#HairTalk: ‘Hype Hair’s Lia Jones On Reviving Iconic Black Hair Magazine

“Hype Hair” has been synonymous with beauty salon culture for the past 30 years. I remember being a teenager, getting my hands on the magazine, and instantly cutting it up to put the pictures on my walls. Today, the magazine is no longer in print — but is Black-owned again. And, you can still get your hair and beauty fixes through their website and digital publication.

[SEE ALSO: ‘Married To Medicine’ Star Lia Jones Buys ‘Hype Hair’ Magazine Making It Black-Owned]

So, when the opportunity arose to interview Lia Jones, the new owner and CEO of “Hype Hair,” I jumped at the chance. After a few hiccups, we were able to schedule a live chat, where we chatted about taking the reins of such an iconic publication, future plans for growth, and bringing beauty pop-ups to the community.

Jones was fresh off co-hosting an exclusive beauty event with African Pride during ESSENCE Fest earlier this month.

“They have this new formula for locs, braids, and taking care of hair under wigs or weaves,” she explained. “We were promoting the new line,” said Jones. 

The content creator-friendly event featured product demos and giveaways, celebrity appearances, and a live performance by hip-hop veteran (and former “Hype Hair” cover star) Trina.  

“I am a huge fan of Trina!” said Jones.

Jones also shared the event was not just a media-only experience, she also opened it to the magazine’s subscribers. The magazine even held a giveaway for subscribers to win an exclusive VIP experience. 

“They got tickets to all the nights of Essence Fest,” said Jones. “They got to see Usher, Janet Jackson, and SWV. They got tickets to all the concerts. They got a hotel stay for three nights. They got a VIP bag from African Pride.”

Jones is excited to host more in-person events to help revive and evolve the magazine’s presence in the community, especially now that it’s only digital. 

“I don’t want ‘Hype Hair’ Magazine to be put into a box,” said Jones. “You might go onto Hype Hair Magazine and see an article about motherhood; you might see another article about HBCUs. You know, whatever is prevalent for Black women and Black people.”

She also shared a desire to keep innovating on their digital cover stars — going from conventional actors and musicians to influencers and even men. Now, she says, “I want to do a loc edition.”

“Hype Hair”s reach has definitely evolved over the years. Jones recently merged her Cave Girl beauty supply stores with the magazine to launch the first-ever Hype Hair Beauty Supply stores. The network features five locations in California and Texas.

The beauty mogul can often be found at one of her locations or mixing and mingling in the community. For her, being reachable and accessible is a natural part of the beauty game.

“I don’t even think about it,” said Jones. “I was built for this. I love it. I’m not one of those people who doesn’t like to be around people or gets weird when people come up to me. I love it. If you see me out, stop me. Come talk to me. I am a people person.”

Press play below to watch the full interview.