Meet Maryam Iman, the visionary CEO behind Manifesting Hair, a brand making waves in the world of hairstyling, particularly in curly hair. With over a decade of experience as a hairstylist, Maryam’s journey is both inspiring and rooted in her passion for embracing natural beauty.
Maryam’s story began when she graduated from high school at sixteen, setting her on a unique path. Her personal hair journey led her to a profound realization – the need for specialized care and expertise for those with curly hair. Fueled by her experiences and a desire to help others on their hair transformation journeys, Maryam ventured into beauty and hairstyling.
From the start, Maryam made it her mission to specialize in curly hair. She recognized a significant gap in the industry when it came to experts who truly understood and catered to the unique needs of individuals with curly locks. As a curly-haired individual, she empathizes with her clients’ challenges and frustrations and pairs that empathy with her extensive knowledge and skill set.
Image Source: @manifestinghair
Now, you might be curious about the intriguing name, ‘Manifesting Hair,’ which originates in the concept of ‘Manifesting Mary.’ This reflects Maryam’s philosophy – the belief that we can manifest our realities, including our hair goals. To Maryam, ‘Manifesting Mary’ means embracing the power within to create your desired life and look. This concept seamlessly aligns with her brand, which she had already meticulously crafted. With Maryam, everything is about manifesting the best version of yourself, including your hair.
So, let’s delve deeper into Maryam’s remarkable journey as we explore her expertise and her dedication to curly hair care.
Trending Hairstyles
What are some of the most popular curly hairstyles you’ve noticed gaining traction recently, and what makes them stand out?
I am noticing a ton of love for the wash-and-go again lately, which I love. I find a lot of my clients think a “wash n go” is only for a certain curl type which is not true. I’m really enjoying seeing all curly types rock them and stop feeling like they always have to have their hair in protective styles.
Clients want to embrace their fros and frizz more, which makes me super happy to see. We don’t have to be super defined always; just let the curls do their thing! In addition, I am also seeing many of my childhood hairstyles come back, with a lot of half-up and down looks.
Cutting Techniques
What cutting techniques or styles for curly hair are currently trending, and how do these approaches accentuate and enhance the inherent beauty of curls?
I don’t pay too much attention to what’s “trending” when it comes to curly hair-cutting techniques. Trends don’t always translate into any real education/science to back them. I’ve been cutting and specializing in curly hair for over ten years, and I know what works and what doesn’t for different curl types, densities, and textures.
Image Source: @manifestinghair
I am all for continued education from another stylist in the industry, but I don’t pay too much attention to trends; I see many bad cutting techniques online for views/likes. I love a good curly by-curl cut…it never fails me. It definitely is a lengthy process but so worth it for the results…every curly is so different along with every client. I customize what works for each client.
Regimens for Curly Hair
Many individuals struggle with finding the right hair care regimen for their curls. Can you share some effective curly hair care routines or regimens?
It is a tricky answer because everyone’s hair and starting point are different. Your hair type, density, and curl type all play a role…along with the current health of your hair. My advice to all my curly girls is to invest in good products such as Innersense, which is highly recommended…quality products matter!
Making sure you have a consistent and good wash day routine is vital! I see so many clients with buildup on the scalp and losing hair, so make sure you shampoo at least once a month with a good clarifying shampoo.
As I mentioned, I am returning to investing in quality products, deep conditioning once a week, and protective sleepwear for the curls. These are universal truths any curl type, texture, and density can benefit from.
Emerging Colors for Curls
Image Source: @manifestinghair
Curly hair can be a canvas for beautiful colors. What are some of the emerging trends in hair colors for curly hair, and how can individuals incorporate these colors into their styles?
Yes, coloring curly hair is one of my favorite things to do because you can create such beautiful dimensions in the curls! I am seeing a lot of grown out blonde looks, however, cowboy copper is doing is a thing too! Lots of fun copper tones have been trending lately in the hair community.
You can incorporate these looks by going to see a professional who has experience in coloring curly hair and has determined your hair health can handle it. Remember to always be honest with your stylist about your color history. If you want something less committal and want to have some fun, then try temporary dye products that you wash off and can play around with. I believe As I Am has a product that allows you to dress your curls in fun colors!
Client Experiences
Could you share a memorable experience with a client where you transformed their curly hair, and it became a trending style? What was unique about that transformation?
Well, I have had a lot of memorable experiences with all clients. However, I have one client I did last year, a copper, and after she posted a selfie, I had like 15 women immediately want to book and have her exact color. A couple of months ago, I corrected my friend Ashley’s hair; she’s been trying to reach an ash blonde for a while now and hadn’t quite gotten there. She was so happy and in love when I could do it in one session.
Image Source: @manifestinghair
After doing Ashley’s hair, I got an insane amount of new clients wanting her exact color, formula, and technique. I even had stylists reach out for her formula. But my formula/approach is always customized for each person. Both clients trusted me also started their own trend without even knowing, it’s cool to see your work appreciated especially with color.
Inspirations and Influences
Who or what inspires your work when it comes to curly hair? Are any influencers, styles, or cultural elements significantly shaping your approach?
Honestly my love for hair and continuing my education truly. I am always playing around with new ways to approach hair, and I love it. I am inspired by fellow artists in my industry because what we do is so incredible and truly art.
As much as I love my influencer girlies, and they are killing it, as a professional, I find my inspiration in my hair community of professionals. I am always on YouTube and TikTok, watching other stylists and how they do things.
You can learn so much, even from techniques you disagree with. I work alongside another curly hair specialist, and we bounce off one another all the time. She inspired me and I inspired her, it such a beautiful thing. My inspiration is to continue to be better for my amazing clients.
Advice for Curly Hair Enthusiasts
For individuals looking to embrace and enhance their natural curls, what advice would you give them in terms of styling, maintenance, and overall care?
I’d say first. It’s a journey of finding the right products, styles, and even stylists that works for you! So don’t beat yourself up if you’re not feeling confident immediately…it takes time. I find a lot of hair shaming in the natural hair community, so I always encourage people just starting their journey to offer themselves grace. It’s a hard transition and finding what works for YOU!
Regarding style and maintenance, it goes back to what I said earlier about good products, routine, and protection. I’d also advise not to go too crazy on protective styles, a common mistake I see. Not taking breaks between braids can cause scalp issues and also stretch out your curl pattern, so keep that in mind.
All in all, I’d say find a great stylist who can keep your access to your hair and needs. Along with investing in quality products and keeping a routine for your specific hair needs. Don’t get caught up in the trends of feeling like you need a million products, etc. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and don’t compare your journey to anyone else! There is a lot of hair shaming in the natural hair community, so I always encourage people just starting their journey to offer themselves grace.
It’s a hard transition and finding what works for YOU! Regarding style and maintenance, it goes back to what I said earlier about good products, routine, and protection. I’d also advise not to go too crazy on protective styles, a common mistake I see. Not taking breaks between braids can cause scalp issues and also stretch out your curl pattern, so keep that in mind.
Future Trends
Image Source: @manifestinghair
Lastly, what do you foresee as the trends for curly hair in terms of styles, cuts, regimens, and colors? Are there any predictions or emerging concepts that we should keep an eye on?
I predict a lot of block coloring coming back in; I see a lot of dimensional colors emerging as well! Loving the super short disconnected layered cuts and see more of those becoming increasingly popular.
People are being brave and trying new styles! I see a lot of voluminous layers and multi-dimensional colors taking over this year. Volume is back in baby, and so daring colors. I think people are stepping away from playing is safe and having their curls looks perfect and solid colors. I’m excited to see it all.
