Brad Johns, the esteemed hair colourist and close associate of the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, recently opened up in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE about the origins of her iconic hair colour. Bessette Kennedy, known for her elegant style and glamour, often turned heads with her signature butter-blonde locks, which were regarded as a hallmark of ‘90s fashion.
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Johns disclosed that he began working with Bessette Kennedy in 1996, a partnership that led to the creation of her trademark “child-of-the-beach” hue. The inspiration for this striking colour came from her striking blue eyes, which Johns believed set the tone for her hair transformation. “It’s all about eye colour first,” he explained, describing how Bessette’s “blue surfer girl eyes” influenced the shade they would ultimately achieve.
He elaborated on the importance of matching hair colour with various features, noting that if a client’s eyes are blue, a golden tone in the hair will accentuate them beautifully. “If they’re icy blue, white shows that up. I would look at the whole package… I mean, she was just gorgeous,” he said, recalling his vivid memories of her profound beauty.
In addition to her eye colour, Johns took into account her skin tone, the season, and her profession when tailoring her blonde hues. “Skin colour second, time of the season third, and what you do for a living fourth,” he stated. “You can’t be a judge with chunks in your hair, you just can’t – but you could be Carolyn.” His reflective comments highlighted Bessette Kennedy’s unique ability to translate glamour into any aspect of her life.
Johns is credited with pioneering the “chunking” technique, which he utilised to perfect Carolyn’s colour. This method involved placing highlight chunks in strategic foils around her face and beneath her hair, allowing for an impressive interplay of light and fashion when she styled her hair up. “I was the founding father of the chunking technique,” he proudly claimed, reminiscing about how this innovation contributed to her stunning appearance.
For Johns, hair colour transcended mere aesthetics. He held a philosophy that it should serve as a permanent accessory that enhances one’s natural beauty. “My thing is hair colour is the accessory you never take off,” he said, asserting the importance of making hair look luxurious and appealing. “Her hair was glamorous, shiny.”
Johns has since retired from the hair industry to pursue a career as a glass artist, but his impact on beauty and fashion endures through his work with Bessette Kennedy and others. He chronicled his rich experiences in a memoir titled *Dye*, detailing his career and creative processes.
The story of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, along with her love affair with John F. Kennedy Jr.—the son of former President John F. Kennedy—has now been brought to the screen in the show *American Love Story*, produced by Ryan Murphy. The first episode premiered on FX and Hulu on February 12, rekindling interest in their remarkable romance and Bessette Kennedy’s legacy as a style icon.
With her signature hair still a topic of admiration, Bessette Kennedy’s influence continues to shine in popular culture and fashion, reminding us of her timeless beauty and the artistry that transformed her appearance. As her story is retold, it highlights not just the love she shared with JFK Jr., but her lasting impact on beauty and style through her unforgettable aesthetic.