Texture Diaries is a space for Black women across industries to reflect on their journeys to self-love, and how accepting their hair, in all its glory, played a pivotal role in this process. Each week, these women share their favorite hair rituals, products, and the biggest lessons they’ve learned when it comes to affirming their beauty and owning their unique hair texture.
Since 2014, Glazed NYC has defined a certain It-girl style. From leather berets to fluffy handwarmers and their newly launched satin bucket hat, the brand marries comfort and glamour, something both creators Shelby Macklin and Banna Nega sought to do since the brand’s inception. But Glazed—which has been seen on the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and rising musician Andrea Vallé—is about more than cozy accessories with a vintage flare. “The Glazed girl is a tastemaker, inspired by themselves, their community and their expression through style,” Macklin says. “They celebrate history and its cyclical nature, having a deep understanding that everything is connected and has influenced where we are in the creative space.” For both Macklin and Nega, this deep understanding of what it means to be a creative applies to their ever-changing hairstyles, too.
“I’ve always naturally known how to work with my hair and love being creative with it,” Macklin tells Vogue, recalling her love of playing around with butterfly clips, rubber bands, curling irons, and crimped styles. “I was really pulling looks!” Macklin says. “My hair has always been a way to transform and express myself.”
Nega remembers her hair journey to be a bit more “tumultuous,” as she puts it. “I have a lot of hair that is quite fine. I’ve learned to embrace the frizz and feel more free to explore styles while keeping my locs protected,” she says. “I’m definitely on the lower end of the maintenance spectrum but being a Black woman, our hair just requires a lot more upkeep and products. In the past few years I’ve learned to lean into the process and only put loving energy into my hair so it can love me back.”
Macklin’s confidence in her hair stems from a feeling of self-acceptance. Looking up to inspirations such as Naomi Campbell, her mother, and her sidekick, Banna, doesn’t hurt either. “Once I finally got to a point where I was like ‘this is me, I can’t be another person if I wanted to,’ I finally settled in and really started to love myself for who I was because I had no choice,” she says. “I started to respect myself more by keeping my word which gives me more confidence to trust myself.” Making time for wellness—be it meditation or working out—is what drives Nega’s self-assurance. “I also found that creating with friends is a good way to boost confidence for everyone involved.”
Speaking of self-care, both Glazed girls love to indulge in a few go-to products for their hair-care regimens. Nega—who draws hair and beauty inspiration from Black women in general and Kevyn Aucoin—constantly reaches for the SheaMoisture line. “They’re just reliable and always agree with my hair,” she says. Miss Jessie’s Curly Jelly is another favorite “to keep my curls poppin’” and Shine N’ Jam is a staple for her sleek braided looks. As for Macklin? She keeps it simple with coconut oil, “because it isn’t too greasy and keeps my hair feeling light.” The She is Bomb edge control slicks her hair back and keeps baby hairs in place for her signature ponytails and buns.
The designers have lately been dreaming of new hairstyles: Hot pink is on the list of to-dos for Macklin. “My dream is to have it custom made and installed by @aarogant_tae123.” Nega wants to dive into colorful wigs, too. “I’ve never dyed my hair because I never wanted to damage it, but I’m finally committing to the life hack.” Regardless of what they plan to try, they agree that prioritizing hair health is key: Box braids are Macklin’s favorite way to let her hair take a break from heat styling. Nega opts for precision cuts every 12 weeks from Sharntai Harris at her salon, Fabstylist, in Bed-Stuy. Wumi Lee and Taylor Rae help keep her wigs in top shape, too.
As for their biggest beauty advice? “Take time to get to know yourself through journaling and self-talk. Create a space to take care of yourself through beauty regimens or reading or whatever makes you feel good,” Macklin says. “The more you make an effort to know, understand and trust yourself the more confidence you will have.”
