This week in class, we partnered up and practiced interviewing each other for an upcoming blog post. I asked my partner, Haley, “Do you trust celebrity hair care brands, or do you think they are just a marketing strategy?” Her response was, “I trust the ones that have backing. Obviously, I’m not going to trust Selena Gomez for Pantine.” And she’s right—while Selena may have gorgeous hair, that doesn’t necessarily make her an expert in formulating shampoo.
Through Haley, I also discovered that Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist made my favorite heat protectant, Color WOW.
So, what makes a celebrity hair care brand or collaboration trustworthy? Let’s break it down.
Ingredient Transparency & Quality
A great way to tell if a hair care brand is legit is to look at its ingredients. Some celebrity brands, like OUAI by Jen Atkin, have gained a solid reputation because they focus on quality formulations with nourishing ingredients like keratin, biotin, and plant extracts. Jen Atkin is a hairstylist first, not just a celebrity face, which gives her brand credibility.
However, some brands rely heavily on fragrances and fillers rather than ingredients that improve hair health. If a product’s ingredient list is filled with sulfates, parabens, and silicones without explanation, it might be more about aesthetics than hair care.
If a celebrity is endorsing a brand, consider whether they discuss the ingredients and benefits in an informed way or if they’re just repeating a script. Genuine passion and knowledge about hair care are more convincing than a one-time campaign.
Do Hairstylists and Professionals Use It?
Professional endorsements matter. If celebrity hairstylists and salon professionals actually use and recommend a brand, that’s a good sign. For example, Color WOW’s Dream Coat (the heat protectant I love) was created by Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian and J.Lo’s hairstylist.
Another example is Sabrina Carpenter’s partnership with Redken—Redken, a salon-trusted brand known for professional-grade formulas, and the fact that she’s an ambassador for it gives the endorsement more credibility than if she were promoting a random, unknown hair care line.
When a celebrity works with a well-established professional brand like Redken or Olaplex, it’s likely a strategic partnership rather than just a paid promotion. On the other hand, if a celebrity suddenly launches a brand with no prior connection to the beauty industry, it’s worth questioning their level of expertise.
Authenticity & Personal Connection
Does the celebrity have a real connection to hair care, or is it just another business venture? Some stars, like Tracee Ellis Ross with Pattern Beauty, launched brands because of personal struggles finding products that worked for their hair type. Others, like Rihanna with Fenty Beauty (which includes hair products now), focus on inclusivity and innovation.
In contrast, some celebrities slap their name on a generic formula without much involvement in product development. If they can’t explain what makes their brand unique, it might be more of a cash grab than a commitment to quality hair care.
Reviews and Real-World Results
Social media can be deceiving, so reading reviews from real people is key. Are hairstylists raving about the products? Are everyday consumers seeing real results? Look at reviews from multiple sources—Ulta, Sephora, and independent beauty bloggers—to get a well-rounded view. If a brand’s products consistently earn five-star reviews from people with different hair types, that’s a good sign.
Also, consider whether the celebrity themselves actually uses their products. If they frequently get salon treatments and professional styling but never mention their own brand in their routine, that’s a red flag.
The Bottom Line: Do Your Research
At the end of the day, not all celebrity hair care brands or endorsements are scams, but not all are trustworthy, either. The key is to look beyond the name and investigate who created the products, what’s inside them, and whether the endorsement feels authentic. Brands with hairstylist involvement, scientific backing, and strong reviews are usually worth the investment.
So next time you see a celebrity promoting a hair care product, ask yourself: Is this the real deal, or just a marketing gimmick?
What celebrity hair care brands or endorsements do you trust?
Drop a comment below and share your experiences! Have you found a celeb-backed brand that works, or did the hype disappoint you? Let’s discuss it!
Aurora Gonzalez 