Rachel Zoe on Female Hair Loss, Microdermabrasion and Her Biggest ’80s Beauty Mistakes

Rachel Zoe is synonymous with style. She is also, admittedly, known for her hair—that perfectly wavy, a little bit beachy, just-got-out-of-bed other “style” that has become somewhat of a signature. So, when the 51-year-old mom, CEO and creative director started to experience hair loss after the birth of her two children, she knew it was time to get vocal—and do something—about her struggle.

In your experience, why is female hair loss so difficult to talk about? 
I think for me and a lot of women, our hair really acts like a security blanket. After having my boys and experiencing hair thinning and weakening, I was definitely feeling less confident. I think it’s hard for women to discuss hair loss because there is so much pressure on us to look and be perfect all the time. It’s so important that women share their experiences with one another when it comes to hair thinning because it happens to so many of us. 

What has your experience been with Nutrafol? 
It has been great so far, and I noticed that my hair started feeling stronger and fuller around three months into taking the supplements. 

Are you typically “a supplement person?” 
I take a multivitamin and other vitamin supplements and I have for many years. It’s been easy to incorporate Nutrafol into my routine. For the best results, you take the capsules daily with a meal, so I keep mine in the kitchen where it’s easy to remember.

Care to share any “good hair-day” tips you’ve learned over the years? 
I feel like I’ve learned so many over the years! I naturally have very curly hair and I had been using a keratin shampoo and conditioner to help smooth and straighten my hair texture. I was using them every time I washed my hair, and I learned from my stylist that will actually cause more harm than good. I have definitely eased up on how frequently I use those products. 

What are some of your favorite products?
I love products from R+Co, Oribe and Ouai. Recently, I have been using Frederic Fekkai’s vegan and clean line of products and they are really amazing. 

Any out-there wellness things you do? 
During the stress of quarantine, I have started doing planks. I know it sounds odd, but it really helps me to feel less anxious and to focus on my breathing. 

Any in-office treatments you love or want to try? 
There is a treatment that I have been doing that uses ultrasound and radio-frequency to lift and tighten your skin. It is so incredible and I wish I had known about it sooner! 

When do you feel most beautiful? 
I feel most beautiful when I’m by the ocean. I love having a subtle tan and salty beach hair. 

Any beauty regrets? 
The ’80s entirely! I wore so much heavy make up and hair spray it was awful. Also laying out in the sun nonstop in my teenage years without sunblock. 

Do you do anything “crazy” for beauty? 
I wouldn’t say I do anything that crazy. Probably the craziest thing I do at home, is a microdermabrasion mask. And I would only really consider that crazy because it feels intense when it’s on, but your skin feels amazing after. 

Any beauty moves you just can’t master? 
I became very self-sufficient at coloring my roots during quarantine, but I also realized that I could never attempt to highlight my own hair…or cut it! I DO NOT trust myself to cut anyones hair—including my own. 

When was the last time you did something for the first time? 
It’s not exactly a first, but I’ve been exercising a lot more during quarantine and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve been going on long walks with hand weights, doing yoga, and I love the Tracy Anderson workouts if I’m feeling super motivated. Truthfully, I dream to have a consistent exercise routine, but my life continues to be unpredictable chaos every day!