Lady Gaga’s stylist Frederic Aspiras reveals his hair tips

To call Lady Gaga a beauty chameleon is an understatement. The Oscar-winning actress and founder of beauty brand Haus Labs has too many iconic beauty looks to list here, especially her hair.

For Gaga, hair is art. Structured hairstyles (we think of her early 2000s hair bows at least once a month), glamorous old Hollywood-style updos and waves, and a range of fabulous hair colors—the musician has rocked it all. And the person we have to thank for these incredible looks is celebrity hairstylist Frederic Aspiras.

Aspiras has worked with Gaga for years, systematically drawing inspiration from different eras, art movements and his overall love of culture, music, fashion and art. “One of my favorite looks for Lady Gaga was for the premiere of ‘A Star is Born’ in LA,” he tells PS. “Her elegant and timeless old Hollywood waves were just stunning.” We have to agree.

There’s clearly no one better to ask about how to take your hair to the next level than Aspiras. Read on to find out his top recommendations on how to care for dull ends, how to choose the right wig to transform your look, and what hairstyle is foolproof for when you can’t decide what to wear but still want to look fierce.

Experts featured in this article

Frederic Aspiras is a star hairdresser and Creative Culture Director at Sebastian Professional.

Scalp care is hair care

You can’t take care of your hair if you completely ignore your scalp. Aspiras recommends maintaining a balanced scalp to promote healthy hair growth with a shampoo and conditioner duo, like Sebastian’s Penetraitt Shampoo ($20) and Conditioner ($20). This duo contains salicylic acid, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to remove scalp buildup and hydrate your strands. Another pro tip: You should also minimize heat styling as much as possible and use a heat protectant when you reach for hot tools. This will help condition hair during intense temperatures and prevent it from drying out and breaking. Also, choose low-tension hairstyles (think loose buns or no-heat curls) that won’t put too much stress on the hair and cause breakage.

Remember to wash your wigs

To keep your wigs looking fresh and vibrant, Aspiras recommends washing and conditioning them regularly, just as you would wash your natural hair. For lace wigs, you should wash out the glue with alcohol after each use (although you can use dry shampoo between washes to keep your wigs looking fresh). You should also limit the use of hot tools to help them last longer. In other words, don’t forget to condition your wig regularly!

Look for wigs with combs

You’ll want to make sure your wig sits comfortably on your head, but if you’re looking for tips to keep it in place, Aspiras recommends choosing a model with built-in handles or combs to keep it in place. Bonus pro tip: Opt for human hair wigs and lace fronts to keep them looking as natural as possible.

Frequent trimming

To keep hair healthy and avoid breakage such as those annoying split ends, Aspiras recommends getting a haircut every six to eight weeks. An added benefit is that regular trimming promotes hair growth by minimizing breakage. Stick to a schedule to keep your hair looking and feeling great.

If in doubt, stick with the classics

If you’re in a bind and don’t know what to wear to a wedding or a night out on the town, there’s one style you can never go wrong with: a sleek, low bun. It’s a red carpet classic for good reason. But if you want to wear your hair down, you can also opt for old Hollywood glamour and the voluminous wave. “(They’re) timeless, chic and suitable for any occasion,” Aspiras says of the classic style.

If you’re looking to channel your inner minimalist this coming season, you’re in luck. Hairstyles like low ponytails, a sleek bob and a slicked-back bun are the three major hair trends that Aspiras says will be big this fall. “(They’re) a mix of elegance and modernity, making them ideal for everyday wear and special occasions,” he says. Elegant and practical – what more could you want?

It’s OK to use shampoo every day

One hair myth that Aspiras wants to dispel is the idea that daily shampooing is bad. While skipping washing may be beneficial for some, it all depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Some people need to wash their hair daily for hair health, such as those with fine hair or oily scalps—and that’s OK. Others, such as those with naturally curly or frizzy hair or dry scalps, would benefit from washing every three or four days. It all depends on what works best for you. But don’t be afraid to reach for your shampoo daily if your scalp needs it.

Silk is the best accessory for your hair

Silk pillowcases, silk elastic bands, silk hair bonnets, you name it, silk, Aspiras says using this material is one of the best ways to care for your hair. It helps reduce friction to minimize frizz and – most importantly – prevents breakage on all hair types.

Luckily, it’s not too difficult to take care of your hair like a pro, and if these tips work on Gaga, we’re all for it.

Audrey Noble is a beauty writer who covers breaking news, writes celebrity profiles, and pens in-depth articles about how race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity affect society through the beauty industry. She was previously a beauty reporter at Allure and held editorial positions at Vanity Fair and Refinery29. Audrey’s work has also been featured in PS, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, InStyle, WWD, and more.