Get “Ready!” to Be Inspired by Doja’s Pro!

READY, SET, GO!

There’s possibly no better way to embrace and elevate the talent of our Black American artists, than to celebrate the creative genius of Joico Celebrity Stylist, JStayReady – who happens to be THE hairdresser to musical megastar, Doja Cat. He’s a veritable powerhouse of ideas and inspo, and utterly brilliant at working with all kinds of hair, including natural texture. Today, J shares his hair secrets, his favorite products, and even reflects on the importance of observing Juneteenth, the (now)federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Get to know JStayReady…

Doja Cat, Cardi B, Monica, SZA – many of the hair looks they’ve rocked on red carpets and stage can be traced right back to J, who’s gained a legendary following for his vibrant creativity with everything from long to short, sleek to textured ‘dos. He’s also an entrepreneur who embraces diverse hair looks; J specializes in creating exciting-yet-natural-looking protective hairstyles, including extensions and custom-made wigs – many are actually worn by stars of TV’s Love and Hip Hop Hollywood, Married to Medicine, Basketball Wives, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

We sat down for a chat with him today…

Joico:

You've mentioned in interviews that Doja can pull anything off, and that she gives you the freedom to create. Can you tell us about your favorite look/moment with her and why it's so memorable?

JStayReady:

“My favorite look with Doja would have to be the long red hair we did for her album cover and packaging. It’s so memorable because it was my first time doing any type of album packaging photos with such a huge artist, and these photos have now been seen on thousands of billboards, music playlists, tv screens, cell phones, and album booklets across the world. Such a huge moment for me!”

Joico:

What are your must-have products/tools when on the road with Doja?

JStayReady:

“My Joico Flip Turn Finishing Spray and K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock Glossing Oil are literally the perfect finish – together, they lock in and add shine to any style we create.”

Joico:

What's always in your toolkit? The can't-live-without items…

JStayReady:

“My blow dryer, my Joico Flip Turn Finishing Spray, and my baby-hair toothbrush.”

Joico:

If someone said, "You have to do this one technique/color/cut all day," what would it be?

JStayReady:

“A long wig -- bone straight, with a middle part. It’s a guarantee every time.”

Joico:

What are your best hair hacks when working with natural texture?

JStayReady:

“A great moisture-rich conditioner is always a key factor in making natural hair manageable and soft. It’s the foundation of any great natural style.” (Check out J’s Instagram post with his “bestie”, Doja, below, to see how he uses Defy Damage to accomplish this.)

Joico:

What Joico product are you most excited about and why?

JStayReady:

“I’m always excited to receive a fresh container of Joico Blonde Life Lightener. It’s the best bleach I’ve used because it not only lifts very fast and evenly, but the hair always feels moisturized after. My favorite hack? Use this Lightener to “bleach the knots” on the inside of a lace wig; it creates a seamless/scalp-like illusion when installed.”

Joico:

Let’s get personal: Name 3 things on your bedside table that you can't live without…

JStayReady:

“My phone, my Chapstick, and my refillable water container.”

Joico:

If you had the power to change one thing in the hair industry, what would it be?

JStayReady:

“If I could, I would make learning how to work with textured/kinky hair a necessity in order to graduate from any cosmetology school -- especially for those wanting to work with celebrities and models. There are so many horror stories from Black talent (actresses, musicians, and especially models), who have had the most horrible experiences in the chair of stylist who did not know how to properly style their textured hair. It led to some dire consequences.”

Joico:

Tell us about your biggest social media moment…

JStayReady:

“My biggest social media moment was when I was able to post the work that I did for Beyoncé’s film, Black is King -- all of my friends, family, and followers have known how long and desperate I was to one day work with Beyoncé (literally over 10 years!), so it was a viral and magical moment for me.”

Joico:

What single aspect/element of your profession brings you the most personal joi?

JStayReady:

“My setting trends and influencing pop culture will forever be the most amazing thing I get to experience in doing what I do. I’m making my mark in history with the things I create, and it’s absolutely mind-blowing.”

Joico:

And in the spirit of joi, tell us about how you will be celebrating Juneteeth…

JStayReady:

“To me, Juneteenth is a day to really reflect and be thankful for the strength and determination of my ancestors, who after hundreds of years, were able to free themselves from slavery. I wouldn’t be who I am without them -- so we eat, drink, celebrate, and honor their legacy.”