Naturally Fierce Feature: Joann

My name is Johanne Pradel Wilson, partner at COOL CREATIVE INC. COOL is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary creative studio that specializes in developing thoughtful creative that leverages a diverse mix of media platforms so that messages will resonate with consumers.
I will always proudly claim my Brooklyn origins, but I currently live in Miami.

How long have you been natural and what motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? Why?
I have been natural for about 10 years. While in college, I was working on my thesis project. As a part of my project, I created a natural hair magazine before people were really talking about it. In my research, I learned a lot about the negative aspects of chemically relaxing your hair. Through my journey of creating this magazine and interviewing really inspirational women with natural hair, the transition was natural. I went away to London to study at Central St. Martins and I figured nobody knew me there so I braved the big chop. I literally wanted to crawl in a hole and die. It was just so dramatic and I worried about what my boyfriend would think.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?
I was obsessed with trying to figure out how to make it work. At first, it was difficult, but it’s like anything else. When you are focused on it, you make it work. I hung out in some pretty fashionable circles in London and I remember how positive everyone was and I always got such raving compliments. I remember the first time my boyfriend (my husband now) saw it at the airport. His eyes lit up and he kept saying how beautiful I was. It really helped to reaffirm my decision to go natural. Change can be scary, but it’ll always work out for the best.

What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I love a good curly fro with a bang… the bigger, the better. The one-side, pin-up do is always a good one. And a good high curly afro puff is a must.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Are there any memorable reactions from family or others?
Actually, everybody really, really liked my natural hair. By the time I got home from London, it was a good length and it was so full. Everyone couldn’t believe how thick and healthy my hair was. My boyfriend at the time loved it. I always wore it with headbands at the time. Everyone loved it and a lot of my friends and aunts wanted decided to do the big chop because of me. I always made sure that I was well accessorized and my make up was hot. I figure if you are going to do it, you can’t just be sloppy or lazy with it. I believe it’s all in the eyes. Your eyes should pop and be framed with manicured eyebrows. The eyes help to sell the natural look. Make up is not for everybody, you don’t have to be all made up, but I do believe in facial hair maintenance. I love natural hair looks that read as soft and feminine.

What is your hair regimen (including favorite products)?
I wash my hair weekly. I do a shampoo and conditioner one week and then I co-wash the next week. At the end of the month I usually try to go see my hair stylist so she can give me a deep treatment, trim, and great hair advice. She is a stylist and educator so one sitting with her is like a conversation with the Dalai Lama. Right now, my favorite hair color is made by Shea Moisture brand. For conditioning I recently started using Miss Jessie’s Creme De La Creme. For shampoos I use: Yes To Cucumbers or any sulfate free moisturizing shampoo I find at Whole Foods. When I need to deep condition, my stylist uses her special salon products, but when I’m home I use the Creme De La Creme and sit under a hydration dryer. My everyday oils consist of Simplicity Hair Oil Blend and Jane Carter Shea Butter is a MUST! Another MUST HAVE (as recommended by my stylist) is Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment. I use it especially when my stylist straightens my hair. I just use it daily (don’t wash out). When my hair is in its curly state, I use it as directed on the packaging like once or twice a month.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I usually go to CurlyNikki.com. I also like Kim Love. As I stated previously, my hair stylist is my best source for hair advice.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Hair Related: ALL HAIR IS NOT CREATED EQUAL. It’s so easy to want to try every product because there are a lot of natural hair products emerging.
A licensed, knowledgable, and expert stylist is the best source for information. There are a lot of people that mean well or give advice based on what works on their hair.
Only try something new if your hair stylist has tried it on you and recommends it. Another hair tip (which we all know, but often ignore) is DON’T USE HEAT.

Life Related: Put God first and love others.

Where can people find you for more information?
www.coolcreativeinc.com
Twitter: @coolcreativeinc
Instagram: @NinjoWilson
Blog: www.thatscoolblog.com

Thank you Joann!

I gave up on hair salons after going natural. Do you still go to the salon?  Leave comments below.


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