Jen Atkin’s star rose styling celebrity hair, but we all lucked out when she decided to bring her expertise to our routines—first with OUAI and now with Mane. We consider ourselves extra lucky then, since we got to chat with Jen about the joy factor of Mane, her hair styling non-negotiable, and her “ritual when possible” mindset.
You’re a legend in haircare. What made you initially take the leap from styling hair to helping us do our hair with OUAI and Mane?
Honestly, I got tired of my clients saying, “I wish you could just come home with me.” I wanted to give people the tools, products, and confidence to do their hair without me standing there with a round brush. With OUAI, it was about creating products that felt like the friend who always has your back—effortless, modern, and actually works in real life. With Mane, I wanted to bring back the joy factor. It’s about that playful, nostalgic energy we all need right now, but still with the formulas and tools that perform like a pro was behind them.
What product do you think is a non-negotiable in anyone’s haircare kit?
A heat protectant that actually protects while making your hair look amazing. Our Mane Temp Check spray is like the SPF of hair… It’s non-negotiable. You wouldn’t sunbathe without sunscreen; you shouldn’t style without this.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I reach for my phone—don’t judge, I’m a work in progress. I check messages from my teams in Paris and LA, then I drink a huge glass of water. I have this belief that hydrating before caffeine is like giving your brain a head start.
Do you have a morning ritual—or are you more of a “get up and go” type?
I’m a “rituals when possible” type. If I can, I’ll light a candle, make a matcha, and do my skincare and hair routine slowly. But real life? Some mornings it’s dry shampoo, tinted sunscreen, and I’m out the door.
