OUAI Founder, Jen Atkin, Discusses Self Care

We're devoted to their products and inspired by their achievements—now, find out how the powerful women behind your beauty go-tos relax, recharge and create. Get to know Jen Atkin, an innovative hairstylist to the stars who takes a holistic approach to making good hair days an everyday thing.

by Cirilia Rose

Hollywood's favorite hairstylist is as busy as her celebrity clients, traveling the world, consulting with Dyson and creating everything from supplements to extensions. The demands of her own constantly-on-the-move life inspired her to develop a brand that takes the work out of attaining and maintaining incredible hair, from subscription services and refillable packaging to a vibrant online community and inspiration hub she founded called Mane Addicts. Read on to hear how her effortless but effective approach to hair extends to her day-to-day.

What does self-care mean to you, and how does it impact your work?

Self-care means prioritizing my mental health and physical well-being above everything else. It affects my work because it means that sometimes I have to say no to opportunities, and schedule time for myself instead.

What prompted you to get into the beauty game?

I am a hairstylist first, a founder second. I was traveling the world with my clients and listening to feedback from my social followers and felt like there wasn't a hair brand that we could relate to—I wanted to build a community where we could have honest conversations about beauty and products that got the job done but looked amazing on your shelf and on Instagram.

Whose hair are you loving right now?

I love '90s style right now: a super healthy medium length, parted down the middle.

What's your best piece of hair care advice?

Don't get a haircut after a breakup.

What are your favorite ways to reset or recharge outside of work?

I love to spend time with my dogs (rescue pup Roo and just-adopted addition Chewy) and my husband (photographer Mike Rosenthal) at home, cooking our own meals and catching up on Netflix. I try to work out as much as possible because that keeps me in a great mental state.