Amid each busy day managing multiple projects, Luu makes time for self-care and haircare, from fluffy curls and shiny twists to braids and silk presses. But she didn’t always take joy in the process; here, she reflects on her hair journey.
Jewelry Designer MoAnA Luu Wants You to See Loving Your Hair “Like Loving Your Soul”
“I've always loved big hair, it's somewhat of a signature for me. You know the saying: ‘The bigger the hair, the closer to God.’"
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
Texture Diariesis a space for Black people 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, they 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.
MoAnA Luu makes doing it all seem effortless. The New York-based, Martinique-born Global Chief Content and Creative Officer at Essence Ventures oversees brands like ESSENCE, Afropunk, Naturally Curly, and Girls United. She’s also the founder and creative director of ManLuu (creole for Madame Luu), a jewelry brand inspired by Luu’s Creole culture.
“I love the freedom that comes with wearing my hair out. It's a big part of how I express myself creatively.”
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
“This is one of my favorite go-to styles. Big hair, pinned back on one side, and I'm good to go!”
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
“I started [ManLuu] because originally I wanted to collect pieces and put on an exhibit about Creole jewelry, because I’m so passionate about my culture,” Luu tells Vogue via Zoom. “But as I was finding the pieces for this, I realized how much people would love it and thought to start making my own.” Luu eventually plans to grow ManLuu into a lifestyle brand that will include furniture and home decor.
Amid each busy day managing multiple projects, Luu makes time for self-care and haircare, from fluffy curls and shiny twists to braids and silk presses. But she didn’t always find joy in her hair. “I just remember taking care of my hair was a very unpleasant process… it was just a lot of work,” she says. “I relaxed my hair really early on [at age 10] because it was easier to manage at the time.” As she grew up, she began experimenting more. “I got bangs. I dyed it every color,” she remembers. At 23, she decided to chop it all off. “I remember the movement where people started becoming more accepting of all textures,” she recalls of what made her feel empowered to make the drastic change. “Cutting my hair off really helped me to embrace my authenticity,” she says. “Even though I grow it really long now, shaving it helped me to not be afraid to cut it again.”
“Having my hair up makes me feel elegant. I absolutely love the feeling it invokes. I love mine with scarves in vibrant prints and colors and other accessories.”
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
“Caring for our hair is something that bonds my mom, sister and me."
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
These days, Luu takes a minimal heat approach. “I try not to use [heat] in my everyday life, unless I’m getting it cut or in a photoshoot.” Luu washes her hair once a week, using products from Alodia haircare. “I love them because they specialize in scalp care. Taking care of my scalp is what helps my hair grow,” she explains. Her favorites from the line include their Hair Cream, Heat Style Cream, and the Deep Conditioning Masque. RegenePure’s Intense Volumizing Biotin Conditioner is another favorite.
Aside from finding the right hair products, Luu has learned that “loving your hair is like loving your soul,” she says. “It’s embracing who you are. It’s okay to break the mold and celebrate your differences.”
“Weekly wash day is a labor of love in my house.”
Photo: Courtesy of MoAnA Luu
“These are my must-haves for maintaining my hair. I love how they nourish and protect my hair and they all have mint essence which makes my scalp feel invigorated and refreshed!”
