Jen Atkin: The ‘Hair’ess

A favourite amongst Hollywood A-listers, she creates flawless styles for the Kardashians. Los Angeles-based Jen Atkin reveals tips on the art of hairstyling, hopes to style Priyanka Chopra and shares her experiences working with ‘Material Girl’ Madonna.

When did you decide to become a hairstylist?

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I was always interested in hair, but it wasn’t until high school, when I became obsessed with Natalie Imbruglia, that it became a reality. No one could give me her iconic short haircut, so I pulled out shaving razors and cut it myself!

When did the transformation from an amateur hairstylist to a professional happen?

It’s something I’d always been interested in. However, I don’t think, I really thought, it could be a career, until after I moved to LA and started working in a salon.

Describe your experience at the Chris McMillan Salon, where you assisted Andy LeCompte.

It was crazy and hectic! I worked super long hours and was doing anything and everything to get the job done. It was amazing having the opportunity to work around so many of the best stylists in LA. I loved being around Chris, Andy, Leanne, Sally Hershberger…, it was inspiring, getting to see the way, so many talented people work.

You assisted Andy on Madonna’s ‘‘Confessions’’ tour in 2006. What was that like?

It was so much fun having the opportunity to work on the dancers’ hair, and travel the world! It really was what kick-started my career. Andy has always been my biggest support.

What prompted you to launch your website, www.maneaddicts.com in 2014?

People were always interested in my hair tutorials and inspirational collages on Instagram, so I decided to take it a step further and create a site for not just myself, but for my colleagues and peers, to express themselves. In a society surrounded by YouTube and Instagram, I wanted to create a platform, for some of the most talented people in the industry, to showcase their skills and work.

The Kardashians are your muse! Who do you enjoy the most with, when it comes to experimenting with hairstyles?

Each of the girls have their own unique style, which is why, it’s so much fun working with all of them! Individually, they experiment in their own way, and they love a fashion moment, which is always great for me.

What is the most favourite look you have done on any one of them?

I can’t choose! There are too many. My computer is full of gems.

How do you come up with so many different hairstyles for them, every day?

All of them have so many ideas, when it comes to their hair! They’ll show me pictures that they find, and I constantly look for inspiration from fashion magazines, when I’m travelling, or from sites like Fashion Gone Rogue.

Other than the Kardashians, which other celebrities have you worked with?

Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman and Diane Kruger, to name a few of them.

What in your view would be the biggest hair trend this year?

Still the fashionable lob!

What are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on-like Mane Addicts and my upcoming line of hair care products.

What has been the biggest career moment in your life?

The Madonna tour and working with one of my icons—Gwen Stefani, for the cover of Vogue magazine in 2013.

How have hairstyling trends changed?

Hair has become so much more relaxed. I always say that I spend hours making it look like nothing was done to it. Earlier, we saw tighter curls and a much heavier use of products, but now, women want to look beautiful and effortless.

What has been your favourite hairstyling trend over the past 15 years?

I love a short haircut and a bang! Just ask any of my clients in Dubai. I’ve convinced so many of them to go short over the years!

What advice would you give to women around the world to keep their hair healthy?

Use the right products for your hair type and it all starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. Trust your stylist to make a recommendation! Don’t stress, and take your vitamins.

What are the top five products you carry in your styling kit?

A sea salt spray, dry texture spray, strong hold hairspray, a Mason Pearson brush, and my Kardashian Beauty blow dryer.

What are your top three tips before and after styling your hair?

For before, use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, prep the hair with the right products for your style, and use high quality tools. And after, don’t use too many products. If you want your style to last, spray hairspray on a toothbrush to tame flyways without losing volume. Make sure your ends don’t look dry. If the entire style looks great, but the ends are frayed out or dry, it won’t look polished.

Have you ever visited India?

No, but I would love to.

What are your views on the Indian hairstyling industry?

Indian women have the best hair! That’s why the rest of the world tries to buy it and manufacture it for extensions.

Any Indian celebrity you wish to work your magic on?

Priyanka Chopra.

What advice would you give to aspiring hairstyling students around the world?

Work hard and keep learning. Education is key. Come to Mane University and educate yourself on what you’re interested in. Find people you look up to, and work for them, or take their class. Assist, assist, assist!

From the February 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.