Introduce yourself!
J: My name is Jarae Holieway. I reside in Long Beach, California. I’m still figuring out what I want to do, but currently I work with adults with disabilities, and brainstorm/envision/daydream shot ideas that I try to shoot during my free time.
What is your style philosophy?
J: Dress for an audience of one, which is you!
How would you describe your sense of style?
J: It’s a combination of nonsensical and detail orientated. I guess it has a lot to do with the way I view art. I tend to gravitate towards things that don’t make sense, but the details of which it consists are key! My style is influenced by decade and environment. I like to play characters!
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
J: A very loooooong process, especially on the weekend. I wake up with visions in my head of scenes where I could see myself wearing a particular outfit, then immediately go out to find that place! I go through my closet and look for pieces I haven’t worn yet, worn in a long time, or haven’t worn together and try to create a look.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
J: A pair of purple 80’s Asics, a mustard yellow fitted blazer with dramatic shoulder pads, and my high-waisted red plaid pants that zip on the side. All things I would probably wear together. All were thrifted.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
J: Nastygal.com, Etsy.com, Laraw.net, American Apparel, H & M, Buffalo Exchange, and Solestruck.com.
How long have you been natural?
J: 3 years natural! HOLLLAA!
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
J: It all started when I gained a great amount of self-love. Truly loving myself meant loving every inch of skin, to the roots that sprouted from my scalp. I realized how much time, sweat, and money I put into trying to mode my hair into the socially accepted idea of beauty. All along, I just needed to see the beauty in something that came so natural, had so much history, and overall was so healthy!
I’ve always had an itch to cut all of my hair off, but never had the guts to until the day I got some and gave it a go! It was extremely liberating to strip myself of what so many women hide behind. I’ve never felt so feminine, and sexy! It was the best decision I’ve made!
What is your signature hairstyle?
J: A simple fade, a funky color, with a part on the left side.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
J: Coconut oil has been my greatest friend as far as keeping my scalp and hair hydrated. I’ve done the 4 hour plus sitting in a chair at the beauty shop, so I try to pick styles that will allow me to get up and go (which is a big reason I’ve kept my hair short). My ultimate hair dream is to have a luscious and glamorous 1970’s fro, but my patience can only take me so far… So I usually see a barber every 2-3 weeks in order to keep my fades and tapers fresh. At the moment, I’m working on top length and volume, and short and clean sides.
Tell us about your hair color.
J: Since I keep my hair so short I have been able to play around with color a lot! I do my color myself, and have noticed it to not be as damaging (with proper care and maintenance) as when I had straightened hair. For a long time I used HiColor RED HiLights by L’Oreal Excellence, which required no bleaching to achieve vivid reds after a couple of dye jobs. From there I transitioned to orange using the same brand, then went onto using L’Oreal Preference Mega Blondes with a Wella toner that eventually got me to a platinum blonde without bleach. After going blonde, I began to play around with cooler color dyes from Adore such as violets and blues. I did notice a slight change in my hair texture, but only on the ends, which became straight and stringy.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
J: Not yet! But I hope to soon! Right now you can find me on Instagram: j_a_r_a_e.
