SuperDope Q of VH1’s Black Ink Crew Presents Hair Dope
Breaking boundaries as one of the first Black-owned hair dye companies, Superdope Q takes Hair Dope all the way to the shelves of major retailers.
By Meg WardropJun. 29 2021, Published 10:57 a.m. ET
Quinton Maurice, better known as SuperDope Q of VH1’s Black Ink Crew, is excited to talk about his “billion-dollar idea,” his new line, Hair Dope. This line features Hair Sauce (temporary wax) in colors Hot & Spicy and Silver Bling as well as Hair Juice (semi-permanent color) in colors Fab Fuschia, Mula Green, and Icy Hot. Breaking boundaries as one of the first Black-owned hair dye companies, Q is aiming to take his idea all the way to the shelves of major retailers.
Bleu: Want to give an overview of this line?
Q: Hair Juice is for if you want a longer-lasting color that will fade out after 6-7 washes. Hair Sauce washes out right away and can go on top of any hair color, even dark hair, so you don’t have to damage your hair. Whether it’s just a photo, a date, going out, you can just wash it out. People come to me with concerns because it’s a hair wax but no, wax will not do damage to your hair; there are no harsh chemicals, it’s ammonia-free, and contains good things like olive and coconut oils. I wanted to create something that was, really, super dope for everyone.
Bleu: What was the process of making this line?
Q: Usually a line like this takes a year or two, but we did this in 11 months. I was so excited linking up with Fanvestor, Creator Global, and Brand Trust LA. They helped me come up with this whole idea and bring it to life. We worked together figuring out colors and testing different products. I want everyone to know I put my hands and feet in this. Like, we didn’t just slap the label on this; this is really from the heart. I tested everything on my hair, I never want to sell anything I do not know about or anything I am not involved in.
Bleu: Was it daunting to start a new business in the beginning of a pandemic?
Q: Everything was shut down, I had nothing at the house but hair colors, so I thought ‘I should create a hair line, something with color’. I love color, I feel like it’s an accessory. I want [Hair Dope] to be looked at like an accessory. I wear a lot of black sometimes and I like to have like 3-4 colors [in my hair] to make my outfit more jazzy, more extravagant, just like women with their purses and how they switch it out. At this time color is everywhere, from men to women, straight to LGBTQ. I wanted something cost-efficient to make sure most people could afford it, I was thinking about everything. You know, money is getting different, so I just wanted to step into the market.
Bleu: How do you feel stepping into the beauty world at this moment in time?
Q: I feel like I’m breaking into a market that no one has entered. I’m black, young, queer, and this is my time to break boundaries. This product is making a statement. Hair Dope, that’s dope. I’m ready to stand next to those top sellers as the first Black person to own a hair dye brand. I’m like ‘ok, now it’s time to break records’.
Bleu: So what’s next for Hair Dope?
Q: We’re launching a store very soon, so look out for that! Currently, the team is sending out PR boxes to talented hairdressers, celebs, influencers, just anyone we feel is super dope; from just a couple thousand followers to millions of followers. I want this to be for everyone, everywhere. This is not just a Black-owned brand that works for Black people, this can be used on any hair type. We live life through color!
Purchase Hair Dope on FanVestor.io and follow Q on his rise to the top of the beauty industry on Instagram @superdope_Q.
