Khalilah O'La is a native of Fairfield, Alabama. She comes from a long line of hairstylists and cosmetologists. Her interest in hair and color began in childhood, after spending years watching her grandmother, great aunt and a host of cousins work to make their clients look their best.

 

Khalilah began to put her love for hair and beauty into practice while attending Fairfield High School. She overcame the obstacles of becoming a teenage single mom to graduate with special honors. Khalilah went on to further her education at Alabama State University and Virginia College. Her hard work and dedication earned her Associate of Science degree in Business Administration in 2002. But it wasn’t enough, that’s when she chose to make her curiosity for cosmetology into a career. In 2003, Khalilah returned to the classroom at the Southeastern School of Cosmetology to earn her chance to stand behind the chair. Her efforts paid off in 2007 after she earned her first salon job.

 

After spending months as a junior stylist/shampoo tech, she received her first professional chair. Khalilah’s vision to elevate her career not only propelled her to learn more about colors and cuts, but to also put her business acumen in action. In 2012, she made the leap to become the co-owner of a salon in East Birmingham. Currently, Khalilah is dedicated to spreading her knowledge and passion for hair as a private hair instructor and also through her beauty product line, ​LayAid. 

 

From juggling jobs outside the cosmetology industry to fund her dream to dealing with personal loss, Khalilah has pushed through whatever life through her way. Her three adult children motivated her to show them anything is possible with focus and determination. Now, she wants to help every ​Color Wasted ​reader to take their hair coloring skills to the next level. 

​