From Plaistow to the World Stage
Jayèma, whose real name is May Jike, has become the most sought-after hair stylist in elite football, working with players from England, Brazil, the United States, and Canada during the World Cup. Despite knowing little about the sport, she has braided the hair of stars like Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, and Raphinha, and even befriended Lamine Yamal's family.
On the morning after flying back to Los Angeles from Mexico City, Jayèma admitted she was exhausted from early mornings, late nights, and missed flights. But she remains on call for players like Rashford or Madueke before England's quarter-final against Norway. 'I'm always tired but my work ethic is next to none. I'm always available,' she said.
A First Football Match Like No Other
Jayèma attended her first men's football match—a tumultuous encounter between Mexico and England at the Azteca Stadium—but left early. 'The Mexicans were rowdy. There was someone literally shouting in my ear, and they were throwing drinks everywhere,' she recalled. Despite the chaos, she felt proud when England won. 'I did feel proud when England won. I saw real joy.'
She was surprised to discover that Jordan Henderson, who helped her carry bags at the England house, was a player. 'I didn't know who he was. He was such a gentleman.' Similarly, she didn't recognize Jude Bellingham until learning they share the same birthday (29 June) with Eberechi Eze.
Building a Business from Age 15
Jayèma opened her first Afro-Caribbean salon in Barking at age 17, having envisioned it at 15. 'I was one of the first people to have an Afro-Caribbean salon in Vicarage Field. I'm always focused. Even when my peers were having fun at university, I was working on a plan. I've paid my dues.'
Her work caught the attention of WNBA stars like A'ja Wilson, who invited her to the Paris Olympics in 2024. There, she met LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. 'Everyone was shocked I didn't know who they were. They enjoyed me treating them like normal.'
Rashford, Raphinha, and the England Camp
Madueke and Rashford requested her services before England's opening match against Croatia. 'Noni is such a character. Rashford was new to braiding, so I looked at his face shape and aura and gave him something to boost his confidence.' After finishing, she prayed for them on a flight to LA. When she landed, her phone buzzed: Rashford had scored. 'He told me he loved his hair, and lots of attention was paid to his look after the goal.'
She also worked with Raphinha during Brazil's World Cup campaign. 'I feel we launched a look for him. He's such a lovely guy.'
Befriending Lamine Yamal's Family
Jayèma styled the hair of Lamine Yamal's mother and spent time with his family, including his grandmother and three-year-old brother Keyne. 'I was in their house sitting around, eating chicken and fried rice. I didn't know what it meant until I posted a picture and my friends went crazy.' She learned the story behind Yamal's name: 'His mum told me Lamine and Yamal were the two men who helped them when he was small. I got goosebumps.'
Unaware of Messi, Open to Haaland
Despite working at the highest levels, Jayèma didn't recognize Lionel Messi until recently. 'The England team told me about Messi. I don't think I'd seen his face until a few weeks ago.' She had heard of Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about Erling Haaland, she exclaimed: 'I heard of him for the first time yesterday. He's got that long blond hair. It's a possibility because he's done braiding before.'
Racism and Unity in Football
Jayèma was horrified to learn about the racist abuse suffered by Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho after the Euro 2020 final. 'I don't understand it. These people want them to play for England but how do they expect them to perform when they're being abused?' She noted that the diverse England team is an antidote to division: 'Football is meant to bring us together and give unity. With my work, I just want to showcase that these footballers are amazing people.'
