Maria Riveraβs hair journey is as dynamic as her modeling career. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, sheβs been navigating the world of fashion for five years. She started her career in Hong Kong and quickly became a sought-after model across Asia. But now sheβs embracing new opportunities and a fresh perspective in New York City.
When Maria first entered the modeling world, she had bleach blonde hair. It was a look that set her apart and helped her book gigs across Asia.
"There are more strict beauty standards in Asia," Maria explains. "You have to have a certain look to get booked." With her light hair, Maria stood out among the sea of models. But the constant bleaching took a toll on her hair. "I donβt think Iβll do color again because it damaged my hair so much," she admits, remembering how she eventually had to cut it into a bob to save what was left.
Since moving to New York, Maria has let her hair grow long, down to the middle of her back, focusing on keeping it healthy and strong. βShort hair was fun for a while, and I did short, short hair before, like a boy, for a job. And I got a lot more jobs after that.β
However, long hair has become her signature look. Today Maria is getting a trim and adding some thick, playful bangs. Maria has embraced the natural beauty of her black locks and is determined to keep them in top shape. She uses a strengthening spray to combat breakage and incorporates deep conditioning treatments into her routine to keep her hair moisturized.
"My hair is actually so oily, like crazy oily," she laughs. To manage the oil, she uses dry shampoo every three days if she doesnβt wash it.
For Maria, transitioning from the Asian market to the U.S. has been eye-opening. She explained that the US is a lot more diverse and embraces a variety of looks for models. Because of this range, Maria finds that itβs a lot more competitive than in Asia.
"Thereβs so many beautiful people here, which makes it tough to land gigs," she said.Β But despite the competition, Maria finds the diversity in New York refreshing. "You can make so many more friends here," she says with a smile.
One of her favorite modeling memories is from a commercial she did in Asia. It was a campaign for Kiss Press On Nails, an e-commerce shoot that allowed her to showcase her playful side. "I loved that job," she says. "It was so fun, and I got to be creative with my poses."
Now based in Bushwick, Maria splits her time between her apartment and her boyfriendβs place in Midtown Manhattan. She enjoys the contrast between the artsy vibe of Bushwick and the bustling energy of Midtown.
Mariaβs journey from Manila to New York is a testament to her adaptability and resilience. She's faced different beauty standards and rigorous hair routines, yet she continues to grow and evolve. Whether sheβs walking down a runway or caring for her hair, Maria is all about embracing change and finding balance.
If youβre inspired by Mariaβs journey and want to give your hair the care it deserves, book an appointment at Artisan Barber today. Let our team help you achieve the healthy, beautiful hair you've always wanted.