Adrienne C. Moore Instagram – APPRECIATION POST. I woke up this morning to see the news that this beauty @nikiyamathis of @our_black_tresses would be getting a special @thetonyawards for her work in hair and wig design. If you’ve been a black actress in this business in NYC, you know Nikiya. She is a formidable actress and hair designer who is getting the flowers she deserves right now.
I first met Nikiya in our production of Milk Like Sugar at @lajollaplayhouse & @phnyc (MILK LIKE SUGAR ON THE SHELF!! 🎶 #iykyk)! Many of the female cast members wore wigs but, production didn’t provide anyone to prep hair. Not only a brilliant actress, but she can whip some hair too, we told production that they needed to hire her to do the wig prep, and they did.
Before getting the much deserved recognition that’s she’s getting today, she has been the behind the scenes creator for many hairstyles, wigs etc for black actresses. For example, she helped me to create Black Cindy’s iconic puff style on @oitnb. I remember her coming to my house late one night, as we were finishing up filming first season and I told her I wanted to do something special for the finale episode. I asked if she could braid Cindy’s initials into my hair, and she said she thought she could. A couple hours later, magic was made and, as I knew it, it was a hit with audiences. So much so, when I asked production if I could change Cindy’s hair the following season, they were adamant that they couldn’t get rid of the puffs cause they were so popular. I had to wear my hair like that for seasons!!
Since then she’s gone on to create countless red carpet looks and wigs for me. Here are examples of a few. Although her schedule has become quite busy now, and I miss the late night and impromptu hair sessions, I’m so happy for her.
This is only the beginning, my friend. Where there were only a few in the beginning, I’ve seen how you’ve cultivated the many. Always giving of yourself to help teach, grow and expand the knowledge of black hair in this industry. You humble me by your willingness to share your gift with others.You’ve made such a mark in this industry, I can’t wait to see how you’ll continue to “expand your horizons boo!!” | Posted on 15/Jun/2024 20:33:16
