She’s first runner-up in Miss Universe 2010, Island Stylee in-flight TV host, activist and a brand ambassador for both Digicel and Air Jamaica, so there’s no doubting Yendi Phillipps wears many hats. And as a public figure, she’s not only a role model for Jamaicans, but also a style influencer. Yendi recently traded her lengthy tresses for an au naturel cropped ‘do, and has since been receiving mixed reviews for her bold and stylish choice. Our Get The Look team shares Yendi’s thoughts on the new look, complete with haircare and styling tips from her trusty stylist Delsha Hyman.

Yendi’s Take…

GTL: What inspired the change, Yendi?

YP: I have multiple reasons for doing it. The primary one is that I want to stop using a relaxer. I’ve been growing out my hair since last October, and I’ve always wanted to do this. Also, I will be doing some self-esteem workshops in the summer for young girls and women, and a part of it is geared towards embracing and loving who you are, so I felt it would be a bit hypocritical of me to endorse that message if I’m not a prime example of it. I want women to know that it’s okay to embrace who you are, and you don’t need anything artificial to feel beautiful, though if they want to choose these things, it’s also okay, as long as they truly embrace themselves. Thirdly, I donated my hair to Locks of Love to make a wig for a little girl who needed it more than I did.

GTL: What have the responses been like thus far?

YP: The reviews have been mixed. I think the men are mad at me because they loved the long hair. But mostly positive, as I think people understand the rationale behind the haircut.

GTL: And your first thought when you saw the new cut?

YP: Well, I always knew I wanted to do it, and was discussing it with Delsha for about two years now, then one day I woke up and decided that now is the time. So I went to her house and she did it. At first I was a little taken aback by the full-on ‘fro, but once I shampooed it and saw the curls form I loved it.

GTL: How do you feel about your new look now?

YP: I love it! Although anyone who says short hair is less work is lying, but it’s fun. Every day I try new hairstyles. I was so young when I relaxed my hair that I didn’t remember what my real hair texture was like, so I’m enjoying it and seeing the different textures within my hair. I see my ancestry coming out in my hair with the three different textures and I feel beautiful.

GTL: What is the best thing about wearing your hair natural?

YP: Not being victim to that hairdresser visit every six weeks and in-between that. I love that I can get up, wash and go.

GTL: What products do you use?

YP: I’ve found some products that work very well for my hair at Nettle & Moss, which is a fantastic natural store, not just for hair. I use Kinky Curly in my hair mostly, though.

GTL: How do you maintain it at nights?

YP: I go to bed (laughs). Actually, I really don’t do much. Sometimes I tie it with a silk scarf so the cotton pillow doesn’t dry the moisture out of it, because Delsha is always telling me that.

GTL: Any plans to change the ‘do anytime soon?

YP: Well I’m growing my hair out, and I find it interesting. I’m watching to see how fast it will grow by Christmas, as it’s almost a month since I did it and I already have about an inch and a half of growth. I’m hoping it will be touching my shoulders by then.

Delsha’s Thoughts…

GTL: Tell us about the look Yendi is rocking today.

Delsha: Well, I first do a simple side sweep. All you have to do is shampoo, condition, moisturise and style. By adding a part to the side that most complements your face, sweep that side back and secure it with pins. You also brush the other side away from the part and tousle the centre with the fingers for a funky look. And use a little gel or light hold spray to keep it in place if you wish. You can create a Mohawk-type look, with pretty much the same steps.

Just brush the hair on both sides of your head towards the centre and secure it with pins. You can also do both styles on dry hair.

GTL: And what advice can you give to our Get The Look readers who would like to try Yendi’s new ‘do?

Delsha: Basic haircare works pretty well, actually. Just shampoo weekly, keep it moisturised and you’re good to go. The Wen product line is excellent, and Design Essentials moisturising lotion is great as well. If you’re having breakage, use a protein moisture treatment, but if not avoid using it as protein hardens the hair. And in terms of styling, just play around with it every day until you find something that works for you. Short hair is awesome when you know what to do with it.

Delsha Hyman

Delsha’s Hair & Nail Salon, Shop 74, Princeville Plaza, 95-97 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10. Tel: 877-2799