It's official; master hair weaver Clem Lue Yat has returned to his homeland to do what he does best: great hair. "I always wanted to come back to Trinidad to retire," Lue Yat told WomanWise. But after attending his mother's 90th birthday celebrations here last year, the 60-plus-year-old hairdresser decided that the time had come for him to stay. His new salon in Petit Valley, Clem Lue Yat, is very exclusive, working only by referral from his preferred clients. All the treatments offered at the Clem Lue Yat & Styling Team salon in Flatbush, New York, are also offered locally. And clients get personal treatment from the master himself. From shampooing to colouring to weaves, Lue Yat does everything himself.
Lue Yat began his hair career at age 13, and is best known for his work with weaves, especially for his unique Interlocking Hair Weave System, Wrap Net Weaving System and his custom-made hair loss replacement system. He's been a champion of weaving since jerri curls were all the rage, and weaving has outlasted that and many other hair fads, he said. Lue Yat is positive that lace front wigs will not replace weaving either. For one thing, really good human hair lace fronts cost between US$7000 to $15,000, so you'd need some serious cash to look just like Beyonc�. And especially for Caribbean wearers who are battling harsher elements and need more hair versatility, lace fronts may not be the best long term option.
"Many women tried out the wigs and went right back to weaving," he said, adding that if the wig isn't removed nightly or if the wearer sweats heavily, the water-based glue or double-sided tape that secures the wig will detach. "Many of those stars who wear lace fronts have hairdressers to maintain their wigs for them. And you can't go swimming in a wig, but you can in a weave." Since his return, Lue Yat has maintained a heavy teaching schedule with seminars, workshops and classes with local salons and institutions to upgrade the skill base of local hairdressers.
"My dream has always been for local hairdressers to learn from me and know everything they can about different hair techniques," Lue Yat said. "Many people think that hairdressing is a bed of roses or good way to make a quick buck, but if you don't love this work, you won't do well." Anne Ramsamooj-Mahabir, cosmetology coordinator at the Ministry of National Security's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and beauty culture tutor at UWI's Open Campus raved about Lue Yat's tutoring of the CCC trainees. He does three workshops with them each cycle (a cycle last about four and a half months), she said, sharing his hair tips and tricks with the classes free of charge. He's also done sessions with the beauty culture class she runs at Caripachiama Senior Secondary and also demonstrated proper hair care on an hour-long show with a local TV stations.
Along with his salon and teaching work, Lue Yat also granted a hair franchise to Pure Holistic (International) Health and Beauty Spa Ltd, an exclusive members-only day spa that addresses the needs of the mind, body and spirit. The spa is due to open in March and will offer a select collection of 100 per cent natural, botanical, elite brand and state-of-the art international hair and beauty retail products. Spa director Sonya said: "We are very honoured to be the first spa to have a Clem Lue Yat and his Styling team franchise salon. He is truly a master of hair and we're fortunate to have him on board."