Behind the Hair: Brianne Wilson

by | Mar 2, 2024 | Profile

You know Brianne Wilson, she’s one of Denver’s skilled hair braiders. She can Dutch braid, fishtail braid, French braid, or weave some Leia braids on you without a sweat. Oh, you don’t know Brianne? Then your hair is missing out on some intergalactic style. If your hair craves adventure, it’s time to visit the eco-friendly Starling Salon and call on Brianne. She might be your only hope.

While a redheaded woman reads a book in the background, the photo of a cow being abducted by a UFO duplicates and floats off the canvas toward her.
The Sci-Fi section is escaping.

Brianne does more than braid, in the salon and out. Part of the year, she’s so wrapped up in adventure you won’t find her anywhere near Colorado. No, she’s not on Alderann or even Naboo, although you can bet if her car could withstand the flight, she’d have more pilot hours than Han Solo. Before you start quizzing her on Star Wars canon, don’t. “What makes me a nerd, I guess it’s a million things…[but] I’m not as all in as some people.” Nerd is a heavy crown to wear; it doesn’t have the same negative connotations it used to (now it’s a badge of honor), but she’s still protective of flaunting it.

Brianne Wilson's feet are visible in the background, blurring as if she's a ghost blowing away in the wind. The unsettling plague and espionage sections feature in the foreground.
Careful in this section, or you’re likely to be its next ghost.

The introverted nerd isn’t a new demographic. However, society still expects nerds to win every trivia game, stand by with full knowledge of niche categories, write fanfiction, and remember every detail of every fandom forever. Brianne says you can be a nerd without any of that demand. Some nerds enjoy the story and the journey. Introverts agree. Brianne isn’t trying to impress anyone; she’s watching Star Wars episodes that entertain her and skipping baby Yoda, if she wants.

A bright yellow glow, signifying a rare find, emits from the bookshelf behind Brianne Wilson.
Treasure hides in all corners of the bookshelves.

You might not guess she’s a Star Wars fan, and it might surprise you to learn she’s introverted because she can balance her energies. Brianne’s biggest talent is balancing herself: calm and open on the outside and working her mental switchboard like it’s an Olympic sport internally. She keeps her private life private, engaging with guests and friends on her terms. She knows when to say “no,” when to say “good night,” and when to say “let’s try that”.

So, how do you interact with a specialized introvert? The key to this one is asking about her travels through Europe and books. Remember, Brianne is independent, likes a good story, and craves a little escapism. After her youth soccer tournament that snaked through Europe and the college internship at the Handel House Museum in London for a summer, she’s got a sweet spot for international travel. The list of her escapades could fill a novel, but pulling them out of her is easier said than done.

Brianne holds up a copy of Stephen Colbert's book so his face perfectly covers where her face should be. Colors burst from behind her.
Brianne keeps diving headfirst into books.

Books, on the other hand, get her imagination soaring like a pterodactyl. Since Brianne is terrible at making choices, she’s decided to read all the books, and you’d better share her opinion on them. “There are certain books I will judge you for if you don’t like it. I don’t like that about myself, but it’s true.” She avoids online hubs like Goodreads to keep her judgment to herself, but once you’re caped and in her chair, you’d better be a fan of YA novels. “Ender’s Game, Power of One, Ready Player One, the Wheel of Time series, the Dark is Rising series…I have a handful of children’s books that formed me. I love YA.”

We see the back of Brianne's head while she surveys the bookshelf. Everything is shifted in color to look like a 3D red and blue photo.
The Joy of Scrapbooking is practically vibrating with excitement.

Would you have pegged Brianne for an Aries? If you didn’t, that’s probably because she’s on the cusp of Pisces. If astrology is foreign to you, that’s okay because Brianne doesn’t pay much attention to it either. There’s an intricate maze under that unrippled surface, “In 60 seconds, I felt six different feelings and had three different thoughts. We’re simple in a lot of ways, but we’re freaking complex.” Spoken like any other 21st-century girl who prefers the life simple, although “I do have to be careful not to become complacent.”

Cartoon ghosts fly out of an old Royal typewriter displayed at the Capitol Hills Book Store.
BOOk your appointment before it’s too late!

Introverts require downtime to recharge their social battery, and Brianne is no different, “That doesn’t mean I’m not up for adventure and excitement, but I don’t need constant stimulation; I like being peaceful sometimes.” Brianne is so interesting even she can’t summarize herself. Some of the most extraordinary things about her will have to be pried from her cold, dead hands. As long as you catch her on a fully charged day, she’ll weave you a tale.

View Brianne’s rates here.

Find Brianne’s Instagram here.

Search Capitol Hill Books here, where we shot photos.

Visit Kilgore Books & Comics here, where we shot more photos.