Terrian’s Hair Journey & Identity
Who are you beyond the music?
Beyond the music, I am a follower of Christ, wife, daughter, and sister.
What has your hair journey looked like over the years?
Over the years, it has evolved. I’ve gone through extensive seasons of wearing my natural hair and, more recently, braids have become my signature look.
Growing up, what messages did you receive about textured hair?
We didn’t speak much about textured hair when I was a little girl. It wasn’t considered an option. The uncontested plan, it seemed, for all of the women in my family was to get a relaxer at a young age. Even with relaxed hair, we would casually refer to it as “nappy” once it was time for another treatment. In high school, my hair suddenly started falling out. It was in micro braids, and with one touch, several would fall into my hands. It was traumatizing. The only solution was to shave my head. I felt incredibly insecure going to school, but that season started my journey toward embracing my natural texture. It wasn’t without its bumps in the road, but eventually I began to feel more confident.
How does your hair connect to your identity and self-expression as an artist?
Currently, I wear braids because I love the flexibility and convenience they offer, especially for photoshoots and touring. Whether it’s a half-up, half-down style or a ponytail with two braids framing my face, they allow me to have fun and express myself creatively.
As someone in the music industry, have you ever felt pressure to wear your hair a certain way?
Personally, no. I’m grateful that’s been my experience. I’ve worn my hair in many different ways as an artist, and I’ve felt supported with every style.
What does wearing your textured hair confidently mean to you today?
It means embracing freedom from Western beauty standards. Though I wear braids often, there’s an inner glow that seems to shine outwardly whenever I wear my natural hair. I believe it’s a testament to how beautifully the Lord created us.
In what ways do you think textured hair and Black music culture connect?
There’s so much history there. It’s both a celebration of our culture and a continuation of the work of those who came before us. I think about the Lauryn Hill era. Her natural hair was beautiful, and our community loved that she wore it with confidence. It wasn’t about creating a trend—it was about asking, What if the hair God gave me is already the standard for me? What if that’s just normal? The lyrics from “Doo Wop (That Thing)” have always stood out to me because they challenged Black women to see themselves as beautiful. Then there’s India Arie’s timeless reminder:
“I am not my hair.
I am not this skin.
I am the soul that lives within.”
Both perspectives invite us to see beauty through a deeper lens.
Healthy Hair & Hair Care
What does your current hair regimen look like?
Right now, it includes a trip to the salon every four to five weeks for a scalp detox and deep conditioning treatment in between braid appointments and a trim every six to eight weeks. When I’m wearing braids, it’s important that I keep moisture on my scalp and hair and regularly use a light weight hair oil.
What have you learned about your hair that changed the way you care for it?
For me, blowouts that stretch my hair work really well because they prevent my curls from tangling and knotting. I have 4B texture in the back and 4C everywhere else, so keeping it stretched has been a game changer.
How important is maintaining healthy hair versus simply achieving a style?
It helps me rest well at night knowing I’m maintaining my hair. It’s become a priority during this season of my life. Even when I don’t feel like taking the extra step, I encourage myself to do it because it guarantees better results in the end.
What challenges have you faced with maintaining healthy textured hair while balancing your career and lifestyle?
I tour for most of the year, and the schedule can be unpredictable. Add in the exhaustion that sometimes comes with life on the road, and it can be difficult to stay consistent with your hair goals.
What are your favorite ways to nurture or protect your hair?
Wearing a satin bonnet at night is a must for me. Sometimes, simply allowing my hair to “just be,” taking in fresh air and sunshine, feels rejuvenating.
What does healthy hair personally mean to you?
Healthy hair means being willing to pay attention to its needs before it reaches the point of requiring serious intervention. For example, I now know exactly when it’s time to take my braids down. The first sign of pulling when they aren’t in a ponytail tells me it’s time.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about textured hair care?
It’s not one-size-fits-all. Our environments, diets, and lifestyles all impact what our individual hair needs.
The Heart for Hair Salon Experience
How did you first connect with Heart for Hair Salon?
I saw that Simone had done hair for other artists I knew, and I wanted to give it a try, hoping to find a stylist I could consistently visit while living in Nashville.
What made you choose Heart for Hair Salon for your hair journey?
I could tell she genuinely cared about my hair. Her approach was to slowly implement small, manageable habits into my routine so they could become a lifestyle. It felt less like pressure and more like pure encouragement.
Heart for Hair Salon’s motto is “Where healthy hair meets style.” What does that phrase mean to you?
I’ve seen many people sacrifice the health of their hair for style, but I truly believe you can have both. In fact, healthy hair enhances the style.
How would you describe your experience in Simone’s chair?
It’s always a good time. We laugh, encourage one another in our faith, and talk through the different seasons of life we’ve walked through. Beauty shops are often known for being places of gossip, but this has been a space filled with life-giving, uplifting conversation. Learning that healthy hair care can be both therapeutic and simple has been really cool. Who knew what steam could do? Watching it bring life back into your hair is amazing.
Have you noticed any changes in your hair health, confidence, or overall relationship with your hair since prioritizing healthier hair care practices?
Absolutely. My hair is fuller, thicker, and shinier. I love the monthly check-ins and tracking its progress. I also feel seen during each of my salon experiences. Any concerns I’ve had have been met with honesty, patience, and a sincere desire to find the best solution for my individual circumstances.
How important is it to have a stylist who educates and nurtures your hair instead of only styling it?
It’s extremely important because it shows they genuinely care about you. I’ve sat in chairs where I could tell the stylist wasn’t interested in doing the work necessary to prioritize hair health above the style, and your hair ended up suffering. It’s important to find someone who truly cares.
What would you say to someone searching for a salon that truly specializes in textured hair health and growth?
It’s the best option for your hair, even if you’re only there for a season to learn what works for you. There’s tremendous value in that.
Reflection & Inspiration
What message would you give someone struggling to embrace their textured hair journey?
We’ve all been there. Our hair is our hair. It’s not our enemy, it’s not a mistake, and it’s certainly not a burden. It’s beautiful. Truly.
How has learning to love and care for your hair impacted your confidence or personal growth?
Embracing it somehow makes life less about the things that don’t matter. And Proverbs 31:30 reminds us: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
What do you hope people feel when they see you embracing your authentic self—including your hair?
Authenticity. I believe we shine brightest when we are who the Lord created us to be.
Finish this sentence: “My textured hair is…”
“Gorgeous.”
What’s Next for Terrian?
I just turned in my sophomore album, and I’m incredibly excited about it. I’m so grateful the Lord has blessed me to make music. Later this year, I’ll also have the pleasure of joining the incredible CeCe Winans, Charity Gayle, and Red Worship on the Come Worship Tour. You can follow Terrian on all social platforms at @iamterrian and visit www.iamterrian.com. Her music is available on all streaming platforms under the name Terrian.
Photography provided by: Simone Parke and Terrian
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