How many of you went to a hair salon with a photo of Halle Berry — Halle Berry with short hair? I did! She had the most desired hair style in the Black community. After my visit to Joan Hair Design & Beauty Supply, 760 Western Ave., Lynn, I thought about my short-hair days and how easy it was to maintain.
Owner/master stylist Joan Brown is well known in the community for designing and cutting short hair. The single mother of two — daughter Casandra, hair stylist, and son Justin, student at UMass-Amherst, she uprooted from Jamaica in 1990 to America.
We enjoyed a candid one-on-one convo in her newly renovated shop.
How long have you been in the Industry?
1997.
What services do you offer?
My team is committed to making you feel your best — hair design, braids, extensions, weaves and twists, natural hair care, and professional chemical services in hair relaxers, curly and coloring. Additional beauty services offered; eyebrow shaping, nails and pedicure and beauty supply market. Working with kids: Seeing their faces light up with amazement and excitement reminds us why we got into this business in the first place.
How passionate are you?
I have a passion for healthy hair care. My mantra is Excellence without Excuse.
What are your strongest skills?
Press and curl, short hair cutting, quick weaves, relaxers, and coloring.
If you weren’t doing hair, what would you be doing?
Medical field. Probably nursing.
How do you stay relevant and on trend?
It’s a must that I perpetuate my professional skills by classes/hands-on, attending seminars, hair shows, and workshops, conduct research regarding essential and best practices of wellness, beauty, and fashion.
What is the latest hair trend?
Natural styles, cornrow braids or faux/real dreadlocks with hair jewelry accessories. Celebrities like Kim and Khloe Kardashian wear the cornrow braids now — very trendy. Curly or straight fade cut with define side-part for men.
Sometimes a girl has to switch things up. What do you suggest for a temporary look?
Wigs! A great wig will give you that temporary look without the commitment; only a licensed professional can customize your wig. We have both human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. From bold color wigs to wigs that will help you to stand out or blend in, we have the styles and a catalog to choose from so if you don’t see what you want here at the shop, you can search our catalog and we will order the wig of your dreams!
What Products do you stock at your Beauty Market?
Alfaparf Milano, Kera Care, Mizani, Christos Natural Products, Wave Nouveau, Biotin Hair Care, Dudley and Remy, and Brazilian Hair along with hair extensions, wigs, beauty accessories and supplies.
Can you share a home-care hair and beauty tip?
My tip to get your hair looking and feeling healthy is to always moisturize your hair with products like Alfaparf Milano, Dudley and Christos Natural Products; wrap hair to keep moisture.
