Meet Scalp Rejuvenation Therapist, Hairstylist, & Entrepreneur: Chyna Diggs

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Black beauty pros like Chyna Diggs are making waves in the industry, redefining what it means to be a hair and scalp specialist. As a licensed cosmetologist and certified scalp rejuvenation therapist, Chyna is passionate about educating both clients and fellow professionals on the importance of scalp health. Through The Starr Touch, she’s helping others carve out their niche in a beauty industry full of endless possibilities.

It’s Black History Month, and you know what that means—we’re taking this time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on some of the incredible Black beauty pros who also happen to be part of our Elite Beauty Society family!

Every year, we make it a priority to celebrate and uplift the voices of Black beauty professionals who are making waves in the industry. And this year is no different! We’re handing over our platform to these amazing artists, innovators, and trendsetters by featuring them in a special interview series.

These exclusive Q&A sessions give you a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys—the challenges they’ve faced, the milestones they’ve crushed, and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. From their creative inspirations to the impact they’re making in the beauty world, these pros have so much to share, and we can’t wait for you to hear their stories!

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, career advice, or just a dose of motivation, these interviews are packed with gems you won’t want to miss. 

Meet Licensed Hairstylist, Certified Scalp Rejuvenation Therapist, & Entrepreneur Chyna Diggs

Passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to hair and scalp health—Chyna Diggs brings it all to the table. As the founder of The Starr Touch, Chyna has dedicated nearly a decade to helping clients not only achieve their hair goals but also gain a deeper understanding of their scalp health.

With eight years as a licensed cosmetologist and certification as a scalp rejuvenation therapist, Chyna specializes in identifying scalp conditions, promoting healthy hair growth, and guiding clients through the do’s and don’ts of hair care—whether issues stem from genetics, hereditary factors, or everyday habits.

Her approach goes beyond styling; she uses advanced scalp analysis techniques to detect potential concerns, such as fungal conditions, and develop tailored solutions to restore and maintain scalp wellness. Think of it as putting your scalp under a fine light—getting to the root of the issue to promote healthier, stronger hair.

Want to see more of Chyna’s work? Follow her journey on Instagram at @Chyna.Starr and @TheStarrTouch. And, of course, don’t miss her exclusive interview (just scroll down!) with Elite Beauty Society, where we dive deeper into her expertise, passion, and impact in the beauty industry.

Our Exclusive Q&A with Chyna Diggs

How Did You Get Started in the Beauty Industry?

I didn’t have the traditional way everyone else did. Lots of people have the normal, “Oh, I started in a salon as a kid” I didn’t have that. While I was getting my hair done as a kid, I did not like how the traditional salons were. I didn’t like being the first one there and the last one out. So, I knew then I loved hair but, I wanted my view to be different. I knew I didn’t want my clients to feel like they were in there all day. I want them to feel like this is their time to unravel themselves. 

So, while I was a junior in high school - I was in my child development class, braiding a girl’s hair and my teacher pulled me aside and asked, “Why don’t you enroll in the local trade school now?”

It was never presented as an option for me because I had transferred schools. So I applied and was on the waitlist. Then my senior year, I got accepted into the Cosmetology program. During a high school trip we went to the local library and I met Lorraine Radcliffe, she’s a local hair stylist and makeup artist. Just hearing her talk – it felt right to me like my journey made sense. 

What Has Been Your Most Impactful Moment in the Beauty Industry?

I was working at a hair school and helping bridge the gap in education for textured hair. During my time, there was an influx of black girls enrolling, and when they saw me or my two other black colleagues, they saw representation – just seeing someone that looked like them. 

They knew I was licensed but I didn’t see myself as an educator at that time. So, when a curly hair client would come in, the class would look at us (black women). I'd work with the students and it was evident how little training there was. So, I thought, "let's take action – something needs to change about this dynamic." 

So, I worked with one of my black colleagues there. We did a curly hair/silk press training, it was a class for the other teachers there on how to deal with curly hair – how to detangle, wash, section off and style, etc. To them it was always “When the client gets in, we’ll deal with it. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” No – it should be “I'm prepared for it, I know how to tackle it, I have training for it.”

It wasn’t until 2022 that private cosmetology schools started implementing a curly hair texture curriculum because when I went to school in 2015, we had it in the textbook, but we never touched it. So introducing them to it, then actually implementing curly lessons with clients – it made me feel like I made a difference. I had to seek that advanced education outside, after graduating school – helping them get that education while they were still in school was pretty impactful. 

Where Have You Seen Growth in the Beauty World for Black Beauty Pros?

The most growth among Black professionals in the beauty industry is happening in education, entrepreneurship, and specialized services. 

• Education & Training: More Black beauty professionals are stepping into the role of educators, bridging the knowledge gap in textured hair care. With schools finally integrating curly hair education, licensed Black stylists are leading the way in ensuring the next generation receives proper training by not just becoming educators but also by opening up natural hair care schools that teach them the styles that we as a culture do on a regular. 
• Entrepreneurship: Black professionals are taking control of their careers by opening their own salons, beauty studios, and product lines. Instead of relying on mainstream brands, more stylists are creating their own haircare products tailored to the unique needs of Black hair and scalps. 
• Lastly, Specialized Services: The demand for services like scalp care, natural hairstyling, and hair restoration is growing. Many Black stylists are shifting away from offering everything and instead focusing on expertise in specific areas, elevating their value and client trust.

Has the Growth in This Area Encouraged You to Look Deeper Into New or Different Techniques or Niches? 

Having a suite allows me to create a private, intimate experience where my guests feel truly heard, seen, and valued. It’s more than just a space—it’s a place where I can focus on what matters most: caring for natural hair, nurturing scalps, and educating my clients on how to manage.

While I’m not a licensed trichologist, I’ve taken scalp rejuvenation courses led by a licensed trichologist and cosmetologist. That training gave me a deeper understanding of scalp health and completely changed how I approach hair care. Now, I’m even more committed to helping my clients achieve healthier, thriving hair—starting at the root.

How Do You Think the Beauty Industry Can Better Support Black Beauty Pros?

I believe the industry needs more advanced education, more salons offering in-house training, and a stronger focus on properly developing stylists. Too often, the business side of things is overlooked, leaving many Black entrepreneurs without the resources or knowledge to build sustainable careers.

The reality is, there’s not enough funding or support for Black-owned businesses. Many stylists don’t have a business plan or a mission statement—not because they don’t want one, but because these fundamentals aren’t being taught in beauty schools. We need more business classes, more financial backing, and better representation of the entrepreneurial side of this industry.

What Advice Would You Give to Someone Who is Just Starting Out in the Industry?

Work under somebody that you respect that you feel like inspires you. Go to salons that offer in-house training. Invest in your craft, learn, and take advanced courses to hone your skills. Do not overlook the business side, please – one of the things you need to become a great stylist is to understand your pricing, marketing plan, retention, and finances. That’s what helps you grow and sustain a career. 

Also, you do not have to offer every service under the sun – you do not have to. Please don’t! That pulls you in too many directions and has you wearing too many hats. Pinpoint on the things you actually love and master that craft – build your reputation around it and most importantly, be your biggest cheerleader. 

No one is showing the ups and downs of the beauty industry, so don’t fall into the trap of comparison. That’s the thief of joy – don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone’s chapter 20. 

If you enjoyed this interview with Chyna, we know you’ll love the other interviews in this spotlight series, too! Be sure to check them out, and remember to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society!