Lipstick on the Rim – Episode Summary

Podcast: Lipstick on the Rim
Host: Molly Sims & Emese Gormley
Episode: How to Repair Damaged Hair — with Crown Affair Founder Dianna Cohen
Date: November 11, 2025
Guest: Dianna Cohen, Founder of Crown Affair

Overview

This episode dives deep into the world of hair health, hair rituals, and repairing damaged hair, with special guest Dianna Cohen, founder of Crown Affair. Cohen shares the brand’s philosophy, offers myth-busting haircare advice, and provides actionable tips and memorable stories from her journey in the beauty industry. Lively, funny, and candid, the conversation covers product innovation, healthy hair habits, the importance of ritual, and how to give your hair the love it deserves—every day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dianna Cohen’s Background and Journey (05:20–08:26)

From Marketing to Founder:
Cohen shares her history as an early employee at Into the Gloss, Away, and Harry’s, and as a marketing agency owner, before launching Crown Affair in 2020.
The “Comment Section” Mindset:
She attributes her passion to active engagement with beauty communities and values feedback over “legacy” industry experience.
Brand Inspiration:
The disconnect between salon-quality experiences and at-home haircare drove her to create a brand focused on ritual and healthier options.

“I always joke that I was born in the comment section… That’s where the real tea is. That’s where people actually say what they want.”
— Dianna Cohen, (06:41)

2. Birth & Name of Crown Affair (08:26–10:26)

Why “Crown Affair”?
Inspired by the film The Thomas Crown Affair and the powerful symbolism of “the crown” (top of your head).
Personal Connection:
Cohen and her husband even met in front of the painting featured in the movie.

3. Major Myths about Hair Care—Busted (10:31–13:12)

Sulfates & Shampoo Frequency

Sulfates Overstrip Hair:
The “squeaky clean” feeling is deceptive and damages hair (11:38).
Shampooing Less Isn’t Bad:
Overstripping leads to more oil production—akin to using harsh facial cleanser.
Conditioners:
People fear heaviness, but innovative formulas (like Crown Affair’s gel-based conditioner) offer new options.

Dry Shampoo Dangers

Aerosol Woes:
Aerosol dry shampoos can create buildup and itchy scalps (12:50).
Retraining Your Scalp:
Switching to non-aerosol, powder-based dry shampoo can “retrain” follicles to be less oily and gentler for the hair and scalp.

“Think about putting an aerosol dry shampoo on your face three days in a row and not washing it—like that’s what you’re doing to your scalp!”
— Dianna Cohen, (12:58)

4. Product & Ingredient Philosophy (17:46–19:15)

Clean Beauty Reality:
“Clean” is now a basic requirement—formulation quality and minimizing damage is more important.
Key Ingredients to Avoid:
“I’m anti-sulfates… If you’re using anything powder-based—not just in hair—no talc. We don’t want talc in any of these products.” (17:58)
Wardrobe Approach:
Just like makeup, you can have “special occasion” products (like a heavy-hold spray) alongside your everyday gentle staples.

5. How to Use Hair Oil & Overnight Serum (19:16–21:54)

Confusion Around Oils:
Many oils are too heavy for fine hair; Tsubaki seed oil (used by Crown Affair) is lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down.
Overnight Repair Serum:
Created for busy people—no rinsing required, leaves no residue, clinically repairs damage, and is especially helpful for color-treated hair.

“I’ve been calling it ‘princess hair’… it’s like good things can happen overnight.”
— Dianna Cohen, (20:51)

6. Brushing, Towel-Drying & Other Underestimated Habits

(21:29–25:47)

Brushing Routine:
Daily brushing moves oils down the shaft, strengthens hair, and acts like scalp exfoliation.
Towel-Drying:
Use a dedicated hair towel (not a body towel!) to avoid breakage and frizz; waffle towels absorb better and prime hair for styling.

“The myth of brushing 100 strokes a day—it’s not that you need 100, but even 50 at night moves the natural, healthy oils from scalp to strand.”
— Dianna Cohen, (22:37)

7. Tools, Air-Drying, and Texture (25:47–27:43)

Air Dry for the Win:
Cohen favors air drying with mousse for a relaxed, modern look (what she calls “Olsen texture”).
Tools & Formulas:
Crown Affair heat-styling products include heat protectant; they avoid alcohol to keep hair and tools clean.
TikTok Hair Hacks:
She cringes at overnight rod curls and prefers easy twist-and-clip methods for natural waves.

“I’m a high maintenance girl to be low maintenance.”
— Dianna Cohen, (26:38)

8. Ritual vs Routine: The Power of Intention (34:33–35:34)

Rituals vs Routine Game:
Cohen distinguishes rituals (meaningful, for self-care) from routine (default, less mindful actions)—emphasizing the importance of treating haircare as nourishing, intentional time.

9. Product & Scent Innovation (32:31–34:28)

Signature Scent Development:
Inspired by a blend of “Kate Moss in Japan in the 70s” with sparkling citrus, green tea, and woodsy amber—crafted to layer with personal fragrances, not overwhelm.
Her Scent Secret:
She wanted a “mood, not just a fragrance.”

10. Regional and Seasonal Hair Tips (37:20–38:40)

Miami Humidity vs New York Winter:
Frizz = hair reaching for moisture; using leave-in on DRY hair (even in humid climates) helps control frizz.
Water Quality Matters:
Adjust in-shower routines based on city, but post-shower rituals go a long way in maintaining consistent hair health.

11. Quickfire Favorites

(30:26–36:28)

Holy Grail Product:
Dry Shampoo (“to the grave!”).
Styling Hack:
Daily scalp massages, regardless of hair type, promote growth and vitality.
This or That:
- Air Dry or Blow Dry? “Air dry” (35:39)
- Silk Pillowcase or Microfiber Towel? “Microfiber towel” (35:43)
- Hair Oil or Hair Mask? Changes mind, but ultimately “Mask” (35:54)
- Middle or Side Part? “Middle part” (35:57)
- Best Day? “Second day texture” (36:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Clean Beauty:
“I think ‘clean’ is a product promise, not a brand pillar… It’s so table stakes at this point.”
— Dianna Cohen, (17:58)
On Daily Rituals:
“So much of these things, like the hair serums, it’s about giving your hair love and attention… Your mindset matters and that’s kind of the first step to taking better care of your hair.”
— Dianna Cohen, (30:35)
On Growing Up with Hair Rituals:
“My hair was always this security blanket for me, so I really learned how to take care of it and create rituals around it.”
— Dianna Cohen, (08:26)
On Product Development:
“Being a non-professional stylist, my whole life is dedicated to getting one more day before wash day.”
— Dianna Cohen, (14:10)
On Miami Hair Tips:
“Frizz is literally your hair reaching to the sky for more moisture—so you gotta give it a drink!”
— Dianna Cohen, (37:36)

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Time | Topic | Details/Speaker | |-----------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 05:20 | Dianna’s career beginnings & comment section insights | Dianna Cohen | | 08:26 | Crown Affair’s launch & the Google Doc | Dianna Cohen | | 10:31 | Name origin: The Thomas Crown Affair | Dianna Cohen | | 11:38 | Myth busting: Sulfates and shampoo | Dianna Cohen | | 12:50 | Dry shampoo retraining your scalp | Molly Sims & Dianna Cohen | | 17:46 | Ingredients to avoid; the “wardrobe” philosophy | Dianna Cohen | | 19:16 | How (and why) to use hair oil & overnight repair | Dianna Cohen | | 21:29 | Brushing & its benefits | Dianna Cohen | | 23:38 | Towel drying & best practices | Emese & Dianna Cohen | | 25:47 | Air drying, mousse, and best texture | Molly Sims & Dianna Cohen | | 26:14 | TikTok hacks that make Dianna cringe | Dianna Cohen | | 30:26 | Crown Affair’s #1 product | Dianna Cohen | | 30:35 | Daily scalp massage: the FREE hack “everyone can do” | Dianna Cohen | | 32:31 | The story behind the scent | Dianna Cohen | | 34:33 | Ritual or Routine rapid fire | All | | 37:36 | Miami vs New York haircare | Dianna Cohen | | 38:40 | Advice to her 10-year-old self | Dianna Cohen |

Final Takeaways & Useful Nuggets

Hair health is a total-body mindset:
Product alone isn’t enough; daily TLC and treating haircare as a ritual strengthens your relationship to your own beauty.
Be ingredients-savvy:
Avoid sulfates and talc daily, but allow room for functional, “special occasion” products.
Brushing and towel-drying:
These simple rituals can make a visible difference in health and manageability.
Embrace air-drying:
With the right prep (mousse, towel, leave-ins), you can get cooler, lived-in hair days.
Love your hair, love yourself:
It’s about more than just looks—hair rituals are a form of self-care and kindness.

“You are enough.”
— Dianna Cohen (Advice to her 10-year-old self, 38:47)

For more from Dianna and Crown Affair, follow them on Instagram, and check out the current gift-with-purchase collaboration with Wise Beauty.

Lipstick on the Rim – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dianna Cohen’s Background and Journey (05:20–08:26)

From Marketing to Founder:
Cohen shares her history as an early employee at Into the Gloss, Away, and Harry’s, and as a marketing agency owner, before launching Crown Affair in 2020.
The “Comment Section” Mindset:
She attributes her passion to active engagement with beauty communities and values feedback over “legacy” industry experience.
Brand Inspiration:
The disconnect between salon-quality experiences and at-home haircare drove her to create a brand focused on ritual and healthier options.

“I always joke that I was born in the comment section… That’s where the real tea is. That’s where people actually say what they want.”
— Dianna Cohen, (06:41)

2. Birth & Name of Crown Affair (08:26–10:26)

Why “Crown Affair”?
Inspired by the film The Thomas Crown Affair and the powerful symbolism of “the crown” (top of your head).
Personal Connection:
Cohen and her husband even met in front of the painting featured in the movie.

3. Major Myths about Hair Care—Busted (10:31–13:12)

Sulfates & Shampoo Frequency

Sulfates Overstrip Hair:
The “squeaky clean” feeling is deceptive and damages hair (11:38).
Shampooing Less Isn’t Bad:
Overstripping leads to more oil production—akin to using harsh facial cleanser.
Conditioners:
People fear heaviness, but innovative formulas (like Crown Affair’s gel-based conditioner) offer new options.

Dry Shampoo Dangers

Aerosol Woes:
Aerosol dry shampoos can create buildup and itchy scalps (12:50).
Retraining Your Scalp:
Switching to non-aerosol, powder-based dry shampoo can “retrain” follicles to be less oily and gentler for the hair and scalp.

“Think about putting an aerosol dry shampoo on your face three days in a row and not washing it—like that’s what you’re doing to your scalp!”
— Dianna Cohen, (12:58)

4. Product & Ingredient Philosophy (17:46–19:15)

Clean Beauty Reality:
“Clean” is now a basic requirement—formulation quality and minimizing damage is more important.
Key Ingredients to Avoid:
“I’m anti-sulfates… If you’re using anything powder-based—not just in hair—no talc. We don’t want talc in any of these products.” (17:58)
Wardrobe Approach:
Just like makeup, you can have “special occasion” products (like a heavy-hold spray) alongside your everyday gentle staples.

5. How to Use Hair Oil & Overnight Serum (19:16–21:54)

Confusion Around Oils:
Many oils are too heavy for fine hair; Tsubaki seed oil (used by Crown Affair) is lightweight and doesn’t weigh hair down.
Overnight Repair Serum:
Created for busy people—no rinsing required, leaves no residue, clinically repairs damage, and is especially helpful for color-treated hair.

“I’ve been calling it ‘princess hair’… it’s like good things can happen overnight.”
— Dianna Cohen, (20:51)

6. Brushing, Towel-Drying & Other Underestimated Habits

(21:29–25:47)

Brushing Routine:
Daily brushing moves oils down the shaft, strengthens hair, and acts like scalp exfoliation.
Towel-Drying:
Use a dedicated hair towel (not a body towel!) to avoid breakage and frizz; waffle towels absorb better and prime hair for styling.

“The myth of brushing 100 strokes a day—it’s not that you need 100, but even 50 at night moves the natural, healthy oils from scalp to strand.”
— Dianna Cohen, (22:37)

7. Tools, Air-Drying, and Texture (25:47–27:43)

Air Dry for the Win:
Cohen favors air drying with mousse for a relaxed, modern look (what she calls “Olsen texture”).
Tools & Formulas:
Crown Affair heat-styling products include heat protectant; they avoid alcohol to keep hair and tools clean.
TikTok Hair Hacks:
She cringes at overnight rod curls and prefers easy twist-and-clip methods for natural waves.

“I’m a high maintenance girl to be low maintenance.”
— Dianna Cohen, (26:38)

8. Ritual vs Routine: The Power of Intention (34:33–35:34)

Rituals vs Routine Game:
Cohen distinguishes rituals (meaningful, for self-care) from routine (default, less mindful actions)—emphasizing the importance of treating haircare as nourishing, intentional time.

9. Product & Scent Innovation (32:31–34:28)

Signature Scent Development:
Inspired by a blend of “Kate Moss in Japan in the 70s” with sparkling citrus, green tea, and woodsy amber—crafted to layer with personal fragrances, not overwhelm.
Her Scent Secret:
She wanted a “mood, not just a fragrance.”

10. Regional and Seasonal Hair Tips (37:20–38:40)

Miami Humidity vs New York Winter:
Frizz = hair reaching for moisture; using leave-in on DRY hair (even in humid climates) helps control frizz.
Water Quality Matters:
Adjust in-shower routines based on city, but post-shower rituals go a long way in maintaining consistent hair health.

11. Quickfire Favorites

(30:26–36:28)

Holy Grail Product:
Dry Shampoo (“to the grave!”).
Styling Hack:
Daily scalp massages, regardless of hair type, promote growth and vitality.
This or That:
- Air Dry or Blow Dry? “Air dry” (35:39)
- Silk Pillowcase or Microfiber Towel? “Microfiber towel” (35:43)
- Hair Oil or Hair Mask? Changes mind, but ultimately “Mask” (35:54)
- Middle or Side Part? “Middle part” (35:57)
- Best Day? “Second day texture” (36:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Clean Beauty:
“I think ‘clean’ is a product promise, not a brand pillar… It’s so table stakes at this point.”
— Dianna Cohen, (17:58)
On Daily Rituals:
“So much of these things, like the hair serums, it’s about giving your hair love and attention… Your mindset matters and that’s kind of the first step to taking better care of your hair.”
— Dianna Cohen, (30:35)
On Growing Up with Hair Rituals:
“My hair was always this security blanket for me, so I really learned how to take care of it and create rituals around it.”
— Dianna Cohen, (08:26)
On Product Development:
“Being a non-professional stylist, my whole life is dedicated to getting one more day before wash day.”
— Dianna Cohen, (14:10)
On Miami Hair Tips:
“Frizz is literally your hair reaching to the sky for more moisture—so you gotta give it a drink!”
— Dianna Cohen, (37:36)

Timestamps of Important Segments

Final Takeaways & Useful Nuggets

Hair health is a total-body mindset:
Product alone isn’t enough; daily TLC and treating haircare as a ritual strengthens your relationship to your own beauty.
Be ingredients-savvy:
Avoid sulfates and talc daily, but allow room for functional, “special occasion” products.
Brushing and towel-drying:
These simple rituals can make a visible difference in health and manageability.
Embrace air-drying:
With the right prep (mousse, towel, leave-ins), you can get cooler, lived-in hair days.
Love your hair, love yourself:
It’s about more than just looks—hair rituals are a form of self-care and kindness.

“You are enough.”
— Dianna Cohen (Advice to her 10-year-old self, 38:47)

For more from Dianna and Crown Affair, follow them on Instagram, and check out the current gift-with-purchase collaboration with Wise Beauty.

How to Repair Damaged Hair — with Crown Affair Founder Dianna Cohen

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Summary

Lipstick on the Rim – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dianna Cohen’s Background and Journey (05:20–08:26)

2. Birth & Name of Crown Affair (08:26–10:26)

3. Major Myths about Hair Care—Busted (10:31–13:12)

Sulfates & Shampoo Frequency

Dry Shampoo Dangers

4. Product & Ingredient Philosophy (17:46–19:15)

5. How to Use Hair Oil & Overnight Serum (19:16–21:54)

6. Brushing, Towel-Drying & Other Underestimated Habits

(21:29–25:47)

7. Tools, Air-Drying, and Texture (25:47–27:43)

8. Ritual vs Routine: The Power of Intention (34:33–35:34)

9. Product & Scent Innovation (32:31–34:28)

10. Regional and Seasonal Hair Tips (37:20–38:40)

11. Quickfire Favorites

(30:26–36:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Important Segments

Final Takeaways & Useful Nuggets

Summary

Lipstick on the Rim – Episode Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dianna Cohen’s Background and Journey (05:20–08:26)

2. Birth & Name of Crown Affair (08:26–10:26)

3. Major Myths about Hair Care—Busted (10:31–13:12)

Sulfates & Shampoo Frequency

Dry Shampoo Dangers

4. Product & Ingredient Philosophy (17:46–19:15)

5. How to Use Hair Oil & Overnight Serum (19:16–21:54)

6. Brushing, Towel-Drying & Other Underestimated Habits

(21:29–25:47)

7. Tools, Air-Drying, and Texture (25:47–27:43)

8. Ritual vs Routine: The Power of Intention (34:33–35:34)

9. Product & Scent Innovation (32:31–34:28)

10. Regional and Seasonal Hair Tips (37:20–38:40)

11. Quickfire Favorites

(30:26–36:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Important Segments

Final Takeaways & Useful Nuggets