Getting to Know the Glam Squad: Hairstylist Jen Atkin

Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara and Kim Kardashian are just a few of the celebs she's been working with for years

By Cinya Burton Apr 22, 2014 8:30 PMTags
Christina Hendricks, Jessica Alba, Minka Kelly, Jen AtkinJordan Strauss/Invision/AP, Karwai Tang/FilmMagic, Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby

When celebrities want bombshell waves they turn to one gal: Jen Atkin. The hairstylist is the master of ringlets (both retro and modern) and has been proving her unparalleled skills on half of Hollywood for years now. Stars like Sofía Vergara, Christina Hendricks, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Minka Kelly and Chrissy Teigen—to name a few. But she also can create a truly swoon-worthy updo. Pictures of the chignons and braided buns she's done on Jessica Alba and Jenna Dewan-Tatum have definitely served as inspiration for scores of brides.

Jen's been a little busy lately—you know, just working with Nicole Richie, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, no biggie—but we managed to snag a little time with mane maestro and here's what she had to share:

Jen Atkin

How long have you been a hairstylist?
I've been a hairstylist for 10 years. I started at Chris McMillian's Salon in Beverly Hills.

What was your big break?
I'd have to say my big break was going on tour with Madonna in 2006. I was booked to do hair for all the dancers. It was great!

What was a near-fiasco that you've had to deal with during your career?
One of the first ones that comes to mind is when I first worked with John Galliano. My blow dryer broke and I had to resort to using the hotel one. I was definitely sweating during that job to say the least—but luckily it all worked out!

Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage, Dominique Charriau/WireImage, Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

What are your favorite red carpet looks that you've created?
Emma Stone at the Miu Miu show during Paris Fashion Week in 2012.
Jennifer Lopez for the Chanel show also during Paris Fashion Week in 2012.
Katy Perry at the 2013 Video Music Awards.

Jen Atkin

What items are always in your kit?
Oribe dry texture shampoo, Oribe super fine hair spray and Osmo clay wax. These are my staples for in the salon and on set.

What new item are you currently obsessed with?
I just bought a new Givenchy black snakeskin bag—it's to die for. I'm more than obsessed!

What is your favorite drugstore buy? And what about your fave high-end splurge?
My drugstore go to is Clear Intense Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. It works wonders! My high-end splurge is Rodin hair oil and Rodin body oil. It smells great and is so lux! It's a definite must-have.

Instagram

What's the weirdest request you've got from a client?
I once had to style the hair for Sofia Vergara's wax figure! And then another time a client asked that I not throw away her hair after a cut. She wanted to put it outside in the yard so birds would pick it up and use it for their nest.

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage, Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, Steve Granitz/WireImage

Who have you been working with the longest?
When it comes to celebrities I have been working Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks the longest. But my salon clients have also been so faithful to me!

To see more of Jen's work (like the above hairstyles on Dewan, Vergara, and Isla Fisher) visit her Twitter or Instagram.