To the outside world, Nai’vasha Grace’s career as a go-to hairstylist for some of the biggest names in Hollywood—from Alicia Keys and Lupita Nyong’o to Tracee Ellis Ross and Zoey Deutch—may seem like a fairytale. But her journey from a Memphis-based stylist to a New York City mainstay and brand founder was a long and arduous one. She found a new passion for her work after a career change and, in a bold move, ultimately decided to “build her own table” by launching her hair-care line, Curl Queen. Here, she shares the self-care staples that keep her grounded and glowing, proving that true self-care is a blend of nourishing your body, mind, and spirit.
The Audacious Confidence of a Queen
Nai’vasha Grace’s career is a testament to the power of persistence and audacity. A native of Memphis, she started doing hair for friends and family at just 18 years old, viewing it as a natural extension of her love for art. However, the beauty industry in Memphis at the time didn’t offer the opportunities she craved, so she took a professional detour into real estate for nearly 13 years. It wasn’t until she and her family moved to Atlanta after the stock-market crash of 2007 that she saw a new path for herself. In Atlanta, she saw the beauty industry being treated with a new level of respect and found her passion for hairstyling reignited.
After years of building her reputation in Atlanta, she made the bold decision to move her family to New York City to be closer to her dreams. This move allowed her to expand her network and her career, eventually becoming a staple on editorial shoots and red carpets. This journey also led her to become a brand founder. “I never even thought about launching a brand. My dreams weren’t quite that wild, and my confidence wasn’t that audacious in the beginning,” she says of the development of Curl Queen. However, she noticed gaps in the market and a lack of products specifically designed for curls, coils, and waves. She also felt a need for the “liberty” to be invited into spaces and have her expertise as a hairstylist respected. With a newfound confidence, she decided to create her own brand, not just to sell products, but to educate people and show them a “faster, more efficient, healthier way to navigate their beauty regimens.”
Moisture, Music, and Mindful Moments
Nai’vasha’s self-care philosophy is as intentional as her professional work. She believes that the greatest tool for healing and self-discovery is solitude. She has used this practice to navigate a massive amount of grief and turmoil, learning to sit in silence with her thoughts and feelings. She says that solitude has taught her to “be still and know” and has been the “biggest healer” in her life. This commitment to inner peace is a powerful reminder that self-care is not always about products or glam, but about mindful reflection and emotional well-being.
Grace also finds grounding and inspiration in music, describing herself as a “music junkie.” She listens to a wide range of artists, from the soulful and grown-up sounds of Somi, which she says speaks to her soul, to the energetic and youthful vibe of Latto, who reminds her of her roots in Memphis. This balance between deep introspection and fresh energy helps her stay grounded and connected to all parts of herself. She also finds a sense of calm in the smell of eucalyptus and the warmth of a cup of peppermint tea, which she uses to combat work fatigue.
The Essentials of a Head-to-Toe Glow
For a woman who makes a living creating beautiful hair, it’s no surprise that her body-care routine is just as luxurious and intentional. She starts her shower with a coffee and honey scrub before using Olay’s Cleansing and Nourishing Body Wash. For feminine hygiene, she swears by the Honey Pot Company’s Sensitive Feminine Wash. Her favorite body product, however, is the Lancôme Absolue Smoothing and Firming Soft Body Balm, which she says will make you “glisten and glow like the sun.” For her hair, she uses her own Curl Queen Intense Therapy Masque to keep her curls healthy and replenished.
Beyond the shower, she loves to use Weleda Skin Food as a hand cream but also uses it as a highlighter on her cheekbones, the tip and bridge of her nose, and her eyelids. Her latest obsession is the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Extra Plump Lip Serum in the shade Bare Pink, which she put on today. For combating Zoom fatigue, she loves the natural taste of 100 Coconuts water, which she drinks from cases, and a little bit of Dior’s Lip Glow oil. For her, a truly healthy glow comes from a combination of nourishing products and simple, daily habits.
A Confident, No-Makeup Look
When it comes to makeup, Nai’vasha has a clear philosophy: “no-makeup makeup.” With her head full of beautiful, coily hair, she feels that adding a bold makeup look would be “too much action happening.” Her ideal look is a “beautiful, healthy skin glow and a lip.” To achieve this, she has two go-to red lipsticks: the Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte Rose Petal Lipstick in Amour Fou, which she buys four at a time, and the classic Ruby Woo by MAC Cosmetics.
To simplify her routine, she religiously wears lash extensions, which she says are a “game-changer” that makes her feel like she has makeup on, even when she doesn’t. She prefers mink lashes, which she says are very light and soft. Her approach to beauty is a practical one, focusing on a few key products that enhance her natural features without overpowering her overall look. This intentional and minimalist approach to makeup allows her to look effortlessly polished, a perfect complement to her dramatic hairstyles.
Traditions of Unconditional Love
While her career and beauty routines are a crucial part of her self-care, the most important ritual for Nai’vasha is a holiday tradition she created called Curlsgiving. This event, which she co-hosted with her friend Kat Graham this year, is a way for her to fill the void of not having family on the East Coast, especially during a season that reminds her of the grief of losing her father. Curlsgiving is a party that brings her tribe of close friends together for a night of “unlimited hugs, unlimited laughter, unlimited tears, no judgment, all of those things.”
Grace explains that while the tradition sounds like a “Friendsgiving,” its purpose is much deeper. It was born from her desire to cook for her friends and to have a sense of family and community during a season that had become difficult for her. This annual gathering is a crucial part of her self-care routine, a moment in time that truly carries her into the New Year and makes her heart feel at ease. The event is a powerful reminder that self-care is not just about what you put on your skin or what you do in solitude, but about the love and connection you share with your community.
