Behind every bottle of Bold Hold is a story of passion, creativity, and genuine care for the beauty community. What started as an educational journey for stylists has blossomed into a trusted brand that empowers professionals and everyday people to feel confident in their appearance. At the heart of The Hair Diagram is Tamika Gibson, a licensed cosmetologist and educator who understands firsthand the challenges and joys of working behind the chair. From teaching others how to perfect their craft to creating products that make life easier for both stylists and customers, she’s poured her expertise into every formula. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into the origins of The Hair Diagram and Bold Hold, the lessons learned along the way, and the exciting innovations on the horizon.
OTC: For those who may be new to The Hair Diagram, can you tell us how the brand began and what inspired you to create Bold Hold?
Tamika: The Hair Diagram began as an educational program designed for stylists, offering step-by-step instructional DVDs in the early 2000s. In 2010, we expanded into product development, creating tools that empower professionals and elevate their craft.
OTC: Your background as a licensed cosmetologist and educator sets you apart—how has that shaped the way you formulate and market your products?
Tamika: My background has established me as a subject matter expert in the beauty industry. It allows me to create products that professionals trust and provides the knowledge necessary to educate consumers effectively.
OTC: Bold Hold has become a staple in many professional stylist kits. What do you think makes it stand out from other lace adhesives on the market?
Tamika: We go above and beyond to ensure that both consumers and stylists understand and feel confident using our products. This commitment to education and support makes Bold Hold a standout choice.
OTC: Many of our readers are beauty supply owners—what do you want them to know about how your products meet the needs of their customers?
Tamika: We want beauty supply owners to know that we stand behind our products, which consistently meet customer expectations. Our adhesives are safe, easy to use, and designed with both professionals and everyday users in mind.
OTC: What’s your most popular product right now, and why do you think it resonates so well with both stylists and everyday users?
Tamika: Bold Hold Active is our most popular product. It’s a strong, water-based adhesive that is easy to use, making it a favorite among both professionals and everyday users.
OTC: Education seems to be a big part of your brand’s mission. How do you support beauty professionals and retailers when it comes to product knowledge and training?
Tamika: We provide online training on our website to help customers and retailers better understand our products. Additionally, we host in-store pop-ups to engage directly with consumers and meet them where they are.
OTC: Can you share a challenge you faced when launching Bold Hold and how you overcame it?
Tamika: My background is in cosmetology, not logistics, so learning about retail and wholesale distribution was a significant challenge. However, building relationships with stores and their guidance helped me navigate this unfamiliar territory, for which I’m incredibly grateful.
OTC: What new trends are you seeing in lace wig application and hair systems, and how is Bold Hold evolving to meet those trends?
Tamika: Trends in the industry evolve rapidly with the internet. We’ve observed a shift toward glueless products and have responded by creating innovative options like Bold Hold Liquid Gold and Bold Hold Lace Gelly.
OTC: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to beauty supply owners who want to grow their business with Bold Hold products?
Tamika: Always purchase from authorized distributors to ensure you’re getting authentic Bold Hold products. This ensures quality and builds trust with your customers.
OTC: Representation and authenticity are huge in the beauty world—how do you ensure your brand stays rooted in the needs of the community you serve?
Tamika: We prioritize staying connected with our community through social media, hair shows, and in-store pop-ups, ensuring we understand and meet our customers’ needs wherever they are.
OTC: What’s next for The Hair Diagram? Any upcoming products or expansions our readers should be on the lookout for?
Tamika: We are looking to expand our brand with The Ashley Marie Collection for wigs and natural hair.
