Reasons to Work with Me

You don’t have to feel alone in your natural hair journey; I will gladly tag along! I will teach you how to get to know your hair so you will be able to handle whatever comes your way, no matter what changes you experience.

For the tender headed ladies out there, I am your go to! Most of us grew up with our hair being pulled in every direction. Regardless of your texture, I don’t believe that getting your hair done should be painful or uncomfortable. I am even known for having clients fall asleep while I detangle their curls. Your salon experience should be rejuvenating, not traumatic. 

Experience

I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2017, after graduating from Arrojo Cosmetology School in NYC. Since then, I have worked at The Angels Salon in Elizabeth, NJ and Candace Witherspoon Salon in NYC.

Previous to attending cosmetology school, I graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics ( with a second major in Portuguese & Brazilian Studies). I also have Human Resources experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Even though seemingly irrelevant, my educational and work experience are a big reason I am able to communicate effectively with my clients and help them reach their hair goals.

Welcome to Melo Curl Revival Studio! I’m Melissa Santos-Howard, originally from NYC and am now proudly serving the NJ/NY curly community.

I know exactly what it feels like to hate your hair and feel like it never fits well into your lifestyle. I’ve designed my studio salon experience in a way that will leave you feeling like there is potential for a liberating relationship with your curls.

My Story

I consider myself a half New Yorker/ half Jersey Girl! Born in the Bronx, my Dominican family moved across the Hudson River as I was starting middle school.

I remember a time when I would run for cover at the sight of a drizzle—a time when all I thought about was how much I hated every single strand that grew out of my head. This era of my life is what I consider 2007 BC (previous to my Big Chop).

In the spring of 2007, my life changed for the better when I stopped getting a chemical relaxer. I told my hairdresser, Cuqui, “córtamelo bien bajito” (“cut it really short”).  I felt the weight of beauty standards and societal expectation fall to the ground that day and I haven’t looked back since.

Learning how to care for my hair sparked my passion for curls, which led me to receive my cosmetology license 10 years later. In the 17 years I’ve been wearing my hair naturally, I have discovered a liberation that I am hoping to spread to as many others as possible.


“If you treat your hair right, it will treat you right.”