Lindsay Lohan Shares All the Secrets Behind Her “Soft Gloss Blonde”

Lindsay Lohan is one of the ultimate hair color chameleons. The star, who first captured our hearts as the young redheaded twins Hallie and Annie in The Parent Trap back in 1998, has been a smoky brunette, gone Liz Taylor black, bleached her hair Marilyn platinum, and pretty much everything in between. While Lohan is best known for her natural auburn red hair, she’s also a pretty iconic blonde—a color she’s returned to time and time again over the years, courtesy of celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Creative Director of Color and Technique Tracey Cunningham.

Cunningham has been behind all of Lohan’s color transformations, including her current “soft gloss blonde,” which was created using Schwarzkopf color; Lohan has partnered with the company as its latest brand ambassador.

“I learned about Schwarzkopf through Tracey and now it’s the only brand I trust when I go to the salon,” Lohan tells Byrdie exclusively, adding that Cunningham used the BlondMe line to lighten her hair to its current shade.

Changing up your color on a regular basis can be super damaging, but Lohan and Cunningham have mastered the art of keeping her hair healthy between services, and the brand’s color plays an important role. “What I love about Schwarzkopf is that it gives me that perfect, multidimensional color and shine,” says Lohan. “It’s that ‘standout’ color. I also love how healthy my hair feels after being colored with Schwarzkopf, no matter how dramatic the transformation. It can be hard on your hair to go from red to blonde, but my hair has honestly never felt better.” 

“Lindsay and I practically grew up together—some of her most iconic hair moments were ones we created side-by-side,” Cunningham tells Byrdie. “I loved taking her blonde ahead of Freakier Friday. Going from red to blonde is a complex process and it’s important to work with high performance products that allow you to achieve multi-dimensional, lived-in color without affecting the integrity of the hair. Schwarzkopf is the only brand I trust to get it right.”

Ahead, Lohan shares why she prefers to dye her hair for roles versus wearing wigs, her off-duty hair routine, and why being a mom has changed her relationship with her hair.

About Her Hair

“Right now, it’s this really soft, luminous blonde; Tracey and I have been calling it my ‘soft gloss blonde.’ It feels super natural, easy, but still really luxe, like Tracey just totally got where I’m at in life. It just feels like me right now—confident, grounded, and happy.”

Her Hair Care Routine

“My routine’s definitely become more mindful, especially since becoming a mom. I usually wash just a couple times a week to maintain my color. I love a good hair mask when I have the time, and I try to stay on top of gloss treatments to keep it shiny. Igora Vibrance is my favorite salon product—it feels so good when Tracey applies it and leaves my hair feeling silky and radiant. I air-dry as much as I can now, and I only really reach for heat tools if I’m getting glammed up. Color-wise, I keep my appointments pretty regular—every four weeks or so, just to stay feeling like myself.”

How Hair Color Impacts Her Work

“Switching up my hair has always been a big part of how I connect with a character. It’s not just about changing the look—it totally shifts the energy. There’s something kind of transformative about seeing yourself in a different way, even just in the mirror. Every shade I’ve worn onscreen has had its own story to tell, and that’s always helped me dive in a little deeper. I feel like so many of my best roles have been me with a variation of my natural hair color. It’s so hard to pinpoint a favorite because they all hold a special place in my memory.”

How She Keeps Her Hair Healthy

“Whether I’m in Dubai, New York, or L.A., I always stay on top of my hair color sessions with Tracey. She knows my hair better than anyone, and that kind of consistency makes a big difference; it keeps my color vibrant and my hair healthy. That’s why working with Tracey and using Schwarzkopf has made such a difference for me. Their products lift and tone so beautifully without damaging the integrity of my hair, which is huge.

“I’m pretty consistent with my care routine now. I deep condition regularly, always use heat protectant, and give my hair a break from styling whenever I can.”

On Her Realtionship With Tracey

“I put all my trust in Tracey. She is the best colorist in Hollywood and has become a dear friend over the years. What I’ve really learned from Tracey is that technique and really high-quality color products are essential to achieving great hair color. When I go to Tracey, we’re often doing a big hair color transformation for a new film role or a red carpet moment and there’s only one shot to get it right. She never rushes to color my hair; she’s an artist who takes her time and takes the utmost care to keep my hair healthy. She uses only the best products to get the exact shade I’m looking for that will look great in everyday life and in front of the camera.

“Sitting in Tracey’s chair honestly feels like being with family. She’s been there through every chapter of my career and my life. Our relationship is so much more than just hair color.  There’s so much trust between us, and that’s what makes it special. Trust that lets us take creative risks and evolve together.”

The Hair Color That Feels Most Like Lindsay

“Obviously, I’m a natural redhead so that’s what I compare every hair color to. Right now, my soft gloss blonde feels natural for where I’m at. It’s luminous and modern—but there’s still something so natural about it.

“I really enjoy playing with my hair color. I’ve played with every shade. I’m more  drawn to shades that feel a little more effortless, a little more elevated. I’m always open to changing it up, particularly if it’s tied to a character.”

Her Favorite Red Carpet Hairstyle

“It’s hard to choose just one, but I’ve always loved a classic Old Hollywood wave on the red carpet: soft, glamorous, effortless. It never goes out of style and always makes me feel confident and polished.”

Her Off-Duty Hair Routine

“If I’m traveling, on mom duty, or just taking some downtime, it’s always something easy that keeps my hair out of my face but still feels a little put together.

“For my hair, that means loose buns, air-drying, and skipping the heat—anything that keeps it happy and low-maintenance. I stay focused on hydration, indulge in masks and glossing treatments, and give it the break it deserves.

“When I’m flying, I love a good classic blow dry. It’s easy, quick to do, and keeps my hair from tangling. I’ve learned to appreciate styles that feel effortless but still polished. I always want to put my best foot forward, but don’t always want to spend hours doing my hair.

“I’m also big on staying consistent with my routines so I feel my best. That includes regular visits to my Los Angeles dermatologist, Dr. Monika Kiripolsky, whenever I’m in town for work. She helps keep my skin healthy and glowing especially during breaks from heavy on-set makeup.”

How Being a Mom Has Changed Her Relationship With Her Hair

“Becoming a mom has definitely made me appreciate simplicity and healthy hair more than ever. I don’t always have time for complicated styling, so I focus on keeping my hair strong, shiny, and easy to manage. I’ve also become more mindful of using clean, gentle products, especially since little hands are always reaching for my hair!”