True Indian Hair Boss Lady: Karen Mitchell!!!

If weaves and extensions are your thing, then there is one mane source you need to know very well in the hair industry, and that business savvy lady is no other than KAREN MITCHELL, the founder of TRUE INDIAN HAIR, located in New York City.

Since being in the hair business for almost a decade, MITCHELL, a hairstylist turned entrepreneur, has built a luxurious hair brand by supplying superior %100 virgin hair to big name celebrities like LIL KIM, KELLY ROWLAND, and ANGELA SIMMONS, to name a few.

But regardless of her outstanding clientele list, the NYC hair mogul continues to build her empire, offering the best quality of hair on the market at two boutique showroom locations, and providing full salon services at her self-owned, KAREN’S BEAUTY BAR SALON SPA.

Juicy recently caught up with MITCHELL to discuss everything from true virgin hair, why celebrities love her brand, building relationships in the business, and where she see’s the weave game headed in the future. Check her out ladies!

Juicy: Tell us more about the popular Malaysian and Brazilian brands of hair that you carry, how do they differ from Indian Remy?

Karen Mitchell: Well, all three grades are 100% virgin hair, meaning they haven’t been chemically processed and the cuticle is still present. Brazilian and Malaysian hair both have a lot more natural body than Indian Remy, but Malaysian hair still has more density than Brazilian hair, giving it a thicker feel. Both are in very high demand right now, because more women are starting to wear and request it, but it’s still very hard to get, especially true Brazilian or Malaysian.

Juicy: TRUE INDIAN HAIR is non-packaged, what’s your take on packaged hair vs. non packaged hair?

KW: Overall, you usually find better virgin hair when it isn’t packaged, but don’t get me wrong, you can still find very good packaged hair out there. If you buy packaged hair and want to try something new, just know that 1 bundle of non-packaged hair is about 4 oz, and most women need 8 oz of hair for a full sewn-in, so your looking at least 2 bundles to achieve a full body look.

Also, hair by the bundle is usually a bit more expensive. Our hair is generally $130 for 1 bundle, with Malaysian and Brazilian running about $20-$30 more. So with just hair alone your looking to spend between $260-$300. But it’s well worth it, because it’s reusable, and you should get 2 or 3 quality weaves out of our hair.

Juicy: You have everyone from LIL KIM to KELLY ROWLAND, and other celebrities rocking the TRUE INDIAN HAIR brand, why is TIH in such high demand?

KW: I’ve been in this game for a very long time and have made great relationships with celebrity stylists along the way who reach out to me when they need quality hair. They usually wear it themselves and want it for their celebrity clients as well, whether it’s for a photo-shoot, premiere, or whatever, it’s all about building relationships.

I am also very humble and hands on with my products. I’m my own client so I know what clients want and need when it comes to hair. I’m back there  washing bundles, going through everything that comes in, and making sure I’m only selling top quality hair.

Juicy: With natural hair becoming as I like to call it, a movement, how do you continue to cater to all hair textures?

KW:[Laughs] And a natural movement is exactly what it is! More women are starting to take care of their natural hair, but I have lots of natural clients. I carry Afro-Kinky and Kinky Curly textured lines that give them the option of adding more body and fullness to their hair, and my natural clients love it!

Juicy: You called yourself  an ‘O.G’ in the business, so you’ve seen hair fads come and go, do you foresee weaves going anywhere in the near future? 

KW: Weaves have been around forever, and will continue to be around for years to come. Everyone wears weaves and extensions because of the versatility. I guarantee weaves and extensions will at least be a hair staple for at least the next 10 to 20 years.

For more information on Karen Mitchell and TIH, visit trueindianhair.com

Chanel Robinson is both a writer and licensed cosmetologist residing in Chicago, Illinois. Her time at VIBE magazine allowed her to develop a hunger and passion for hair, beauty, and fashion. Currently a retail professional at ULTA Beauty, Robinson brings her first hand knowledge of trends and products. Follow her @Chanel_Robinson.

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