Nneka Allison - Founder of HoochTeeStyles
I think the beauty scene for day-to-day wear has become a lot more stripped back in terms of makeup. We’ve gone from wearing full-face glam to more minimal, natural looks.
Tell us about your career in beauty to date?
Since opening Hoochteestyles in April 2024, my brand has taken off so quickly and is currently thriving. Hoochteestyles is a hairstyling service that recreates some of the hairstyles that dominated Black culture back in the ‘90s, like pin curls, finger waves, mullets, and neon-bright extensions. Unlocking my creativity and doing something that I love has been an absolute blessing. I’ve achieved quite a lot in a relatively short space of time, which confirms to me that I am on the right path, and I am born to do this. I’m truly excited about what’s in store for Hoochteestyles.
How did you get into hairstyling?
I’ve always had a knack for hairstyling, and from the age of about 13 I started experimenting on my own hair. Back then frontal wigs definitely were not a thing, so all of my experimenting came from natural hairstyles or using packet hair such as Premium Too or Milkyway. I would always push my creativity and see what bold coloured looks I could come up with. My hair has always been a vehicle for self-expression.
Describe a typical day in your life.
During the day I often have clients who come to my hairstyling studio to get Hoochtified (the term I’ve coined to describe clients undergoing their ‘90s hair transformation). At the studio I like to set the tone by blasting ‘90s music videos in the background. During the evening I’m likely to hit the gym, cook, and then later it’s back to work by collating ideas for hairstyles that I would like to create and use for content. I put a lot of thought and time into finding the hairstyles that will make the most impact and showcase my skills and expertise. I get a lot of inspiration from listening to ‘90s hip-hop tracks.
What are your plans for your brand?
My plan for Hoochteestyles is to become the definitive Black owned female brand that is recognised for celebrating the essence of ‘90s Black culture. I plan to become renowned and respected in hairstyling, fashion, film, doing hair for major catwalk shows, films, TV - you name it. I like to classify Hoochteestyles as a one-stop creative house, where nothing is out of reach in terms of creativity.
What was your first beauty product?
My first ever beauty product that I remember wearing was the Dream Matte Mousse foundation by Maybelline. I would say this was around 2007 to 2008. There wasn’t that many great foundations around for Black skin at the time other than MAC or Bobbi Brown. I wore my Dream Matte Mousse foundation religiously at one stage (laughs), along with a winged eye, electric blue mascara and a £1 lipgloss from my local beauty supply store. The makeup look was pretty basic and lowkey back in those days.
Tell us what is in your makeup bag.
My makeup style is pretty simple - I don't usually wear a lot of makeup. My go to brands include, Morphe, NARS and FENTY, and one of my favourite products is Glow & Go Blush Stick by Depaysement. This product will always have my face looking sunkissed. I’m also a lip gloss girlie, I have quite a lot of them.
What are your favourite foundations and why?
My favourite foundation has to be the Morphe Filter Effect Soft-Focus Foundation. I love this foundation because its light and can be built up if you don't want full coverage. It’s also good for those with sensitive skin like myself. I like to think of it as an “all purpose” foundation.
Which hair products do you use?
I use a lot of natural products, for example, I like to mix a lot of natural oils like olive oil and Aragan oil, which keeps my hair shiny and scalp nourished at all times. My favourite shampoo/ conditioners are from the OGX range, which works well for my hair which currently has a Texture Release treatment. The formulas, which are sulphate free, are great for treating and nourishing my hair.
How does the beauty scene now compare to pre 2020?
I actually think that the beauty scene for day-to-day wear has become a lot more stripped back in terms of makeup. We’ve gone from wearing full-face glam to more minimal, natural looks. This tells me that we are becoming more comfortable in our own skin. I have also noticed a lot of Y2K makeup trends coming back full circle, for example thinner brows or the signature brown lip liner, clear gloss combo. It’s refreshing to see that the new generations want to be a part of that culture.
