Jen Atkin is not only one of the most in-demand celebrity hairstylists, but she also runs a growing empire that includes haircare line Ouai, digital magazine Mane Addicts (her very own all-things-hair related blog), and hair accessories collection Jen Atkin X Chloe + Isabel. Her success is remarkable.

Atkin talks to us about her inspiration, her hopes of innovating the beauty industry and her haircare line OUAI.

When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist? What was the Aha moment?

I’ve always loved doing hair and was obsessed with Natalie Imbruglia’s short haircut in her Torn music video when I was a teenager in Utah. No one could give me the cut I wanted, so I went to the store, bought a pack of shaving razors, and starting cutting my own hair. Soon, I was cutting all my friends’ hair in my parent’s garage. After high school, I drove to California with only $300 and my Honda Civic hatchback. I called all the salons in Allure’s beauty directory until finally someone returned my call and I started working as a receptionist at Estilo Salon in Beverly Hills.

How did you get such a celebrity following? 

I had amazing mentors who let me shadow them, and I’ve tried to work really hard and support other hairstylists around me.

Do you have a celebrity anecdote or celebrity hairstyle that changed your career?

I met Andy Lecompte and he had just started doing Madonna’s hair. He asked me to assist him then asked me to go on Madonna’s “Confessions” tour with him in 2006. I never in a million years would have thought I could travel the world at 26 years old and someone else would pay for it.

How and when did you decide to start OUAI hair care?

It’s always been my dream to have my own hair line. I’ve been listening to my clients and followers for years and they all have the same complaints – they want healthier hair and they have a lack of time.  I struggled finding a haircare brand that I identified with, or spoke to me or my clients – a brand that engaged with its consumers, a relatable brand. I created OUAI in 2015 as a real line for real life. It’s for the girl on the go that only has five minutes to do her hair. No more unrealistic hair campaigns –  just multi-use products that cut styling time and nourish hair health.

We’ve grown our product offering in response to the demands of our customers on social media. New innovations that are the first to market (like our Dry Shampoo Foam) are helping us build on one of the most popular hair product categories by offering something that takes their favorite dry shampoo to the next level. Our expansion internationally with Sephora is helping spread brand awareness for OUAI with audiences all over the world.

What’s the philosophy behind it? What’s your favorite personal product from the line?

I wanted beauty to be realistic and inclusive. I wanted my clients and followers to be able to create styles themselves.

I am a minimalist and I want to encourage women to be themselves, have fun and get back to basics with their haircare. Haircare has become so serious and cheesy. I’m sick of giving women aspiration that she’ll never get to. She needs hairspray that is still touchable. Texturizing hairspray that smells good. Dry shampoo that won’t leave white marks. Hair oil that doesn’t make hair greasy. Treatment mask to really do the job and make hair virgin again. Vitamins for your hair created by a doctor.

How do you find your inspiration for hair styles?

I get a lot of inspo off Tumblr and Instagram. I also love going to Mane Addicts Pinterest page.

Where do you want to be five years from now?

I’m always thinking of new ways we can innovate the beauty industry while also remaining authentic and creative. I want to stop making the conversation just about women being pretty and start celebrating the spirit and power of being a woman. I want to help encourage women to go out there and get the best in life while feeling confident.