Valtina Shone models a hair design by Native hairstylist Anderson Yazzie.Photo courtesy of Anderson Yazzie
Hairstylist Braids Traditional, Modern
October 8, 2008
Whether it's braids, weaves, cuts, or curls, Anderson Yazzie hopes to become a household name in Native hairdressing.
"I want to make people feel good and create in the art of hair," said Yazzie, a 26-year-old member of the Navajo Nation.
Interested in working with hair since he was a child, Yazzie, who lives in Whippoorwhill, Ariz., has already made a name for himself in Indian Country. He has worked with models for the Navajo-inspired Glacsy fashion line, as well as the Native fashion line Nizhoni Way Apparel, both based in Arizona.
"My parents always worked hard to make ends meet and they would leave me alone with my sister and cousins," Yazzie said. "(In that time) we would take out all the curlers and blow dryers to put on hair shows."
Hairstyling became his salvation
Reaching adulthood, the dreams created during those childhood hair shows seemed to slip out of reach as Yazzie faced personal turmoil. "Dead-end jobs" couldn't pay the bills, and he was led into drug dealing, he said.
Although his personal life seemed to be crumbling, Yazzie found strength in his dream and began turning his hobby into a career. After experimenting on the hair of several community members, Yazzie developed an untrained style inspired by Native heritage.
For centuries Natives everywhere expressed tribal individuality through the styling of their hair. Depending on the person's tribe, a single hairstyle could represent their status, tribal affiliation, strength, or even emotional state. For the Hopi tribe, unmarried women wore their hair in squash blossoms or butterfly whorls.
Similar to earlier times, several Native people continue to follow the traditional meaning of hair in accordance with their tribes. This, Yazzie said, could complicate a trip to the salon when dealing with a person who has specific beliefs on hair and an uneducated hairdresser.
Styles are rich with meaning to Native people
"Hairstyles vary from tribe to tribe," Yazzie said. "Some wear the long braids, Tsiiyeei (Navajo hair buns), Mohawks, and Hopi with squash blossom whorls. Each has its own meaning, which makes them so unique. I take these things into consideration when working with someone."
Using modern and traditional styling techniques, word of his unique hair designs spread quickly, he said. He began booking jobs with various Native modeling agencies, photographers, fashion shows, musicians and designers.
"We've worked with (Yazzie) several times in the past, from photo shoots to fashion shows," said Tionne Linder, Glacsy founder and head designer. "He is a very talented person with a very creative gift! His hair creations are amazing and when it comes to working with him, he is very professional."
In fact, Linder asked Yazzie to help her with her Halloween fashion show in Gallup, N.M., this month.
Yazzie has also worked with Courtney Nutlouis, Miss Pinon Princess '06-'07 and hosted a Fashion for a Cause fashion show to collect canned goods. He has also been involved in shows to benefit the Navajo Aids Network, Inc. and Special Olympics Arizona.
His eyes are on the prize
While Yazzie feels it's important to evaluate life experiences such as his troubled past, he said it's more important to learn from it and create a plan for the future.
Today, the Navajo hairstylist has enrolled in a cosmetology school and in honor of his traditional-meets-modern style, Yazzie plans to open a salon and name it after his great grandmother Zonnie Natione.
"My work has been described as 'traditional meets modern,'" Yazzie said. "I think that's what Native people are really looking for in fashion right now. A piece of where they came from meets a piece of who they are."
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Copyright © 2008 Reznet.
Reznet is a project of The University of Montana School of Journalism.
Comments?
Your on your way
WOW!! Who would have thought someone I knew way back when would be on his way to becomoing someone grate... You Go Ander.. Much Love
It's Good to know!!
Going Anne Mae.... OH Man here i go...(Sorry!). keep on going and reach for what you want in life.. YES!! it will be hard.. but no matter what keep on reaching.. I love You.. OH and that EX of your keep him out of your mind.. He was mess up your dreams and your happiness...Don't you back in the place id drakness!!! Sister!!!!!
PROUD
i am very proud of you alyssa Erin!, your writing has always been an inspiration im happy you get to share your words of wisdom with other's good job Girl!
Way TO GO ANDERSON!
I was checking out your work and you do some really incredible stuff! To come up with these artistic hair dos is a great ability. Not only do you make people look amazing, but you make them feel good about themselves. Can I have your magic hands do my hair?
SAM
Everyone deserves a chance
There is so many dreams out there in the world and everyone deserves a chance. Anderson you have a wonderful dream about becoming a Native Hairstyles. Thats a step into your future so keep going and don't stop for no one unless you think it's important. You know yourself better than anyone else so just follow your dreams and everything you want can become a part of who you really are. No one can get you to where you want to be, don't pay no attention to those who are putting you down and you are a GREAT talented person, don't ever forget that.
Well thats all for now but so you know I'm behind you every step of the way, thats what families are for, right.
Love ya.
Olivia M.
May You Walk In Beauty~>
Amazing story and for more to come upon you good friend. Keep up the great, talent work of yours coming... you got my support all the way :) life is a wonderful gife so make the best of it!
:)
with luv,
tiffany
ItZ m3!!
i only knew anderson for sometime now and by seeing his terrfic work i see you are going to be a true hairstylist somethimg you always been good at.. and i hope you achieve your dream and make yourself a successful person..
Great stuff...
Great to see many different Native talents popping up in all different areas of the entertainment industry. You don`t have to be an avid hair person or expert to recognize talent when you see it. Anderson Yazzie is one thats talented at what he does.
Makons
HOLY COW
WOW!!!! I thought he was B/S me.. I have to give it to him.. He had gone to so uch.. and Thank you!! Rez net for put him out thier!!! If you real know this person he vice nice and outgoing.... most off all he out thier helping people with out getting paid for it... I guess it paiding off now.... It's me Dude Mike!!! also, Anderson...Keep up the good work... and when I get back to the REZ.. you have to do my braids
Nice...
Good story. Very people oriented.
-S
Awesome Article
Thanks for showing this to me. :)
Shannon
www.thebakertwins.com
Deams Do Come True
I would like to Congratulate you.......... for not giving up and pushing for what you want. You have Earned it! After all you have worked for something you want at hard times and all. I would love to visit your new Shop when it opens but as of right now I AM WAITING to get my hair done by you...
Take Care and keep up the good work
always Kat Williams
I LOVE IT
OH MY GOD!!!!!!! I'M AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.....MAKE UR DREAMS COME TRUE AND THANK YOU FOR DOING MY HAIR FOR WORK.......LOVE U MUCH.
Proud of You-From a long time friend
HI there anderson. I am so very proud of you. i am so blessed to have a friend like you. once u set your mind on something u attend to go and accomplish it. keep striving and you will succeed. a true friend, Shannon, love ya lots.
Cool Work!!!
It is real good to see a naitve try his or her best in the fashion line... And doing hair for a line I hpoe you the best "ANDERSON YAZZIE" form Whippoorwill, AZ
***LADY MAE**** New Town, ND
good work...
THIS IS A GOOD ARTICLE. I AM VERY GLAD THAT YOU(ANDER)ARE MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. THE PROCESS IS SLOW BUT YOU ARE GETTING THERE. I REMEMBER THAT DAY. LOL. ME, VANA AND SHONDA HAD NO CLUE OF WHAT WE WERE DOING. BUT THANK YOU FOR THE BURGER AND YOU GOT SOMETHING IN RETURN THAT IS MORE THAN A BURGER. WELL KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING YOU WILL MAKE IT. LUV TINA.
Great newz...
I have know Yazzie as a child, I see his troubled past. form begin homeless to unhealthy relationship and so far.. Now I can say he had done so much and came so far to a good life.. and if you are reading this "Anderson" keep up the good work... stay postive in your life.. no mattter what happen I'm here... to talk... I love you!!!! MOM!!!
Nice work
He has talented also he doing a great work.... we are all proud of U... keep up your good work.
Great Story Lyss
I love your writing and I love the Article. Very inspirational and exciting. I would want Yazzie to do my hair!!!!
*Spotted Eagle
Great Story Lyss
I love your writing and I love the Article. Very inspirational and exciting. I would want Yazzie to do my hair!!!!
*Spotted Eagle
anderson, you are a great
anderson,
you are a great role model.. Me,amber=]
amazing
Anderson you are an awesome person and never give UP on any dreams you dream! God Bless.
Amanda B
Miss November 09
Kudos!
Very insightful –looks like you’ve found your niche’. Keep developing your work and only great things will come to you.
Your family must be so proud of your accomplishments.
RezNetNews--Great read!
Hey.. I am soo Proud of you..!!!!
Since we grew up together, I have always hope the best for you. Now stay positve. YOur already famous!! Ever need a model. I am there for you.. or if you ever just wanna experiment. my hair is your hair!! love TYE
Beautiful work
His really talented and Your doing an awesome job Anderson I'm proud of u.
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