Jeannie Mai is teaching her daughter, Monaco Mai Jenkins, to embrace her natural curls.
On Friday, the television personality shared a post on Instagram about learning to braid 3-year-old’s hair while also showing her little girl the importance of wearing her crown with pride.
“When it comes to Monaco’s hair, I’ve struggled. A lot,” Mai wrote. “Braiding doesn’t come naturally to me, but it matters that I learn. Because her hair is more than just hair, it’s culture, it’s identity, it’s power.”
She continued, “And now that she’s old enough to start asking questions and having conversations about it, I want her to grow up knowing how beautiful, diverse, and worthy of care her hair truly is.”
In the video, Monaco sits patiently in a chair as Jeannie learns braiding techniques from stylist Kee Taylor.
For Mai, the lesson was about more than just styling. Having Taylor — a professional stylist and author of All Hair Is Good Hair — guide her through the process gave her new perspective.
“She didn’t just show me how to part and braid. She taught me patience, technique, and a deeper understanding of why this matters,” Mai shared.
The former Real co-host went on to explain that she wants Monaco to grow up with the language and confidence to celebrate her natural beauty.
“This wasn’t just about me learning a skill. It was about me showing up for my daughter, equipping her with language and pride, and teaching her that her hair isn’t a challenge, it’s a crown.”
At one point in the clip, Mai encourages her daughter: “Coco, do you know you have beautiful hair?” she asks, to which her daughter replies, “No.” Mai then reassures her, saying, “Coco, your hair is beautiful. God gave you bouncy hair that looks like noodles.”
Monaco later proudly affirms her self-worth, declaring, “My hair is my crown and my crown is curly.”
Mai closed her post with gratitude:”Thank you, Kee, for your patience and your gift. And to Coco, thank you for letting me learn right alongside you.”
