Beauty Boss: Heba Maksad Discusses the Inspiration Behind Vollie, a Clean Haircare Line That Brings the Salon Experience Home

Heba Maksad.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Heba Maksad, Founder and CEO of Vollie—a haircare line that brings the salon experience home and offers high-quality results. A licensed hairdresser with nearly two decades of beauty industry experience, she was inspired to create her brand after noticing that her clients would leave the salon feeling confident but would have trouble maintaining their hair at home.

“Beauty has always been personal for me,” Maksad says. “I didn’t always know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be part of this industry. I loved the creativity of styling and how great hair could completely change how someone felt about themselves. That passion grew into a real love of service, helping people feel confident, cared for, and seen. I also come from a family that valued hard work and showing up for others especially my dad, who always encouraged me to aim high and stay grounded. So I took a path that blended both passion and practicality: I studied accounting in college while going to beauty school at night and worked behind the chair to put myself through school.”

Maksad’s journey eventually led her to create Vollie, a brand built to simplify haircare and make dream hair feel achievable every day. Backed by high-performance formulas and a mission rooted in care and confidence, all of their products are expertly formulated without silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, petrolatum or sulfates. Formulated for all hair types, they are also vegan, gluten-free, color-safe, and cruelty-free.

“To me, dream hair isn’t about chasing trends or trying to be perfect,” Maksad says. “It’s about softness, strength, shine, and that feeling of you’ve got this when your hair just hits right. Our mission is all about service, confidence, and care. Because great hair shouldn’t end at the salon door.”

We chatted with Maksad who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.

Vollie is a salon-quality haircare line that is vegan, color-safe, and cruelty-free.

When was Vollie founded and what does the name mean?

We just launched this year after four years of development! But honestly, the idea for Vollie started way before that. It came from being behind the chair and seeing the same thing over and over. Clients would leave the salon feeling amazing, but at home, they were overwhelmed. Too many products, not enough guidance, and definitely not the same results. I wanted to change that. I wanted to bring that same salon level confidence and care into people’s everyday routines.

The name Vollie comes from volume, not just the kind you get from a good blowout (though we love that), but the kind you bring into a room when you feel your best. It’s about turning up the volume on who you are.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

When I say I wanted to bring the salon experience home, I mean the whole thing. Not just the results, but the full vibe. From the packaging to the textures to the scent. I worked with a perfumer to create our signature fragrance, and it’s the first thing people comment on. It just makes washing your hair feel like a moment. Vollie is more than a product line. It’s a routine you actually look forward to.

Vollie So Glazed Resurfacing + Sparkling Hair Gloss is an in-shower treatment that strengthens hair while removing building, extends color’s vibrancy and leaves you with sparkling hair.

Do you have a hero product?Favorite product?

We launched with three rinse-out products, which was definitely a bit risky for a new brand but it felt like the right move because we wanted to focus on performance over quantity.

Our Dream Defender Hair Oil is a pre-water oil treatment and the first of its kind. I truly believe it’s going to set a new standard and I’m excited to see more brands follow our lead here. It protects hair from water and mechanical damage helping prevent breakage and dryness whether you’re showering or swimming.

The Super Soft Hair Mask is already a fan favorite. It softens, strengthens, and adds shine instantly. Plus, it’s formulated with our signature Vollie Veil that protects your hair from future damage and supports long-term hair health. People can’t stop talking about how unbelievably silky and smooth their hair feels after using it. It’s seriously next level.

Additionally, then there’s the So Glazed Hair Gloss, which I absolutely love. I’ve always struggled with dull hair and this gloss delivers instant shine with healthy hair benefits. It perfectly captures our mission of bringing the salon experience home right into your shower.

Where do your ingredients come from?

Our products are proudly made in the US with US and imported ingredients. We’re vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and color safe. Every formula is thoughtfully and expertly formulated without silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, petrolatum, or sulfates—including SLS and SLES. We don’t just follow trends, we choose high-quality ingredients that truly benefit your hair now and for the long run.

Who inspires you?

Honestly, my biggest inspiration has always been my dad. He showed me what it means to be real and strong, always staying true to yourself and standing up for what matters. We both really loved helping people and making a difference. When he passed unexpectedly in 2021, it was tough, but it also gave me the push I needed to take a chance on myself and really go for this brand. His example of being authentic and working hard keeps me going every day.

Vollie Dream Defender Prepare + Protect Hair Oil is an innovative formula that shields strands from water and mechanical damage that cause breakage and dryness.

Secret to success?

I think it comes down to grit and just not giving up. Follow what lights you up, and trust that if the universe gave you this passion, it’s meant for you. Keep showing up, things fall into place when they’re supposed to.

Best advice?

Give more than you take. Stay grounded. Life’s bigger than you, but your energy, your work, your impact, it all adds up and it matters.

Beauty secrets?

Honestly, I don’t really believe in beauty secrets. They make it sound like there’s some hidden trick or magic formula. The truth is, caring for your hair and skin isn’t about secrets, it’s about commitment. Understanding your unique needs, treating yourself with care, and being consistent over time is what really makes the difference. You’re not just investing time and money in products, but in the routine itself and that’s where the real results come from.

That being said, comb your hair every day, especially before shampooing, never go to bed with wet hair, and always wear sunscreen! These habits make a big difference for healthy hair and skin.

Wellness tips?

Wellness starts with integrity. Just be true to yourself, show up as you are, and watch your confidence and everything else grow.

How do you like to relax?

I’ve gotten better about actually letting myself relax. Years ago, I thought working nonstop was the only option, but now I know it’s not about deserving a break, it’s about listening to my body. Sometimes that means watching a “Friends” rerun, other times it’s a sauna or a facial. I’m obsessed with the Oxylight facial. And honestly, sometimes doing my hair and makeup for fun and sitting at home in sweats is the best way to unwind.

For more information about Vollie, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @vollieverse

[Images courtesy of Vollie]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk