Manny King John
Jahmai Lumpkin is the hair stylist everybody is talking about.
Jahmai Lumpkin is the hair stylist everybody is talking about. Her ultra cool braids have been spotted on several celebrities like Rita Ora, Nia Long, Keri Hilson, Carmelita Jeter, Matt Kemp, and that’s just a few of her savvy celebrity clientele. Jahmai has been featured in several publications such as InStyle Magazine, LA Weekly, LA Canvas, New York Times Fashion Section, Popsugar, and Essence Magazine. The braids are art, she creates crowns, and hearts, and adds ombre colored hair to a style that dates back to 3500 B.C., but there’s no denying she creating her own lane. So I stopped by Goo Salon to interview Jahmai and watched her braid and she’s the real deal. Friendly, kind, funny and one of the best braiders arguably in the world.
How long have you been braiding?
Since I was 8. But in high school, I braided a friend’s hair, and the next day everybody was asking how much I charged, and when they could get braids too. I knew then I was on to something!
What inspires your creativity when braiding?
Street culture. Working on Fairfax, there is always something going on, it’s the “mecca of streetwear.” Supreme, Melody Eshani, Flight Club, Diamond, and The Hundreds, are a few of the popular stores on Fairfax that drive the new-age streetwear culture. Skateboard parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and night clubs, add an interesting dynamic to the historic street. The culture is rebellious, creative, and is setting a new standard of “cool.”
What’s next for Jahmai?
I want to create my own product line.
What products are you loving right now?
Ombre braiding hair from Danii Mai, my clients love color, and Danii Mai offers unique and fun colors I haven’t seen anywhere else.
What’s your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment is that the social media has embraced my talent.
How can we see your work?
On Instagram. Follow me.
Words by Danielle Adefeso
