Hype Hair - September 2020

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.

•Enriched with Biotin (B-7) to support healthier hair grow th.

Afro Hair Series Geometry

She Grinds Pretty Angela Simmons

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Besties in Beauty & Business ARI AND TAE

BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE 9 Influencers Using Their Power for Good

Young Entrepreneur Uses Global Pandemic to Start a Braiding Business Beauty Faves That Won’t Smudge Under Your Face Mask Table Of Contents

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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 Geeno Mizelli, Jacob Webster, Drea Nicole Beauty Editor and Public Relations Erica Dias, The B Firm PR Marketing and Social Media Director Mimi Johnson Graphic Designer Casey Diggs

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 www.HypeHair.com 2020 Hype LLC. All rights reserved.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Friendship Goals FTW These days, it’s rare to find friendships that originated in childhood and are still going strong decades later. It’s not often that friendships last that long at all these days. With the new mantra, “Keep only what serves you,” circulating the interwebs as an established form of #selfcare, I’ve seen people dismiss their friends with ease.

and Ariana, a model and businesswoman, have been close friends for many years.

Those who’ve followed the duo on Instagram know that they’ve journeyed the road to their dreams together. Now, the glow up is real, and they can enjoy their mutual successes together.

You should indeed surround yourself with a squad that will support and love you, but it’s also crucial that you cultivate the friendship for the good of the relationship, not just your careers. Too quickly, we are willing to give up on our relationships because they require ongoing maintenance, adult communication and transparency. But if you find a handful of real friends that are your ‘ride-or-dies,’ who will always have your back, each of you should be growing and evolving positively together.

Their friendship is beyond inspiring, but I’m sure it didn’t come without effort. If you have a friend who has known you forever and has seen you through your ups and downs, remember how important their contribution to your life truly is.

When your friends don’t agree with you or have an argument, you must continue seeing the best in one another. Even when their existence isn’t “serving you” in a specific moment, keep in mind that there’s a season for everything.

Sometimes, you’ll be the friend that gives more than the other, but in the end, that energy will always come back around.

The importance of friendship reminds me of the two besties Dionte Gray and Ariana Fletcher, who are this month’s cover stars.

Dionte, a celebrity hairstylist,

Ariana and Dionte are proof that your friendships are worth the investment, and if you do it right, you’ll each become better people for it.

Jessica De Vault Hale, Editor-in-Chief

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Editor’s Letter

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dear Readers, With much of the recent activity in the world, it’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 history— 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, Publisher

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Publisher’s Letter

BRAID

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

Afro Hair Series

Creative Director & Photographer: Jacob Webster @jpwphoto Model: Jayla Ford @itsjaylaford Hairstylist: Kira Dior @kiradiorhair Makeup: Jaya Bolden @makeupbyjayastudi

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Afro Hair Series

Afro Hair Series

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Afro Hair Series

Afro Hair Series

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She Grinds Pretty

Angela Simmons

By Mimi Johnson

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Grind Pretty: What are your five beauty product must-haves?

Angela: » Golden touch simmons beauty oil » Hydrating toner simmons beauty » Dove non scented soap » Ancient cosmetics body butter » Coco butter Vaseline

Grind Pretty caught up with Angela to talk about her journey into skincare, her favorite products, latest projects, and more!

Grind Pretty: What motivated you to create your skincare line?

Angela: One of the reasons why I started Simmons Beauty is because I’ve always loved skincare and am very passionate about keeping up with a good regiment. The best part is being able to now provide a quality product and also share my personal tips and secrets to maintaining healthy skin, from the inside out.

She Grinds Pretty is a collaboration between Grind Pretty and Hype Hair, offering interviews with influential women, beauty bosses, and up-and-coming brands.

ngela Simmons is no stranger to the game -- it’s in her blood.

As the daughter of hip-hop legend DJ Run (of Run DMC) and star of Growing Up Hip Hop, Angela stays on the grind turning everything she touches into a beauty boss moment -- whether it’s fashion, footwear, or even hair. Most recently, she dropped her new skincare line, added a new boo, and has been glowing every since!

To learn more about Grind Pretty, visit www.grindpretty.com Check out Angela’s Grind Pretty Cover and box at grindpretty.com

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She Grinds Pretty

Photography: Drea Nicole Makeup: Mimi Johnson Wardrobe: Sudi Spence Hairstylist: Nikk Nelson

By Erica Dias

ARI AND TAE

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O

n social media, we’ve grown to love the friendship between celebrity hairstylist Dionte “Arrogant Tae” Gray and model and businesswoman Ariana Fletcher. Both have amassed significant followings on Instagram and have seemingly grown successful together. Tae is most known as the stylist to Nicki Minaj, among other major celebs, while Ariana has created a lucrative empire as a model.

Their antics together, however, are infectious, and their fans just can’t get enough.

That’s why we can hardly wait for their upcoming reality show, starring the two besties and rapper DreamDoll. In the meantime, Hype Hair caught up with Dionte to learn more about his humble beginnings, friendship, and ventures in the beauty industry.

DIONTE “ARROGANT TAE” GRAY HYPE HAIR: What is your backstory?

DIONTE: I’m from southside Inglewood, Chicago, I’m the oldest of seven kids. I grew up around all women. My aunt, mom, and cousin all did hair, so I would always be in the salon watching them. The majority of my career, I have been self-taught! I started doing hair at 11 or 12 years old, and I would always do my mom’s friends’ kids’ hair and my little sisters’ hair. As I got older, I was literally doing my mom’s friends’ hair, my cousins’ hair, and one time, I did everyone’s hair in high school for my prom and graduation.

Right after high school, I attended Paul Mitchell in Chicago to improve my skills. Then I started working at a salon in downtown Chicago, which was new for me because I always was so comfortable working in the living room or kitchen.

I was so young, working in this salon with older women, plus I was the only guy. I would always tell people, “I want to be a celebrity hairstylist, and move to Atlanta to follow my dreams!” So I packed up my stuff, and my cousin and I drove to Atlanta in 2015 with only $1000. I always tell myself, ‘have faith’ and as soon as I got to Atlanta, I was so nervous and scared. I knew I had to build a clientele, and once I started doing that, my name started ringing around Atlanta. Within a few weeks, I started working with my first celebrity client, and everything took off from there; having faith and hard work paid off!

HH: You are extremely talented and a phenomenal hairstylist. How have you been keeping yourself inspired during these trying times?

DIONTE: I always pray, and I always talk to God. I’m so used to always receiving positivity 90 percent of the time. When people throw shade my way, I used to not really handle it well, and I would let what people said bring me down until someone looked me dead in my eyes and said, “Don’t ever allow people that aren’t in your position to talk down to you or bring you down! Never feed into negativity and always remain positive

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ARI AND TAE

ARI AND TAE

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ARI AND TAE

through tough times.” So whenever I’m going through something or if I’m feeling down, I always snap out of it, and I talk to God and move forward.

Now when negativity comes my way, I just ignore it and just laugh. People are on the outside trying to look in, but really never know the full reason why something has happened!

HH: What are your top three favorite hairstyles that you have done through your career thus far?

DIONTE: I have a few. I did this blue ponytail on DreamDoll that went viral.

The half red and half rainbow wig on Nicki, and the short cut hairstyle that I did for Teyana Taylor for the VMAs. I could literally go on and on. I feel like all my hairstyles are my favorite!

HH: You are definitely known for making statements with your natural hair. How do you take care of your hair, and what are your go-to haircare products?

DIONTE: It depends on the look.

Whether it’s waves or a mid-curly fro, I always have to get Murray’s Wave Grease, a du-rag, and a hand brush. I have to keep these waves on swim. And I always oil my hair every single day because I don’t want to have dry hair with color.

You want to make sure you care for your

hair when you have color because you don’t want breakage or your hair falling out because you’re not taking care of it! I have also been using Beyani Organic Hair Drops, which have been growing my hair and keeping it healthy. Keeping your natural hair oiled is very important.

HH: What was your inspiration behind this shoot?

DIONTE: My inspiration behind this shoot with my best friend was “match my fly” and “porcelain doll” I’m known for my neon green hair, so I decided to do the green hair on Ari to match me. I’ve always had a vision to have Ari stand on a stepping stool, like the one when you go try on a wedding dress, and they put you in the dressing room and have you stand in front of these three mirrors, and the tailor or designer measures you. I wanted Ari to stand there with a nice gown, with hair to the floor, and I wanted to be on the side of her measuring the hair!

My inspiration behind this shoot with my best friend was ‘Match My Fly’ and Porcelain Doll! I’m known for my neon green hair, so I decided to do the green hair on Ari to match me.

ARI AND TAE

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Stay humble, be strong-minded, because there will be a lot of criticism that comes with this industry.

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ARI AND TAE

HH: What hairstyles should women retire for 2020, and what hairstyle would you like to see more of?

DIONTE: It’s really no hairstyles that need to be retired because lately everyone has been bringing back the old school styles like the ‘80s and ‘90s looks, and I’ve been loving it! I would like to see more creativity because it’s amazing what you can do with hair!

I do my technique, it can confuse people because they can’t tell if the client is wearing a wig. I just changed the game! People who have been following and knowing me for years have seen me literally start from the bottom and can see how far I’ve come. I came from Chicago, moved to Atlanta to follow my dreams and accomplish my goals.

HH: Did you have any mentors that have helped you throughout your journey? If so, what was the best advice you’ve received?

DIONTE: I never really had mentors, but I have had a few people who give me good advice and tell me to always be myself, stay humble, never change, and never feed into the negativity!

HH: What advice would you give to other aspiring hairstylists who want to work in the beauty industry?

DIONTE: Stay humble, be strongminded, because there will be a lot of criticism that comes with this industry. Set trends, stay on necks, always figure out ways to be creative because it’s all about standing out!

HH: How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

DIONTE: People used to talk bad about how wiggy wigs are, and how they will never wear them, but when they see my work, it’s very mindblowing. I have literally changed the way people think about wigs. When

HH: What can we expect from Dionte Gray for the rest of 2020?

DIONTE: My tool line, a women’s clothing line, a salon and more dope creative looks and techniques! I’m so excited because I’ve been wanting to do this for so long, and I feel like it’s time now.

© Dream World Products. - All Rights Reserved

DREAMWORLDPRODUCTS.COM

BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

Influencers Using Their Power for Good

By Candace Smith

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e love a good beauty beat — and we love even more when beauty bosses come together to change the game. That’s exactly what happened for the launch of The Glamatory’s first-ever eyeshadow palette. It turns out “The Elements Of Glam” launch is the result of nine social media influencers lending their power to help pull the brand from the brink of closing in the midst of the pandemic.

The Glamatory is known for its branded vegan and cruelty-free makeup selection and amazing staff of talented artists. Celebrity makeup artist and Glamatory founder, Mimi Johnson, started the company back in 2014 to offer a new way of providing makeup artist opportunities. But like many small businesses, The Glamatory took a hit due to the economic effects of COVID-19.

After struggling to keep her business afloat, Mimi took to her social media to express the hardship and share the store’s closing

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BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

news. Mimi’s followers empathized with her and showed their support by re-sharing her story. Thanks to the power of social media, the story got back to J. Gray, the founder of a non-profit vertical Influencer In Color and the Black influencer agency Image is Everything Co. She felt led to offer a lending hand to the beauty entrepreneur.

To assist, J. Gray contributed her company’s power of influencer marketing advertisement by extending more than $700,000 worth of influencer marketing to support and revamp The Glamatory brand, all while adding to the change of racial inequality. Participating influencers include: • Jessica Pettway • Kathlyn Celeste • Alyssa Marie • Kaice Alēa • Kaylani Quiocho

Kaice Alēa

• Sahara Mendez • Tiffany Renee • Leniza Costa • Lenize Fuentes

J. Gray

Jessica Pettway BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

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Alyssa Marie “Using my platforms to create positive and impactful change has always been the goal.

What’s better than using my voice to support another Black woman? I love everything that the Color of Change stands for, and I’m happy to be able to support the movement towards ending racial injustice in America.”

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BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

Kaylani Quiocho

Along with their contribution, 15% of all proceeds made through affiliate commissions will be donated to Color of Change, an organization representing civil rights advocacy.

“I am so grateful for the support from Image is Everything and the collaborative efforts from all of the talented influencers who are helping to keep The Glamatory alive,” says Mimi. “This campaign speaks to the impact of perseverance, sisterhood and the power of black influence. I am truly humbled at the opportunity, and I hope that this inspires more women to band together and uplift one another.”

Releasing the eyeshadow palette is something the brand could move forward with, now that it’s received the necessary assistance to survive in these tumultuous times. The palette is available for purchase in-store or online at https://theglamatory.com/. Check out the beautiful influence behind this story!

Tiffany Renee

BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

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Sahara Mendez

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BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

Kathlyn Celeste

BEAUTY OF INFLUENCE

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Young Entrepreneur Uses Global Pandemic to Start a Braiding Business

By Erica Dias

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uring quarantine there has been a influx of young entrepreneurs on the rise, making moves. Hairstylist, lash techs, skincare products and more are piping up everywhere, and I am definitely here for it! I was so excited to feature this story of Ry’Miyah Pringle-Hamilton, a 14 year old, straight A student from Oakland Ca., who has used this down time wisely to start her hair braiding business at her mothers salon called the Pretty B Lounge. Check out my exclusive interview with her below.

HYPE HAIR: How did you get your start in the hair industry?

RY’MIYAH: I got my start in the hair industry by watching other people braid on YouTube about a year and a half ago. They were interesting to me, and it seemed like it was fun.

So, I started to practice on myself (traditional singles), and I enjoyed it. So, I started to do other styles, such as two feed-in braids, knotless singles, straight back cornrows, etc. Then people started to come and ask if I could do their hair, and I started to get better from there.

HH: Did you have a mentor along the way? If so, what’s the best advice you have received?

RY’MIYAH: I didn’t really have a “mentor,” but I knew people that also

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Ry’Miyah Pringle-Hamilton

braided hair, and they always told me to take my time and make everything as neat as possible and that parting is the main key to getting a beat style.

HH: Tell our readers about the Pretty B Beauty Lounge. What services do you guys offer?

RY’MIYAH: The Pretty B Lounge is a Black-owned business that was founded by my mother. There are four women, and sometimes myself, working to offer different services mostly for other women to get their hair done, such as lace frontals, traditional weaves, silk presses trims and braided hairstyles. There’s a nail tech who does full set acrylic nails, micro-blading, individual eyelash extensions and more things that come with a “beauty bar.”

HH: What are the four best protective hairstyles that women should be wearing?

RY’MIYAH: The four best protective hairstyles that women should be wearing, in my opinion, are any type of singles (knotless or traditional), straight back cornrows, two feed-ins or lemonade braids.

HH: You are 14 years old and so talented at your craft. Where do you want to see yourself within the next year?

RY’MIYAH: In the next year, I want to see myself perfecting new styles that I’ve never (done) or don’t know how to do right now.

And, I also want to see myself collaborating with other hairstylists or businesses.

HH: A lot of people read our outlet, so “shoot your shot.” If you could style anybody’s hair whose hair would you love to braid?

RY’MIYAH: Saweetie.

Follow @stylezbyyeez or @b_pretty_ beauty_lounge to see more amazing natural hairstyles.

Ry’Miyah Pringle-Hamilton

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Beauty Faves That Won’t Smudge Under Your Face Mask

By Candace Smith

W

earing masks is now the new normal and it’s got makeup lovers bothered. With states slowly reopening their economies, many of us are itching to get back to beating our faces. But who wants to spend time executing a bomb makeup look just for it to get messed up from wearing our masks? Your lip gloss that was poppin’ will rub off. Your highlight will lose its shine.

Well, no worries, because we’ve got you covered! Swipe through for five transfer-proof beauty products that won’t take your face off when you remove your mask.

Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip This product lasts so long you can pretty much apply it once and leave the lipstick at home

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5 Beauty Faves

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer M.A.C. Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation This foundation caters to all skin types and can also be used as a concealer. Best of all, this waterproof formula can last up to 36 hours.

Maybelline New York SuperStay Foundation Maybelline did not come to play when it launched this matte foundation.

The $12 offering is worthy of competing with top luxury brands. It provides a lightweight yet fullcoverage look, all while being easy on your wallet.

This bronzer contains Amazonian clay, which helps provide more extended wear and can improve your overall skin clarity. Apply this on your cheeks or nose, and it will leave your skin hydrated and radiant without that pesky streaking from your mask.

All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray This brand is the G.O.A.T. when it comes to setting sprays. That’s why the All Nighter Setting Spray is one of our faves.

After completing your makeup, spray this on your face to guarantee your makeup stays put for up to 16 hours.

5 Beauty Faves

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