Remembering Brad Johns, Hair Color’s Iconic Blonding Visionary Brad Johns, the legendary celebrity colorist whose innovative approach to blonding and signature “chunking” technique redefined 90s beauty standards, has passed away at his home in West Hollywood, CA, at age 70. Friends confirmed he had been battling prostate cancer. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Johns became a defining figure in the world of hair color, renowned for his ability to craft rich, dimensional blondes that balanced artistry with natural appeal. His work left an indelible mark on both the industry and the celebrities he styled, from Christy Turlington to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Johns’ most iconic contribution was his “chunking” method, a technique that involved strategically placing larger, lighter sections of hair around the face to create movement, brightness, and a sense of dimension. This approach contrasted with the dominant “frosting” trend of the time, which relied on dense, uniform highlights. Johns’ method allowed for a more personalized and expressive look, making hair color feel like an art form rather than a mere styling tool. His ability to blend technical precision with creative flair earned him widespread acclaim and positioned him as a pioneer in the field. One of Johns’ most celebrated achievements was transforming Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s light brown hair into the golden blonde that became a defining feature of her public image. The transformation, which involved subtle caramel highlights, showcased his mastery of balancing warmth and luminosity. Years later, he expressed disappointment with attempts to modernize the look, criticizing a 2024 television dramatization for using a color that felt “too 2024” and lacked the nuanced warmth of the original.#carolyn_bessettekennedy #brad_johns #christy_turlington #ori_canales #pasadena_humane_society
