The Woman Behind Kuwait’s Curly Hair Movement
In a region where straight hair styling once dominated the beauty landscape, Thekrayat Almutairi has carved out a space dedicated entirely to celebrating natural curls. A passionate curly hair specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Curly Studio Kuwait, Thekrayat has become a leading voice for women embracing their natural texture with confidence.
Her journey began with a personal experience, learning to understand and appreciate her own curls at a time when expert guidance was difficult to find in Kuwait and across the Gulf. What started as a search for knowledge soon turned into a mission to create change. Today, through her work as a stylist, salon owner, influencer, and creator of vegan curly hair products, she is helping reshape how curly hair is understood and cared for in the region.
As the owner of The Curly Studio Kuwait, a franchise of the Middle East’s first curly hair salon concept, Thekrayat has built a space where expertise, education, and personalised care come together. Her goal is simple: to empower people with curls to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their own hair.
Beyond her professional achievements, Thekrayat is also a wife and mother who believes deeply in inspiring others to live authentically.
In this conversation with CP Magazine, she shares insights into her journey, her inspirations, and the vision behind her growing curly hair movement.
Briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Thekrayat Almutairi. I’m a businesswoman, an employee, a wife, and a mother who believes in inspiring others to live their most authentic life.
What was the very first moment you realised you wanted to specialise in curly hair?
About seven years ago, when I decided to embrace my natural curly hair. At that time, I was looking for someone around me to guide me or learn from, but I couldn’t find anyone in Kuwait or even in the Gulf who specialised in curly hair. That moment made me realise how important it was to learn and eventually help others with curls like mine.
How did your journey as a curly hair stylist begin?
While searching for an Arab expert to learn from, I discovered an American organisation offering specialised curly hair courses in the Gulf. Four years ago, I travelled to Riyadh to attend the training and received my first certification. That experience marked the true beginning of my journey as a curly hair stylist.
What inspired you to open The Curly Studio Kuwait and bring a boutique curly salon to the region?
I wanted to create a place in Kuwait with real expertise in curly hair. My goal was to offer something different and unique in the region. I wanted to build a space where every question about curly hair has an answer, and where women can receive the right guidance from the start. My aim is for every client to leave satisfied from their very first visit, because at The Curly Studio we focus on knowledge, experience, and truly understanding curly hair.
What do you love most about working with curly hair clients?
What I love most is giving my clients confidence in their natural curls. Seeing how their mood and self-image change after a haircut and styling session is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate the trust they have when they come to us, knowing they will find the right answers and expert guidance.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about curly hair?
One of the biggest misconceptions about curly hair is that it’s complicated or difficult to manage. Many people also believe that curly hair looks messy or isn’t suitable for formal settings. Some even see it as a problem that needs to be fixed or treated. In reality, curly hair simply needs the right knowledge, care, and techniques to look its best.
What’s your go-to product from your vegan line on a busy morning?
My go-to on a busy morning is keeping things simple. I usually use just two styling products: Curlit Leave-In and Curlit Gel. They’re enriched with Vitamin E and work well for normal and colour-treated hair. I love that they’re gentle and suitable for women, men, and even kids. It makes styling curly hair quick, easy, and effective.
How has being a mum shaped the way you approach your work?
Motherhood taught me flexibility, but also strength and confidence. It showed me that as women, we’re capable of handling many things at once. Honestly, becoming a mother made me realise how powerful and incredible a woman truly is.
What’s one beauty ritual you never skip, curly or not?
Deep conditioning is one beauty ritual I never skip, whether the hair is curly or not. Healthy hair always starts with hydration and care, so I make sure to deeply condition my hair every time I shower. It keeps the hair soft, strong, and manageable.
How do you balance running a business, being an influencer, and family life?
I’ve been juggling this for almost three years now, and honestly, it’s never easy. There are many challenges and moments of exhaustion. But when I compare myself from two years ago to today, I see how much I’ve achieved. My advice to anyone reading this is: you can’t give 100% to everything all the time. What matters is that every day you do your best in each area and that’s enough.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received is simple: keep going, keep learning, and keep evolving. Persistence is key, just keep going, again and again.
As a proud vegan product supplier, what’s the core message you want your products to communicate?
I want people to know that curly hair isn’t difficult. Our products are vegan, clean, and designed for both wavy and curly hair. Every hair type has products that suit it, and people can see the results from the very first use.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced with The Curly Studio and how did you overcome it?
In the beginning, the toughest challenge was gaining visibility and spreading awareness about The Curly Studio. I learned that building this takes time. Through people’s trust and word of mouth, we were able to reach a much larger audience.
When do you feel most confident and what gives you that energy?
I feel most confident when I see the impact of my work, the positive effect we leave on people. That’s what gives me energy and motivation every day.
What’s one thing about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
This might make you laugh, but most people wouldn’t guess that I really don’t like being tired… and yet, almost everything in my life right now is exhausting! Haha.
What are some of your other hobbies?
These days, I enjoy baking and gardening. They’re my little escapes and ways to unwind.
What’s something you’re still dreaming of achieving, even after all your success?
I’m still dreaming of entering the fashion industry. It’s a goal I’m passionate about and can’t wait to pursue.
Outside of work and family life, what truly makes you switch off and feel at peace?
Spending time with myself truly helps me switch off. I love moments of silence, peace, and reading, it’s when I feel most at ease.
What’s next for you and your brand, any exciting plans on the horizon?
At the moment, there’s nothing new on the horizon, but I’m focused on continuing what we do best and enjoying the journey.
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