The Chicago-based hairstylist uses old braiding techniques to create sculptures that pay homage to her family and community
The Dazed Beauty Community is our ever-expanding encyclopaedia of creatives and emerging talent from across the world who are redefining the way we think about beauty. From supermodels to digital artists to make-up prodigies transforming themselves in their bedrooms, these are the beauty influencers of tomorrow who embody everything Dazed Beauty is about. Discover them here.
“There is so much beauty in the things left for trash,” says Ryuan Johnson. “So many memories and stories.” The hairstylist, also known as Sexyscalps on Instagram, tells stories using materials found around her. Her sculptural braids are often created with random discarded objects, from disposable lighters and bottle caps to birthday candles.
Born and raised in Chicago, Johnson first learned the art of braiding from her grandmother, the family beautician, when she was six years old. From there, she discovered the transformative potential of hair braiding and how it can be a vital outlet for creative self-expression. “I realised that my feelings and mental health were connected to how I styled my hair,” she says.
Now, she creates sculptural hairstyles, which she describes as theatrical, shiny and free, for projects with Nike and Serena Williams, Shea Moisture and Harper’s Bazaar. Below, Dazed speaks to Johnson about her ultimate beauty inspirations.
What are you trying to communicate through your work?
Ryuan Johnson: I want to communicate this idea of keeping your wonder, empathy and creativity alive through whatever your medium is – show it off to the world!
What’s your earliest beauty-related memory?
Ryuan Johnson: Sitting in the beauty shop, watching all the women come alive from their new look.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Ryuan Johnson: My career highlight is being able to work with hair brands that I’ve used in my hair since I was a child. Being able to collaborate with different artists that I love and look up to has also been a dream come true.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
Ryuan Johnson: I relate to all of Brittany Murphy’s characters. She always plays a well-dressed, romantic klutz! And that just about sums me up.
Who is your beauty icon?
Ryuan Johnson: The women in my family are my beauty icons, especially my mother. She gave me my first glimpse into what it means to stun people with your dazzling make-up, jewellry, or clothes! She’s so stylish and funky.
What is your current obsession?
Ryuan Johnson: My current obsession is this second-hand arts and crafts store in Chicago called The Watershed, where they sell the coolest supplies and random oddities that I love using to make hair sculptures.
What does beauty mean to you?
Ryuan Johnson: Beauty is a feeling to me. I feel beauty when I feel inspired, enticed, or sometimes even shocked.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Ryuan Johnson: I feel the most beautiful when I’m at the club dancing to house music, with my eyeliner thick and black.
What is the future of beauty?
Ryuan Johnson: I think the future of beauty will make people uncomfortable, in the best way, because young people are starting to shut down the idea of one [homogenous] beauty standard. The future of beauty is bizarre, in your face, and eccentric.
Which part of your brain would you outsource?
Ryuan Johnson: I would want to outsource the memory part of my brain. I want to be one of those people who can remember every day of their lives.
You’ve opted to be cryogenically frozen in hopes of continuing the human race. When you’re awoken, it’ll be your responsibility to kick-start the breeding. How will you wear your hair on your first date?
Ryuan Johnson: My breeding kick-start, first date hairstyle would be an ice-white braided bob with baby bangs.
Follow Ryuan Johnson on Instagram.