Los Angeles–primarily based colorist and conscious-beauty trailblazer Kadi Lee has turn into the trade’s go-to for effortlessly elevated hair, and the Hollywood elite have taken discover. Because the cofounder of Intellectual Hippie, the stylish, mindfully formulated hair care and wellness vacation spot in Venice, CA, Lee merges artistry with intention, creating an area (each on-line and in-salon) for these looking for a extra grounded, holistic strategy to magnificence.
Identified for her sun-kissed balayage, transformative colour corrections, on-set shade shifts for movie and experience in pure and natural colour, Lee’s chair is a revolving door of A-listers. Her clientele reads like a red-carpet roll name, together with Julia Roberts, Diane von Furstenberg, Olivia Colman, Brad Pitt, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alma Ha’rel, Kiersey Clemons, Amber Valletta, Sigourney Weaver, Alicia Silverstone and Kristin Davis, all of whom belief her discerning eye and intuitive strategy to paint.
And since few perceive methods to nurture strands by means of the harshest seasons fairly like she does, we lately caught up with Lee to get her prime suggestions for maintaining hair at its healthiest in the course of the winter months.
Hydrate Hair as A lot as You Can
Whereas it comes as no shock that hydration is particularly key within the winter months, Lee breaks it down with an easy-to-understand rationalization: “Colder weather pulls moisture from the scalp and hair, so it’s important to be conscious of replenishing that hydration.” That’s why she recommends incorporating small rituals, like a weekly masks and day by day scalp nourishment and safety. “Our Instant Silk Vitality Mask is the perfect way to return moisture to both the scalp and hair cuticle and protect hair from future depletion and damage,” she says. “I also recommend incorporating our Root Replenish Active Growth Serum, which helps keep the scalp microbiome in balance and the epidermis and dermis protected. This is a product that really helps in winter because it keeps the scalp steady—hydrated, balanced and calm—so your follicles aren’t reacting to every drop in temperature or blast of indoor heat.”
Work With Your Hair—Not Against It
Lee’s approach to color is to always work with the hair, not against it. “I focus on the health of the hair at every step—protecting the cuticle, honoring the natural pattern, working with natural undertones and choosing techniques and formulations that create impact without unnecessary stress.”
She also stresses that hair health is at the forefront of everything her team does at the Atelier, with hydration, cuticle protection and scalp care built into every color service. “We use our Instant Silk Vitality Mask on all our clients. They were our first testers and helped get the formula to what they were looking for over the course of four years. And it truly checks all the boxes, including nourishing the hair and scalp, diffusing any post-color irritation.”
Dietary supplements Can Help, However Physician Steerage Is Key
“My strategy to dietary supplements could be very a lot a less-is-more one,” says Lee. “There’s a lot noise and conflicting info on the market, so usually, I’m intentional about what I select to take; I begin with my physician’s steerage, do my very own analysis, and lean on trusted, educated pals to ensure what I put into my physique is really supportive.”
When it comes to supplements for hair health and overall well-being, Highbrow Hippie formulated the Essential Wellbeing Complex with that same mindset. “We targeted on efficacy first—selecting clinically backed components and clinically applicable doses every time doable—and made it complete sufficient for my shoppers, who’re extremely busy and want a complement that’s each focused and really efficient.”
Products Should Never Serve as a ‘Quick Fix’
Similar to skin care, Lee is always looking for hair-care formulas that truly support long-term hair health. “I gravitate toward clean, effective ingredients that protect the cuticle, nourish the scalp and work with the hair’s natural texture so it stays healthy and resilient. And of course, all of these products have to be not only color-safe but also aid color retention and overall shine and vitality. I take so much pride when I get consistent feedback that my clients’ hair color always looks so vibrant and alive.”
Plus, Lee notes that her shoppers are juggling busy lives, so she desires merchandise that simplify routines whereas nonetheless delivering actual, lasting outcomes. “That is exactly why we created Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness. Every product—Root Replenish Active Growth Serum, Essential Wellbeing Complex, Instant Silk Vitality Mask, Daily Reset Tea and our Refillable Candle—is designed as a simple, sustainable, elevated essential that supports healthy hair and the daily rituals that nourish it.”
Stress Management Matters More Than You May Think
While Lee admits she isn’t big on anything overly “out-there,” she does imagine in tending to the fundamentals that genuinely transfer the needle: circulation, vitamin, hydration, self-care and stress administration. “What’s happening inside will affect the outside—it’s just as important as any product,” she says. “Simple things like a few minutes of scalp massage or supporting your nervous system with small, consistent rituals can make a real difference in overall hair health.”
