Beyoncé’s hairstylist: ‘Me and the weather app stay tight’

Neal Farinah first met Beyoncé in 2005, while working at his namesake hair salon in Brooklyn. When one of his clients asked him if he would do her friend’s hair last minute for a night out, he was pleased to discover that that friend was Beyoncé.

Two decades and seven world tours later, the Trinidadian hairstylist has been responsible for some of Bey’s most memorable hairstyles – from her Sasha Fierce quiff to her wet-look bob for “Drunk in Love”. Now, he’s responsible for Cowboy Carter’s platinum-blonde tresses (and keeping them protected from the London drizzle).

But it’s not only the British weather that he’s had to adapt to. In New Jersey last week, the heavens opened and Beyoncé, her background dancers and the crowd were all soaked through. Even so, Farinah has perfected the recipe for frizz-free tight ringlets with the help of one specific product (as he explains below). When she’s not been wearing her hair in rain-ready waves, it’s been in bouncing curls, usually crowned by a cowboy hat of sorts.

Unlike any previous tours, Farinah is now able to use Beyoncé’s own products to style her hair. In February last year, the artist launched her haircare brand Cécred and made Farinah the company’s lead global stylist. At the same time, she also launched the BeyGood Fund, a grant programme that provides financial support to cosmetology students and hairstylists.

Now at the midway point of Bey’s London residency before she heads to Paris next week, we catch up with Farinah, who picks his favourite Beyoncé hairstyle of all time, plus the products he couldn’t live without.

Hi Neal! How are you today and where are you currently?

Neal Farinah: I’m so good. I’m currently in London, England, with my touring fam at the Cowboy Carter World Tour.

Do you remember the first hairstyle you ever did for Beyoncé?

Neal Farinah: Barely! It was for a night out and we’ve been working together ever since.

Do you have a favourite Beyoncé hairstyle of all time?

Neal Farinah: This is so hard for me to choose. The braided ponytail from the Formation World Tour always has a special place in my heart. But we really pushed boundaries with the Cowboy Carter platinum blonde, and it will go down in history with this iconic body of work.

What’s Beyoncé’s hair routine for the Cowboy Carter World Tour?

Neal Farinah: Treatments, treatments, treatments! We do a fermented rice and rose protein ritual monthly leading up to and during the tour to make sure the hair is strong and can resist breakage. Now, we have a few rain shows under our belt, so we’re working to define the curls and control the frizz, which moisture sealing lotion is my go-to for.

How has Beyoncé’s hair evolved for her Cowboy Carter era?

Neal Farinah: The platinum is so signature to this record, but we’ve been evolving the look for each show. I’m always inspired by big, Texas hair. But these rain shows are keeping me on my toes! The goal is always body and movement, no matter the weather.

How do you prepare for all kinds of weather conditions?

Neal Farinah: Me and the weather app stay tight. I’m monitoring for heat, humidity, rain, you name it. But in the summer, I rely on the Moisture Sealing Lotion which helps fight frizz even in extreme humidity. It’s like my weather insurance policy.

What are the products that you rely on most when on tour?

Neal Farinah: The Vented Paddle Brush doesn’t leave my side and I always have one on me. Moisture Sealing Lotion for the definition and frizz control. I’m also testing some new Cécred products on tour that I can’t share just yet…

How does Cécred help you to do your job?

Neal Farinah: I can’t do my job without a foundation of healthy hair. Cécred gives me a lot of flexibility and versatility to change up our looks because I know the hair is nourished, strong and healthy.

What’s your number one tip for strong healthy hair?

Neal Farinah: Consistency! You can’t get your dream body from one trip to the gym. The same goes for your hair. Using treatments like the fermented rice and rose protein ritual or the reconstructing mask on a schedule will deliver really strong results. You’ll see a change even after the first time you use it, but you’ll see the strength, length and shine after consistent use. I believe that anyone can have the hair of their dreams and Cécred really makes that happen. Those before & afters do not lie!

What’s one Cécred product that everyone should own?

Neal Farinah: Nourishing Hair Oil. It’s very versatile, everyone can use it, and it’s the best finishing touch to any style.