Meet La’Shala Irby of Los Angeles (Dtla)

Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Shala Irby.

Hi La’Shala, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started braiding hair in the fourth grade. I would braid my friends’ hair at school—during class and even at recess. I got in trouble so many times for it, but I just couldn’t stop. It was something I naturally loved.

As I got older, in middle school and high school, I started getting into weaves—sew-ins and quick weaves. That’s when I realized this was more than just something fun… it was something I was actually talented at.

After high school, I initially went to school to become a medical assistant. But during my last week, I made a life-changing decision—I dropped out and enrolled in hair school instead. I followed my passion, graduated, and took things to the next level by going to Atlanta to learn from Arrogant Tae.

That experience changed everything for me. I ended up relocating to Atlanta just to work with him. I spent a year there, growing, learning, and perfecting my craft—especially lace wigs.

After that, I moved back home to Peoria, Illinois, where I became one of the first, if not the first, hairstylists in the city specializing in wigs. My clientele grew quickly, and my skills continued to elevate.

In November 2022, I made another bold move and relocated to California—and that’s when I stepped into my next chapter as a celebrity hairstylist.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasn’t smooth. In the beginning, it was honestly one of the hardest transitions of my life. I went from having 5–6 clients a day to having none. I remember thinking I made the worst decision moving to California.

I had to humble myself and start over. I worked in one of the roughest salons just trying to stay afloat. After that, I moved on to another salon, but I was barely getting paid. It was frustrating, and there were moments where I questioned everything.

But I didn’t quit. I stayed consistent, kept pushing, and kept believing in my talent even when things weren’t going my way. Eventually, someone referred me to a producer, and that opportunity introduced me to working on film sets.

From there, everything started to shift. That moment really changed the direction of my career, and I began building my name in a completely different space.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a hairstylist and I with braids, weaves and I’m know for wigs

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support me by booking my services, sharing my work, and simply spreading the word. Every repost, referral, and recommendation really goes a long way in growing my brand.

For collaborations, I’m always open to working with creatives, brands, and production teams—whether it’s for photoshoots, film, fashion, or special events. I love bringing visions to life and creating looks that stand out.

The best way to connect with me is through my Instagram or direct contact. I’m always open to new opportunities and building genuine relationships within the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://houseofhalobeauty.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: Shalabalastyles
• Facebook: Shala Bala

Image Credits
Kandi, claressa shields, Kayla Nicole, Maxie, Sky, Disney Characters, Keyshia Cole