Mara: Juno, your hair is exceptionally unique. Did anyone else in your family have hair like yours?

Juno: No! In fact I didn’t have any hair until I was at least 1. And then
it literally sprouted. These tendrils appeared. I looked like a mad scientist that put their hand in a socket, it just suddenly appeared.

Mara: Was there a moment when you knew that your hair was really special?

Juno: I actually got suspended once from school for showing up having red hair-mascaraed my entire head of hair. And then when I went to wash it, it went a proper dirty pink because of how naturally blonde I am. I look back at pics now and think that’s so punk rock, my pink summer dresses with this pale pink curly mane. So rad.

Mara: Were you able to appreciate the uniqueness of your hair, or was it hard because not everyone you saw reflected you, not even anyone in your family?

Juno: Yes! It was the coolest thing anyone had seen! It was extraordinary hair when I was a teen, it was this golden wild mane. It’s just high maintenance because it really gets tangled. I look back at pictures and if I ever tried to pull it back into a ponytail or a braid, it really looked so much better if I just let it be free and wild.

Mara: Was there ever a traumatic experience that really stands out that you’ve had with your curls?

Juno: I never really had it cut until I started acting. Then when I was 17 and did a movie, I did a hair consultation where they wet my hair-- obviously when curly hair gets wet it’s a completely different texture-- and then they chopped it. My hair was my safety blanket, long to about my nipples. This was so early in my career and that was a disaster. It actually really triggered some deeply emotional issues around my self image, specifically my body. I no longer had my hair to hide behind, I didn’t recognize myself, in fact I all of a sudden had an afro that I didn’t feel looked good or sexy on me.

Mara: Every time I see you there are endless options for playing! Working with you is so beyond inspiring because you are always open and willing to create. It’s such a blast.

Juno: Well you opened me up to a whole new world with wigs on the red carpet! I had never felt quite confident enough to do it but I absolutely LOVE it now. I’ve met some extraordinary people, specifically women, in the hair world that really have nurtured my curls and helped me feel my most beautiful self on the red carpet. As an actor you do hand over your hair and body and face to not entirely belong to you. I’m happy to hand it all over truthfully.

Mara: I love hearing about this journey you’ve been on with your hair. How you’ve learned to accept all of it and love it. Are there products you’ve found that you love?

Juno: I just learned about pre-shampooing. Because shampooing is a process with my texture, having a product that detangles and hydrates my hair before shampooing is needed. I love RŌZ Treatment Oil to add moisture back into my hair and help detangle. I apply, comb it through, and leave on for 10 min, before shampooing. Curls can get very matted in the shampoo process and this discovery has been really helpful. The brush by Vuja I bought at your salon is a life changer for curly hair. I don’t get the breakage that I used to get!

Mara: Is there any advice you would give to your younger self with all the knowledge you have now?

Juno: Don’t cut your hair. That’s my immediate reaction. Ha! Also I want to share that I am all for women doing whatever they want to allow themselves to feel beautiful in this world. It can be hard to feel that. The strive for perfection is endless and it just doesn’t exist. I truly feel like it is my girl code to always share about my hair when I’m complimented or asked, especially when it’s 1/2 fake! I’ll get asked about my long ponytails and I am always going to be honest. We have to share the tricks we’ve got up our sleeve.