Mark Ballas, the talented dancer and choreographer, recently shared insights into his remarkable hair transformation ahead of the reunion for season four of *The Traitors*. In an exclusive discussion with *PEOPLE*, he revealed how he achieved his signature curls with the help of a dedicated team of hair professionals, and reflected on his personal hair growth journey.
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As the reunion drew attention, Ballas’ distinctive curls became the focal point of his appearance. To prepare for the event, he collaborated with hair experts Dusty Schlabach and Tamara, known on social media as @thecurlfinesser. Together, they crafted a look that showcased Ballas’ hair while capturing its unique character.
Ballas, now 39, expressed how, over the years, he has come to appreciate having long hair. He reminisced about his youth when he lacked the understanding of how to care for and style his natural curls. “I’ve always loved the idea of having long hair, but I didn’t know how to maintain it back then,” he explained. Today, he regards his hair as an integral part of his identity, declaring, “My curls are big and loud and have lots of personality.”
The reality TV star revealed that he has no intentions of cutting his hair anytime soon. His wife, BC Jean, is particularly fond of his lengthy locks, which further encourages his decision to keep them. Additionally, Ballas expressed his hope that his children will inherit his curls, and he looks forward to helping his son maintain his hair in the future.
For the eagerly awaited reunion, which aired on February 26th on Peacock, Ballas aimed to flaunt his hairstyles by drawing on the expertise of Schlabach and Tamara. “The goal was to create a look that felt natural but polished just enough,” Schlabach elaborated. He described the desired effect as having a “decent shape” based on the haircut, with just the right amount of product to showcase the curls without restraint. “We want the curls in full effect – flyaways and all, especially on camera,” he said.
Schlabach, owner of Thairapy and Curl Maps, emphasised the importance of maintaining the vitality of curls. He mentioned three essential rules for achieving great hair: avoid excessive product use, maintain a balance in the product-to-water ratio, and encourage clients to shake out their curls for that lively appearance. For Ballas, the products used for styling included those from Innersense Organic Beauty, particularly the I Create Hold Gel, which he has incorporated into his everyday routine.
He also praised the fragrance-free leave-in conditioner, highlighting its versatility in hairstyling. Ballas was heavily involved in the styling process, noting that his collaboration with Schlabach and Tamara was effortless. “I came in, and we just hit it off,” he said. “I loved the cut and the style. Having curly hair requires a knowledgeable stylist, and I was grateful for their expertise during the reunion.”
As the season finale of *The Traitors* approached, viewers were eager to discover which contestant would emerge victorious, taking home a grand prize of up to £250,000. Among those remaining in the contest were Traitors Eric Nam and Rob Rausch, while Ballas stood alongside Maura Higgins, Tara Lipinski, and Johnny Weir as a Faithful participant.
With the reunion and season finale event successfully highlighting his journey with his curls, Mark Ballas not only showcased his personal style but also shared an inspiring message about embracing one’s natural beauty. As he continues to support others in their hair journeys, it is clear that Ballas has made his mark both on and off the screen.