Salon Kazumi has announced the addition of celebrated hairstylist and educator Johnny Wright to its roster of talented artists.  Renowned for his work with First Lady Michelle Obama, he has returned to the west coast after almost a decade of being based in Washington D.C. as her personal hair hairstylist. His work with the First Lady has been seen around the world as she evolved into one of America’s most beloved style icons.

Born and raised in Chicago, Wright’s fascination with beauty started at an early age. It was his grandmother – who was a working stylist and colorist until she was 91 – who first took notice of his fascination with her work. Establishing his own hair business at the precocious age of 12, Wright had grown his client base to hundreds of friends and classmates by the time he was in high school.

After graduating, Wright knew his future was sealed and he wanted nothing else but to create beautiful, stylish hairstyles. In 2002, Wright began working with L’Oreal where he stayed for 16 years, moving from technical consultant and platform artist to lead educator and on to artistic style director.

  In 2007, Wright moved to Los Angeles to work at the Frédéric Fekkai salon, and to pursue a styling career in television and film.  It was an earlier event in 2007 that caused Wright’s career to truly become a part of history.  President Obama had just announced his campaign, and an opportunity arose for Wright to style First Lady Michelle Obama for an Essence photo-shoot.  They hit it off, and as she traveled to Los Angeles for television appearances, Wright continued to style her. After creating her look for the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and a Vogue cover-shoot in 2009, the First Lady asked Wright to move to D.C. to be her personal hairstylist.  

 Wright maintained this role through both terms and traveled with the First Family to over 40 countries around the globe.  From politicians to celebrities, Wright’s client list includes Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Maxine Waters, Samira Wiley, Tamron Hall, Regina King, Karrueche Tran, Reese Witherspoon, Vivica A. Fox, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sherri Shepherd, Naturi Naughton, Vanessa Williams, Lauren London, LisaRaye, Janelle Monáe, Syleena Johnson, Shaun Robinson, and Candace Bushnell.  

Salon owner Kazumi Morton and Wright bonded over their mutual commitment to education and encouraging young talent. “Johnny is an amazing stylist and I am so happy he is joining our close family of talented artists.  His ability to work with all types and textures of hair, combined with his warm personality and winning-manner, makes him a perfect fit for Salon Kazumi.”

Wright adds, “What attracted me to Salon Kazumi was, in addition to the intimate setting and Kazumi’s positive and supportive attitude, was the true sense of kinship that I found there.  There is a real exchange of creative energy between the stylists and colorists at the salon and I know my clients will feel as equally comfortable and at home.”