Teen magazine had the opportunity to interview Annagjid (Onn-ah-key) Taylor about her journey as a celebrity stylist. Believe it or not, she started doing her hair in her parents’ basement. She is the owner of salon Deeper Than Hair, CEO of Shear Genius Collection and author of “All Hair is Good Hair”.
What do you like most about being a stylist?
I love interacting with people and making people feel good about themselves. I also love the freedom of being able to create art and my own schedule.
What’s your number one beauty tip? Hair care tip?
My number one beauty tip is that there is no specific beauty standard. There are no rules or anything to deter you. If you think it’s beautiful – then it is.
What’s your favorite style?
My favorite style is a ponytail. It is perfect for rain, snow, sleet, hail. You can wear it in any weather. It’s something you can wear to the market or on the catwalks.
Which celebrities have you personally worked with?
I have worked with Keke Palmer, Tiffany Haddish, Logan Browning, Ashley Featherson, Michelle Mitchenor, Amber Riley, Nafessa Williams and Tika Sumpter.
Is there someone you haven’t worked with yet and are desperately looking for?
There are a lot of people I would love to work with, but my top three are Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, and Michelle Obama. I would roll on the floor if I had the chance to work with Michelle Obama!
What hair/beauty products and tools do you recommend?
Everyone needs a good frizz control serum for natural hair or heat protectant. I love using irons because you can press, wave and curl with them. I recommend using a titanium flat iron.
Debunk the biggest hair myth you’ve heard.
People say black women’s hair is unruly and nappy. There is no bad hair. This is what my book “All Hair Is Good Hair” focuses on.
What advice would you give to young women wishing to pursue a career in hairdressing, fashion or makeup?
I would say to make sure it’s a passion. You can’t do it for the money. Don’t look at people thinking you’re supposed to be next to them right away. Have faith and patience.
What other path would you have chosen if you weren’t a hairdresser?
Interior design. I love to decorate and I like to make houses look pretty.
How did you overcome the hate and the problems you encountered and what was the result?
What’s funny is that I didn’t have any hatred at first. I had problems with my family members – not with my mum or dad because they supported me. Rather, it was aunts, uncles, cousins, and a grandmother. They divined my vision and doubted me. They tried to talk me out of it because they didn’t think I could do it. It wasn’t until three years ago that I started seeing who was being genuine and who was saying things about me. Even if it hurts, I roll with the punches and don’t let the hate break me.
Annagjid “Kee” Taylor has been a great addition to the hairstyling industry and the entertainment industry. You can find her on Instagram (@sosheargenius) and YouTube (Deeper Than Hair TV).
Thank you Annagjid Taylor for having such a great influence on young women in the community.
