Why Hailee Steinfeld Loves Hair Trends—But Won’t Try Them Herself
Kleigh Balugo
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Hailee Steinfeld has long been one of our go-to hair muses, and her new partnership with Nexxus only solidifies her status as someone who’s always tressed to impress. Last summer, she made waves by swapping her signature long locks for a chic bob. Now, she’s back with another major hair moment, starring in the campaign for Nexxus’ new Hy-Volume collection with a voluminous, next-level blowout. Naturally, we had to catch up with Steinfeld to talk about the partnership, her take on today’s biggest beauty trends, and why she prefers to keep things simple.
Steinfeld, who has Filipino heritage like myself, which is something we bonded over the last time I talked to her, knows what works for her and isn’t one to chase fleeting trends. While the beauty world is constantly shifting—she prefers a timeless, effortless approach. She tells me she enjoys watching it all from afar. For her, a bob is as daring as it gets. “I’m good on trying things out. The short hair was a lot for me,” Steinfeld says. “It was a big change, that I’m just settling into. I love to see [the trends]. I definitely, like, pin it, save it, and screenshot. I don’t know why, but it’s just not for me. I’m obsessed with your bangs. I wish bangs were for me.”
Although I can’t promise I won’t participate in any TikTok beauty trends, Steinfeld’s simple approach to hair is exactly why her Nexxus partnership makes sense. Because let’s face it, voluminous, healthy-looking strands will always be in. And if Steinfeld is any proof, sometimes keeping it simple is the best beauty move of all.
We talked before about how much you hate the awkward stage of growing your hair out, are you powering through?
I’m in two minds about it. I think there can be an awkward length if you want there to be, or you can feel like every length is a great length—and just deal with it. I’m somewhere in between, because I feel like I’m so used to having my hair long. I’ve had it two inches shorter, and I’ve had it two inches longer, so it’s a process. I’m really loving it, and I’m just now getting it down—how to do it, how to style it, and how I feel most confident. I love to get my hair done. When I’m doing it on my own, it could be a little bit trickier. I will say, the Nexxus Hy-Volume Collection has made it so easy for me to achieve.
Has your hair routine changed a ton since cutting your hair?
No, not necessarily. I mean, the only thing that’s changed is I cut 40 minutes off. But no, I love to use products that just feel good in my hair, that make my hair feel light and airy and not heavy and crunchy. So we have Nexxus to thank for that. The Hy-Volume products make my hair feel really great, which leaves me feeling even better.
What does partnering with Nexxus mean to you?
I love that with Nexxus, it’s always about products that make your hair look and feel amazing. And I love that this campaign is all about having big and bold hair, but also about having the confidence to match—which is just as important. I love that [confidence] is such a big part of this campaign. It’s such a big part of what I like to feel, and what I like to encourage others to feel. Like I was saying a second ago, I use this shampoo and conditioner and it just makes my hair feels so yummy. Then as I’m blow drying it out, it still feels light and bouncy. I’m sure you’ve used a lot of products, your hair is gorgeous. But there’s a lot of products out there that will weigh you down. And Nexxus doesn’t do that.
Are there any haircut or color trends that you’ve been loving recently and want to potentially try out?
I’m good on trying things out. The short hair was a lot for me. It was a big change, that I’m just settling into. I love to see [the trends]. I definitely, like, pin it, save it, and screenshot. I don’t know why, but it’s just not for me. I’m obsessed with your bangs. I love bangs so much. I wish bangs were for me.
How did it feel to be on the cover of Vogue Philippines?
Oh my goodness. I mean, first of all, to be on the cover of Vogue is but a dream. And for me, to be on the cover of Vogue Philippines, for my first Vogue cover, is so special and will forever just hold the most special place in my heart. I know that my my grandfather would be very proud. It’s such a personal accomplishment, along with being this huge public professional accomplishment. It just it feels so close to home. And I’m so proud of the cover. Those things can be funny, because sometimes the clothes are fun and funky, and the hair and makeup look is interesting but not what you would normally do every day, which is what makes it fun. It’s a photoshoot, it’s an editorial—but then, sometimes you look back at the photos and you’re kind of like, ‘That’s weird. It doesn’t feel like me.’ But with Vogue Philippines, I was so lucky to work with such an amazing team. From styling to glam to photography, and the whole Vogue team—it was such a beautiful experience. I felt so beautifully represented, and I’m so grateful for that.
On TikTok, beauty prep can get intense. People are doing all sorts of hair, skin, and nail treatments. Do you see yourself going that route?
I feel like I pick and choose my moments. Overall, I’m pretty low maintenance. But I love to see what the heck everyone’s doing. But I am excited by [all the treatments], and I want to have all the things. But I guess I fall somewhere in between, because I I love the process of getting ready for an event—especially if it’s a big premiere or something that’s been on the calendar for a while. Leaning into the prep of it all can be really exciting. But I would say overall, I’m pretty chill about it.
