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Few hairstylists have made a lasting impact on the industry quite like Sally Hershberger. From creating Meg Ryan’s legendary shag to sculpting some of the most talked-about cuts in fashion and entertainment, Hershberger continues to set the standard for modern, effortless hair. With a career spanning decades, she has cultivated a reputation as a ‘star maker,’ having mentored some of the most successful hairstylists working today. In an exclusive conversation, she shares her approach to transformative cuts, the inspiration behind some of her most high-profile styles, and why she’s now turning her attention to teaching the next generation.
(Photo credit Josh Jordan for Sally Hershberger)
The Power of the Big Chop
For many, making a drastic change to their hair can be nerve-wracking, but Hershberger believes it’s all about mindset. “I mean, I think it’s—you just have to wanna do it,” she says. “It’s that simple. It’s something that you really want to do, and get into that zone like, ‘this is what you wanna do’ and be excited for it.” While she acknowledges that looking at reference photos can be helpful, the key is feeling confident in the decision.
(Photo credit: Meta/Youtube)
The Kris Jenner Effect
One of Hershberger’s most recognized new looks is Kris Jenner’s short cut. When asked about the inspiration behind it, she explains: “For Kris, short hair perfectly complements her face and her brand. While her look is mature, I wanted to inject a bit of edge—a touch of French cool. The style I created is modern and chic, with that elusive ‘je ne sais quoi’ that gives it a distinctly European flair”
Achieving the sleek yet effortless structure in Jenner’s pixie required a balance of technique and the right products. Hershberger credits her own line, 24K, for making this possible: “You don’t see the product in her hair at all, but I use a (lot) of product,” she admits with a laugh. “My root lift, mousse, and shaping balm are the go-to.”
The Rise of the ‘Snow White Bob’—Or Not?
With the bob taking over Hollywood, many have linked the trend to the upcoming Snow White movie, dubbing it the ‘Snow White Bob.’ But for Hershberger, the real influence comes from the individual, not the trends. “No, no, not at all based on the film” she says. “I’m very visual—I get there, I look at the hair texture, I work with the person, what they want, and then what I think I can do to execute that.” When working with Kendall Jenner, for example, she focused on perfecting the precision of the cut. “ I wanted to give her a sharp bob, really strong and sexy.”
(Photo courtesy of Sally Hershberger)
A Legacy of Mentorship
Beyond her own work, Hershberger is passionate about the stylists she’s helped shape over the years. “Mentoring for me is innate, I can’t help but to want to give my knowledge to the next generation” she says. “I would say there’s at least 10 successful hairdressers who use my name when they talk about who trained them, and I think it’s something to be proud of …. I’m a teacher and I’m looking forward to doing that more and more”
Her list of protégés includes household names like Chris McMillan, Cervando Maldonado, Mark Townsend, Tommy Buckett, Jessica Gillin, Peter Butler, Jonathan Anton and Brandi Voorhees to name a few, many of whom credit their careers to her mentorship. “I’ve always paid attention to who I brought into my salons and created a group of the best of the best within my salon. It gives me such pleasure to see them succeed and have such great careers.”
(Photo courtesy of Sally Hershberger)
What’s Next for Hershberger?
As she looks toward the future, Hershberger is focusing not just on styling but on passing down her expertise. With a wealth of experience and an unmatched eye for creating trends, she is poised to shape the next generation of hair industry leaders. And for anyone considering their own big chop? Hershberger’s advice remains simple: “You just have to wanna do it.”
For more on Sally Hershberger’s work and her 24K haircare line, visit SallyHershberger.com.
Sally is currently exclusively available at the uptown Salon in New York she has with famous colorist Sharon Dorram, “Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger” and her Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles.
Presented by: APG
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