Jonathan Van Ness on His New JVN Haircare Brand and His Red Carpet Mane Muses

The author and 'Queer Eye' star has debuted his first line of haircare for all hair types.

October 21, 2021 3:52PM PDT

Courtesy of JVN (HAIR)

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Jonathan Van Ness continues to preach good hair days via self-care beyond the small screen, his books and podcast, and as a Lego figurine. The Queer Eye star and New York Times best-selling author recently unveiled his first clean haircare brand, JVN, a collection of eco-conscious products for all hair types.

Priced from $18 to $28, the debut line is comprised of hydrating, strengthening and volumizing shampoos and conditioners alongside a soothing and nourishing scalp oil, a frizz-reducing air dry hair cream and a recovery serum infused with niacinamide (known for supporting keratin and boosting the hair’s body). Everything is vegan and color-safe, Van Ness partnered with biotechnology company Amyris, which owns sustainable skincare brand Biossance (for which the star is an ambassador) and which also works with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for her Rose Inc beauty line.

“I’ve been dreaming about creating my own line forever, but when I found the perfect partner in Amyris it took us about a year and a half to bring JVN to fruition,” Van Ness tells The Hollywood Reporter over email. “I had a big wishlist of must-haves for this brand: I wanted clean, powerhouse ingredients… The brand had to be inclusive and effective across all hair types, ages and genders. It also had to be sustainable, so we prioritized ingredients and materials — such as aluminum and glass, which are infinitely recyclable — that won’t harm your hair or the planet. Finally, it had to be at an accessible price point.”

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The haircare products are formulated without parabens and silicones (which are potentially irritating to some people) and boasts the hero ingredient hemisqualane, a plant-derived natural emollient and natural silicone alternative that’s “nourishing enough for dry, curly, and coily hair, but also light enough for fine hair,” explains Van Ness.

He adds: “I believe JVN is filled with essentials: shampoos, conditioners, and universal stylers and treatments. These are products people can use in their routines every day, and it’s not realistic for most people to purchase a daily shampoo for $40, so we kept every product between $18 to $28.”

Following JVN’s launch, Van Ness shared his most recent mane muses and his fall haircare tips. Read on below, and shop JVN exclusively online at Sephora and jvnhair.com.

After NYFW and the Met Gala, there’s been no shortage of beauty inspiration. Who were your mane muses?

Gigi Hadid looked so amazing at the Met Gala. The color, the style, the volume — her hair was beyond gorgeous. And we have to talk about all of the athletes on the red carpet serving looks. Simone Biles looked stunning as always. And Sunisa Lee and Nia Dennis… You know I love my gymnasts and they did not disappoint! Lil Nas was so versatile and stunning at the Met Gala too!

As we head into fall, what are your top haircare tips for all hair types/textures?

When the temperature drops there’s less moisture in the air (for a lot of the country), meaning your skin and hair may start to feel more dry than usual. You’ve got to keep your hair and your skin — and by skin, I also mean scalp — hydrated to keep your hair looking its most gorgeous.

Try applying a nourishing scalp oil, like Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, which features soothing, calming bisabolol, to prevent a dry, itchy and/or flakey scalp. You may find your washing your hair less in the cooler weather, and this product also helps to remove product and oil build-up if you haven’t washed for a few days. This is also great for people who have some scalp irritation from having their hair pulled back tightly regularly in braids, ponytails, et cetera. Simply part hair and add a small amount to your exposed skin, repeating all over your head. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before you get in the shower, then shampoo as usual.

JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Oil

$28

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Integrate a mask into your weekly routine — it’s like a giant drink of water for parched hair. A lot of people skip this ritual because they feel like they don’t have the time (but they do! It only takes three to five minutes, so treat yourself!) or because they think it will weigh down their hair –this one won’t… I promise! The JVN Nurture Deep Moisturizing Mask is intensely hydrating but ideal for all hair types. You’ll find your hair looks and feels softer, bouncier, shinier and overall healthier. Especially if you’re someone who is regularly using heat tools or coloring your hair, this is a must. It’s great for coarse and curly hair, which tends to be dryer and more porous, but is great for straight hair that is feeling dry and bristle-y, too.

In the summer we can air-dry cream and go, in winter it’s you may want to diffuse your curls with air dry cream and add in some JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum to hair after your shower and before you apply heat. It’s going to protect your hair from your dryer and hot tools and it’s also going to make your hair more manageable while you’re styling it. Plus, you’ll see a reduction in frizz and split ends. Instead of silicone, it contains hemisqualane which improves hair health and strength instantly and over time.