Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Reynolds.
Janae, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hairstyling was a love affair that began for me as a child. One day, my daycare provider, Miss Morgan, lined all the children up and asked what we wanted to be when we were older. There were many ballerinas, doctors, teachers, and princesses. When she got to me, I confidently said,“I want to be a hairdresser and a singer when I grow up!“
Years later, I earned my Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work. I got involved with music and singing, but still felt somewhat unfulfilled. As a result, I completed a natural Hair Care specialist program and later enrolled in Paul Mitchell’s cosmetology program in the evening. I completed both programs while still working in the field of social work full-time. I still consider the decision to go back to school as one of the best decisions of my life. My background in Social Work and therapy caused me to approach Hair Care in an unconventional way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course not, but anything worth having is worth fighting for!
I was raised in a family that valued formal education, specifically degrees from a four-year university. I wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry upon graduating from high school, but was not allowed to because of my family’s values. Two degrees later, I still ended right back in Hair Care. Exactly where I was purposed to be.
The challenge was trying to convince my family and friends that my “little hobby”, as they saw it, was both my passion and purpose. And because this was my purpose, I knew my gift would make room for me and that it would financially sustain me.
When I quit my full-time job in social work, I didn’t tell them for two months. I needed to prove to them that this career choice was sustainable and that I made the right decision. Even after I shared it with them, they frantically began sending me job listings to get me to go back to work full-time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hair Therapy by Janae. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hair Therapy by Janae is a luxury hair and wellness brand rooted in the philosophy of Look Good, Feel Good, Be Well.
I’m a hairstylist and licensed therapist, and I created Hair Therapy by Janae to bring those two worlds together. We specialize in healthy hair care, extensions, head spa experiences, and bridal hair. Our emphasis is on creating a space where clients can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and genuinely feel cared for.
What sets us apart is the intention behind the experience. I don’t believe in treating hair as if it exists separately from the person attached to it. Your hair, your scalp, your stress levels, your confidence, and your overall well-being all intersect. That philosophy is reflected in everything we do—from the way we care for the hair to the sensory experience we create in the head spa.
I’m probably most proud of how the brand has evolved. What started as a hair salon has grown into a more holistic concept centered around beauty, wellness, and self-care. We’ve created a space that feels elevated and intentional, but still warm and personal.
I want readers to know that Hair Therapy by Janae is not just a place to get your hair done. It’s a place to be cared for. Whether you’re coming in for your next style, investing in extensions, or booking a head spa experience, the goal is the same: to help you look good, feel good, and be well.
Any big plans?
The future is really about continuing to grow the brand beyond the traditional salon experience. This year, we’re expanding into hair care products, which is something I’m especially excited about because it allows us to take the philosophy behind Hair Therapy by Janae home with our clients. Our products will support healthy hair and scalp care while still feeling luxurious and intentional.
We’ll also continue to grow our head spa and wellness offerings and explore new ways to bring together beauty, hair health, and self-care.
Long term, I have a vision for a larger facility that truly reflects everything Hair Therapy by Janae has become—a destination where hair care, scalp health, wellness, and education can exist under one roof. I’m not interested in growing just to be bigger. I want to grow in a way that allows us to create better experiences, serve more people, and build something that has a lasting impact.
There’s a lot I’m excited about, but ultimately, I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can take the idea that inspired the brand from the beginning: helping people look good, feel good, and be well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairtherapybyjanae.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thahairtherapist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairtherapybyjanae
- Other: https://www.headspadurham.com
