Remembering Brad Johns: The Hair Colorist Who Redefined Beauty in the '90s

Brad Johns, the renowned hair colorist whose innovative "chunking" technique transformed the beauty standards of the 1990s, passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday in West Hollywood, California. A battle with prostate cancer had marked his final years, as shared by close friends.

With a career that spanned over four decades, Johns left an indelible mark on the beauty industry, working with iconic figures such as Christy Turlington, Johnny Depp, and Cindy Sherman. Sherman expressed her sorrow, stating, "He will truly be missed… his smile, his sense of humor, his wisdom and grace. Oh, it’s such sad news." The two had forged a friendship after meeting at a 1997 exhibition of Sherman’s work.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1955 and raised in Ohio View Acres, Johns initially pursued acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. However, his passion for hair color soon took precedence. He honed his skills at the Robert Fiance Hair Design Institute and began his career at Cinandre, where he had the chance to style Salvador Dalí. His innovative chunking technique, which allowed for larger sections of lighter color to create dimensional effects, gained popularity, especially during his time at Oribe.

Johns's work with notable clients like Turlington and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy solidified his reputation. Turlington's subtle caramel highlights helped define the chunking technique, while Bessette Kennedy’s transformation to golden blonde became iconic, especially before her wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 1997, he opened the Brad Johns Salon in Manhattan, later collaborating with brands like Avon and Saks Fifth Avenue. After retiring in 2019, he moved to Los Angeles, where he embraced visual arts, creating works under Brad Johns Glass. His friend Marianne Dougherty remarked on his creativity and generosity, saying, "His unwavering support meant everything to me." Johns’s legacy is one of beauty, artistry, and the love he shared with everyone he met.

Source: wwd.com