CHEEKY MAA
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Photography by: Chandler Crump
Creative Produced by: Daniella Bernal
Style and Hair by: Cheeky Maa
Haircut Model: Rina London
Photo Assistant: Emma Parker
Creative Produced by: Daniella Bernal
Style and Hair by: Cheeky Maa
Haircut Model: Rina London
Photo Assistant: Emma Parker
What is the logline to your craft?
I started cosmetology school in 2017, in 2018 I started apprenticing at an Australian salon called Prema. I began taking clients as a stylist in 2019. From 2018-2020 I was also pursuing editorial hairstyling under the mentorship of Charlie Le Mindu, which I now incorporate into my salon work. In 2021 I began working at my current Salon, Tree House Social Club in the East Village, owned by the legendary Mischa G.
Where did you grow up? Did that influence your career interest?
I grew up in Long Island, just an hour from the city. Growing up there had an influence on my hair in that, I had to start doing it myself because the salons out there could not serve it. I would go in asking for a psychotic scene girl haircut and would leave with long layers and a glam blowout. It instilled in me a sense of importance to really listen to my clients and give them what they want.
Was there a specific moment that led you to solidify your pursuit of hair?
When I moved to the city at 18 I was working as a club kid and an unsigned model. I was barely making enough to live and was tired of dollar pizza everyday. I was always dying and cutting my own hair and my partner at the time suggested I look into cosmetology school, that I could make a decent living if I could build a clientele. I went into it thinking I would be a colorist, but once I started cutting, my passion grew -- it is the most satisfying thing in the world to me.
Two weeks into schooling, I reached out to Mischa G, asking if she needed an assistant. I was hungry to learn. She immediately took me in, showing me wig work. My first job ever was helping make wigs for Robert Pattinson's cover of Wonderland Mag. That kinda solidified to me I was doing the right [thing] for myself, that things were gonna work out.
What does your process look like in terms of preparing for a simple trim versus an actual haircut for a personality?
The more complex the cut, the longer the consultation. If I’m doing a complicated haircut, with a completely new shape, I will map out, section and plan what I’m going to do before I execute. If it’s a trim up, I don't have to plan as much because my guide is already cut into the hair and I can base my sectioning on the shape that exists.
Has your process shifted over the years?
I’ve gotten better and faster; I hope to continue to grow my skills.
Do you have a favorite type of cut?
I really love drastic choppy cuts, shaved here, long there, random patch here. Most people aren't willing to do these kinds of cuts though.
I really enjoy doing any cut, it’s ASMR.
Tell us more about the inspiration for Rina's hair?
Rina has been my client for 3 years, and every time they come in, they say "do what you want Cheeky" They are my favorite experiment :) The inspiration was not giving a f*ck.
How would you describe your style as a hair(stylist) versus on the street?
I think my personal style definitely has an influence on my haircutting style, and the clientele that comes to me. It’s a bit sexy, edgy, androgynous, messy but thought out.
I think that in my haircutting, I'm more versatile and adaptable to styles outside my personal comfort. I love getting a client who is completely opposite of me and tapping in, trying to embody their energy into the haircut, not mine. That moment when I see the confidence light up in my clients eyes, is the best feeling.
Where do you want to be in five years?
Honestly, I don't know. I’m happy with where I'm at and that’s good enough for me. I plan to continue making art and making memories with the people I love.
