NAEEMAH LAFOND
@naeemahlafond
Naeemah LaFond is a Haitian-American, Brooklyn-born hair stylist. She is recognized internationally for creating iconic statement looks for fashion runways, global ad campaigns, and editorial stories. Naeemah is most known for her technical range in delivering everything from effortless looks to sculpted artwork, and for her versatility with all hair textures. Her creations have graced the runways of the likes of Christopher John Rogers, Monse, Fe Noel, and Sandy Liang. Among other notable publications, Naeemah’s work has been featured on the pages of Vogue, Glamour, Allure, Elle, and WWD. She is an on-air beauty expert, an international educator, and the Global Artistic Director for Amika, curating the aesthetic behind the brand’s diverse hair imagery.
How has COVID changed you?
I appreciate the value of my own time a lot more now. The pandemic showed us all how fragile our lives and our circumstances are. Within the blink of an eye, everything you know can be flipped on its head. The lesson in that is to appreciate each day and each moment. Take time to pour into yourself and make sure that you are enjoying life as much as you are making a living.
What do you want to see happen within the beauty industry over the next 5 years?
I would love for diversity and inclusion within beauty to not be as polarizing of a topic as it is today. I hope that we can make some exponential progress within the next five years. I dream of a world where we can all do what we love without wondering if the color of our skin will be a roadblock.
Why Amika?
I came to Amika because I wanted to be at the head of Artistic Direction for a mass luxury/professional brand. Amika was just a small, unknown startup brand at the time, so I felt that this would allow me the space to create something that I always thought was missing in the industry without the pressures of a large corporate entity. I wanted to help build something, and that’s the reason I came to Amika. However, I stayed because of the people and the company culture. Being surrounded by good people who inspire you and grow with you. You can’t ask for a better environment to flourish in.
What’s next for you?
I’m riding the wave. I just like to focus on doing my work well, being a good person, and showing up fully – the rest will fall into place. I think when I retire, I will look at a bunch of interviews from my career and when this question is asked it’s always the same answer. Things are going well so far, so I’ll stick to that answer.
“I dream of a world where we can all do what we love without wondering if the color of our skin will be a roadblock.”
Naeemah LaFond is a Haitian-American, Brooklyn-born hair stylist. She is recognized internationally for creating iconic statement looks for fashion runways, global ad campaigns, and editorial stories. Naeemah is most known for her technical range in delivering everything from effortless looks to sculpted artwork, and for her versatility with all hair textures. Her creations have graced the runways of the likes of Christopher John Rogers, Monse, Fe Noel, and Sandy Liang. Among other notable publications, Naeemah’s work has been featured on the pages of Vogue, Glamour, Allure, Elle, and WWD. She is an on-air beauty expert, an international educator, and the Global Artistic Director for Amika, curating the aesthetic behind the brand’s diverse hair imagery.