Nearly a month ago, I got my hair done by Vv Jewelz while she was visiting France. A talented Afro hairstylist passionate about her craft, she currently works part-time in London at a salon for all hair types, and the rest of her time, she works from home. I took the opportunity during the styling session to ask her a few questions to learn more about her and her expertise...
Vv Jewelz's Little Hair Story...
During her childhood in Cameroon, Vv always wore her hair in its natural state, until her arrival in France, where chemical straightening was "the only way" to manage her hair, alone, more easily.
In 2007, Vv Jewelz moved to the United States. She braided her hair before going there. At that time, she was a university lecturer. Her braids had run their course, so she decided to remove them after class, but she ran out of time, so Vv planned to remove the last braids the next day. In the morning, with her hair undone, she decided to wear a scarf for a more aesthetic look to go to work. Upon arrival, she received a flood of compliments from those around her. This precise moment was a turning point for her! In parallel, Vv had a friend who had been wearing her natural kinky hair for 3 years; her hair was beautiful, and she managed it easily, changing styles regularly, so why not her? Subsequently, the numerous videos she watched on YouTube reassured her and confirmed that kinky hair is beautiful, versatile, and easy to manage.
Flora : "Tell me, how did you learn to style hair?"
Vv Jewelz : "I'm self-taught! As soon as I saw someone create a hairstyle, I could reproduce it immediately. I extensively researched Afro hair. Shortly after, I took a training course to deepen my knowledge of hair in general. I left my teaching profession for my passion, Afro hairstyling."
Flora : "I noticed in your work that you don't use natural hair extensions. Why?"
Vv Jewelz : "I don't work with Indian hair extensions, hair donated by women... I find that strange! Hair has a story; you can't take it from someone and attach it to your own head.
The second reason I don't use extensions is that in Cameroon, there's a black market for Indian and Brazilian hair. Cameroonian women wearing these extensions can be assaulted on a street corner, finding themselves shaved and stripped of their temporary hair. The coveted extensions then reappear on the market to adorn new heads. This is my way of fighting against that."
Flora : "Even if it's not the hairstyle you do most often for your clients, what advice would you give to people who wear weaves?"
Vv Jewelz : "Weaves can be worn occasionally, to change your look, but not for more than a week. It's not a healthy way to protect your hair. It's not a protective style, as you can't reach your scalp, so you can't wash your hair. Consequently, your hair isn't cared for. It's a destructive hairstyle. It's like plants: if you don't water them, they die! If you don't hydrate or nourish your hair, it dies!"
Flora : "I've been following you for a few years, I know that for 4 years you've created an event around Afro beauty, can you tell me more about La Fashion Hood?"
Vv Jewelz : "It's a beauty event, to highlight Black women, to reveal their natural beauty. During this event, I work with an image consultant, Fringhouz who conducts "My Body Shape, My Asset" workshops where she gives you advice on what flatters you. There's also a makeup artist, and the themes are varied: "how to enhance your beauty in a few minutes?" "How to apply your lipstick?"
Generally, I lead a "headwrap" or hairstyling workshop. There are also stands dedicated to designers of clothing, jewelry, and lingerie."
I had a wonderful time with Vv Jewelz; she did my braids using "Amy" extensions from Mama Rose. Vv is very gentle and delicate in her movements; it was very pleasant to have my hair styled by her. I highly recommend her! See the result HERE !
From London to Douala (Cameroon), passing through Paris, keep an eye on her social media for dates when she'll be near you!
Her Facebook : Vvjewelz N AccesSorize
Her YouTube channel : Fashion Hood TV
Her website : vvfashionhood
If you've already been styled by her, feel free to comment on your experiences below!
See you soon!
