When you step inside Back to Naturel, Qijah James’ salon at 2306 Stuart St., the atmosphere tells you immediately that this is not just about hair.
The soundscape might lean toward the earthy neo-soul of Erykah Badu, India.Arie or H.E.R., or it might drift into classic ’90s R&B from TLC, Tony! Toni! Toné!, or Jodeci. Either way, James is setting the tone for an experience designed to get both your hair and your spirit right.
James, a seasoned master stylist, business owner, and mother, is quietly but powerfully reshaping Houston’s natural haircare scene.
From Jamaica to Houston
Originally from Jamaica, James’ family immigrated to the United States when she was a child, first stopping in Florida before eventually settling in Houston. While she still misses the ease of walking the beaches of Montego Bay (her hometown), St. Ann’s Bay, and Port Antonio, she has grown to love Houston’s diversity—and its food. One restaurant in particular, Cool Runnings, gives her a taste of home within her adopted city.
A book that changed everything
An avid reader, James credits a particular book with helping to shift her inner life and, ultimately, her professional direction.
“The book that changed my life was Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinklola Estés,” she said. “That is a book about becoming self-actualized and stepping into shadow work [internal growth work].”
That inward journey, she says, taught her to live in “a spirit of surrender” and a constant state of “positive expectation.”
Birth of Back to Naturel
James is the owner and founder of Back to Naturel, a salon dedicated to natural hair services that also promotes holistic care for the mind, body, and spirit. Her path began in 1998, though she notes the business itself officially launched around 2000.
“It was really birthed out of my own need for knowing how to care for my hair,” James explained. “At the time, there weren’t really a lot of resources.”
As a student at HISD’s Westbury High School, James recalls being one of only a few girls wearing her hair in its natural 4C state—considered the tightest curl pattern in the type 4 category.
“Then, when people thought about natural hair, it was okay to have the ‘Halle Berry,’ loose and wavy naturals,” she said. “But most of the time, 4C naturals were not as widely accepted.”
Back to Naturel, she says, emerged from her desire for deeper self-connection and self-acceptance. While attending the University of Houston, James received what she describes as a “divine inspiration” that led her to leave school and pursue a career in hair full-time.
More than hair: education and healing
Beyond the salon chair, James is a multifaceted creative and healer. She is the author of The Guide to Natural Haircare, a practical resource that breaks down hair types from 1C to 4C and empowers clients to maintain healthy hair at home.
“I am also a Reiki practitioner,” James added.
Her work extends into workshops and classes designed to nurture both outer beauty and inner growth.
“We have classes based on not just beauty services, learning hair, learning hair care, how to care for your hair,” she said, “but we also have mind development classes for women.”
She has also led cohorts of women focused on deeper self-exploration and shadow work, aimed at helping participants become the best versions of themselves.
For James, hair and healing are inseparable.
“I can’t really separate doing hair and my Reiki work. I feel like they’re intertwined because when I do my clients here, some life coaching is involved, as well.”
Qijah James
“I can’t really separate doing hair and my Reiki work,” she said. “I feel like they’re intertwined because when I do my clients here, some life coaching is involved, as well.”
Why entrepreneurship fits her spirit
James speaks about her work with unmistakable joy.
“I like the fact that I’m always learning,” she said. “I like the fact that I get to connect with people.”
And the general public is feeling James.
“My hair began to take on the stress of my life. As I toiled over what to do with my hair, I knew it had to be chemical-free,” shared Phyllis G., a customer out of Conroe. “I finally made the call and went in for a friendly consultation. Ms. Qijah was warm, friendly, and answered my questions. She helped ease my anxiety over my hair. Today I am free and feeling good about my appearance and my hair. Natural is OK!”
“Qijah is a dream-weaver,” shared Elvira C., who lost her locs to chemotherapy. “While grateful for survival, the hair loss really did a number on my self-esteem. Qijah created and installed new Insta-Locs for me! My new locs look completely natural. Honestly, I get compliments almost every day.
“Qijah is an artist and a true professional who obviously loves her work.”
Reggie C., a Houston-area father who rocks braids, recalls taking his son to get his hair braided for the first time in 2020.
“Qijah made him feel incredibly at home,” shared Reggie C. “My son and I really liked how his hair turned out, and he couldn’t wait to show his friends.”
Practicing resilience and community
Like anyone else, James has challenging days, but she actively practices the balance she teaches.
“I have a very strong…factor of resilience within myself,” she said, citing Reiki, time in nature, and “earthing” as key tools.
She also draws strength from the community.
“I have a really strong, supportive group of friends who have my back,” she said. “We take turns encouraging, lifting each other up.”
