Alexis Anderson
Staff Writer
How often do you hear the phrase, “Long Hair Don’t Care? Senior speech communications major and celebrity stylist Jared “JReady” Henderson not only hears it, he embodies it.
Henderson has long hair and he knows it requires a lot of TLC. After growing up a military brat in Milwaukee, Wis., and having to move frequently, Henderson was exposed to many different types of people and cultures.
JReady is getting ready for the release of his first book, “Long Hair Needs Care,” which will cover a wide range of hair tips for people from all walks of life.
During our one-on-one interview, JReady and I not only discussed his upcoming book, but his future endeavors and his passion for creating healthy and beautiful hair.
Alexis Anderson: How did you get started in the hair business?
JReady: I wanted to learn how to do hair when I was in high school, so I started watching YouTube videos of hair tutorials. One person that captured my attention was YouTube sensationalist Jae ‘‘PhillyzJamPoet” Rivera. She demonstrated how to do wig installations and low manipulation to promote hair growth. Last Christmas, I sent her an email telling her how I was a fan of hers and we started emailing and texting each other. This past summer, we had a one-on-one conversation and she became my mentor and friend. She helped me through my journey.
Alexis Anderson: Can you tell us some of the hair tips we can expect to read about in your book?
JReady: “Long Hair Needs Care” is about personal hair care and growth by using protective styles. It also gives steps on treating all styles and textures of hair. It will teach people effective hair treatments which can improve the quality of your hair. I want to create a hair manual to encourage realistic and beautiful hair for women. This book will give you the Do’s and Don’ts of hair styling and “before and after” pictures of hair treatments and styles. The book will be published on Feb. 28, 2014. It can be bought on Amazon and Kindle. The cost will be $15.
Alexis Anderson: Do you consider this just a hobby or a career?
JReady: I plan on doing this for many years to come. I want to be a celebrity hair stylist and eventually a hair stylist for singer Beyonce Knowles. I styled hair for celebrities such as Demetria McKinney from the show “House Of Pain” and America Next Top Model Tocara Jones, just to name a few. After I graduate from school, I will be moving to Atlanta, Ga. to open a hair salon called New Harlem Clinic in the fall of 2014. I decided my junior year that I wanted to be a hair stylist. One day, I called my parents and told them that I wanted to do hair for a living and they were truly supportive and positive about the whole thing. Jae offered to open a hair salon with me and we immediately starting planning and brainstorming.
Alexis Anderson: What treatments do you recommend to clients for maintaining healthy hair?
JReady: I suggest they should try using Crème of Nature shampoo and conditioner, Mixed Chicks conditioner, and iron protein packs. The iron protein packs will restore any particles that may have been lost during the time of having colored hair. I also recommend steaming, deep conditioning, and hot oil treatments.
Alexis Anderson: What are other projects and events do you have coming up?
JReady: On April 19, 2014, Jae Rivera and I will be hosting a hair workshop at the Mississippi e-Center from 1p.m.- 4p.m. It’s called “Application Is Everything” and we will be showing students how to lift and color weave and hair and how to maintain natural hair. The workshop will have tons of free giveaways and we will show the proper way of installing hair through a live demonstration. I also have another project where my clients and fans can nominate an underprivileged girl to get her make-up and hair done for free for their high school prom. The only requirement is to email me at JReadyhair@gmail.com and to tell me a little about her. I will take considerations about the candidates. After graduation, I will be hosting an All White party at the MGM Grand Casino & Resort during Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. I will also be featured in Control magazine next month.
Alexis Anderson: Any last words for your fans and clients?
JReady: I just want to say how much I love being able to make women feel beautiful about themselves. Women are sensitive about their hair. It puts a smile on my face by making their day better. I’m a 21 year old college student and I’m already an author, CEO of a company, and a celebrity hair stylist. If you work hard and have a dream, you can achieve it. I never thought in a million years that this would be happening.
