The Sisters of VanJess on Making Feel-Good Music and Changing Up Their Hair During Lockdown
Texture Diaries is a space for Black people across industries to reflect on their journeys to self-love, and how accepting their hair, in all its glory, played a pivotal role in this process. Each week, they share their favorite hair rituals, products, and the biggest lessons they’ve learned when it comes to affirming their beauty and owning their unique hair texture.
When you hit play on a VanJess song, be prepared for an instant mood boost. The musical duo—sisters Jessica and Ivana Nwokike—fuse together house music, ’90s R&B, and soul in their new EP, Homegrown, out today. (Start with the upbeat “Dysfunctional,” featuring Kaytranada.) “We wanted to bring some positivity and feel-good music into this year,” they say of their mission for the album, given that 2020 was so challenging.
“We were home more than ever before and we had a chance to create so much in 2020,” says Ivana, one half of the L.A.-based duo. “Homegrown was originally going to be the name of [the 2018 album] Silk Canvas, but it turns out it feels more fitting for this project, given the times we’re in.” Music isn’t the only thing they’ve had time to further explore during the lockdown: Playing around in the beauty space—in particular changing up their hairstyles—has also brought joy, from fierce wigs and pixie cuts to ponytails, braids, and Afros.
“Growing up, our mom would often put us in traditional Nigerian styles,” Jessica recalls of growing up in Lagos. “I remember when we first moved to America”—La Palma, California, to be exact, at ages 10 and 8—“one of my first hairstyles I wore was a threaded look, which helps to stretch your hair,” Ivana says. “This style was so normal for me, but at the time, I was getting made fun of for something that was just…me,” she recalls. “But now, most of those people are like, ‘Wow, this is so cool,’ because, you know, it’s trendy,” she says. “But we’re definitely inspired by our heritage when it comes to our styles, to this day. Whether it’s twists or crochet braids.”
The sisters are also heavily inspired by Whitney Houston when it comes to hair. “She would always do that shoulder-length situation, which I always thought was cool,” Jessica says. “I’ve always loved what Solange does with her hair too.” When it comes to products, TGIN’s Daily Moisturizing Cream is a favorite. They’re also loving RxHair’s Moringa Hair and Beard Oil, while leave-ins from ORS Olive Oil and As I Am serve up hydration. Melanin Haircare’s oil blend and twist styling creams are also favorites, since Ivana’s go-to styles to rock while home are twists and head wraps. Jessica loves letting her hair be free, rocking it in twists, or wearing natural-style wigs “to play around a bit.”
Products and styles aside, VanJess have found that hair confidence comes from nurturing hair health. “Don’t base your confidence on what you see on Instagram,” Jessica says. “Base your confidence off of the health of your hair. Invest time in keeping your hair healthy and wear it with pride. Know that everyone has their own unique texture. And no matter what, it’s beautiful.”
1/13🥰
Photo: Courtesy of VanJess2/13“My favorite oils.”—Jessica
