Actress January Jones talks hair habits – good and bad – building confidence and kicking butt…
As Betty Draper in Mad Men, January Jones was responsible for giving us a weekly fix of 1960s fashion. Now she is turning heads once again, as the face – and hair – of Kérastase Nutritive, following in the footsteps of Kate Moss as the brand's new ambassador. HELLO! beauty editor Nadine Baggott sat down with the seriously stylish actress to chat all things hair and beauty.
January Jones revealed her hair secrets to HELLO!
Congratulations on becoming the new face of Kérastase. How did you feel when you were asked?
"Flattered and excited. It was a no-brainer for me – I'm a real fan and have used the products for years. I loved the fashion aspect of past campaigns and what the brand represents for haircare."
You feature in the Kérastase "Hair Language" video, which aims to translate the meaning of common hair gestures. Which of them do you most identify with?
"I tuck my hair behind my ear frequently when I'm nervous, anxious or even excited. I often have to remind hairstylists not to leave my hair down around my face for red carpets because it will inevitably be tucked sooner or later."
Do you have any annoying hair habits?
"I love scalp massage, so I'm often massaging my head in the car in traffic. I am also growing my hair out, so I often check to see how long it is."
When acting, does changing your hair help you get into character?
"I always try to collaborate with the hairstylist about what my character would have and try very hard not to let vanity stop me from a realistic interpretation. Hair, along with make-up and costumes, is a really exciting way of forming a visual idea of a character. It can also really help you feel like a different person."
All that colouring and styling for Mad Men must have been hard on your hair. How have you made amends now that the series has finished?
"I have stopped colouring it as light and have only been highlighting it a few times a year, so my hair isn't as dry as it was a couple of years ago. I am pretty good about not damaging it when I don't have to work. I usually go to bed with damp hair and I run a curling iron over it a couple of times a week and try to wash it only twice a week. I also like to leave a moisture mask on once a week for an hour or so."
Do you have a favourite Nutritive product?
"Yes – the Masquintense for fine hair. I try to use it twice a week after I shampoo. I leave it on for as long as I can and it's a game changer. I've noticed that my hair is more resilient overall – there is less breakage and less need to wash my hair as often. It moisturises without making it oily."
The Mad Men star also shared her skincare secrets
What is your usual hair routine?
"I wash it and let it air-dry a couple of times a week. After I have washed and conditioned, I use a Kérastase serum on the lengths and ends. Like your skin, your hair benefits from vitamins, good nutrition, sleep and water."
How do you look after your skin?
"I love skincare products so I have an extensive routine of serums and lotions for days and nights. I also wear sunscreen during the day and Shani Darden Retinol at night. I try to exfoliate every other day and wear a moisture or detox mask a couple of times a week. I exfoliate and moisturise my body every time I bathe, paying extra attention to elbows, knees and hands."
Who is your beauty icon?
"Marilyn Monroe – she was just the best."
All the travelling you do must take its toll. What are your top tips for looking good on the go?
"I always pack my own Kérastase shampoo and conditioner, then on the plane I spray rose water on my hair and face. It keeps them hydrated and is just refreshing. I always have hand cream in my purse, plus many lip balms and many, many toiletries. I can never travel with only a carry-on."
Your dad was a school gym teacher and coach – how do you keep in shape?
"I just started doing cardio barre, which is a dance-based cardio and strengthening exercise class. It goes by fast, has fun music and I don't get bored. I also love to take salt baths to detox."
Describe your fashion style?
"It is always changing and I usually go for the unexpected or unconventional. I feel my most confident when I feel I look interesting or intimidating. For everyday garb I tend to wear jeans and boots with layers on top. And jewellery is a weakness. Accessories in general are my kryptonite – bags, shoes, jewels.
Scroll below for January's must-have beauty products
Do you think that beauty products can boost a woman's confidence?
"Confidence and liking yourself has to come from within. You have to be happy with who you are and the choices you make. You have to keep pushing yourself to make interesting decisions and surround yourself with people who love and support you. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to fight for what you want – or don't want – and I think that lends itself to confidence. I am so proud to be a part of history where women are kicking butt and working on being a better support system to each other. Ideal beauty is the one that comes with the glow of loving yourself, accepting your flaws and laughing a lot."
What is the biggest career risk you have ever taken?
"The two TV shows I've done [Mad Men and The Last Man on Earth]. Luckily both have been a success, but it's a gamble when you sign a big contract to do a project where you have only read one piece of a huge puzzle and have no idea where the writers are going to take you."
Your son Xander is two. If there was one life lesson you could teach him, what would it be?
"There are many lessons I'd like my son to learn and many I'm still learning from him. I think he is kind and empathetic and will be a remarkable person. He is what I am most proud of."
In 2009 you became a spokesperson for conservation group Oceana. What drew you in?
"Oceana is my favourite cause; it's the world's largest ocean conservation organisation and I work with them specifically in shark conservation. It's something I am extremely proud of."
What are your guilty pleasures?
"Ice cream and bad reality TV – together, if at all possible."
And your hopes and plans for the future?
"Not to take one day for granted, to be a good mom and to be able to work like I have been. To see and experience things and maybe take time to go on a date."
JANUARY'S BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
1. Chanel Les Exclusifs Sycomore fragrance, from £150, tel: 0207 493 3836.2. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, £18, visit jurlique.co.uk3. Sisley Black Rose Mask, £95.50, visit Sisley-paris.com4. By Terry Baume de Rose in Cherry Bomb, £35.50, from Harrods5. Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, £25 for eight pairs, from Marks & Spencer6. Kérastase Bain Thérapiste Shampoo, £13.40, from lookfantastic.com7. Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense for Fine Hair, £29, visit kerastase.co.uk8. Kérastase Sérum Thérapiste, £29.909. Sisley All Day All Year Day Cream £23610. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, £26, visit elizabetharden.co.uk11. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, £12, visit caudalie.co.uk12. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Powder, £33, visit charlottetilbury.co.uk