While working as a hairstylist in Houston, Jocelyn Kirkland saw firsthand how important maintaining their hair was for women, especially when it came to going to important events like job interviews.
But for many, the high cost of hairstyling proved to be a barrier too big to overcome. That’s why Kirkland started Apex Affect, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free or subsidized hair care for women in need,
Rooted in hair
Growing up in Detroit, Kirkland’s mother did her best to keep up with her daughter’s evolving hairstyles. But as Jocelyn moved into adolescence, she realized that her mom’s skills just weren’t enough to keep up with her growing desire for more stylish and complex hairdos.
“I started doing my own hair very early,” said Kirkland, a graduate of Franklin Beauty School in Houston. “And that just transitioned into me learning how to braid and style hair, eventually even selling my skills to others. I had no idea back then that it would become something this big.”
Kirkland eventually attended cosmetology school, earning licenses in two states. While she’s not currently practicing professionally, her passion for hair care never waned. She saw firsthand how important a good hairstyle can be, especially for women struggling with the financial resources or time to get their hair done.
“A lot of people want to look their best to show up and be their best selves,” she explains. “But without their hair done, sometimes that’s just not possible. If you’re showing up to a job interview and your hair isn’t right, your confidence may not match, and you might not even get the job. It’s a small but powerful thing that can impact your whole life.”
Building confidence
That’s where Apex Affect comes in. The nonprofit connects women in need with resources to help them secure hair care services for important events, interviews, or even just to feel good about themselves. Whether a woman has natural hair, locks, or prefers a pixie cut, Apex Affect helps them find a stylist near them who can provide the care they need.
Apex Affect isn’t just about hair. The organization also strongly emphasizes overall wellness, with opportunities like a book club, mental health resources, and events where people can come together and participate in wholesome activities.
“Hair and wellness are our primary focus,” Kirkland said. “But we also want to be a place where people can find a sense of belonging and support.”
Through donations and partnerships with organizations that provide job placement services, resume building and mental health counseling, Apex Affect ensures that its services go to people who truly need them. Many of the women who are trying to better their lives may need more financial means to prioritize self-care.
“We work with places that already serve these women,” Kirkland explains. “When someone needs a hair appointment for an interview, we can help. We filter out the people who just want a quick party hairstyle. It’s about real need, not vanity.”
While hair care may seem small in the grand scheme of society’s challenges, Kirkland believes it plays an essential role in how women feel about themselves.
“Consider the last time you saw someone with unkempt hair in a job you respect,” she suggests. “Hair is an important part of how we show up in the world. It’s not just about vanity; it’s about confidence and how you feel about yourself.”
For those who may argue that hair care should not be a priority in tough times, Kirkland points to situations like women with health conditions such as alopecia or cancer, where something as simple as a wig can cost far more than a regular haircut. Apex Affect is there to help make those costs more manageable, offering a chance for women to show up and compete in society without sacrificing their self-care.
Kirkland’s vision for Apex Affect was heavily influenced by her experience attending Franklin Beauty School in Houston, a decision that changed the course of her life.
“I was teaching by day and going to hair school at night,” she said. “Franklin expanded my capacity in ways I never expected. It was a transformative experience.”
As part of Franklin Beauty School’s legacy and rich history in African American hair care, Kirkland’s mission is clear. She hopes to serve women facing life’s challenges and give them the resources they need to feel confident and empowered.
Apex Affect, though in its first year, is already making a significant impact. And for Jocelyn Kirkland, this is just the beginning.
“I want to make sure I’m contributing in a powerful way,” she said. “This is a worthy cause, and I believe we can change lives—one hairstyle at a time.”
For more information, visit ApexAffect.com.
