Celebrity hairstylist shares favourite looks and care tips
‘I have never seen a girl that didn’t look great in a centre-part, low and sleek bun’
Jen Atkin can easily be labelled a celebrity hairstylist.
But while Atkin’s work with some of the biggest names in current pop culture (including the Kardashians, Chrissy Tiegen and the Hadids) would make one initially believe her clients are where the “celebrity” job title comes from, the glossy-haired stylist has become nearly as notable as her A-list customers.
“I’m always so surprised by that,” Atkin demurred when asked about her ever-growing legion of fans and followers (two million and counting on Instagram, alone).
Speaking to Canadian media during an event in Toronto with Dyson Supersonic, for which she is a spokeswoman, Atkin dished on her go-to hairstyles, what’s the most under-utilized tool kit we all have in our homes, the three must-have products — and more.
Q What’s your weekly hairstyle “calendar” like?
A I usually start with wavy hair, and then day two, I use dry shampoo foam, which is awesome because it just kind of helps you get rid of excess dirt and oil without flattening your hair and making it look like it has too much product in it. I make it have a lot of volume. So, day two, I will go into straight hair. Day three, if I’ve had time to go to the gym, I will go with a sleek low bun. And, honestly, I usually go four days (without washing my hair) so, day four is usually my “Sade” look, Where I will put on red lipstick to try to keep the attention away from how dirty my hair is.
Q Any tips to improve our at-home chances of nailing a hairstyle?
A It really starts in the shower. If you have fine hair, you want to use a shampoo that’s volumizing, something that’s cleansing but making sure you don’t overload on conditioner. If you have really course or frizzy hair, our Ouai treatment mask is a game changer. It’s great because it gives you that soft, touchable, pretty hair. And then, the Dyson Supersonic really is amazing. Once you see it and use it, you really will never go back to your prehistoric hair dryer.
Q What’s the one hairstyling tool or product we likely all have at home that we’re not taking advantage of ?
A A diffuser can be your best friend. It can help you skip other hot tools and it can give you that effortless wave in no time.
Q Space is often an issue — especially when it comes to storage space in the bathroom. Any tips to pare down the product list in order to have just the essentials?
A Get a bigger bathroom! (laughs). I think three products every woman needs are: a dry texturing spray, which is basically like if dry shampoo and hairspray had a baby. It’s something every girl wants to have fuller hair; dry shampoo foam is something that has been really, really exciting to launch; and lastly, it’s a wave spray because it makes your hair like cotton candy. It gives you that hair like when you come out of the ocean and your hair just dries like, really cool. It has a bit more fullness and a bit more memory.
Q What’s one hairstyle that works for everyone?
A I have never seen a girl that didn’t look great in a centre-part, low and sleek bun. And I think it’s easy for mostly everyone to do.
Q How about for those who have a go-to style already. Any ideas to update an existing look?
A I have a hair accessories line with Chloe + Isabel, and we have really cute ponytail holders and bun cups. It’s a really fun way to dress it up and go from day to night.