tête-à-tête
The hairstylist on every celeb glam squad, Jen Atkin, shares her go-to products.
In any given week, the hairstyles Jen Atkin creates are viewed by up to half a billion people, thanks to the star power behind her uber-influential client base that includes the Kardashians, the Jenners, Chrissy Teigen, Bella Hadid and Cara Delevingne. But despite her staggering success, Atkin has no interest in keeping her pro secrets to herself; in fact, she’s doing all she can to help us mere mortals get really good hair.
She started with her website, Mane Addicts, which is full of expert how-tos and product recommendations. She also hosts workshops around the globe, offering her top styling tips, and recently, Atkin launched her own product line, Ouai. “Haircare is a necessity in life and I want it to be easily accessible,” she says. WHY DID YOU CREATE OUAI?
Throughout my career, I’ve used every hair product on the market, and I’ve spent years working around the globe talking to clients about haircare and listening to my followers. I found there was a real lack of cool, curated products out there and I struggled to find a haircare brand my friends and I could relate to – it had all become so serious. With Ouai, I wanted to create a “breath of fresh hair” – a haircare line for real life, for real women. Luxury products that are simple and affordable. I was lucky to partner with investors who understood my vision and collaborate with industry experts in design and formulation. WHICH PRODUCTS FROM THE LINE-UP ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
The Ouai Treatment Masque is essential for summer. I just got back from holiday in Italy and I loved using the masque when I was in the sun, or post-sun exposure, to protect my hair. I also love Ouai Wave Spray for no-heat styling. It’s amazing for letting my hair air-dry or for refreshing bedhead and second-day hair. WHAT OTHER ITEMS WOULD WE FIND IN YOUR SUITCASE?
Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist because it’s so lightweight and adds tons of lift. The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is super light, incredibly quiet and speeds up my blow-dry time. And the Kardashian Beauty 3-In-1 iron is perfect for packing light as it doubles as a flat iron and curling iron. Although I really can’t live without my ghd tong – it heats up fast and gives incredible waves. HOW DO WE RECREATE THOSE EFFORTLESS, UNDONE WAVES SEEN ON YOUR CLIENTS?
After prepping damp hair with Ouai Wave Spray, blow-dry, tousling with your hands, for tons of texture. Then use the Kardashian Beauty 3-In-1 iron to create an S-pattern on large sections of hair, leaving the ends straight. Finish with Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray and a small amount of Ouai Finishing Créme through the ends. YOUR CELEB CLIENTS CONSISTENTLY SET THE TRENDS. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I look to so many places for inspiration. I love international magazines. Every country has such a unique view on beauty and sometimes those trends will translate seasons later in the States. WHAT IMPACT HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HAD ON YOUR CAREER? I’ve always been obsessed with social media and technology, so creating a social presence came really naturally to me. I’m an oversharer, so it’s fun and easy for me to use Instagram and Snapchat to connect directly with my audience. IS THERE ONE THING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT HAIRCARE?
It’s not one size fits all. Your hair will never have the results you want if you aren’t using products designed for your type and texture, starting with the right shampoo and conditioner. WHAT HAIRSTYLE DO YOU LOVE RIGHT NOW?
I love short hair for summer, and shaggy hair with natural texture.
Jen Atkin, the world’s most in-demand hairstylist, is a self-proclaimed “oversharer”. Lucky us