Breaking Beauty Podcast - Episode Summary Busting The Biggest Hair Myths with Gisele Bundchen’s Forever Hair Stylist Harry Josh
Hosts: Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins
Guest: Harry Josh, Acclaimed Hair Stylist
Release Date: February 26, 2025
In this engaging episode of the Breaking Beauty Podcast, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins welcome Harry Josh, the esteemed stylist behind supermodels like Gisele Bundchen. The conversation delves deep into debunking prevalent hair myths, exploring advanced hair treatments, and sharing professional styling tips. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
1. Understanding Hair Care Myths
Training Your Hair to Wash Less Frequently
Carlene introduces the topic by mentioning a friend who washes her dry, thin hair daily due to oily roots. Harry responds by emphasizing a balanced approach:
"Shampoo your roots and put in a treatment out of the shower on your mid shaft ends. Bond building is key to making hair strong without overloading it with protein."
— Harry Josh (08:33)
Switching Shampoos: Fact or Fiction
The hosts explore the myth that your hair gets "used to" certain shampoos, necessitating frequent changes. Harry partially agrees, attributing the need to seasonal and styling variations:
"I change my shampoo and conditioners based on either my styling needs or the time of year. It's similar to cycling skincare products like retinol."
— Harry Josh (10:11)
2. The Role of Silicones in Hair Products
The debate around silicones in hair care products is addressed, with Harry providing a nuanced perspective:
"Silicones can manipulate hair texture effectively, but they're generally not beneficial for hair health. They can weigh hair down and cause buildup."
— Harry Josh (12:11)
He advises using silicones judiciously, likening their use to bleach:
"Is bleach good for you? No, but it makes you look great as a blonde. Similarly, silicones offer a cosmetic effect without nourishing the hair."
— Harry Josh (12:56)
3. Bond Building vs. Damage Repair
Jill and Carlene discuss the buzz around bond-building treatments, seeking clarity from Harry:
"Repetitive use of bond builders goes down to the nucleus of the hair and starts to repair it. It's not instant, but consistent use reduces breakage over time."
— Harry Josh (14:05)
Harry highlights the importance of choosing lightweight bond builders, especially for fine hair, to avoid brittleness.
4. Dry Shampoo: Hacks and Best Practices
Addressing trending hacks, Carlene mentions the use of micellar water as a dry shampoo substitute. Harry clarifies the distinctions:
"Micellar water doesn't serve the same purpose as dry shampoo. Dry shampoo envelops the hair strand, absorbs oil, and adds fullness, which micellar water cannot replicate effectively."
— Harry Josh (15:34)
Tips for Optimal Dry Shampoo Use:
- Application Technique: Avoid spraying directly into partings to prevent powdery residue.
- Product Selection: Choose dry shampoos with a fine mist to minimize chalkiness.
- Timing: Apply dry shampoo before styling rather than at night for best results.
"I always use dry shampoo right before finishing a look to ensure a polished finish without visible powder."
— Harry Josh (17:33)
5. Air Drying vs. Blow Drying
Carlene brings up conflicting advice about air drying being healthier than blow drying. Harry offers his expert opinion:
"You can't definitively say one is healthier than the other. It depends on the hair type and desired outcome. For instance, Gisele's hair looks best when air-dried naturally."
— Harry Josh (21:00)
He emphasizes the importance of nourishing the hair during air drying:
"Use a leave-in serum or bond builder mousse to protect and hydrate the hair while it dries naturally."
— Harry Josh (22:11)
6. Satin vs. Silk Pillowcases
The effectiveness of satin pillowcases is debated, with Harry providing valuable insights:
"Silk pillowcases reduce friction, mitigating frizz and texture issues, especially for those prone to frizzy hair."
— Harry Josh (23:07)
He clarifies that both silk and satin serve the same purpose:
"There's no significant difference between silk and satin pillowcases. Both provide the necessary slip to protect hair during sleep."
— Harry Josh (23:34)
7. Heatless Styling Techniques
Exploring modern heatless styling trends, Harry shares his enthusiasm for various methods:
"Techniques like wrapping hair with a robe or using rollers can create beautiful waves without heat damage."
— Harry Josh (24:26)
Key Tips for Heatless Curls:
- Hair Dampness: Hair should be damp, not soaking wet, to prevent extended drying times.
- Use of Products: Apply light hold products like mousse or setting lotions to enhance curl formation.
- Patience: Allow sufficient time for hair to dry fully to achieve lasting curls.
"If your hair is too wet when starting heatless styling, it won't set properly. Ensure it's damp and use appropriate products for best results."
— Harry Josh (24:22)
8. Advanced Styling: Perms and Keratin Treatments
Harry delves into the complexities of perms and keratin treatments, clarifying misconceptions:
"Perms involve a chemical altering process, similar to bleaching, which transforms hair texture permanently. They require careful consideration due to their lasting effects."
— Harry Josh (39:15)
Regarding keratin and Brazilian treatments, Harry explains their evolution:
"Kerasilk's bond-building keratin treatment is customizable, unlike earlier versions which were one-size-fits-all. This allows for flexible styling without overprocessing the hair."
— Harry Josh (35:52)
9. Hair Extensions and Toppers
The discussion shifts to hair extensions, where Harry dispels myths about their damaging nature:
"Hair extensions are not inherently bad. The key lies in proper maintenance—removing them promptly, gentle brushing, and avoiding excessive pulling."
— Harry Josh (40:43)
He recommends high-quality, fair-trade extensions for the best results:
"Working with fair-trade hair ensures ethical sourcing and better quality, which is worth the investment for long-term hair health."
— Harry Josh (43:32)
10. Behind the Scenes with Harry Josh
Towards the end, Harry shares nostalgic memories from his illustrious career, including legendary parties and high-profile clients:
"Hosting model parties in various New York venues allowed industry professionals of all levels to connect and celebrate together."
— Harry Josh (48:44)
He reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after stylist:
"From sweeping floors in New York to working with celebrities like Hillary Swank and Mary-Louise Parker, it's been an incredible journey."
— Harry Josh (47:00)
Conclusion
This episode offers a treasure trove of expert advice and insider knowledge on hair care and styling. Harry Josh's insights help demystify common misconceptions, providing listeners with practical tips to enhance their hair health and styling routines. Whether you're battling frizz, exploring bond-building treatments, or curious about the latest heatless styling trends, this conversation equips you with the knowledge to make informed beauty choices.
Notable Quotes:
- "Repetitive use of bond builders goes down to the nucleus of the hair and starts to repair it." [14:05]
- "Silicones can manipulate hair texture effectively, but they're generally not beneficial for hair health." [12:11]
- "Hair extensions are not inherently bad. The key lies in proper maintenance." [40:43]
For a more detailed exploration of these topics, tune into the full episode on Breaking Beauty Podcast or watch it on YouTube @BreakingBeautyPodcast.