To call Lady Gaga a beauty chameleon is an understatement. The Oscar winner and founder of beauty brand Haus Labs has too many iconic beauty looks to count at this point. This is especially true when it comes to her hair.
Hair, for Gaga, is art. Structural styles (we think about her early aughts hair bows at least once a month), Old Hollywood glam updos and waves, and an array of fabulous hair colors – the musician has rocked it all. And the person we need to thank for these unbelievable looks is celebrity hairstylist Frederic Aspiras.
Aspiras has been collaborating with Gaga for years, methodically pulling inspiration from various eras, art movements, and his general love for culture, music, fashion and art. “One of my favorite looks for Lady Gaga was for the ‘A Star is Born’ LA premiere,” he tells PS. “Her elegant and timeless old Hollywood waves were simply stunning.” We have to agree.
Clearly, there’s no better person to ask about how to take your hair to the next level than Aspiras. Read on to learn his best recommendations for how to nourish lackluster ends, how to pick the right wig to transform your look, and the fool-proof hairstyle for when you can’t decide what to wear but still want to look fierce.
Experts Featured in This Article
Frederic Aspiras is a celebrity hairstylist and Sebastian Professional creative culture director.
Scalp Care Is Hair Care
You can’t take care of your hair if you completely ignore your scalp. Aspiras recommends maintaining a balanced scalp to promote healthy hair growth with a shampoo and conditioner duo, like Sebastian’s Penetraitt Shampoo ($20) and Conditioner ($20). This duo contains salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to help clear buildup on the scalp and keep your strands moisturized. Another pro tip: You’ll also want to minimize heat styling when you can and use a heat protectant for the times you do reach for hot tools. This will help to keep hair conditioned under intense temperatures and limit hair from drying out and breaking. Also be sure to opt for low-tension styles (think loose buns or heatless curls) that won’t put too much strain on the hair and cause breakage.
Remember to Wash Your Wigs
To keep your wigs looking fresh and vibrant, Aspiras recommends washing and conditioning them regularly, the same way you would wash your natural hair. With lace wigs, you’ll want to wash off the glue after every use with alcohol (although you can use dry shampoo between washes to keep your wigs looking fresh). You’ll also want to limit your hot tools to help them last longer. In other words, don’t forget to stay on top of your wig maintenance!
Look For Wigs With Combs
You’ll want to make sure that your wig sits comfortably on your head. But if you’re looking for tips to make sure it doesn’t move, Aspiras recommends selecting a style with built-in grips or combs to secure it in place. Bonus pro-tip: opt for wigs made with human hair and lace fronts to help it look as natural as possible.
Trim Often
To keep hair healthy and prevent breakage like those pesky split ends, Aspiras recommends getting a trim every six to eight weeks. As an added bonus, regular trims will promote healthy hair growth by minimizing breakage. Stick to a schedule to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. .
When in Doubt, Keep to the Classics
If you’re in a pinch and not sure what to wear to a wedding or a night out, there’s one style that can never go wrong: a sleek, low bun. It’s a mainstay on the red carpet for a reason. However, if you want to leave your hair down, you can also go for the Old Hollywood glam and voluminous wave. “[They’re] timeless, chic, and suitable for any event,” Aspiras says of the classic style.
If you’re looking to lean into your inner minimalist for the upcoming season, you’re in luck. Styles like low ponytails, a sleek bob, and styling hair into a slicked-back bun are the three major hair trends that Aspiras predicts will be huge this fall. “[They’re a] blend of elegance and modernity, making them ideal for everyday wear and special occasions,” he says. Polished and practical, what more can you ask for?
It’s OK to Shampoo Everyday
A hair myth Aspiras wants to dispel is the idea that shampooing daily is bad. While it may benefit some to skip washes, it all depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Some individuals may need to wash their hair every day, such as those with fine hair or oily scalps, for the sake of their hair health – and that’s OK. Others, like those who have naturally curly or coily hair or drier scalps, would benefit from washing every three or four days. It’s whatever works best for you. But don’t be afraid to reach for your shampoo daily if your scalp needs it.
Silk Is Your Hair’s Best Accessory
Silk pillowcases, silk scrunchies, silk hair bonnets, silk whatever, Aspiras says utilizing this material is one of the best ways to take care of your hair. It helps reduce friction to minimize frizz and-most importantly-prevents breakage for all hair types.
Luckily, it’s not too difficult to take care of your hair like a pro. If these tips work for Gaga, then we are all for it.
Audrey Noble is a beauty writer who covers breaking news, writes celebrity profiles, and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Previously, she was the beauty reporter at Allure and has held editorial positions at Vanity Fair and Refinery29. Audrey’s work can also be seen in PS, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, InStyle, WWD, and more.
