There are few things more comforting to a woman than having a reliable hairstylist who always delivers. Such is the case with Joylyn Miller and her team of talented hairstylists of Hair Magic beauty salon we’ve heard, which is perhaps why most of her clients have remained loyal for over 15 years. Our Under the Dryer team paid them a visit in order to reveal their magical transformations. Here is what we learned.

Shannon Miller – Back-to-school Beauty

Summer time is over and Shannon needs a durable, low-maintenance look for back-to-school. Expert hairstylist Joylyn decides on a rope twist ‘do for the 10-year-old, as it usually lasts two to three weeks and can be shampooed between visits to the salon. She has one of her stylists Natoya Morgan perform the task.

The Routine:

Natoya first shampoos Shannon’s hair with Avon Advance Techniques Shampoo & Conditioner, after which she applies a bit of Blue Magic Hair Oil to her scalp. She then works Optimum 2-in-1 Moisturiser through her tresses ahead of blow-drying and gives her a rope twist ‘do to complement her slender features.

Shannon’s Take:

“I like this hairstyle because it doesn’t knot, so it’s easier to deal with.”

Faithann Green – Not Your Average Bob

Faithann wants a new look, “something cuter” that is “hot right now,” as she puts it. She favours the elevated bob, and her capable stylist Joylyn happily sets to work.

The Routine:

Joylyn uses Avon Advance Techniques Replenishing Colour Shampoo & Conditioner to shampoo Faithann’s hair ahead of using a pair of scissors to fashion her new, elevated bob. After she gets her haircut, Joylyn generously applies Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii and Lottabody Setting Lotion, wraps her hair and places her under the dryer. When her hair is dried, Motions Light Hold Working Spritz is applied and Joylyn then styles it with a barrel-heated curling iron and styling comb. African Pride Miracle Sheen Conditioning Oil Sheen is then applied to her mane for added boost.

Faithann’s Take:

“This is definitely a good hairstyle, I think I will be keeping it for a while.”

Samantha Sinclair – Too Cool For School

Nine-year-old Samantha’s parents have a very busy schedule, so they usually take her to Hair Magic to get her hair shampooed and styled so it can last for a few weeks. She goes back to school on Monday, so her parents want something durable and easy to maintain. Joylyn instantly decides on a cornrow and rope twist combination, and asks her stylist Angelee Forrest to perform the task.

The Routine:

Angelee uses Avon Advance Techniques Strawberry Shampoo & Conditioner for Natural Hair to shampoo Samantha’s tresses before applying Blue Magic Hair Oil to her scalp for added moisture. She then works a dollop of Optimum 2-in-1 Moisturiser through her mane, blow-dries it and gives her a rope twist ‘do in the back and cornrows in the front. “This look is perfect for Samantha as she can simply tie it at nights and shampoo between visits to the salon,” Angelee explains.

Samantha’s take:

“I like it very much.”

Julia Baines – Multi-wear ‘do

“I want a look that I don’t have to worry about at nights.” These are Julia’s first words to Joylyn as she enters the salon. An English Language and Literature teacher at Ardenne High School, she usually prefers very conservative hairstyles, but whenever she wants a change, a flat twist or wavy look is her style of choice. Joylyn knows just what to do.

Joylyn’s Plan:

“The style I am about to create for Julia really works for her as it’s easily maintained and it suits her face, preference and lifestyle. I usually give her a plain flat twist, which she wears for a week, then pulls it out and wears it wavy for a week or two afterwards.”

The Routine:

Mizani Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo and Mizani Moisturefuse Moisturising conditioner are used to shampoo Julia’s tresses, after which Joylyn applies Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii and Lottabody Setting Lotion ahead of styling in flat twist cornrows. When this is finished she uses a few rollers to set the back of Julia’s hair, ahead of placing her under the dryer to hold the style in place. Joylyn then removes the rollers and uses hairpins to secure the back section into a neat bun, which she will wear for a few days ahead of loosening to create a wavy look for school.

Julia’s Take:

“I like this hairstyle because I think it is a good change for me. Every time I do it, it comes out well and I also like the fact that I can just tie it at nights before bed and get up and go in the mornings.”

Bevon Hewitt – Nice ‘N Easy

Bevon wants to “spice up her look” with a shampoo, frost and colour package, but there is a bit of a challenge… she sweats profusely from the scalp. After thinking about it for a few minutes Joylyn comes up with an excellent solution — why not create a hairstyle that will not be easily affected by the sweating of her scalp?

Joylyn’s Plan:

“I will give Bevon a simple flat twist because it will help to minimise the effect of the sweating on the hair colour.”

The routine:

Hydrogen peroxide and basic white lightening powder is combined, which Joylyn uses to create blonde highlights in Bevon’s hair by a process called frosting. This is where the mixture is applied directly to the hair strands and wrapped with foil to accelerate the colouring process.

She then removes the foil and shampoos her hair with Creme of Nature Neutralising Shampoo and Conditioner to stop the action of the chemicals ahead of applying a rinse — Via Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Colour in Copper Penny — to her tresses to coat the hair strands. This protects the hair strands from breaking and drying.

After this is finished, Bevon is placed under the dryer for 20 minutes, which allows the rinse to penetrate her hair strands. Joylyn then shampoos her hair with Avon Advance Techniques Replenishing Colour Shampoo & Conditioner. Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii and Lottabody Setting Lotion are then applied to her tresses, which Joylyn flat twists into a ponytail, securing it at the crown with hairpins before setting the ends with rollers and placing her under the dryer. Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and Creme of Nature Oil Sheen are spritzed onto her tresses to complete the look.

Bevon’s take:

“This is a very comfortable style, I can just tie it at nights and spray it with oil sheen in the mornings and I’m good to go.”

Yvonne Scott – In Transition

Yvonne recently removed braids from her hair and wants to get it relaxed, but expert stylist Joylyn advises her that it is not yet time to do so. “Yvonne’s hair cuticle has been blocked because it has remained in one position for several months, so it needs to be stripped of the buildup with Clairol Metalex Hair Conditioner & Colour Corrective. This enables the relaxer to penetrate the hair for a smoother finish before processing next week,” she explains. She allows her stylist Sherene Walcott to perform the task.

The routine:

Yvonne’s hair is first shampooed with Avon Techniques Purifying Treatment Shampoo, which also aids in the removal of buildup on the hair. Clairol Metalex Hair Conditioner & Colour Corrective is then applied directly to her hair strands before Sherene places her under the dryer for 20 minutes. When this is finished, she shampoos her hair with Creme of Nature Neutralising Shampoo and Avon Advance Techniques Replenishing Colour Conditioner. She then applies WOW No-Flake Styling Gel and flat twists her hair into a ponytail ahead of drying. She also adds some weave, which she secures at the crown with hairpins for a fuller look. Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and Creme of Nature Oil Sheen are used for added shine.

Yvonne’s take:

“I love it! Joylyn knows what’s best for me, so whatever she suggests I’m always pleased with it.”

About Hair Magic:

“I have been a customer of Hair Magic for four years, the family-type atmosphere is very relaxing, the staff is pleasant, courteous and competent, and they listen to you, give you good advice and are open to suggestions.”

Sheila Johnson – Just A Little Different

Sheila teaches English Language, General Studies and Reading Skills and Development at Kingston Technical High School. She says she is very conservative when it comes to her hair, but Joylyn talks her into trying something “just a little different” for back-to-school, rather than the plain cornrows she usually prefers. Here are the results.

Joylyn’s Take:

“I’m giving Sheila rope twists because it’s a bit similar, yet slightly different from her regular hairstyle… enough to be noticeable. Plus, it lasts two weeks and is less stressing on the hairline than cornrows.”

The Routine:

Joylyn first uses Avon Advance Techniques Moisturising Almond Shampoo & Conditioner for Natural Hair to shampoo Sheila’s hair. After which, she liberally applies Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii and Blue Magic Hair Oil to her scalp ahead of styling. Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel is then applied to her wet hair, which Joylyn then styles in rope twists and leaves to air dry.

Sheila’s Take:

“I like this look, Joy, we should try it more often.”

About Hair Magic:

“The staff here try their best to cater to your needs and if your request won’t suit you properly they will suggest an alternative that works better. I have been a customer for over 15 years, so naturally I’m comfortable here.”

Christine Malcolm – Coiffed & Curly

Christine is on vacation, so she wants a stylish, low-maintenance look that can be worn for special occasions if necessary. Joylyn decides on a coiffed and curly look that can last up to two weeks and asks her stylist Natoya to assist her. Here is what she did.

The Routine:

Christine’s hair was first shampooed with Avon Advance Techniques Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner for Fine Hair. After which Joylyn applies Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii and Lottabody Setting Lotion before giving her a spiral set with small rollers and placing her under the dryer. Natoya takes over from Joylyn when her hair is dry and removes the rollers and applies King Professional Bees Wax to her tresses for shine and hold. She then uses her fingers to separate the curls, which creates the illusion of fullness. She then completes the look with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and Creme of Nature Oil Sheen.

Christine’s Take:

“This is definitely my kind of hairstyle.”

About Hair Magic:

“The staff here is professional, patient, accommodating and friendly. They aim to please and keep track of your maintenance schedule, which I like as it shows that they have my best interests at heart.”

Diane Hines – Slightly Elevated

Diane has always worn her hair long, but yearns for a change, so she visits Hair Magic for a simple cut. She is still somewhat apprehensive, so Joylyn decides on a slightly elevated bob, that will be easy for her to get used to. Here’s how she did it.

Diane’s Thoughts:

“I’ve been putting my faith in Joy for over 15 years, so I’m positive that it will look fabulous despite knowing that I have not given her specific directions to work with. After going to a hairstylist for a long time you have a certain confidence in her styling and you know that all your needs will be taken into consideration.”

The Routine:

Diane’s hair is first processed with Optimum Multi Mineral Relaxer and shampooed with Optimum Opticleanse Neutralizing & Conditioning Shampoo. After which, Joylyn applies Mizani Fulfyl Conditioning Treatment to her tresses and places her under the dryer for 20 minutes. Diane had also bleached her hair previously, so when the 20 minutes is up Joylyn rinses her hair and applies a rinse — Via Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Colour in Pumpkin Patch — to protect her hair against breaking. She then places her under the dryer for another 20 minutes. “This must be done every time the hair is relaxed,” she tells our team. Joylyn then shampoos Diane’s hair with Avon Advance Techniques Replenishing Colour Shampoo & Conditioner before applying Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii, wrapping and blow-drying her hair. When this is finished, she cuts her hair in a slightly elevated bob, spritzes her tresses with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz and styles it with a medium barrel-heated curling iron. Creme of Nature Oil Sheen is spritzed onto her tresses for added shine.

Diane’s take:

“I love it! I definitely give it a thumbs up!”

Paula Wilson – Inspiration: Michelle Obama

Paula recently updated her look with “a fun, new haircut” — a layered bob à la Michelle Obama — for her last birthday, after growing tired of the long, blunt look she usually wears. She adores her new ‘do and is quick to point anyone who inquires in the direction of Hair Magic beauty salon, where she has been a client for over 15 years. On this particular occasion, she is “going for clean hair” and visits Joylyn for her regular shampoo and styling.

Joylyn decides to add a little pizzazz to the ‘do. Here’s what she did.

The Routine:

Paula’s hair is first shampooed with Mizani Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo and Mizani Moisturfuse Moisturising Conditioner. Joylyn then applies Queen Helene Creme Rinse and Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii to detangle and soften her tresses. Avon Advance Techniques Lotus Shield is then worked through her hair for frizz control ahead of blow-drying. When this is finished, Joylyn applies Blue Magic Hair Oil to her scalp and uses a barrel-heated curling iron to style her tresses, while explaining to our team that “Paula’s hair is strong, so she needs no holding spray to keep the style in place.” She then uses African Pride Miracle Sheen Conditioning Oil Sheen for added shine.

Paula’s Take:

“Wow! This is nice, I love it!”

Hairstyles by Joylyn Miller and the talented Hair Magic team at:

2A Derrymore Road, Kingston 10.

Tel: 754 – 6783, E-mail: joylynemiller@yahoo.com

Make-up by:

Kelly-Ann Lawful and Shanlee Elliott of:

Wedding On A Budget

2A Derrymore Road, Kingston 10.

Tel: 754 – 6783, E-mail: weddingonabudget93@yahoo.com