For Julissa Prado, founder of Rizos Curls, the new year isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about alignment.
Known for championing curl confidence and textured hair education, Prado approaches a new-year hair reset with the same philosophy she’s built her brand on: clarity, intention, and care.
Whether it’s committing to a big chop or experimenting with bold color, she believes hair changes should feel empowering, not impulsive.
Prado is no stranger to transformation. Having gone through her own big chop early in her curl journey, she views it not as a dramatic loss, but as a recalibration. “The big chop forces you to relearn your hair,” she has shared. “It’s an opportunity to understand your texture, your needs, and your relationship with patience.” For those considering it in the new year, she emphasizes preparation, mentally and practically. Understanding shrinkage, growth expectations, and maintenance routines can turn fear into confidence.
But a reset doesn’t always mean cutting it all off. For Prado, bold color can be just as transformative. She encourages curls wearers to see color as self-expression rather than damage waiting to happen. The key, she says, is prioritizing hair health before and after coloring. Deep conditioning, moisture balance, and protein awareness are essential, especially for textured hair that’s naturally more prone to dryness.
At the core of Prado’s philosophy is listening to your hair. A new year is the perfect time to reassess what’s working and what isn’t, whether that’s simplifying your routine, switching products, or setting realistic styling expectations. She advocates for routines that support consistency over perfection, reminding curl wearers that healthy hair thrives on regular care, not extremes.
Confidence also plays a central role. Prado believes hair changes should reflect where you are emotionally and mentally. “Your hair doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be beautiful,” she often notes. That mindset shift is what turns a style change into a reset rather than a reaction.
Ultimately, Julissa Prado’s new-year hair philosophy is about ownership. From the big chop to bold color, she encourages approaching change with education, intention, and self-trust. A reset isn’t about starting over, it’s about starting clearer, with hair choices that support who you are now and where you’re headed.
