The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Hair loss can often be very traumatic for women. After all, society teaches us that a woman’s identity, her beauty, and even her femininity are all tied into her hair.

To deal with hair loss, either due to radiation therapy or other health issues, many women reach for a wig. And this is where professional hairstylist Jameelah Malika Thompson comes in.

“Maybe 75 percent of my clients suffer from hair loss issues, but it is always my job to make them feel as comfortable as I possibly can. And trust me when I say they always feel 100 times better about themselves and their hair loss issues when they leave my chair,” she told Tribune Weekend.

“I have had a lot of persons who were a bit embarrassed about their hair loss, but I always reassure them that it is normal, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.”

A well-made wig, especially one made with human hair, can be very expensive. But Jameelah – also known as the ‘242hairartist’ on Instagram’ – is here to teach Bahamian women how to make their own wigs with a new weekly wig-making class.

Under her brand, Malika’s – A Touch of Royalty, she will be teaching about the following tools of wig-making: canvas head, tripod stand, closure and hair bundles, needles, T-pins, scissors, tweezers, mesh dome caps, measuring tape, electric hot combs, and bleaching powder.

A typical class will cover: taking and transferring measurements; customising closures; the fold-over method (no track cutting); closure and track placement; braiding, and other tips and tricks to create a flawless wig from human hair.

Making your own wigs, she said, saves you time and the money you usually spend at the salon.

“This class is beginner friendly. I want everyone to learn the fundamentals of how to construct a wig from start to finish. I’m not holding anything back. Persons who only wear units can partake, and will be able to make their own units,” said Jameelah.

“This is also a good class for hairstylists; we can always learn something new from each other. Even if you’re looking to earn some extra cash on the side, this is the class for you. I would also encourage parents who are sending their daughters abroad to invest in this class. This can be a great way for them to make some extra cash while they are off in school. I’m looking forward to young women, especially those aspiring hairstylists, to take the class and be confident in what they produce.”

Jameelah began her own career as a hairstylist in 2006, during her first year in college. During this time she began by experimenting with wig and weave installations for her girlfriends. Shortly after she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, she realised that hair styling was her true passion.

In 2010, she decided to commit to this passion full time, and today she specialises in versatile and traditional weave installations, weave closure installations, and most importantly, her unit and wig-making.

“The most exciting and fulfilling part of my career is empowering women. The moment when I hand them the mirror to look at the finished product, the look on their faces gives me so much joy and fulfilment. I’m only happy if my customers are happy,” said Jameelah.

“Persons would randomly walk up to me in the store and ask, ‘Are you 242hairartist on Instagram? I love your work and want you to teach me how to make a wig.’ This assures me that my work is important and is, in some ways, changing lives. This is a good feeling. I have truly invested in my career by attending classes and workshops abroad with some of the best hair gurus in the industry. I have perfected my craft and now feel comfortable enough to offer (my) class to other persons.”

Jameelah said she believes wigs are “taking over” the hair industry in 2019, adding that she doesn’t remember the last time she was booked for a weave installation.

Those interested in Jameelah’s wig-making classes can contact her at (242) 422-5243 to confirm availability.