Name: Hassan Baker

Occupation: Model, Boxer, and Promoter

Photographer: Kye Brown

What do you like about modeling and are there any aspects that you don’t like about it?
So far I like meeting new people, seeing new places and just really love the overall experience since its mostly all new to me. However, as in any business you defiantly have to be on your P’s & Q’s with modeling. There are many people who will try to take advantage, get over, or just may not always have your best interest at heart.

What make you special as a model? What are your strongest features, and what do you bring that others don’t?
I think I’m special because I’m a new face and I have a different look. My strongest feature would be my hair. I try to bring a perfect package that most won’t have to offer, a true sense of masculinity, the vibe of being from the streets of Newark, NJ with a new fresh look. I try to stay in shape to keep a nice body with nice long hair and a handsome face with a nice smile. 🙂

Why do you choose to wear your hair the way you do?
I chose to have dreads after I couldn’t take the pain from braids any longer (Tender Headed) Lol. After 10-11 years it had just became a part of me, my personality and my look. My Hair became a part of who I am and I love it.

What does your hair mean to you? Is it just an accessory that compliments your personality and style or is it deeper than that? Would you ever shave your hair or perm it for a gig? Please elaborate.
My hair means a lot to me. On one, it is an accessory that compliments me and my style however at the same time it is much deeper than that. It has become my trade mark and after years and years (10-11), it has absorbed everything I have been through, all the good and the bad, stress and pain, and even the joy and happiness. My hair had been there.

Some people say that the hair carries the weight of all that you may go through in life and after a stressful period is usually a dramatic change wherein sometimes the first thing someone does is to cut their hair off. The thought has crossed my mind on occasions, but it has become too much part of me as I earlier stated. I could never come to bringing myself to follow through with the idea of cutting it. I’m sure one day I will, when the time is right.

I probably wouldn’t cut it if I was asked or told to do so for a certain job or gig. I’ve caught slack as a boxer for having so much hair. But again, it’s a part of me and will continue to be until I decide to part ways. 

How important is a woman’s hair to you? Does a weave, relaxed hair or a natural head bother you or do you have a preference for either of these styles?
Hmm, I don’t particularly have a preference, however I wouldn’t mind seeing or being involved with women having natural hair. I mean I think you should be comfortable with your hair and not just always depend on a weave, perm, or wig. A woman with nice long natural hair is always a plus to me, as well as a nice pretty low cut. But a woman who’s too dependent on a weave, perm, or wig to the point where they’re not even comfortable with their own hair is a little bit of a bother. I mean if you can’t appreciate your own true self how or why should I…!? IDK

Have you ever been stereotyped?
I’ve been stereotyped few times because of my hair. On some occasions I would have random people, mainly white come up & ask for weed/drugs guessing from being associated with a Rasta image or most guys with dreads do or have drugs.

Do you think black hair is an issue? Why or why not?
I don’t think black hair is an issue? I think natural black hair is. It’s not something you see a lot of, so if your not wearing weave or have straight hair for guys that don’t have a basic fade or low cut, you looked different, sometimes labeled, and usually would standout. 

What is your goal as a model?
My goals right now as a model are just to get more exposure and make a name for myself. Like with anything else I do, it’s to seek fortune and fame. I’m just looking for something to be successful at while being able to be happy and have fun doing it. 

Last word?
I love my hair. I love getting it done in the process of a wash and retwist, styled, oiled, sprayed, and its neatness. “Hate being under that dryer tho”!! lol, But no seriously, it’s nothing like being happy about your hair. I believe especially when it’s all yours, so even more so when you can be proud of your natural hair and self. It’s a good feeling, a feeling that I wish to share with all my brothers and sisters. Be proud of who you are and what you look like. When you know you look good you feel good, and when you feel good you look good. It all works together, let’s look and feel good about ourselves.

Just Follow Me @iAmHassanBaker