Celebrity Hairstylist John Ruggiero Dishes on Swimsuit & Major Hair Tips

Celebrity Hairstylist John Ruggiero talks hair, swimsuit and more in an exclusive Q&A

Margot Zamet | Apr 9, 2020

Since John has been unsuccessfully attempting banana bread (daily) I figured it would be a good time to ask him to do a Q&A. John is essentially The Godfather of hair at Swimsuit. He has helped create some of the most iconic moments at SI on models like Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid, Kate Upton, and Paulina Porizkova. His friendship and attention is also fought over by our editorial team (see hillrugs for proof). So he’s not just ridiculously talented, he's also... cool.

MZ: We all miss you! Very glad we got to be together in Turks and Caicos for the Swim Search shoot. How are you holding up through quarantine?

JR: I’ve mastered puzzles, Hulu, and watching paint dry…. Still to master banana bread though!

MZ: What are you doing to stay creative?

JR: I work in my yard a lot. I started doing those plastic model car kits that you do when you're 12-years-old (I’m so weird). Not gonna lie, I’m pretty freakin' good at it!

MZ: So proud of you. If you don’t mind me asking... how long have you been working with SI?

JR: On and off for about 16 years (yikes!)

MZ: Do you have a favorite shoot?

JR: My (three) favorite shoots were Switzerland, Bora Bora and hands down the best was Africa last year.

MZ: Dream shoot location? I’ll put in a good word with MJ.

JR: Japan (only because I’ve never been) or Croatia.

MZ: Craziest hair moment on set?

JR: Probably Irina surrounded by sharks and stingrays in Tahiti. I was terrified to go in to fix her hair. Possibly one of my favorite photos too.

MZ: Thank you for your bravery. Well, clearly we’re the most fun, but how would you compare working an SI shoot to other editorial shoots?

JR: There is no comparison. Seriously, this is the job that will define my career and the one I will always look so fondly upon. Not just because it's creative but for traveling and working with the people I consider family.

John's Picks: Best Hair Masks

Briogeo

A savior for damaged and brittle hair.

Briogeo - Dont Despair, Repair, $36

VERB

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Brassy blondes, this is the answer. The answer is not touching up your own highlights.

VERB - Purple Mask, $18

Cream of Nature, $7.99

SO HYDRATING. Like, your hair will never be dry again.

Cream of Nature - Moisture Replenish & Strength, $7.99

OUAI

OUAI can do no wrong. This product especially. It smells heavenly and will leave your hair beyond silky.

OUAI - Treatment Masque, $32

BONUS! How John gets the perfect beach waves:

Go to the beach
Dip head in the ocean
Dry in the sun

You can find John on Instagram here. Everyone should go and thank him for his insider tips.

Published Apr 9, 2020

MARGOT ZAMET

Margot Zamet is the Fashion Editor at SI Swimsuit covering all things style and beauty. Margot joined the “swim team” as an intern while attending school at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been with the brand ever since. She spends much of her year traveling with SI on photoshoots for styling. Her downtime is equal parts R&R on the beach and enjoying overpriced martinis with her friends.