Hype Hair - October 2020 by Hype Hair

SULFATE FREE PARABEN FREE

STRESS FREE

Micellar Water

Shampoo & Conditioner •Breaks Breaks down and removes excessive buildup of styling products. •Gentle pH balanced formula cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping essential oils. •Creamy conditioner moisturizes hair while detangling. •Vitamins and proteins infuse hair follicles increasing and maintaining strength. 2 •Enriched with Biotin (B-7) to support

healthier hair grow th.

Book Inspires Black Kid Excellence She Grinds Pretty : Rochelle Graham-Campbell

Taraji P. Henson From Actress to Beauty Boss Love, Marriage & All Things Beauty with Destiny PaytonWilliams Majestic Beauty Teen Wig Designer Takes Hairstyling Industry By Storm Ntutu Mara Mma Self-Made: Sierra Gates Is Her Own Black Beauty Boss Movement 3

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Jessica De Vault Hale Digital Media Director & Assistant Editor Stephenetta (isis) Harmon Hair Editorial Consultant Aissatou Josette Contributors Candace Smith, Mimi Johnson Photographers Obinna Obioma, Rosella Joseph Beauty Editor and Public Relations Erica Dias, The B Firm PR Marketing and Social Media Director Mimi Johnson

ADVERTISING Publisher Adrienne Moore amoore@hypehair.com Digital Trafficking Manager Stacey Rigney Chief Financial Officer Dana Rollins Chairman/CEO John Rollins (917) 690-5974 john@magconsultingteam.com Hype LLC PO Box 194 Mendham, NJ 07945

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A New Normal Equals New Beginnings There’s no doubt that 2020 has given us a lot of challenges. Many of us are independent contractors. We’re hairstylists, barbers, makeup artists and more. And when the novel coronavirus struck, many of us found ourselves stunned by the sudden loss in business. While the nation is trying to move forward, it may be harder for beauty professionals to bounce back as easily.

Now isn’t the time to doubt yourself or your abilities. Even if your “pivot” is completely different than what you’re known for, now is the time to trust your instincts and forge ahead. Get some inspiration from Taraji by checking out our cover story with the Hollywood star, and continue to stay positive. This could just be the season you need to take you to higher heights.

But I think moments like this remind us of our need to be flexible in an ever-changing economy. Those who have kept their heads above water have shown us that offering Zoom classes or selling a product online can do wonders for your bottom line. After all, they say necessity is the mother of all invention. I’ve been impressed with the way many professionals have made the best of this tough season. I’m sure it’s been emotionally hard on many, though, but I always find it helpful to take my cues from other professionals who are pushing outside the box to create new opportunities for themselves. That’s what our cover girl Taraji P. Henson did. Even though she’s a very successful actress, she discovered a need among her friends for special, scalp-focused hair products. She could have balked at the idea of starting her own product line, but thankfully she didn’t because her products are bomb!

Jessica De Vault Hale Jessica De Vault Hale, Editor-in-Chief

Editor's Letter

BRAID

PRE-STRETCHED @UrbanBeautyHair @QueenBbraid www. JBSHair.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEAR READERS, With much of the recent activity in the world, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very easy to become anxious and fearful. Our purpose, our safety, the economy, unemployment, reduced salaries and political issues are all very real. Despite it all, as people of color, we have always been two things: faithful and resilient. Just look back on our historyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; which, for most of us, includes slavery. Generations before us had to be both faithful and resilient, or we would not be here today. Even when we may focus on the negative side of life, we know that with our innate spirit, we will continue to keep it moving, prosper and succeed. We know that God can make a way out of no way. He can lead, guide and carry us through anything. In your day-to-day life, you may be dealing with a number of complex situations. Try not to let fear and anxiety block you. No matter the situation, it can be helpful to stop, relax, breathe and connect with the presence of God within you. As a sense of calm is established, rational thinking can occur, and Divine Order can take place. You can then move forward prayerfully with a plan of

positive action that, God willing, leads to a place where you can trust Him. Then you can shine, be at peace and move forward into victory!

Peace & Blessings,

Adrienne Moore Adrienne Moore, Publisher

Publisher's Letter

othing makes us prouder than seeing our children doing well. That’s why there’s something extra special about CreativeSoul Photography’s Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty – a photography book that seeks to shatter the conventional standards of beauty for Black children. Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, the husband and wife duo behind CreativeSoul, are known for their stunning photographs of children wearing colorful regalia meant for royalty and proudly showcasing their natural hair. Images like those shown in Glory are the types of visuals that we didn’t know us – and our kids – needed until we laid eyes on them. Luckily, CreativeSoul allowed us to showcase a few of the photos from their forthcoming book that is scheduled to be released on October 20.

BOOK INSPIRES BLACK KID EXCELLENCE By Jessica De Vault Hale

Glory

We think that these stories are important to show in order to shatter the current standards of beauty.

It’s no surprise Hollywood has fallen in love with the CreativeSoul’s work. Common, Alicia Keys, Will and Jada Smith, and Tyra Banks are among the list of celebrity fans. And actress and activist Amanda Seales also authored the foreword for the book. Hype Hair chatted with CreativeSoul Photography to find out what inspired this work of art and what they hope readers will gain from viewing the book. HYPE HAIR: What inspired Creative Soul’s desire to photograph children in positions of royalty and excellence?` KAHRAN & REGIS BETHENCOURT: We feel that it is so important for kids of color to be able to see positive images that look like them in the media. Unfortunately, the lack of diversity often plays into the stereotypes that they are not “good enough” and often forces kids to have low self-esteem. We try to combat these stereotypes in our photography by showing diverse imagery of kids who love the skin they’re in, their own natural curls, and their culture. We think that these stories are important to show in order to shatter the current standards of beauty. HH: How do you choose the children and visuals for each kid? KAHRAN & REGIS: For the book, we chose kids that had an interesting story, talent or background. For each child, we created a theme or concept based on their unique story. Typically during our regular child sessions, we get inspiration from a variety of places - hairstyles, fashion, cultural trends and more. 10

Glory

We hope that kids viewing the book will be able to see themselves reflected in the stories included in the book Glory

HH: How important is the book and these images to the Black culture right now? KAHRAN & REGIS: We think that this book will be a very important contribution to Black culture because there’s a lack of positive images and stories about Black youth in the media. It’s so important for Black kids to be able to see positive examples to aspire to, and for others to be able to see the diversity and talent throughout the African diaspora. HH: We love the extravagant hairstyles of each child model. Who is the stylist behind the hair, and how does he/she draw inspiration?

Glory

KAHRAN & REGIS: We worked with a wide variety of stylists in various locations. When we work with hairstylists, we generally develop a moodboard for them to draw inspiration from and let them put their own unique spin on the hairstyles based on their talent and ideas. HH: What do you hope readers will glean from “Glory?” KAHRAN & REGIS: We hope that readers will be able to see the beauty and diversity of Black kids across the African diaspora. We hope that kids viewing the book will be able to see themselves reflected in the stories included in the book and that it inspires them to overcome any obstacles they may face.

DREAMWORLDPRODUCTS.COM

SHE GRINDS PRETTY

Rochelle GrahamCampbell

elf-made millionaire and beauty pioneer Rochelle Graham-Campbell is a force to be reckoned with! Not only is she the founder and CEO of Alikay Naturals, but she’s a wife, mom, author and educator, too. Grind Pretty sat down with Rochelle and got the scoop on her beauty faves, go-to hairstyles, and advice for budding entrepreneurs.

She Grinds Pretty is a collaboration between Grind Pretty and Hype Hair, offering interviews with influential women, beauty bosses, and up-andcoming brands. To learn more about Grind Pretty, visit www.grindpretty.com

Grind Pretty: What are your five beauty item must-haves? 1. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner: I use it every day no matter what type of hairstyle I’m using especially because the smell is overwhelmingly enjoyable. 2.

Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil: This works to keep my scalp healthy, and the growth results are proven.

Amazing Black Soap Bar: this soap works for both face and body as daily use, especially for someone like me who suffers from hyperpigmentation and scars because THIS will literally wash it away.

Fenty Lip Gloss (Shade: Fenty Glow): I own six of these. One for my car, one for my office, one for my studio, one in my purse, and two at home, in case my 2-year-old daughter tries to steal one.

Lauren Napier Wipes: Hands down the best makeup remover wipes that have ever existed. One wipe will remove everything, and I love that they come in individual packets perfect for traveling.

Grind Pretty: What’s your favorite go-to hair style? ROCHELLE: Twist outs are my go-to hairstyle. I love the definition and texture that I can get from my twist out using the LOC method. For my hair type, that includes the Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner, Lemongrass Sleek and Shine Finishing Oil, and the Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer. The versatility of this style is amazing because if I wanted a fluffier look, I would do my twists in bigger parts. And if I were looking for a more defined look, I would make my twists in smaller parts. Using the LOC method helps my hair stay moisturized all week long. This style is also very transitional because you can go from a super defined fro to a stylish updo. Grind Pretty: What’s your mantra or quote that you live by? ROCHELLE: “My purpose in life is to UPLIFT, INSPIRE, and EDUCATE.” Grind Pretty: What advice do you have to offer aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create their own product line? ROCHELLE: Start with something you’re passionate about. It all starts with what you actually love doing, what you’re good at and realizing that you won’t be able to service everyone. Sometimes when people hear the word ‘niche,’ they think that it’s a bad thing, but having a niche can really help you grow, especially if you’re in a space that a lot of people are not catering to. Start with what you're passionate about. When you’re growing a brand or building a business you will find times where you are not always profitable especially in the beginning. So, when you genuinely love and enjoy what you do, it makes it easier to push through.

Grind Pretty

Check out Rochelle and Alikay Naturals in the latest Grind Pretty Box and more at grindpretty.com

T a r a j i P. H e n s o n By Jessica De Vault Hale

Taraji P. Henson

It’s funny how life works out. When actress Taraji P. Henson was first faced with the decision of whether to pursue acting or her second passion: hair, she had no idea that she’d be able to journey down both paths. The actress got her first big break nearly 20 years ago in the now-classic Baby Boy which led to a slew of roles. She also served up hair inspiration for Black girls everywhere. She's covered Hype Hair a number of times over the years, including her cover debut in 2005 that promoted her work in Hustle & Flow. But these days, she is a household name. And, her glow-up has been amazing. We’ve seen her give award-winning performances in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hidden Figures and entertain us with her rendition as Cookie Lyons on FOX’s Empire. While her acting career soared, her ever-changing looks damaged her tresses. But, her love of hair never dissipated. Starting over with her natural tresses was actually the key to her foray into her latest business venture. So, just when we thought she couldn’t excel any higher, she surprised us all with the launch of TPH by Taraji Haircare earlier this year. Taraji shared her journey towards loving her own hair, launching her brand and offered a few tips on how to keep your hair and skin looking their best. HYPE HAIR: Hype Hair was your first magazine cover years ago. How does it feel to grace the cover of our magazine again after all of these years? TARAJI P. HENSON: It feels amazing being on the cover of Hype Hair. I mean, this was my first cover, the first cover that I ever done, so I owe you a thank you, Hype Hair. But also, I’m back this time, and I get to talk about hair in a real professional way because I have my own hairline. So, that’s what makes gracing the cover so special this time. HH: We’ve often heard you say hair was your second passion. How did you end up choosing? TARAJI: I missed cosmetology school by one year because I didn’t get accepted to the school of fine arts. And I knew my next passion was hair and nails and all things beauty. But I missed cosmetology school by one year, and I think that was God. So here I am, life, full circle, with my TPH by Taraji Hair Care line. I love it. HH: And now, you’ve blown the hair industry away with your scalp-first approach to hair care with TPH By Taraji. What’s next for the brand? TARAJI: We’re just going to continue to grow and educate people and our customers about scalp care and hair care. The brand is definitely going to grow. I’m looking to look into head-to-toe-care— body care, haircare, skincare, nails. I’m really looking to be the “Fenty” of haircare. 16

Taraji P. Henson

HH: What is your favorite product from your brand? TARAJI: My favorite product from the brand would be the entire scalp care line: the Master Cleanse, the Never Salty and the Ultra Chill. And the reason why I say that is because it cleanses your scalp; it’s an exfoliation for your scalp. And because I grew up going down to the country because of my grandmother— we used to scratch dandruff—so I grew up knowing that it was important to exfoliate the scalp. We just did it the old-fashioned way. But we’ve evolved [laughs], and that’s why we have the Never Salty Scalp Scrub.

Taraji P. Henson

TARAJI

HH: What hair and beauty trends are you obsessed with right now? TARAJI: Right now, I guess I’d have to say that I am obsessed with the Passion Twists. I learned how to do my own Passion Twists during the quarantine, and I just love them. I love my hair color, and I love that I have red Passion Twists. I just think that it’s hot, hot, hot, hot! HH: What are your ‘holy grail’ beauty products? TARAJI: I would have to say my moisturizing cream that I’ve been using for over 20 years, Paul Scerri PH Balancing Cream. I have to have my Vitamin C Serum by Skinceuticals for my face [and] my beautyblender (BOUNCE™ Airbrush Liquid Whip) concealer, my Lip Bar Brown Bombshell eyeshadow palette, and also my Lip Bar Stuntin’ Minute Finish face palette. I also have to have my Honey Pot pH Balancing Feminine Wash for my “cooter” [laughs]. And I always have to carry my Carmex Lip Therapy. And I can’t leave home without my Ardell Wispies—those are my lashes. And I found a really great glue that I absolutely have to have. It’s by Daniela Belle Lash Adhesive. HH: You recently celebrated your 50th birthday and looked fantastic on your vacay! Are there any hair and beauty tips you swear by to keep yourself looking so good? TARAJI: I guess my beauty secrets to staying healthy and young are to pay attention to what 18

Taraji P. Henson

you’re feeding your body. Exercise, take care of your mental health, learn how to say “No” and take time for yourself. I drink lots of water— learned that tidbit from Gabrielle Union. She’s the gallon-a-day water girl, and she turned me onto that, and it does wonders for your skin. And learn to laugh. Learn to laugh at yourself. HH: You seem so confident about your natural tresses on social media. How would you describe your relationship with your hair over the years? TARAJI: I had fallen in love with my natural hair over the years, and it started with the big chop because, for the first time in my life, my hair was all the same curl pattern. It wasn’t stressed out from heat, from blow-drying, from pressing. I was natural for years. I went natural after Baby Boy. I had to relax my hair for 26 years. Then when I got out to LA and I did Baby Boy, the hairstylist at the movie encouraged me to grow my relaxer out, and so I did. But for years, there was such a stigma around Black women’s natural hair. We had to be straightened. We had to look as European as possible with our hair. I had to do that if I wanted to work. So I pressed my hair. And I was tired of my hair being stressed out like that. So I did the big chop once they perfected the lace front wigs. I didn’t have to do weave installs and leave some of my hair out—you know I had damage from that. When I did the big chop, all of my hair

grew back healthy. I had all of my edges, all of the back, and nothing was stressed. And I learned to love it at every length. And then I fell in love with red. That was sort of an accident, but now I’m in love with it. I love that my hair is natural because now I get to play with color, and I love color. HH: You’re always donning a stunning hairstyle. Has there ever been a look you’ve tried that in hindsight you wouldn’t do again? TARAJI: I ended up with a mullet one time . . .I was doing two movies, so I got stuck in a mullet. The mullet was in Date Night, and there was this other independent film I did called Peep World. I got stuck in that weave for both of those projects, and I rocked it, and I just went with it. But I won’t do it again unless it’s for another role. HH: How do you maintain your natural hair while you’re working? TARAJI: I wear lace front wigs when I’m working, and I keep my hair braided down underneath the wig. So it’s literally in a protective hair care style. It’s cornrowed down to my scalp, sort of like a wig cap style, so the lace fronts can lay very naturally and lay flat to my hair. I love it when I’m working because my hair is always tucked away under a lace front.

HH: What’s next for Taraji? TARAJI: More directing, more producing. It’s very interesting discovering some new, young talent. I’m just ready to pass the torch, like [the late] John Singleton did to me. [He] discovered me and cast me in Baby Boy because he was looking for new talent. It’s time for a new wave of new talent. And there are two television situations that I’m working on. Of course, you’ve already heard about the “Cookie” spinoff and there’s another project that hasn’t been announced yet. And more for me in the beauty world with hair, because I’m into it, I’m so into hair. I love hair. I missed cosmetology school by one year because I didn’t get accepted to the school of fine arts. And I knew my next passion was hair and nails and all things beauty. But I missed cosmetology school by one year, and I think that was God. So here I am, life, full circle, with my TPH by Taraji Hair Care line. I love it. Thank you, Hype Hair. I love you! This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Taraji P. Henson

Love, Marriage

& All Things Beauty with

Destiny Payton-Williams

By Erica Dias

estiny Payton-Williams is most definitely more than what people see every Saturday night on OWN’s hit television show, Love & Marriage Huntsville. She’s a wife, mother, sister, friend, serial entrepreneur and the owner of the first Black-owned beauty supply store and suites in Huntsville, Alabama. Creating her own path, Destiny is a true force to be reckoned with. Check out our exclusive interview below. What are your four favorite must-have beauty supply products? 1. MaDonni products are my fav, as I only brand what I love. 2.

MaDonni virgin hair is an absolute must-have when I get enhancements/extensions

3. MaDonni magnetic lashes or our Mink lashes are my go-to 4. MaDonni hair care products are currently being created, and I love Mane Choice products. Your skin is so beautiful. What is your skin care routine? NEVER sleep in your makeup. I have a nightly routine that I live by. I love the new Fenty Facial products. Prior to that, Tatcha products were the best. Also, Seamoss masks are amazing. (I) exfoliate, and I make sure to keep my skin makeup-free when I’m not working. What challenges did you face while opening up Madonni Beauty Supply? How have you pivoted during these challenging times? I worked my corporate job while also developing and working on the MaDonni brand. As a leader with so many quotas to hit, it was hard to balance deadlines for both. Yet, I just kept on checking off my “to do list” until everything was completed. I live by the motto, “find a way or make one.” And by the grace of God, I did. What have been your favorite hairstyles to rock during quarantine? I was rocking the wash & go for most of the quarantine. Now that I’ve had my son, I went to the ever convenient box braids. But I have my trusty MaDonni wig closet when I’m ready for a new look. What’s next for Destiny and Madonni Beauty Supply? Completing my MaDonni branded product line, which will include hair care, makeup, and a fragrance.

Love, Marriage & All Things Beauty

hanks to our melanin, our skin can pop against a variety of bright, bold colors. But there's nothing wrong with going back to the basics with a shade of white. With the right accessories and makeup, you can elevate this dull hue to something regal. Get inspired and tap into your inner queen with these hair and beauty looks.

Majestic Beauty

Majestic

Beauty

Majestic Beauty

TEEN WIG DESIGNER TAKES HAIRSTYLING INDUSTRY BY STORM BY KAREN LEE HARRIS

ou’re never too young to discover your career aspirations in life, and 17-year-old Trenton Lee is already living out some of his biggest dreams. The wig styling extraordinaire has created custom designs for some of the entertainment industry’s top celebrities, including Tichina Arnold, Blac Chynna, and Cardi B. He is also the CEO of a wig designing company called Luxe By Trenton. As his star continues to rise, Trenton hopes to use his gifts to give back to the community and inspire other young people to follow their hearts and dreams. Trenton’s start in the hairstyling industry is an inspiring coming of age story. As a young boy growing up in Kansas City, his peers relentlessly bullied him because of his interest in hair. Instead of going outside to play sports with the neighborhood kids, Trenton enjoyed staying in and creating hairstyles. Trenton eventually reached a low point in his life when the bullying became unbearable, but a chance meeting with comedian Cedric the Entertainer quickly helped to give Trenton hope and a new perspective on life. With Cedric’s help, Trenton landed an appearance on The Steve Harvey Show, where he received a $20,000

Teen Wig Designer

scholarship from Sally Beauty and an opportunity to be mentored by the legendary celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson at his Los Angeles hair salon. From that point on, the love kept pouring in, and Trenton continued to be embraced by his heroes in the hairstyling industry. He got an invitation to the Bronner Brothers hair show, where he and his mother took to the stage to share his incredible story. He also landed a guest spot at the BeautyCon convention, where he showcased his wigmaking skills and got an opportunity to create a custom design for Cardi B.

Now that his clientele is building and his business is flourishing, Trenton does not only wish to bask in the glow of his success in the competitive hairstyling industry. He also seeks to give back by helping to foster change for other bullied kids and by partnering with charities to help create wigs for those suffering from hair loss. “I enjoy creating crowns of confidence for people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. I also have a strong passion for helping those who have suffered hair loss from cancer and/ or other hair elements. With every unit that I do, I want to become better and better. I

One of the things that I felt was so needed is to be able to touch these families somehow, to be able to take them away from the stress and the pain that they may be in

want to make more people smile and build more crowns of confidence,” Trenton says. Hype Hair had the pleasure of interviewing this young king, and here is what he has to share about his life, career and future goals! HYPE HAIR: When did you first realize that you had a love for styling hair? TRENTON: My story is deeply rooted in my childhood. At the gentle age of two, I would swing around objects creating the image of what has now come to be the fruition of hair. It wasn’t until I reached the age of 15 that I was able to save up enough money to purchase my first wig. It was one of the most exciting times of my life! HH: What inspires your work? TRENTON: Beauty and acceptance! It’s that simple. Every time I start a new project or unit, I envision a person. Your hair tells a story! HH: What are some of the most rewarding experiences that you have had in your career? TRENTON: The most rewarding experiences I have had are when my work is acknowledged. Not acknowledged just for the fact of being popular or being the best, but being acknowledged as a person who truly puts all of their passion behind their work. I’ve had the honor to work with amazing people within the industry that have shared with me some of their personal wisdom. I’ve taken and incorporated a lot of these things in my day-to-day life. To me, that’s been rewarding!

HH: What is it like working with Tichina Arnold, and how did it feel to create a design for Cardi B. when you were first starting out? TRENTON: I’ll never forget. It was at BeautyCon, and I always thought it would be so amazing to meet Cardi B. I remember going to my vision board and saying that I would love to be able to create a unit for her. So I did. I spent 68 hours creating a look for her that I felt she would’ve loved. It was such an honor to be able to hand-deliver her this unit! Tichina Arnold is such an amazing person. She was one of many that sat me down and shared with me some wonderful life lessons. She also reminded me to quit giving away so much and that I was worth more than that! HH: Who is your current dream person to work with? TRENTON: There are so many, but Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, just to name a few. HH: How do you navigate being so young in an adult-driven profession, and how do you balance your career with school responsibilities? TRENTON: Let me tell you, it has not been easy. I have learned a lot of heart-wrenching lessons. One thing that seems to blow my mind all the time is jealousy. I guess I didn’t realize that it was such a cut-throat industry, but I have been very thankful to have a mother who has talked me through all the lows and usually calls out the craziness before it even happens! I am currently home-schooled, and this is my senior year. School is very important to me, and it is my top priority and responsibility. I do have to say that when it comes to my entrepreneur classes, it’s kind of neat being able to have an actual business already in place! HH: Tell us about your experience with bullying and how you hope to be an advocate for change in that area?

TRENTON: I was severely bullied from kindergarten through the 7th grade for being different. I was different because I didn’t go outside and play sports, but I would stay inside brushing hair and getting the girls’ hair together inside. From there, things just got worse and worse. I really hope to inspire kids that if they love something and have a passion for it to not care about what the haters say and continue to do what you love and what makes you happy. HH: What advice do you have for other teens that have a love for hairstyling and aspire to a career in this industry? TRENTON: Don’t rush the process! Really focus on your craft and perfect it. Don’t give up! It takes time, and your time will come! Stay inspired. HH: What projects are you currently working on now? TRENTON: I have several different projects that I’m working on. One of my most exciting ones is that I’m partnering with a local charity called Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, Missouri. This facility houses families whose children are experiencing cancer. One of the things that I felt was so needed is to be able to touch these families somehow, to be able to take them away from the stress and the pain that they may be in. So why not get your hair done, throw on a wig, and maybe even try a new color! We are currently trying to execute this, but due to financial restraints from the unforeseen COVID-19 crisis, funding became an issue. We decided to put together a GoFundMe to help assist in making this vision a possibility. Below is the link. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help out! https://www.gofundme.com/f/custom-wigsfor-cancer-patience-of-rmhc Is there anything else that you wish to share with Hype Hair readers? TRENTON: It’s been a difficult time for all of us. Stay strong, keep pushing, and you will be okay! I’m rooting for you, and we will all get through this time! Wear your masks! Follow Trenton on social media @ Trentonsluxecouture, and check out some of his beautiful wig styles at www.luxebytrenton.com!

Teen Wig Designer

Ntutu beautiful

Mara hair

Mma CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY - Obinna Obioma @mrobinnaobioma HAIR STYLIST - Abiodun Adegawa @finessedbyabbey SET DESIGN and COSTUME - Andriea Matay @Setdesigns_bymissmatay. MUA 1 -Jacqueline Norberto @jaxx_mua MUA 2 - Liron Zerach @kiss_ofbeauty CREATIVE DIRECTION - Obinna Obioma @mrobinnaobioma MUSES - Chelsea Isuma @nyc_chels - Shanya Huggins @simplicity.isbeauty_ - Iman Artwell-Freeman@imanfree - Tashleen Price @tashleen.p - Dontaya Bobb @dontayabobb

Ntutu Mara Mma

Hair has been at the center stage for defining and identifying culture and heritage. Over the course of history, humans have had (and still have) a fixation on these tough proteins called keratin that sprouts out of our bodies, most noticeably, our scalps. The African continent and Her people have not been left out of this adulation as it has been used not only to enhance the beautification of the wearer but also to share a deeper meaning.

Ntutu Mara Mma

In early African civilizations, hairstyles could indicate a person's family background, tribe and social status; a person's identity could be learned by looking at the hair. It was also used to mark significant activities and events such as war, death or connecting with deities. For instance, in modern Senegal and the Gambia, when men from the Wolof tribe went to war, they wore a braided style, while a woman in mourning would either not "do" her hair or adopt a subdued style.

Ntutu Mara Mma

What's more, many believed that hair, given its close location to the skies, was the conduit for spiritual interaction with the gods: perhaps why it was regarded as kinky hair and known to defy gravity. Ntutu Mara Mma (Beautiful Hair) as a collaborative project with Andriea Matay and Abiodun Adegawa, investigates the change in trends of African hairstyles with emphasis on West Africa as it seeks to draw attention to various symbolic references African Hairstyles have taken up, from its African Origins to Slavery and Emancipation, the Civil Rights Era and finally how it is viewed and interpreted in contemporary culture.

Ntutu Mara Mma

SIERRA GATES IS HER OWN BLACK BEAUTY BOSS MOVEMENT BY STEPHENETTA (ISIS) HARMON

ove & Hip Hop Atlanta star Sierra Gates is the definition of beauty boss moves. She has gone from having her car repossessed in front of her salon to owning a milliondollar beauty empire. She not only owns The Glam Shop, a full-service beauty salon in Atlanta—she also owns the building it is housed in. Sierra’s beat-the-odds success is not lost on her, either. That’s why she has made it her mission to show other young women how to build their own empires—even during a pandemic. With 13 years in the game, she teaches budding beauty bosses money-making techniques with her microblading and scalp hyperpigmentation courses. She’s helped hundreds more open up e-commerce shops stocked with items from her own vendor lists. And, she’s penned an e-book, aptly titled Make A Million, Maintain A Million, with more tips and tricks. Here, the beauty mogul talks about her passion for building up Black women and the key to lasting success.

Sierra Gates

HYPE HAIR: Congratulations on your success! Your “Microblading The Sierra Way” classes are making waves in the industry. How did you get into it? SIERRA GATES: Thank you! I started out as a makeup artist. I did Toya [Johnson], Reginae [Carter], Deelishis. They loved my makeup, but they were always in love with my brows. So, when this new wave [microblading] came back out, I said, “let me try it out.” I mastered it and have been doing it ever since. That was in 2016.

HH: It’s been pretty lucrative, too! SIERRA: [Laughs] Microblading got me to my building where I am at now—I bought the building about two years ago. Now I show girls they can do it, too. HH: What should beauty hopefuls know before taking your class? SIERRA: Microblading is like a mini surgery. You’ve got to make sure you really love it because you’ve got to be patient with your clients. It’s not like a rush thing. HH: That’s right; it’s pretty permanent. SIERRA: Once you get it, it’s on there. You can’t take it off! It’s literally going to be on for a year-and-a-half. HH: How has it been touring with your classes during the pandemic? SIERRA: I make sure we wear our masks, and our students sit six feet apart from each other. We stay safe, but I still want to give them this six-figure technique because when this whole thing lifts, they can take off running. HH: You have been very vocal about building up Black women. Why is that so important to you? SIERRA: It is my honor. I was a teen mom and told by numerous people I was going to be a statistic. I know that other little girls are put in that same predicament, and they are told that they can’t be great in life. So, it’s like I have a point to prove to make other girls—other Black girls—successful. I market to Black girls, my clients are Black, and my consumers are Black. It’s just been like that since day one. I need them to know if God did it for me; He can do it for y’all. HH: Speaking of all-Black everything, you’ve also been celebrating other Black-owned brands since day one. Can you share three you are rocking right now? SIERRA: I love Shimmer Elite Extensions by Bambi, The Crayon Case by Supa Cent, and Milano Di Rouge. HH: Reflecting on your own growth, what is one thing you wish you knew before getting started? SIERRA: Family and friends are not going to be your biggest supporters. It’s always going to be the people you don’t know. It was always God sending somebody who I knew nothing about that knew hardly anything about me who pushed me into my next season. HH: What advice do you have for the women you’re pushing into their next season? SIERRA: Stay consistent in everything that you do. Even with this whole buy Black movement, we are going to have our ups and downs. When I didn’t know how I was going to feed my daughter if I didn’t stay consistent, then I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Sierra Gates