Haircare: It’s Never Too Early to Educate Them

This Baton Rouge cosmetologist is educating young girls on the importance of haircare through her Junior Cosmetology workshops. Dana Hayes is the licensed cosmetologist of 20 years from Port Allen, LA who recently launched the Junior Cosmetology events taking place in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dana says she was inspired to start Junior Cosmetology by my late mother Mrs. Ora Lee Breaux Williams.

“She was a hairstylist for over 40 years and owned her own salon in the community in which she lived, Port Allen, La for many years until she retired. I was greatly inspired by my mother and older sister, who is also a stylist. I was surround by hairstylist my entire life. My mom was the perfect example of an entrepreneur and a smart business woman,” says Hayes.  

Dana assisted and learned under my mom as a junior stylist. Her mother taught her the art of hairstyling at a very early age, and that’s what sparked her interest. After she finished cosmetology school in 1998, she hasn’t looked back since. Being a stylist is the only job she’s ever had. Learn more about the events and the importance of them below.

Fancy: What inspired you to start hosting your workshops?

 

Dana: I can remember when I was in elementary school, and I would add hair extensions to my ponytails to make them longer. I was in middle school when my mom taught me how to care for my hair correctly, and she also taught me the basics of cosmetology. I loved it! It opened up so many opportunities for me. I knew I wanted to be a hair stylist at an early age. That’s what sparked my idea that other kids would love a chance to be junior stylist and learn the fundamentals cosmetology. 

Over the course of my 20 years as a hairstylist, I’ve encountered women who don’t know the basics of combing or styling hair, such as parting and sectioning, and I would often think if there would have been a class like junior cosmetology many women would know at least the basics. This class is much needed within our community!

Fancy: How many events have you hosted?

Dana: Since I recently started Junior Cosmetology here in Baton Rouge, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting four successful events. The kids really love this class. They get a chance to dream and imagine while learning something new and exploring the ever changing world of cosmetology. My goal is to have an event each Sunday out of the month. 

Fancy: What type of skills do the girls learn?

Dana: Students learn the fundamentals of healthy hair care, natural styles, parting, sectioning, proper comb and brush placement, product knowledge, braiding and cutting! The class also teaches them how to be confident in the skin they are In.

Fancy: What has the response been like?

Dana: The response for these events has been breathtaking. The feedback and the reactions from the parents and students have been overwhelming. They simply can’t get enough. I found out through this process many parents were looking for classes just like junior cosmetology to nourish their kids’ skills or to just teach them the basics of how to care for their own hair as well as younger siblings if needed. 

Fancy: When is the next event?

Dana: My next event will be held August 26, 2018 from 2-5pm, Baton Rouge. 

Fancy: How can the community help?

Dana: The community can help by beings aware of the services that are offered and supporting private events. They can also support with donations, which would allow me to host free classes and events in the near future.

Dana says, “Cosmetology is a skill I continue to use and carry with me each day. Being a cosmetologist gave me the opportunity to have a career in the field I love and to help and inspire others who are watching.”

Learn more about Junior Cosmetology or view photos on IG at @juniorcosmetology.