DEREK J.
Atlanta hairstylist Derek J. stole the spotlight in Chris Rock’s film Good Hair and made us laugh out loud on the second season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The celebrity stylist, famous for upping the fierceness factor with a pair of stilettos, was inspired to enter the beauty industry by his aunt—also a cosmetologist. Today, his clientele includes Nicole Ari Parker, Tweet and Angie Stone along with NeNe Leakes, Kandi Burruss and Kim Zolciak from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Here, Derek J. talks about his hair passion.
ON HIS BEGINNINGS: Derek J. met hairstylist Deedy Wells and became her assistant soon after moving to Atlanta to further his career. “She introduced me to a whole different world that the one just behind the chair. I was 19 and flying to do a music video with Snoop Dogg.”
THE NEXT STEP: After Derek J. expanded his hair world, he entered the world of competitive hairstyling (as seen in the film Good Hair) and began styling celebrities. Now, he owns the J. Spot Salon in Atlanta.
ON BEING SUCCESSFUL: “Work on your craft. I’m not a hairstylist that does everything. I’m a hairstylist that’s good at what I do.”
Mixing up with singer LeToya Luckett—looking fierce thanks to celeb stylist Derek J!
Derek J. and the fabulous Nicole Ari Parker!
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Hello, I am a first year hair design student and I really love the detail learning that I’m getting in class. I would love to do more styling with competition and would love to see more such styles in SBH.
One other thing,Derek J. you are such a sweetie and I love you on “Hair Battle”.
I really desire and am passionate about my dream of becoming a celebrity hairstylist. I’m from Missouri and am wondering if I really want do to this am I going to have to move? I know that I am limited here and i want to do something bigger and im thirsty for it! I need advice to help me along the way!
how can i go by ordering black hair magizine offline. I attend vetterot career college in memphis tn, i love thw hairstyles they are creative i hope soon i become better @doin hair because i do plan on moving to atlanta to futher my career and alwayz looking to learn something different
Dear, Mrs ALLEN I have arthritis and wear my hair short,I went from regular perm to a texture hope I spelled that right anyway PLEASE give some Pictures of women who wear this style not looking like a dude.Evening the women have me looking like a dude and I saw a picture of Mrs DEBBIE ALLEN AND I WOULD LOVE MY STYLIST TO TRY IT PLEASE HELP ME HELP SHOW THE PEOPLE THAT DO MY HAIR SEE WHAT I WANT THANKS HAVE GREAT DAY! L.D.
Hello ladonnafuller: It seems you’ve already decided on the ideal look for yourself: the short coif worn by celebrity Debbie Allen. Our suggestion is to find photos of Ms. Allen and show these to your hair pro. You can also try looking through the Sept./Oct. issue of SBH for some wonderful style ideas for short, texturized hair.
I would like to know what is the best look for a petite girl.I’m tryin to wear cuter clothing,especially since I’m going to be hanging out more,soon.What looks,do you suggest?Thanks.
Hi smiley: The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to hair is to keep it all in proportion—especially since you’re a petite. Ultra-long styles may not work as well for you as mid-length to short styles. One way to get inspired when it comes to petite hair styles and fashion is to check out celebs in the petite size range…such as Nia Long or T-Boz among others. For a great style selection, don’t forget to check out the Sept./Oct. issue of SBH.
I say u on rupaul drag u and i just want to say HELP ME WITH MY MAKE OVER PLEASE I’m a hard working woman never look for any support from anyone because I’m the type of woman that get’s up and get her’s I’m hoping u can help me I’m from Southwest Philly and I’m thirty eight and I know I’m ready for a change in my self esteem please response to my 911 alert of a make over
Hey Toya…We admire your spirit! Since you’re the type of woman who doesn’t seem to let anything get in her way, be proactive when it comes to your image transformation. Read all you can about style and beauty from SBH and pick up books on skin care, makeup and hair care. Consult your hair pro for a one-on-one convo about the best look for you then book a session with the salon makeup pro to get his/her opinion about your best makeup looks. You can even go to a fave department store and speak with the pros behind the makeup counter for some info about makeup. Make it happen, girl, and watch yourself transform!
Hi I’m Wytisha Richardson and I’m looking for to take my career to a higher level. I’m 25years old and I’m looking to get into bigger and better things. What advice or 1st step should I take?
Hi wytisha: Be sure to attend a major hair show in our industry (such as the Bronner Bros. Hair Show in Atlanta). It’s a good chance to network, take classes and get in touch with the latest trends and techniques. You should also check out the Salon Talk section found in each issue of SBH for must-know info about the events and trends in the beauty field. Good luck!
Is there a website that list the products used by celebrity stylist on black hair? The magazine Black Hair did an article on Michelle Williams-Kimmi Hendrix and recommended a “light styling wax”. I’m trying to find such a product.
Hi Yvette: Whenever possible we try to include specific product info used to style celebrities in our stories. In our feature on Michelle Williams, hair pro Kimmi Hendrix preferred to give us a description of the type of product she used on Michelle Williams–all the better for you to select a product that would work for your specific hair type. A light pomade, gel as well as a light styling wax should do the trick.