Publisher's Note: The outpouring of love for our industry’s Dominique LyVar @kingdomofcurls, who passed away on September 2, 2026, is heartfelt and sincere. Our professional community has a remarkable way of showing up for one another and celebrating the true artistry, impact, relationships and humanity that connect us well beyond our work and community.

Dominique was the visionary behind the Uzuri Method, a cutting system designed to celebrate and elevate the natural beauty of curly hair. His dedication to education, creativity, and truth had made him a leader in the world of curly hair care and a teacher who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He has clearly touched so many across our industry, and the love being shown for him is a powerful reflection of the mark he has made. Here are some of the tributes that have been shared with me and with MODERN SALON.

The Man Behind the Artistry. The Man Off the Stage.

Dominique LyVar known as @KingDomofcurls in the hair industry but outside the stages and classes as a well known educator in the curl world, he was our Dom and was a true light not only because of his artistry, his craft, and his many talents, but because of the goodness in his heart.

If you knew Dominique, you were blessed. He was an amazing loyal friend, a devoted husband (his love for his Damien and his fur babies was immeasurable), a loving brother, and so much more to so many people.

I met Dominique at work more than 18 years ago; I was having a hard day and happened to be walking by him. From the very first moment, he had me laughing. That laughter never stopped. He had a gift for turning even the most ordinary workday into something memorable, often with a perfectly timed joke, an exaggerated expression, or a story that left everyone around him laughing. Through the years, through life’s joys and challenges, Dom always found a way to bring light into every room he entered.

He began as a coworker, quickly became a friend, and, before I even realized it, had become my brother. He became family.

Many people knew Dominique from behind the chair, from stages around the world, or through his incredible work in the curl community. But I had the privilege of knowing the man behind all of that the man who checked on the people he loved, who made time even when he was busy, and who asked how you were really doing because he genuinely wanted to know. He listened for the answer. That was Dom: generous with his time, his laughter, and his heart.

Many years ago, I told Dom that one day he would be famous. I told him his talent was too special for the world not to notice. He laughed, as he always did. And he did become known around the world.

I watched him grow from a stylist and teacher into someone who traveled, inspired, and changed lives. He taught thousands of people to embrace their natural beauty and believe in themselves. Through his work, he reached countless hearts and helped people see themselves differently.

But what made Dominique truly extraordinary was never just his talent. It was the way he loved people. It was the way he made people feel seen, understood, accepted, and beautiful. It was the kindness he carried, the joy he brought, and the generosity with which he gave so much of himself to others. His influence was not limited to the stages he stood on or the people he taught. It lives on in the confidence he helped build, the lives he touched, and the love he left behind.

To know Dom was to love Dom. And to love Dom is to carry him with us in the stories we tell, in the laughter that still finds us, and in every life made a little brighter because he was here. I kept my promise to you my Dom. Till we meet again ❤️

- Cara Leonforte, City Curl Studio

Dominique was an extraordinary individual who spent many years as an important part of the Devachan Salon and DevaCurl family. Those fortunate enough to know him experienced firsthand his incredible qualities not only as a great friend, but also as an inspiring mentor, teacher, and true professional.

His passing is a tremendous loss to our industry and to everyone whose life he touched. His knowledge, generosity, friendship, and passion will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

May you rest in peace, my dear friend. You will always be remembered.

- Denis DaSilva, DevaCurl

"A Cornerstone of the Texture vs Race Collaborative"

Dominique LyVar Tucker was a bright, beautiful light and a cornerstone of the Texture vs Race Collaborative.  Dom was our avatar for what it meant to move beyond texture bias with skill, humility and heart.  He could command a stage like a rock star, yet he was never too big to support the smallest need. He poured generously into his teammates, students and fellow artists.  Our TVR chain has been broken.   His deep dimpled smile, infectious laughter, and willing heart and hands will be imbedded in our memory of our brother.  

But Dom was so much more than an extraordinary artist or member of my team. He was my dear friend.  We changed each other’s lives.  We have shared countless stages but we stood beside one another in ways that extended far beyond our work. By God’s grace, our final curtain call together was the Sunday before he passed—doing LAST what we did BEST. 

Dom touched an entire industry, and everyone he encountered will carry a piece of his light forward. We surround his beloved husband, Damien Scott, and his family with our deepest love.

Forever our friend. Forever our superstar. Forever a part of us.  

Love you forever King Dom 👑

--Keya Neal, Founder, Kolour Kulture and Texture vs Race