For more than a year now, Clay Josh Aflleje has been the person behind my hair transformations. Back in 2022, during a period of significant change in my life, I made the decision to shave my head. Since then, Clay's expertise has not only guided the regrowth of my hair but has also been instrumental in bolstering my confidence during moments of self-doubt and insecurity.
In my 34 years, I've encountered numerous hairstylists, but Clay stands out. His approach seems straightforward, yet our sessions have profoundly shifted my perspective on beauty and self-assurance.
Clay insists that his clients arrive with freshly washed and unstyled hair, allowing him to execute a dry cut.
"I prefer to dry cut. Because that's how I was taught is the best way to approach cutting hair for the desired result," he said.
Skilled in working with a variety of hair textures, from straight to tightly curled, Clay's practice revolves around enhancing the natural texture of each individual's hair. His aim is to provide a cut that complements their daily routine and lifestyle seamlessly.
Originally from Tamuning, Guam, the 27-year-old has spent most of his twenties as a freelance makeup artist. After years of study and working in salons right out of high school, he is now on the verge of obtaining his cosmetology license.
Upon first meeting Clay, his confidence was immediately apparent. Adorned in a silk mauve tank top and matching shorts, with earrings swaying just above his mandala-adorned shoulders, he exuded self-assuredness.
However, Clay acknowledges that his journey to self-acceptance has been filled with internal struggles.
"I had many moments growing up where it didn't feel safe to simply be," he reflected. "I've always been drawn to girly things, feminine things. And even if I was wearing a clear coat of nail polish, I would be scolded and reminded that those are not for me. Or I would sneak into my grandma's purse and put on her lipstick. And even after I wipe it off, there's still a stain. And I’d be interrogated with the, ‘Are you wearing lipstick? That's for girls!'"
Clay's perspective on beauty is deeply influenced by his grandmother, with whom he spent much time in her garden while his parents were at work. She was "one of the most dudus women" he's ever met, which in CHamoru means showy or flirtatious. I've also heard it used to describe a woman who is always done up.
"Even when we were in the garden, our hands in dirt, she still had them nails painted," Clay fondly recalled. "She still had her bracelets, and even her clothes to go work in the yard was a matching set. Here is this woman who can find any opportunity to be there, to do this, or to inject her style into what she's doing."
Clay credits his grandmother with teaching him the importance of staying true to oneself in any situation. Whether he's sporting a locally-made plant dress one day or donning joggers and Doc Martens the next, Clay embraces his identity unapologetically.
A pivotal moment for Clay came with a move to Colorado Springs, where anonymity allowed him to express himself freely. This newfound confidence accompanied him upon his return to Guam, where he secured a position doing makeup at London Pacific Fashion Week.
"Being in a room with dozens of other islands, from all over the world, expressing their culture and identity through fashion. I felt this overwhelming feeling of joy," Clay recounted.
Returning home also brought acceptance from his family, a stark contrast to his earlier years of secrecy regarding his passion for makeup.
"Having my own father in front of all my uncles say like 'Hey, you know he did makeup in London?'" Clay said. In his younger years, he'd have to hide in his room to do his makeup, take pictures for Instagram, and then wipe it off before leaving his room.
"It was a complete 180 that still makes me feel very emotional," Clay admitted.
Now fully embracing his authentic self, Clay sees his work as a catalyst for personal transformation in others.
Looking ahead, Clay aims to broaden society's perception of beauty by delving into cultural hair anthropology.
A friend and a client of his shared that in their culture, hairstylists are revered because they work with a person's head, which is considered sacred. "Within his culture, before people begin working with their hair, they ask permission — not only from that person — but from their guides, or protectors or spirits," Clay explained.
"That, to me, is very beautiful because I relate it to how, in our region, we always ask permission before entering the jungle. It's just that level of respect," he said.
Through travel and storytelling, Clay intends to explore the intricate relationship between individuals, their hair, and their cultural identities.
"Because when we understand what we're doing to make ourselves beautiful any why, we can gain a better appreciation of why we do these things," Clay concluded.
