Hype Hair, the industry-leading magazine for African-American women and hairstylists, has announced its new editor-in-chief, Jessica De Vault Hale. A seasoned journalist with nearly 15 years of experience in the print media and fashion industries, Hale has also been charged with overseeing the rebrand of the reputable magazine.
The January/February 2019 edition debuting her new direction will be available to subscribers and participating salons on Feb. 7. Hype Hair will feature a fresh new design and purpose in print and online, focusing its sights on hair and beauty trends for African American women and men while digging deeper into the culture of Black haircare. Click here to view the upcoming print edition cover featuring songstress Marsha Ambrosius, and the digital cover featuring Atlanta-based rapper Yung Joc, the first man to ever grace the cover of Hype Hair!
“It was important to me that Hype Hair extends beyond a hairstyle look book. That component is important, but there are endless opportunities to explore when it comes to our self-expression through hair, beauty, and celebration of Black style,” Hale said.
“Hype Hair has been a staple in Black salons for decades, and there’s room for it to grow and evolve just as our unique hairstyles do. I grew up with this namesake magazine and appreciate the work that former editor Adrienne Moore has accomplished,” she added. ‘For this reason, I plan to take great care in elevating Hype Hair to the next level for this generation while building on its legacy.”
Hale joins the Hype Hair team while maintaining her editor-in-chief
position at OTC Beauty Magazine, a trade publication that serves the multicultural beauty supply industry. There, she is responsible for partnering with major ethnic beauty brands to connect with beauty supply stores via the monthly magazine.
Prior to that, she worked independently as an editorial stylist for a North Carolina women’s magazine and as a branding consultant for a clientele of entrepreneurs and small business brands. She’s also an award-winning journalist, having won The New York Times Chairman’s Award and the NABJ Chuck Stone Salute to Excellence Award. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Hale’s unique background in print media, fashion, and branding have well equipped her for the task of revamping Hype Hair.
Hale is joined in this endeavor by Hannah Aryee, who serves as the magazine’s new art director, and long-time editorial team, Adrienne Moore, the former Hype Hair editor-turned-publisher; and Digital Media Director Stephenetta (isis) Harmon.
