Njeri Radway is a style unicorn. She is the go-to girl, who never disappoints for on-trend hair looks such as textured haircuts, precision cuts, full blowouts, beautiful bobs, feathered layers, and more. Her expertise includes natural styling, braid and loc styling, cutting, and color application plus more across all hair types.
As a master and lead cutter at Aesthetics hair salon, under the leadership of Yene Damtew, Njeri continues to perfect her craft. To date, her diverse clientele has included author and former first lady Michelle Obama, VP Kamala Harris, media executive Debra Lee, Michelle Norris, Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson. We sat down to chat with the stylist extraordinaire to discuss how she broke into the industry, styling Michelle Obama’s hair, and tips to master box braids this season.
How did your career as a stylist begin?
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 14 years. My family is from Jamaica, so after high school, I enrolled in a community college in Maryland. I tried to figure out my passion, but then I dropped out of community college in 2008. I enrolled in cosmetology school in Montgomery Beauty School, in Silver Spring, MD.
While I was in school, I worked at a hair salon as a shampoo assistant. Once I graduated from hair school, I was in between jobs and I got a call, from hairstylist Yene Damtew wanting me to interview for an assistant position under her Johnny Wright (HOTUS) who was the lead hairstylist with Mrs. Obama while they were in office. I have been working with the Obamas for 13 years.
What’s been a valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
I learned to follow my gut. Perfect my craft, show up, and do my best. Because you never know who’s watching. Also, it’s not always what you know but whom you know.
Do you have a favorite style you’ve created for your celebrity clientele?
My favorite style would have to be one I did on Mrs. Obama for the third night of The Light We Carry Tour in Washington, DC. It was a high ponytail with a side bang. It was simple yet sexy and fun.
What is the best way to prep your hair for box braids?
The best way to prep your hair for box braids would be to shampoo your hair twice. Your first shampoo should be a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and your second should be a moisturizing one. Then follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. Once you’ve rinsed your hair you should section it out and detangle it. Once that is done you should add a little leave-in conditioner and blow-dry your hair. But always consult with your braider first so they can advise you best.
If you’ve never worn box braids before, what is a piece of advice you would give?
You should probably start with knotless braids first. It’s looser on your scalp and you’ll be able to flip your hair from side to side or put it in some sort of style like a bun, without it hurting or being too stiff.
How long do you recommend keeping box braids in?
I’d recommend leaving your braids in for up to eight weeks.
What is a good scalp-based product you can use while rocking your box braids?
It’s Natural Rosemary Stimulating Spray by Influance. It helps relieve a dry itchy scalp and improves circulation. Or you can keep it old school and use Sea Breeze.
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