There are client rosters … and then there’s Tracey Cunningham’s client roster. Hairstylist to celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Garner and Mariah Carey, Cunningham is Hollywood’s top colorist, and for good reason: her unparalleled talent.
After more than two decades in the business, Cunningham is the queen of kicking off trends, like the platinum-blond moment that took over Hollywood this summer. Responsible for the bleached locks on Khloe Kardashian, Anya Taylor Joy and Emma Stone, Cunningham is confident this trend will continue through the winter months. “People who love summer … they want to keep it going; if anything, they’re going to go even brighter,” she says. For anyone waffling with a color change, Cunningham says, “If you know how to put your makeup on, you can do any hair color you want. But after you color it, you’ll want to make a trip to the cosmetics department to match a new foundation.”
Cunningham knows that color treatments can weaken hair, which is exactly what led her to become an Olaplex ambassador (the brand is known for its molecular science-driven formulas that aim to repair and prevent hair damage). “Olaplex was founded by a chemist who is so brilliant,” Cunningham says. “The company is just so special. Literally every product strengthens your hair, leaving it looking better than it did before.”
Below, Cunningham shares her favorite hair products, from tools like blow-dryers and curling irons to treatments like hair strengtheners and scalp serums, all of which she uses on herself and that A-list client roster of hers.
“I always tell people, the one product you have to be using is Olaplex No. 3,” Cunningham says. “It's not going to condition your hair; it’s going to strengthen it. That is the difference. Try using it at least 20 minutes before you shampoo your hair. Put it on damp hair, watch a TV show, make breakfast for your kids, do whatever you need to do. Then shampoo and condition your hair, and oh my gosh, I promise you’ll see a difference.” Packed with bond-building technology, the Hair Perfector repairs damaged hair and reduces breakage.
“I have curly hair, and I got this anti-frizz towel on Amazon and love it,” Cunningham says. “I don’t like using a big towel on my hair when I’m drying it. With curls, you want to brush them while your hair is soaking wet, then you put the product in, scrunch the curls up and then wrap your hair up in this towel, and it magically makes your curls look so nice. And less frizzy.” Available in five colorways, the microfiber towel is super absorbent and fast drying.
There are a lot of curling iron options on the market, and finding the right one for you can be overwhelming. “Hot Tools curling irons are great because they’re inexpensive and people love ’em,” Cunningham says. In terms of sizing, she advises, “Three quarter to one inch is good for at-home use, but it really depends on what kind of waves you want. Also, what you have to realize about a curling iron is that once the curls are done, you have to brush through it to get the desired look.”
Blondes, take heed: There’s a conditioner that Cunningham swears by! “If you are a blonde, have gray hair or even have blonde highlights, you can keep brassiness and dullness away for brighter hair color by using a purple toning conditioner like Olaplex No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner, which also strengthens hair with their patented bond-building technology,” she says.
“You have to nourish your scalp. Once you lose [a] follicle, you will never get it back,” Cunningham says. “You have to keep your scalp clean and make sure that there’s room for hair to grow, and this serum is great for that.” Packed with ingredients like Japanese camellia, brown and green algae, lavender and pro-vitamin B5, this serum can be applied to wet or dry hair and works to reduce the appearance of irritation, redness, itching and flakiness while also strengthening the hair shaft.
In search of voluminous curls? Hot rollers are the answer, according to Cunningham. “I love hot rollers! I tell people who don’t know how to use a curling iron to use a hot roller — and again, remember to brush through the curls afterward,” she says. This set of velvet-flocked curlers by T3 heats up quickly, has two temperature settings and embedded heat technology that contributes to long-lasting volume.
Hairstylists know a thing or two about hair dryers and the Harry Josh Ultra-Light Pro Dryer is Cunningham’s go-to. “It’s very durable,” she says. “My clients love having [it] at their houses because [it’s] so cute and mint green. You know when you're trying to spoil yourself and you like pretty things in your bathroom? This blow-dryer is perfect for that, but it’s also very well made.” Weighing less than a pound, the ionic dryer has 12-speed settings and a patented silencer that greatly reduces its noise level.
A ponytail … but make it fashion! And that’s exactly what this cuff does. Cunningham counts this 14-karat gold-plated chain-link cuff among her favorites.
One of the most talked-about beauty tools on the market, the Dyson Airwrap is among Cunningham’s picks. “I love the Airwrap so much, but you really have to learn how to do it. You can’t just buy it and then try it out five minutes before you’re going out,” she says. “There’s a learning curve to it, but once you do, it’s going to be your favorite hair tool! I keep one in my guest bathroom for my guests to use.” Whether you’re looking to create mermaid waves or give yourself a salon-worthy blowout, the Airwrap is a multifaceted tool that can dry, straighten, smooth and curl.