Celebrity Coverage

In the chair with: Lacy Redway

Published

6 months ago

March 21, 2024

IAM

Courtesy of Lacy Redway

As the creator of lots of fashion week’s best hairstyles, hairstylist Lacy Redway has built her profession from the ground up. Her multi-textured approach to hair care has landed her on the lists of celebrities including Alicia Keys and Serena Williams. Plus, she’s done hair for almost every magazine you’ll be able to consider.

Before all this success, the Jamaican-born stylist was her first client. “My mother asked a family friend to relax my hair because it would make it easier for us to style,” but the kitchen table treatment led to destruction when her hair began to fall out. “I had to learn how to style it quickly,” she says. “I continued practicing on myself and then on my doll’s hair.” Then, at the age of 11, she began taking up real clients.

From Allen Iverson braids to creative hairstyles (think: Moesha), Redway began charging $5 to $10 throughout middle and highschool, unknowingly launching her profession. When she was in college, she remembers: “the last woman I worked for in the salon did photo shoots, and that’s how I came up with the idea of doing hair on set,” she says. She then began constructing her portfolio, which resulted in her assistants performing with such hairstyle masters Guido Palau, Eugene Souleimanand other industry-leading names.

Back then, the ability to create textured hair behind the scenes was a bonus in New York. “I was a monopoly because there weren’t many stylists behind the scenes who could specialize,” she says. But she didn’t know she had “made it” until she began working on the album cover along with her first big star, Jill Scott. “It was a really proud moment for me to not only get the opportunity and impress her in that way, but also create something like that [sculptural] hairpiece.” Since then, her repute amongst clients starting from Tracee Ellis Ross to Tessa Thompson has called her a “stylist to the stars.”

Her current favorite products

“Scalp care is de facto necessary. I actually have used many Shea Moisture products designed for textured hair. I exploit them Scalp moisture a line that actually moisturizes the hair. I like it too Coconut and hibiscus line [for] edge control during awards season and fashion week.

Her favorite styles to make

“I love really classic, romantic finishes that I do during awards season. I think hairstyles from the 1920s and 1960s are shapes that I really enjoy recreating. I also love creating styles that you don’t traditionally see in spaces like this.”

Her top hair health tip

“Scalp care is really important, especially because a lot of us with textured hair use a cocktail of products, so we prep a lot of different things. I think that if you want to properly moisturize your hair, you should use clarifying shampoos that will remove the accumulated product from your hair. I also believe that protecting your hair at night – whether it’s a silk scarf, a bonnet or a silk pillowcase – is key to not stripping your hair of its natural oils and causing it to dry out further.”

A hair myth I need to debunk

“Once upon a time, Black women and Black people thought that we must always not wash our hair in any respect, but only wash together. I feel this is unquestionably a myth that we must always debunk. If your pores are clogged with product build-up because you have not shampooed, you will not get the hair growth you wish.

There can be a myth that braiding and weaving, when you do it, will break your hair. I consider that anything done incorrectly can damage your hair. It’s only a matter of learning how you can care properly.”

What she learned from her clients

“I have been truly blessed in my career. They taught me how to also be a better businesswoman, be strong in what I believe in, and not conform to things I don’t believe in. I saw how hard they worked. I just watch them do their thing [dreams] it inspired me.”

How he lifts the spirits of his clients

“It’s different for everybody, but I feel it’s just my spirit and my smile that actually lifts them up. I attempt to think positively and I’m funny. Many people do not know this about me. I feel by just telling them, beyond saying, “Girl, protect your hair at night,” I tell them how amazing they’re and remind them of that. Being in the public eye will be difficult at times because there are so many various opinions about who people think you might be. I just try to maintain them positive, uplift them and just tell them how amazing they’re.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls – Essence

Published

3 days ago

September 20, 2024

IAM

Neil Mockford/GC Images

BobsLobs and pixie cuts, like Rihanna’s iconic short black bob, have been among the most beloved hair trends this summer. While these big cuts have been flooding our feeds all season long, this week the Fenty Hair founder introduced mid-length curls just days before fall.

A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Rihanna attends the Fenty Hair launch exclusively at Selfridges on September 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Selfridges and Fenty Hair)

Rihanna didn’t take the front row at London Fashion Week to have a good time the opening of Fenty Hair’s recent home in Selfridges. Her loose waves were parted to the perimeters, with the left half tucked behind her ear, revealing a chandelier-shaped earring. On the opposite side, the waves sat above her breasts — accentuated by custom Jacquemus robe— and rocked manicure butter.

To achieve this look, Fenty Hair Global Hair Stylist Ursula Stephen she washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner before preparing 5 in 1 heat protection type. She then curled the sections with a medium-diameter iron, pinning each section because the curls cooled. After resting, Stephen combed the curls and backcombed the roots for added volume, securing his curls with edge control.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Rihanna attends the Fenty Hair launch at Selfridges on September 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)

The tycoon matched her hair together with her cherry-coloured makeup, which was highlighted Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Lipstick in “Blaz’d Donut” and Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in “True Neutrals”—turning this look into Rihanna’s first fall trend.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

Best New Music of the Week: GloRilla, Monaleo, Shenseea & More – Essence

Published

3 days ago

September 20, 2024

IAM

Best New Music This Week: GloRilla, Monaleo, Shenseea and More

Happy Friday, folks. As summer officially involves an end, let’s enjoy its final days with some great music from some of the most talented artists in entertainment.

Today, GloRilla drops “Hollon,” the first single from her highly anticipated debut album. Monaleo and Kaliii team up on recent track “Flush Em,” iconic MC Lyte returns after a decade along with his 1 Of 1 album, and TDE’s ScHoolboy Q drops the video for “THANK GOD 4 ME” with . Our roundup also includes music from Lecrae, Future, Rich Homie Quan, and more.

Check out today’s list of recent releases below.

GloRilla – “Hollon”

Her recent single is the first track from GloRilla’s highly anticipated debut album Excellentwhich she announced today. Listen to this HERE.

Kaliii – “Hot Maybach Girl”

The multi-talented Kaliii drops “Hot Girl Maybach” today. Listen to the recent album HERE.

Lecrae – “Die to Party”

Lecrae Drops His Response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Let The Party Die” Listen to the Song HERE.

Monaleo ft. Kaliii – “Flush Em”

Monaleo Drops New Song “Flush Em” Featuring Kaliia, From Her New Project Throwing bowswhich will likely be released next week. Check it out HERE.

TisaKorean – “beat that boy up”

Backed by powerful 808s and sharp lyrics “Beat that boy” comes on the heels of a groundbreaking 12 months for TisaKorean. Listen to the recent song HERE.

ScHoolboy Q – “THANK GOD FOR ME”

Grammy-nominated rapper TDE ScHoolboy Q drops recent music video for “THank God 4 Me.” Watch the video HERE.

MC Lyte – “1 of 1”

Hip-hop pioneer, voice artist, actress, philanthropist and cultural icon MC Lyte makes her triumphant return to the world of music 1 of 1. Listen to this HERE.

Rich Homie Quan – “Song Cry”

Rich Homie Quan released his first posthumous track, “Song Cry,” this week. Listen to the track HERE.

Quavo & Ty Dolla $ign – “If I Fall”

Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign and ARE WE DREAMING — Present Official Music Video for Their Enduring Anthem, “If I fall” for the upcoming Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment film TRANSFORMERS 1. Watch this HERE.

The Future – “Mixtape Pluto”

Today, Future released his first solo project of the 12 months. Pluto Mixtape via Freebandz and Epic Records. Check it out HERE.

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GRAMMY® Award-nominated international Jamaican pop star Shenseea surprise drops recent single and music video for “Dating Szn (Options)”. Watch HERE.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Celebrity Coverage

Arike Ogunbowale strives for excellence both on and off the pitch – Essence

Published

3 days ago

September 20, 2024

IAM

Arike Ogunbowale during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

In Yoruba, the name means “a child you cherish, nurture, pamper, and love.” So from the moment she was born, WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale was special—and now the world knows it. In just six seasons, she became the fastest player in league history to achieve 4,000 points and broke the Dallas Wings’ all-time scoring record. For an athlete who has achieved a lot, she still has so much to supply.

Ogunbowale was born in Milwaukee to Nigerian parents and was raised surrounded by sports. Her mother was a former softball player at DePaul University, and her brother Dare played football at the University of Wisconsin before joining the NFL as a running back for the Houston Texans. Growing up, Ogunbowale showed off her athletic skills in multiple sports, contributing to 4 state football championships during her highschool years. However, her passion shifted to basketball, where she rose to fame at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, earning accolades similar to Wisconsin Miss Basketball and being chosen as a McDonald’s All-American.

The point guard’s profession took off when she joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and eventually led the team to a national championship in 2018. Since being drafted by the Wings the following yr, Ogunbowale has earned quite a few accolades, including 4 All-Star selections and two All-Star MVP honors — the latest coming in an exciting game in Phoenix on Feb. 18. “I just love having fun and playing with a lot of super great players — that’s always what I look forward to in the All-Star Game,” she says.

Amid all her successes, the 27-yr-old understands the responsibility she has to influence the next generation. “I was lucky enough to have two amazing parents who always did the best they could for me and more,” Arike says. “I know how hard it is to get out of Milwaukee. So I always think that when I see little kids, I always try to be the best person I can for them.”

“I know I’m a role model,” she continues. “That just comes with being in your shoes, so I definitely embrace that. I want to be the type of person that people look up to. Young boys, young girls, young black kids — it doesn’t matter. I want to be someone they can see themselves in. So I know I’m a role model, and I try to treat myself that way because I know people are looking up to me.”

The past yr has been a memorable one for the popular basketball star on both a private and skilled level. After establishing herself as one in all the most prolific scorers the WNBA has ever seen, the one thing Ogunbowale hasn’t managed to capture during her illustrious profession has been a league title. As an athlete in her prime, a championship is something she will check off her bucket list in the very near future. Off the court, she reached a key milestone by announcing her engagement to Lala Ronay. For some, balancing home and basketball might be difficult, but for Ogunbowale, this latest relationship has been the perfect complement to her life.

“It really makes me happy,” she says of her decision. “My biggest goal has always been to have a family and kids, and now I’m a little closer to that. It definitely brings me a lot of peace and I feel like I’m headed in the right direction.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com