Celebrity hairstylist Jacob Schwartz has revealed the details behind Bella Hadid’s dramatic brunette-to-blonde transformation with OLAPLEX, unveiled at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
“Bella attends Cannes every year, so it was the perfect moment to do something major,” Schwartz explained. “Going from a brunette to a blonde is major.”
To determine the perfect shade for Bella, Schwartz looked to the past. “Bella is a natural blonde, so sourcing photos of her as a child was a great reference. Using those images and her skin tone led us to this epic, luxurious honey hue.”
The transition wasn’t a quick process. “It took two days of color and a whole lot of Olaplex,” Schwartz shared. “The long and dramatic chemical process really depended on her having faith that her hair could withstand it and come out as beautiful as it did.”
Throughout the high-lift colour journey, OLAPLEX played a critical role. “I always use Olaplex’s No.1 in my bleach formulas and No.2 in between each process step,” he said.
“Proper planning, product, and patience are the three things that I rely on most to always deliver. Olaplex is always key. I am more of a confident artist because I can trust and rely on its ability to maintain strength for each of my clients, every time without fail.”
When it came to post-colour condition, Schwartz said OLAPLEX continued to deliver results. “I always use Olaplex’s No.0 and 2 when lifting to blonde to ensure a solid, healthy foundation. Post-color, her hair didn’t have breakage. It was incredibly healthy, allowing me to style her hair for the red carpet with ease.”
For those considering a similar transformation, Schwartz recommended a diligent at-home regimen. “I always recommend clients to maintain their hair by shampooing and conditioning with Olaplex’s number four and five. I also highly suggest No.3 as a pre-treatment. They also just came out with a line for fine hair. Now you can cater to your hair’s thickness the way Olaplex tailors their formula for each type.”
Asked to sum up Bella’s new blonde era in a single word, Schwartz was quick to respond: “Fresh.”
He also styled Bella for her red carpet appearance at the screening of Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin. The final look? “Soft, brushed-out chic.”
As for the inspiration: “70s vibe with a modern twist,” he said, noting that styling decisions are often a spontaneous collaboration. “We really like to feel it in the moment once the jewelry and dress comes together, we start getting inspired.”
The style was built on a foundation of OLAPLEX. “Her hair was prepped using the new Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair beforehand. I used Olaplex’s blow-dry spray because it is incredibly buildable, almost weightless, allowing me to use it in layers.”
With Cannes as the stage and OLAPLEX as the trusted backbone, Schwartz has once again proven that with the right tools – and a little faith – even the most dramatic transformations can be red carpet ready.