STAR POWER: STARR ANDREWS IS REDEFINING BLACK EXCELLENCE ON ICE

Written By: Trish B. 

In a world the place class, grit, and historical past converge, Starr Andrews glides ahead—not simply as a determine skater, however as a cultural pressure. As Hype Hair celebrates its thirty fifth anniversary, there is no such thing as a higher cowl star than this unstoppable trailblazer, whose title is greater than becoming. Starr is a rising icon, making her mark each on and off the ice with ardour, poise, and goal.

From her very first twirl, Starr Andrews captivated audiences with an simple presence. Now a nationally ranked U.S. determine skater and a proud member of Staff USA, she’s not simply chasing goals—she’s carving new paths. Along with her eyes set on the 2026 Winter Olympic Video games, Starr is on a mission to make historical past as the primary African American lady to win Olympic gold in determine skating. It’s a dream that transcends sport—it’s about legacy.

Her journey, nonetheless, is paved with greater than medals. A real multi-hyphenate, Starr’s artistry reaches far past the rink. She’s a gifted musician—fluent in piano and ukulele—and a powerhouse vocalist who has carried out her personal singing throughout each the 2018 and 2022 U.S. Nationwide Championships. Her performances aren’t simply routines; they’re expressions of id, emotion, and resilience.

That resilience is woven deep into her story. Raised by a mom who survived an astonishing 13 coronary heart assaults, Starr realized early on the that means of energy, perseverance, and giving again. Her coronary heart beats simply as fiercely for group because it does for competitors. A passionate advocate, she lends her voice to causes that matter—partnering with the American Coronary heart Affiliation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Middle, and mentoring youth by way of applications like 24 Levels of Colour, Determine Skaters of Harlem, and Unity Ice.

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With each spin, leap, and assertion, Starr champions psychological well being, range, and vanity, proving that true magnificence is daring, unfiltered, and fearless. It’s no marvel she has earned accolades resembling the distinguished A.A.A. Award, the Skatingly Yours Mabel Fairbanks Award, and recognition from the Girls’s Sports activities Basis.

Her accolades are historic: the primary African American to medal at an ISU Grand Prix Occasion and the primary to face on the U.S. Nationals podium in over 35 years for the reason that legendary Debi Thomas. However Starr isn’t skating in anybody’s shadow. She is constructing her personal empire—one which evokes the subsequent technology of Black ladies to take up house, defy expectations, and rewrite the narrative.

At Hype Hair, now we have all the time celebrated the sweetness, brilliance, and breakthrough moments of Black girls throughout the globe. As we toast 35 years of iconic covers, daring fashion, and unapologetic Black excellence, we honor Starr Andrews—not only for what she’s achieved, however for who she is: a modern-day heroine, skating towards gold and main with grace.

Right here’s to Starr—the face of the longer term, the guts of the motion, and the embodiment of all the things we have a good time at Hype Hair.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Will Utely @wutlife

INFOLD PHOTOGRAPHER: Sasha Hepburn – Markwins Magnificence Manufacturers, Inc.

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MUA: Tamara Boyd @elevate_makeup

HAIR: Gabrielle Bates @king.onyx1