February 16 | 4 minute read
Words by Kerri Gordon
“At the time it felt like a crisis...” says the actor, producer, Friends star and now friend of MECCA of “questionable hair situations in the ’90s. Now, I just laugh.”
It’s the quintessence of LolaVie, the haircare brand founded by Jen (we’re on nickname basis) and named after a persona – or rather, sense of spirit – called Lola; she’s “effortless, curious, kind and knows the power of simplicity. She’s grounded, but not afraid to shine. She takes care of herself – not out of vanity, but because it feels good to feel good.”
So why LolaVie, and why now? Because if anyone knows hair, it’s the person whose thick, honeyed, effortlessly layered lengths have been referenced to infinity in hair salons worldwide for the past 30 years.
“I really wanted to create something that reflected the way I care for my hair,” Jen told us. “Products that are effective and rooted in science.”
From her debut TV appearance in the Mayim Bialik-fronted Molloy, a short-run sitcom from 1990 that paved the way for her lead role in Friends to iconic films like Rumour Has It and Marley & Me, current streaming success The Morning Show and all the red carpets in between, Jen has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours in the hair and makeup chair. “I’ve seen what works,” she says. “And, what doesn’t. LolaVie came from a genuine passion for simplifying haircare without compromising on performance.”
Chris McMillan, the stylist behind ‘The Rachel’, was a pivotal player in the actor’s understanding of hair. He rose to hair fame by way of the iconic cut, but he’s by no means a one-style wonder. Most recently, he reinvented the bob into the ‘Bibb’, named after Leslie Bibb’s sleek, sharp crop featured in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. “Chris taught me a lot about how to care for my hair,” says Jen. “He’s not just a genius with scissors, he’s all about healthy hair.”
Central to many of the formulations is LolaVie’s proprietary B-Pro3™ Bond Technology. “It’s kind of a game-changer,” Jen explains. “It helps repair broken bonds from things like heat styling or chemical treatments. What’s really amazing is that it forms a new protective layer, almost like a fresh cuticle, so your hair not only looks healthier but is genuinely stronger.”
The technology reflects LolaVie’s approach to treating hair with a skincare mentality. “I’ve also learned the value of giving our hair the same attention we do our skin – nourish it, protect it and don’t overload it,” Jen notes.
We ask the founder about the brand’s standout product – your gateway to LolaVie, per se – and she doesn’t hesitate: The Glossing Detangler. Why? Because, she says, “It does so much in one step – detangles, hydrates, protects against heat. It’s a little miracle worker.” It’s also her go-to for those inevitable bad hair days. “It tames pesky flyaways like a champ.”
However, it’s the Sculpting Paste that holds the most personal significance. “That one was a labour of love,” she reveals. “I really wanted something that gave hold and definition without feeling sticky or stiff – and that worked on all hair types, including mine when it’s got a bit of wave or frizz… It’s basically what I used to create back during my Friends days when I mixed pomades with serums to try to find the perfect texture to keep my hair in place during filming.”
As our conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that LolaVie isn’t just another celebrity beauty venture. It’s the culmination of decades of experience, learning and genuine passion for helping others achieve their best hair. After all, who better to trust with your hair than our good Friend Jen?
