Los Angeles–based colorist and conscious-beauty trailblazer Kadi Lee has become the industry’s go-to for effortlessly elevated hair, and the Hollywood elite have taken notice. As the cofounder of Highbrow Hippie, the chic, mindfully formulated hair care and wellness destination in Venice, CA, Lee merges artistry with intention, creating a space (both online and in-salon) for those seeking a more grounded, holistic approach to beauty.
Known for her sun-kissed balayage, transformative color corrections, on-set shade shifts for film and expertise in natural and organic color, Lee’s chair is a revolving door of A-listers. Her clientele reads like a red-carpet roll call, including Julia Roberts, Diane von Furstenberg, Olivia Colman, Brad Pitt, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alma Ha’rel, Kiersey Clemons, Amber Valletta, Sigourney Weaver, Alicia Silverstone and Kristin Davis, all of whom trust her discerning eye and intuitive approach to color.
And because few understand how to nurture strands through the harshest seasons quite like she does, we recently caught up with Lee to get her top tips for keeping hair at its healthiest during the winter months.
Hydrate Hair as Much as You Can
While it comes as no surprise that hydration is especially key in the winter months, Lee breaks it down with an easy-to-understand explanation: “Colder weather pulls moisture from the scalp and hair, so it’s important to be conscious of replenishing that hydration.” That’s why she recommends incorporating small rituals, like a weekly mask and daily scalp nourishment and protection. “Our Instant Silk Vitality Mask is the perfect way to return moisture to both the scalp and hair cuticle and protect hair from future depletion and damage,” she says. “I also recommend incorporating our Root Replenish Active Growth Serum, which helps keep the scalp microbiome in balance and the epidermis and dermis protected. This is a product that really helps in winter because it keeps the scalp steady—hydrated, balanced and calm—so your follicles aren’t reacting to every drop in temperature or blast of indoor heat.”
Work With Your Hair—Not Against It
Lee’s approach to color is to always work with the hair, not against it. “I focus on the health of the hair at every step—protecting the cuticle, honoring the natural pattern, working with natural undertones and choosing techniques and formulations that create impact without unnecessary stress.”
She also stresses that hair health is at the forefront of everything her team does at the Atelier, with hydration, cuticle protection and scalp care built into every color service. “We use our Instant Silk Vitality Mask on all our clients. They were our first testers and helped get the formula to what they were looking for over the course of four years. And it truly checks all the boxes, including nourishing the hair and scalp, diffusing any post-color irritation.”
Supplements Can Support, But Doctor Guidance Is Key
“My approach to supplements is very much a less-is-more one,” says Lee. “There’s so much noise and conflicting information out there, so generally, I’m intentional about what I choose to take; I start with my doctor’s guidance, do my own research, and lean on trusted, knowledgeable friends to make sure what I put into my body is truly supportive.”
When it comes to supplements for hair health and overall well-being, Highbrow Hippie formulated the Essential Wellbeing Complex with that same mindset. “We focused on efficacy first—choosing clinically backed ingredients and clinically appropriate doses whenever possible—and made it comprehensive enough for my clients, who are incredibly busy and need a supplement that is both targeted and truly effective.”
Products Should Never Serve as a ‘Quick Fix’
Similar to skin care, Lee is always looking for hair-care formulas that truly support long-term hair health. “I gravitate toward clean, effective ingredients that protect the cuticle, nourish the scalp and work with the hair’s natural texture so it stays healthy and resilient. And of course, all of these products have to be not only color-safe but also aid color retention and overall shine and vitality. I take so much pride when I get consistent feedback that my clients’ hair color always looks so vibrant and alive.”
Plus, Lee notes that her clients are juggling busy lives, so she wants products that simplify routines while still delivering real, lasting results. “That is exactly why we created Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness. Every product—Root Replenish Active Growth Serum, Essential Wellbeing Complex, Instant Silk Vitality Mask, Daily Reset Tea and our Refillable Candle—is designed as a simple, sustainable, elevated essential that supports healthy hair and the daily rituals that nourish it.”
Stress Management Matters More Than You May Think
While Lee admits she isn’t big on anything overly “out-there,” she does believe in tending to the basics that genuinely move the needle: circulation, nutrition, hydration, self-care and stress management. “What’s happening inside will affect the outside—it’s just as important as any product,” she says. “Simple things like a few minutes of scalp massage or supporting your nervous system with small, consistent rituals can make a real difference in overall hair health.”