When actress Aunjanue Ellis was in town filming season one of the TV drama Quantico, she sought a local hairdresser who would be able to maintain her natural textured curls. Montreal-based stylist Stacie Merriman (pictured below) was chosen and became her on-set hair care specialist last October for the remainder of the season.

Coupled with years of experience working in salons across the city, she realized there was an outstanding need for hair services that catered specifically to people with textured hair. She said that when she was working, she noticed many clients were having problems finding the right products for their curly hair and for their children’s hair.

Deciding to fill the void, in October Merriman opened the doors to SM Hair Studio, a salon geared to people with curly hair. Some of the services provided include cuts, blow dries, hair treatments, dyeing, weaving and extensions and different styles of braiding.

Merriman also discusses with her clients the science behind different curl patterns and hair textures along with which products work the best. She says she hopes to highlight the importance of embracing your natural hair instead of having to resort to harsh chemical treatments to alter it. “I want to provide a service and an education,” Merriman says. “It’s really about loving yourself and loving how your hair grows out of your scalp.”

Along with the studio services, Merriman partners with high schools to offer free prom hair styling for graduating students as part of the “Your Time To Shine SM” initiative.

Although curly hair is her expertise, Merriman accepts clients with all hair types. The salon is located at 4935 St. Charles Blvd., in Kirkland.

For more information, call 514-757-4845 or visit staciemerrimanstudiodecoiffure.com.