On the chair with: Yene Damtew – Essence

Hairdresser Yene Damtew could lead on a master class in styling the locks of powerful women who meet at the intersection of beauty, popular culture, and politics. She’s worked with Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kandi Burruss, and Cynthia Bailey, to call just a few. But her most VIP client thus far is Michelle Obama.

Damtew is the architect behind a few of the former first lady’s most iconic mane moments. When Obama showed off her natural hair on the cover of ESSENCE’s December/January 2020 issue, she made sure her curls were perfectly styled. The perfect layers Obama wore during her book tour were made possible by a stylist’s delicate touch. And those voluminous curls that turned heads at Joe Biden’s inauguration? Yes, Damtew did it!

She discovered her love of hairdressing at a young age, taking up her first “clients” as a highschool student after which enrolling in Cerritos Cosmetology School at just 16. “My earliest memory is using Sun-In to lighten my hair in the summer, replicating the natural lightening effects of swimming,” Damtew tells ESSENCE. “I remember secretly spending my pocket money to buy the product at a local drugstore.”

Although Damtew dropped out of cosmetology school to pursue a profession in higher education, she graduated from cosmetology school in 2009. Shortly after, the California native moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Michelle Obama’s then-hairstylist, Johnny Wright, who introduced her to the first family.

When she’s not styling Mrs. Obama, former President Barack Obama, or celebrities, Damtew may be found behind a chair in her Aesthetic Salon in Arlington, VA. “Creating a supportive, non-toxic work environment rooted in sisterhood is key,” she says of the hair haven. “For clients, it’s about confidence and putting a pep in their step. The human interaction we offer is the best gift in a world increasingly driven by automation.”

Below, Damtew shares her favorite products, hair myths, and more.

Her favorite hairstyles:

I really like creating natural styles, especially flat twists and roller sets in the summer. They add significant volume and movement while protecting the natural curls, allowing our hair to flourish during the blow-dry season.

Her current favorite products:

Personally, I prefer it Cecred AND amika hydro rush. In the salon, Amika can also be a favourite. Their heat protector, The Shield Anti-Humidity Sprayit’s incredible for moisture control and UV protection, which is essential for my colored clients. Soulfood Nourishing Mask, Normcore Signature ShampooAND Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray are essential. Headstrong single-handedly saved my client’s hair during Joe Biden’s inauguration, keeping my client’s bouncy curls intact.

Her top tip for healthy hair:

Healthy hair starts from the inside out. What you eat can affect the health of your hair. Remember, cultivating good habits is important for healthy hair, which doesn’t necessarily mean having very long hair.

A hair myth I would like to bust:

It is a standard myth that you must have dirty hair before you dye your hair. I counsel my clients to evenly shampoo their hair before dyeing. Many leave-in conditioners can act as a barrier that forestalls the color from working. Additionally, when clients are available in for hairline dye, I remind them to watch out with their facial products. Residue from these products on the hairline can prevent the full coverage of stubborn grays.

What she learned from her clients:

Life goes on and beauticians often turn out to be one among our clients’ closest confidantes. The validation from clients of our importance is at all times shifting, especially in a society where we may feel our work will not be valued.

How it supports its clients:

I at all times remind my clients that nobody is you and that you simply should not like anyone else. Many people try to mimic what they see on the web or of their friends, family or coworkers, but accepting your unique self is actually empowering.