Actress Dominique Fishback, star of HBO’s “The Deuce,” was filming Jay-Z’s music video for “Smile” and needed four different looks. Enter celebrity stylist extraordinaire Monae Everett. Everett gave NaturallyCurly a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoots, and how she created these amazing looks.
“Many naturals with kinky curls feel underrepresented in the media,” Everett says. “Dominique and I decided to highlight the beauty and versatility in this hair texture.”
Cornrow + Fro
I wanted to show off Domique’s unique hairline and sexy widow’s peak so I opted for horizontal cornrows. The coily half wig was a perfect quick addition for any natural hair chemeian and really came in handy or this photoshoot. It allowed me to give Dominique more length, volume, and density. I added a little extra pizazz to the look with gold accessories.
The Skyhigh Pony
This sky high ponytail was accessorized with metal wire to show off Dominique’s sweet and sassy sides. I choose to use kinky curly hair extensions for the ponytail because it matched her natural hair texture.
The Elegant Bun
An oversized, yet polished, high bun is a great look for elegant naturals and draws attention to Dominique’s face.
The Crown
This opulent Tuck and Roll style was prepped with the same kinky extensions ahead of the shoot. I placed it on the center of her head and simply pinned it into place. Some people think it’s too difficult and time consuming to create beautiful updos on naturally curly hair, but this look proves otherwise.
Key Tips
1. Make sure your hair is moisturized. That is the key to being able to change easily between styles. I recommend following the LOC method. Start by using a liquid, I recommend water or a leave in conditioner. For the oil, I’m a huge fan of both olive oil and the Ouidad Mongongo Oil. For the C, which can be cream or gel, I love the Ouidad Curl Immersion Silky Souffle Setting Creme. 2. The LOC method is great way to lay those edges. I always “set” the hairline to make it stay flat with the Eco Styler Gel with Argan Oil. After getting the hairline super smooth, I tie it down with a scarf.About Monae:
Monaé Everett’s client list reads like a who's who of A-list celebrities: Michelle Obama, Serena and Venus Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Mariah Carey, Viola Davis, Connie Britton. She was one of the artists featured on Season 12 of “Project Runway.”
The first installation of our series with Everett, “On the Road with Monae,” showcases her work with Jasmine Cephas Jones to get her curls looking great for her promo shots for her upcoming press tour for her movie “Blindspotting.” Jones made her mark as part of the original cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Hamilton.” Everett shows off her techniques to get defined, voluminous curls.