New Pittsburgh Courier: Chicago native Jessi Dean believes that the “proof is in the hair” and offers a full range of hair care solutions, including custom wigs, hairpieces, and extensions through the Jessi Dean Human Hair Extension brand. Twenty years of experience coupled with a highly developed sense of style, color, and form has garnered Jessi a loyal customer base and a budding career as Department head for major film and television productions including MGM’s ‘Candyman’ produced by Jordan Peele, FOX’s ‘Next,’ Netflix’s ‘Beats,’ and CBS’ ‘The Red Line.’ Jessi’s has also styled hair for HBO’s ‘Lovecraft Country,’ Showtime’s ‘The Chi,’ ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’ and FOX’s ‘The Big Leap.’ Coming up, Jessi’s work can be seen in Starz’s ‘Power Book IV: Force’ and Apple TV+’s ‘The Shining Girls,’ starring Phillipa Soo and Elisabeth Moss
3 comments:
It’s really cool to see some of the creative process for a hairstylist in film, it’s not a role I personally know a lot about and Jessi Dean is a prime example of a successful professional in her field. I thought it was very forward-thinking of her to create her own line of hair extensions, as her work on screen serves as free advertisement. I also appreciate how much she uses natural hairstyles; for decades black actors have had to settle for subpar hairstyling from stylists who don’t or won’t work with their hair texture or use wigs that mimic natural hair. Jessi Dean does both, and her work looks amazing on screen through her versatility and talent. It was interesting to read how she got her start, especially the detail about doing her peers’ hair in her dorm room. It really demonstrated her drive and motivation to do what she loved. She also mentions that working on a film set, she felt she had to keep “step(ping) up (her) game” and evolving, and it was comforting to know that even seasoned professionals have to keep pushing themselves to make great work.
This article is both inspiring and relatable as a student in the entertainment industry. From Dean’s powerful work ethic of actively pursuing jobs to taking every job opportunity possible. Also the creative process of styling hair is so unique, and is often underappreciated. However, the impact of it creates a story and image that we as audience members subconsciously need. When Dean said, “ I often call it the ultimate team. All of these components, departments, etc., come together to make this one special film” it really resonated with me. One of the best parts of working in an industry as collaborative as this one is that you’re constantly learning from each other. Whether its technical skills, creative artistry or general human capabilities. Dean also demonstrates what it means to be not only a talented technician, but also an innovative thoughtful artist. We live in a time where there are new expectations to be kind and sensitive to all people, and Dean gives us a great example of how to do that by employing techniques that support underrepresented parts of cultural such as natural hair styles.
I’m half Black and have 3C hair. Growing up it was rare to see Black women in film or on stage with their natural hair. It’s amazing to see a woman who knows how to work with natural hair stepping up in the film industry. It’s hard to simply find a good go to hairstylist who knows how to work with natural hair. It’s inspiring to read about the way Dean made the brave choices that lead to her following her dreams. Leaving college is not the “traditional” route, but it seems like it is working out fantastically for her. Reading her responses to each question, you just know that she is incredibly passionate in what she does and will do anything to continue that work. Her work ethic and creativity are what got her to where she is and what will continue to inspire young artists, especially young artists of color. I’m very appreciative of this article being included in this week’s selection. --Vanessa Mills
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