Devante Turnbull on Styling SZA, Navigating the Industry and Embracing His Journey

Devante Turnbull’s journey into the world of hairstyling was unexpected yet destined. As a child, he became the "shop baby" after his twin brother, Dayvon, was badly burned by a careless babysitter. After the incident, his mother refused to let anyone else watch her children, and Turnbull spent much of his early life quietly observing in a hair salon. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, these early experiences would become the foundation of a successful career.

Fast forward to high school, where a simple challenge on a bus ride led to his first attempt at hairstyling, and to everyone's surprise, it turned out great. Although he was pursuing a career as a professional dancer, it was hair that continuously opened doors for him. In fact, he’s met all the choreographers he aspired to work with through his styling work. Today, Turnbull is a sought-after stylist, collaborating with top talent in the entertainment industry, including Grammy-award-winning singer SZA, all while blending his love of entertainment and creativity into his work. Check out BLEU’s exclusive conversation with the talented entrepreneur below.

BLEU: I have a friend who owns a salon, and she often talks to me about all the aspects that go into promoting it—especially in this digital age. I’m curious: how much does brand building play into your role as a stylist?

Devante Turnbull: I would say a large part of it. I mean, it depends on your goal, but even if you have a salon, you still need to market to get clients. In this age, where everything is on social media, you have to create an algorithm for yourself. You have to figure out your clients and bring them into your space. Is it going to be a luxury experience or a good conversation? You have to create the environment. People don’t like to go in blind anymore, and shaping your brand allows you to set expectations.

BLEU: Well, yours must be high! You’ve worked with so many of our favorites. Was there a client or experience that made you realize you were leveling up? Talk to me about your “I made it moment.”

Devante Turnbull: Sure. So, I was working at a wig shop that sold and styled them. Since it was a well-known shop, a lot of celebs and influencers would come in. And, of course, the stylists with the most seniority would get the biggest clients behind the scenes. Anyway, around the second year, I was just starting to work with higher-level clients, but it would be so quick that the experience wasn’t impactful.

Still, I was scared to leave that shop because I was so comfortable, and it was the first time I was making a lot of money in the field. But God did his thing and made it so I couldn’t work there and had to literally bet on myself.

Anyway, time passes and my good friend Marcus, who’s close with @jstayready_ (Doja Cat’s hairstylist), and I connected over lunch. Unbeknownst to Jay, he was already following both of my Instagram accounts — my personal and hair pages before officially meeting each other in-person. Jay admired and was familiar with my work before matching a face to both of my IG handles; He ended up asking me if I wanted to assist him!

From there, I eventually started to post those cool experiences, share more, and my brand just continued to grow. I just always prayed for good experiences, good energy and that God would just lead me.

Later, I worked with Muni Long, but before her second single, she ended the relationship. I don’t know why, but it taught me how the industry is. It could’ve been management or her—it’s just how it is. But it shook me; I had to decide if I still wanted to do this. When I decided I was really into this, I found models to create my own content. Next thing you know, I get a DM from SZA.

BLEU: Okay, so tell me what it is like working with SZA because I’m a fan, and I have to know.

Devante Turnbull: In the beginning, it was weird. Around COVID, she DM’d me about a shoot I did and asked if I could make a wig for her. At the time, everybody’s page was getting hacked, so I was worried it wasn’t real. I tried to finesse installing it, but there was a lot going on, so I had to send it through the mail.

Anyway, two months passed, and then she randomly asked if I could do her hair for a performance. I was so nervous, but when I got there, she was super cool and kind. I’ve been doing her hair ever since. Styling her is literally everything I said I wanted. It’s being able to do what I want to do in such a calm environment. Even when there’s an obstacle, her personality helps me get through it. And being around Jay, who styles Doja Cat, really helped because I just applied all that I knew.

BLEU: I love that you trusted your path even when things got difficult. You are who you wanted to be. Speaking of, what’s a style trend that you’ve had your eye on? It can be popular or under the radar—but give us the tea; what look should we be embracing?

Devante Turnbull: Okay, so this style isn’t new, but it’s coming back: curtain bangs. A lot of people like the big, full hair with the “undone” look. For example, every time Kash Doll posts her hair, people love it. It’s trendy but timeless. It’s like a safe space to be beautiful and girly yet still a moment.

BLEU: Finally, if you could give a piece of advice to someone who desires to be in your position, what would you say?

Devante Turnbull: First, you have to put 100% in to get 100%. I’m talented, but I realized earlier I had to give my all—like initially, I wanted to dance and do hair, but I had to focus. Second, enjoy the journey because each moment is a part of it.