12 Questions With Celebrity Colorist, Jenna Perry
How Jenna Perry Became The Go-To Colorist For NYC It Girls
Celebrity colorist Jenna Perry (@jennaperryhair)—who was once every model’s best kept secret—is now one of the most sought-after colorists in New York City. Her SoHo salon chair has seen the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Bella Hadid, Chloë Sevigny, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner.
In addition to the long list of A-listers though, are the city’s it girl creatives who can be seen rocking her signature #nycblonde and custom copper creations across Pinterest boards everywhere. Ahead, the OLAPLEX Global Brand Ambassador and dual NYC salon owner shares her go-to shades for those viral coppers, advice she swears by and the decision that changed her career trajectory.
Describe your career in three words: Diligent. Authentic. Chaotic.
What was the opportunity that catapulted your career? I was pulling into my family home in Rhode Island after a three hour drive from New York City and my boss called me and said “I need you to color Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s hair tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.”. I spent an hour with my mom and then drove right back to New York. Rosie was always one of my dream clients and I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Tangible advice that helped you before you “got big:” Someone once told me “nothing is that big of deal.” I used to be really shy and doubt myself, so I always had that in the back of my mind when I found myself feeling nervous or overthinking situations. Also—be nice, work hard, say yes to everything.
What’s your most-worn piece of black clothing?: My black Prada pants.
Who is your dream client of the past, present and future?: Past: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Present: Chloë Sevigny, Greta Gerwig and Bella Hadid. Future: Martha Stewart.
A look at some of Jenna’s celeb color clientele:
What are some products you can’t live without?: Definitely the OLAPLEX range. The products truly keep hair color vibrant and shiny.
How do you decide a brand is the right fit to partner with?: It has to feel authentic to my brand. It has to make me and my team excited and inspired. I have to have a good connection and relationship to the team.
A time you experienced a problem behind the chair and how you fixed it?: I think it is common to miss each other sometimes when it comes to color expectations. I think a really in-depth color consultation is the key to success and I have learned that throughout the years.
Your go-to cocktail of OLAPLEX products?: The OLAPLEX Broad-Spectrum Chelating Treatment; a professional in-salon treatment to clarify the hair. Then, blowout with OLAPLEX No. 6 Bond Smoother for maximum moisture and OLAPLEX No. 7 Bonding Oil as the icing on top.
Biggest tip for going from a brunette shade to a red or copper?: Lifting the hair to a brassy orange makes for a great base to gloss and have a punchy red copper.
Your three go-to Redken Shades EQ® Glosses?: 9NB, 10VV and Orange Kicker.
Something you do behind the chair that goes against what you were taught in Cosmetology School?: Base bumping.
Next Up: Jenna is one of four brand new OLAPLEX ambassadors—read more here!
