Jen Atkin

The La Hairstylist Tames The Tresses Of Chrissy Teigen, Bella Hadid And Kendall Jenner. Here, She Spills Her Top Tips And The Secret Behind Building Her Haircare Line, Ouai

How did you break into the industry?

After high school, I drove to California in my Honda Civic hatchback with only US$300. I called all the salons in Allure Magazine’s beauty directory until finally someone returned my call and I started working as a receptionist at Estilo Salon in Beverly Hills. I remember running out to feed the [parking] meters for [client] Bette Midler; I was so excited. I [then] met hairstylist Andy Lecompte, and started assisting him right before he went on tour with Madonna, so I ended up styling all of the dancers’ hair and travelled the world.

I’ve heard that Natalie Imbruglia’s cut in the “Torn” video inspired you as a hairstylist. How so?

I’ve always loved doing hair and was obsessed with Natalie’s haircut when I was a teenager in Utah. No-one could give me the [hairstyle] I wanted, so I bought a pack of shaving razors and starting cutting my own hair. Soon after, I was cutting all my friends’ hair in my parents’ garage.