The Colorful World of Tracey Cunningham
Known for her warmth and generous spirit, hair colorist Tracey Cunningham is the mastermind behind some of the most show-stopping locks in Hollywood (J.Lo, Emma Stone, Lily Aldridge, and Dakota Johnson, among them), as well as an Olaplex ambassador. She also happens to be a great friend of the brand and one of Dôen’s partners, generously connecting the dots and sending so many of her wonderful clients our way. One of her greatest qualities, notes our co-founder Margaret, is how she champions and mentors the people who work for her. “In the hair world, you learn by being hands-on,” Tracey explains. “Letting my assistants be involved in the hair color process is such a great way to teach them, and having them watch me up close is incredibly beneficial.”
More than a decade ago, she teamed up with longtime friend and hair stylist Neil Weisberg to open Mèche—French for highlight—in Beverly Hills, and the two thrive on the renowned salon’s always-buzzing and familial environment. We spent an afternoon at the salon with Tracey, whose “less is more” approach to hair fittingly extends to her personal style, as she wore our crisp cotton poplin Sebastiane Skirt and ruffle-trimmed Rosabella with total ease.
When did you know you were meant to work with hair?
I was really young and I saw how rewarding it is to make people feel beautiful and feel so good about themselves and that was something I wanted to be a part of.
Is there a specific memory from your career you’re particularly proud of?
Early in my career, I was written up in Allure magazine as the “best blow drier in town” which was really exciting for me, but I wanted to be known for my hair color. So that pushed me to find more success in color and soon enough, people were talking about my color work instead of my blow-drys.
Clarinet Dress and DÔEN & K. Jacques Bikini Sandal
“Early in my career, I was written up in Allure as the ‘best blow drier in town’ which was exciting, but I wanted to be known for hair color. So that pushed me...and soon enough, people were talking about my color work instead of my blow-drys.”
– Tracey Cunningham
What does your core community look like?
I love to hang around with passionate, eccentric, creative people. I’m constantly pulling inspiration from my friends and other business owners around me.
You're known for generously mentoring those who work with you—transforming young assistants into world-class stylists. Can you tell us a bit more about how you think about mentorship?
In the hair world, you learn by being hands-on. I love that I get to teach other colorists around me through doing. There’s also inspirational teaching, too—leading by example and working very hard. And if I see someone doing something wrong, I tell them because I’m always trying to better them. Letting my assistants be involved in the hair color process is a great way to teach and having them watch me up close is incredibly beneficial.
Traveling in Dôen
Tracey just returned from an adventure abroad, spending time in India, Thailand, and Dubai — here are some snaps from her travels, which she sent us along the way, wearing her favorite pieces including the Jora Dress, Elowen Skirt and Elise Top.
From left: Tracey wears the Effie Cami in Sea Salt, the Sebastiane Skirt, and Chandel Cardigan; she wears the Jora Dress
Tracey wears the Elise Top and Elowen Skirt
