We asked Miko Branch, aka the Curl Whisperer of her award-winning haircare brand, to provide some salon secrets. Miss Jessie’s is a trademark brand to any curly-crowned naturalista. Sisters Miko and Titi Branch birthed their curly hair products that honor their ethnic background named after their paternal Japanese grandmother. Miss Jessie Mae Branch was a kitchen chemist who showed her granddaughters how to care for their curls. She planted seeds ingenuity and tenacity that created this effectual legacy.
Their salon, sharing the same name as their hair care line, treats hair of various textures. The 1st of its kind, they solely focused on textured hair. Not able to find any products on the market that provided what their clientele needed, Miko and Titi created their own solution. Since launching in 2004 and becoming one of the first haircare brands sold in Target, Miss Jessie’s spoke a language that only curls knew beginning with the trademark Curly Pudding and expanding to cleansers, oils, and other curl treatments. Miko has further expanded the brand by creating CurlBar, a specialty salon that promises a royal treatment.
Miss Jessie’s is also privileged to maintain on-trend as curly and textured hair has been featured on the big and small screen from commercials, movies, and top-producing brand influencers. Miko has seen the brand adored by Lupito Nyongo, Alicia Keys, Halle Berry, Tanika Ray, Zendaya, Viola Davis, Yara Shahidi, and other celebrities. The evolution of the acceptance of naturally curly hair is exciting!
Opening salons and creating products is enough evidence of Miko’s dedication to textured tresses. Today’s climate requires her expertise. First, she sets the record straight. Naturally, curly hair does not solely belong to Black and Latina women. Women, and men, of any nationality, can have the curly-haired gene! This truth also dispels the idea that curly hair is bad or unmanageable. The versatility of curls and coils posses is impressive and unique.
Quarantine life has made the timid fearless. Learning how to care for mental and physical health has been crucial. Miko’s advice to those forced to pay more attention to their hair is to start with product selection – purchase those that specifically cater to textured hair and provide moisture. She also suggests washing the hair in warm water and then rinsing the chosen conditioner using cool water; after styling or creating a wet set (twists, braids, rods, etc.), air drying is best. Microfiber towels and silk pillowcases and scarves minimize frizz. Regular trims help with detangling and promote healthy hair.
For those willing to or needing to visit a salon, the Curl Whisperer suggests finding a stylist specializing in curly or textured hair. The connection to a stylist is sacred, so finding one that teaches you how to care for your hair is essential. Our hair is our crowning glory. Find a stylist that helps you adjust your crown correctly. Miko believes your stylist should empower you, thereby helping you to own your look and gain confidence. To reciprocate the care received, patrons should follow their stylist advice, provide referrals, and share their positive experiences via social media and word-of-mouth.
Now to the salon owners, solopreneur beauticians, and haircare specialists trying to maintain during the pandemic, Miko Branch encourages you to stay strong and resilient. Keeping in touch with your clients using technology such as FaceTime or any other video calling app to provide instruction, connect with a potentially new audience via social media, and offer referral incentives. Sharing tips and advice not only helps you practice your craft but also keeps you relevant.
For more information about the brand, their story, or to locate a CurlBar near you, visit https://missjessies.com/.
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