Oprah’s hair has always been a source of pride. “She takes such great care of it and has a beautiful mane of super thick, long hair,” says Nicole Mangrum, who has been Oprah’s hairstylist for the past seven years. “And it’s my job to protect it.”
Mangrum attributes a lot of Oprah’s healthy hair to getting a trim every 10 to 12 weeks, eating nourishing foods, and conditioning often. But “excellent hair products are vital, as is staying versatile with the hairstyles we do,” Mangrum says. She explains that it’s fun to go from a diamond-studded braid to natural curls and that changing it up also keeps hair healthy. “There was a time when I had to tell Oprah we needed to slow up on the ponytails. Changing it up minimizes heat damage from hot tools and doesn’t put tension on the same areas of the hair.”
On days Oprah has several photo shoots and interviews and wants a different look for each one, Mangrum typically braids her hair and then changes the style with a few of Oprah’s “girls.” These are, of course, the wigs she’s named after African American women, like Diana, Tina, Beyoncé, and Viola. She’ll do the same when she’s on vacation. “Holidays are a great time to give the hair a break after many weeks of strenuous styling,” Mangrum says.
No matter Oprah’s schedule or style, Mangrum always reaches for high-quality hair products. Here’s what she’s using right now for weekly washes, conditioning treatments, smooth and shiny blowouts, and beautifully defined curls:
“This is my favorite shampoo,” Mangrum says. If you have curly or excessively curly hair then she recommends using it once a week.
Conditioner
Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Conditioner
“I like using this because it’s the sister product to the smoothing shampoo,” Mangrum says. “Every other week, I swap it for a conditioning treatment.”
Treatment
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
“I look at what the hair needs to decide which treatment to use,” Mangrum says. “I reach for this No. 3 Hair Perfector every couple of weeks or once a month to help repair any damage.”
Curl Cream
Many Ethnicities Leave-In Conditioning Cream
“My favorite products to moisturize and define curls are this leave-in cream and the Power Curl gel,” Mangrum says. This whip contains shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, and avocado oil.
Heat Protectant
Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray
Before blow-drying, Mangrum mists hair with this lightweight spray to protect it from heat. “It also cuts down on blow-drying time,” she says.
Pro Blow-Dryer
GAMA ITALY PROFESSIONAL IQ Perfetto Professional Hair Dryer
“I was recently introduced to this blow-dryer and love it!” Mangrum says. The 1,700-watt dryer is powerful, dries hair fast, and weighs less than a pound.
Flat Iron
BaBylissPRO BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Digital Straightening Iron
Titanium plates distribute the heat evenly while an adjustable temperature helps you minimize heat exposure.
Curling Iron
Harry Josh Pro Tools 3-in-1 Ceramic Curling Iron
This is lightweight, versatile, “and has a ceramic barrel that distributes the heat evenly. I love it,” Mangrum says.
Hair Oil to Protect and Repair
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
“I always apply hair oil to dry hair after I’ve styled it,” Mangrum says. “I reach for this one when I want to smooth and repair damaged ends.”
Hair Oil to Add Shine
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum
Argan, marula, and camellia oils “offer hydration and shine,” says Mangrum, who applies this after she styles the hair.
Hairspray
REDKEN Control Addict 28 Extra High-Hold Hairspray
Before Oprah heads to a red carpet, Mangrum mists this spray to hold her style throughout the evening. “I love that it doesn’t flake. And she usually doesn’t need anything else.”
Kate Sandoval Box (she/her) is the Beauty Director at Oprah Daily. She has over 18 years of experience at national women’s media brands; and, in fact, started her publishing career at O, The Oprah Magazine. She’s also held beauty editor roles at Shape, Self, Latina, and Cosmopolitan. Kate tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products that cross her desk each year and interviews many top experts, celebrities, and indie brand founders to bring you the best in beauty. Follow her on Instagram.
