Hairstylist Critiques Blonde Wig in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Series
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s real-life hairstylist concurred with fans — Sarah Pidgeon’s hair in American Love Story is excessively platinum.
Hairstylist Brad Johns clarified how Carolyn’s hair should truly appear in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming series, set for release in February 2026, during a discussion with Page Six on Monday, June 23.
Rather than the platinum locks that Pidgeon showcases in teaser images, Johns recommended a honey blonde hue to better resemble the late Carolyn, who tragically passed away at the age of 33 in 1999 alongside her husband John F. Kennedy Jr. and sister Lauren Bessette.
“I adore Ryan Murphy. I mean, I live for him,” Johns stated. “However, there seems to be an issue with the costume or hair teams, because it’s not accurate — it looks all white and burnt,” he confessed.
Johns added, “Her hair was neither white nor burnt, and she detested the idea of having ashy hair — something I totally agreed with, and I never did it.” Upon seeing the initial photos, he exclaimed, “Oh my God, what am I gonna do?”
Instead of platinum strands, Johns noted that “Carolyn’s hair was darker at the tips,” with the middle sections being a “medium blonde” tone. The “money pieces” were described as “brilliant gold accents.”
Johns quipped, “Ash tones make you look lifeless, unless you’re wearing a lot of makeup, and who wears a lot? It’s just inaccurate. Everything.” He further remarked, “I have this gift from God — I know how women’s hair color should appear.”
After observing fans’ reactions to Pidgeon’s hair — as well as her outfit, which also drew criticism for straying from Carolyn’s signature style — Murphy, 59, addressed the matter, stating that the actress’ wig may not even appear in the final edit.
“That’s not the wig we’re using, nor is that the purse. Those were simply props to present to the studio,” he mentioned to Puck News.
Brittany Snow’s hair “glow up” is worthy of a standing ovation. Snow, 37, showcased her new hairstyle on Instagram on Thursday, September 21, revealing dirty blonde hair with chunky platinum highlights, cut just below her shoulders, and swept to the side.
The director further explained, “It was a work in progress, but I released it because sometimes you publish things to ease the paparazzi, preventing your actors from feeling overwhelmed.” He also shared that a team of fashion bloggers would be visiting the studio to preview Carolyn’s attire prior to filming.
“I had no idea people cared as much as they do, but I suppose that’s a positive thing,” he concluded.
