Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin predicts a shift towards “real and touchable” hair for the 98th Academy Awards this March, emphasizing hydration and a less “shellacked” aesthetic, according to a recent interview with WWD.
Atkin, who has styled the hair of A-list celebrities including the Kardashians, Hailey Bieber, and Madonna, believes the upcoming red carpet will favor hairstyles that complement, rather than compete with, high-fashion wardrobes. “I’ve always gravitated towards that type of hair because I experience like it softens a really intense wardrobe decision and makes a romantic look feel even more romantic and boho,” she told WWD.
The stylist’s influence extends beyond the red carpet. She founded the hair care brand Ouai in 2016, which was acquired by Procter & Gamble six years later. Ouai’s Detox Shampoo is a consistent bestseller at Sephora, reportedly selling one bottle every 20 seconds. In 2023, Atkin launched Mane, a hair tools brand geared towards Gen Z consumers with more affordable price points and a strong TikTok presence. The Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush has grow a particularly popular product, even receiving a shoutout from Hailey Bieber on Instagram.
Atkin recommends prioritizing hair hydration as a foundation for achieving the desired look. She specifically highlighted the benefits of the Mane Hot Round Brush for creating volume and the Ouai Detox Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner for softness and a “clean-girl aesthetic.” She also suggested incorporating a scalp scrub and moisturizing hair mask, like Mane’s newly released Hydration Hugs Mega Moisturizing Hair Mask, to combat dryness and frizz.
“You literally spot results in minutes,” Atkin stated to WWD, emphasizing the quick benefits of her recommended products for awards show preparation.
Beyond her work in hair care, Atkin has partnered with Capital One Venture X Business to promote resources for entrepreneurs, highlighting the card’s travel benefits and rewards programs. “I also really appreciate the fact that Capital One sees founders as storytellers and problem solvers and creatives,” Atkin said.
Atkin began her career in the early 2000s, working as a receptionist at Estilo Salon in Beverly Hills after moving to Los Angeles with limited funds and experience, according to Boulevard. She later assisted established stylists and worked on Madonna’s 2006 Confessions tour, and eventually styled the hair of celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and the Kardashian-Jenner family. She was named by the Recent York Times as “the most influential hair stylist in the world.”