If you don’t know Glen “Coco” Oropeza by name just yet, you will absolutely recognize his work. The beauty pro has collaborated with some of the biggest celebrities in the industry, including Emma Watson, Ariana Greenblatt, Nicola Peltz Beckham, and, of course, Sydney Sweeney.
When we sat down with him to chat about all things hair, we had to first address the lore behind Oropeza’s Instagram handle, @glencocoforhair. If you thought it was a nod to the 2004 movie Mean Girls, you’d be right. “My friends dubbed me that nickname back whenever that movie came out,” Oropeza explains. “It became my nickname, and now it’s just my hair alter ego.”
In Mean Girls, the character Glen Coco is celebrated for receiving a bunch of candy grams, marking him as popular. Oropeza is the Glen Coco for hair, likely because he’s incredibly talented at what he does. (Does Sweeney’s hair ever look bad?) After discussing what to expect for fall (bobs are still very much in, just in case you were wondering), Oropeza shared some of his favorite hair tips—essential for keeping his clients’ hair in tip-top shape. Keep scrolling to check them all out.
Experts Featured in This Article
Glen Oropeza is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles, working with celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Emma Watson. He is also a brand ambassador for Kérastase.
Tip 1: Don’t Skip the Hair Oil
Investing in a good hair oil is crucial. Oropeza recommends the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil ($62). “I’m always trying to condense my kit, so I’m looking to replace it with something that can do multiple things,” he says. This hair oil can prep your hair for a blow-dry, be used afterward, serve as a treatment, and even help remove product buildup. “If you have a lot of hairspray in your hair, douse a generous amount on your head to break down the product before shampooing. It helps so that you’re not breaking your hair while trying to get through all that hairspray.”
If you’re hesitant about using hair oil because you have fine hair, start with a small amount and apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends.
Tip 2: Sleep With a Silk Bonnet
“Everyone should be sleeping with a silk bonnet,” Oropeza insists. While silk pillowcases had their moment, a silk bonnet keeps hair secure and out of the way. They’re ideal for anyone prone to breakage or damage, especially for those with blonde or color-treated hair.
Tip 3: Always Prep For Wash Day
Wash day can be daunting, but Oropeza emphasizes the importance of preparation. “I recommend hair oiling the night before a wash day. Just lube it up with some oil, put it in a little braid, and wear your silk bonnet; it leads to a shiny wash day.” He also suggests a pre-wash scalp treatment, like the Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash ($32). Follow this with a scalp scrub in the shower before using your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Tip 4: Air Dry Whenever Possible
To maintain the health of your hair, air drying is often best. “I think it’s healthier for your hair and can give you longevity similar to a blow-dry,” he says. If air drying isn’t for you, Oropeza acknowledges that there are techniques to incorporate it into your routine. “Finding the right leave-in conditioner is key,” he advises, recommending the Unite 7Seconds Leave-In Conditioner ($38).
Tip 5: Buy A Bigger Curling Iron
Though many swear by 1.25-inch curling irons, Oropeza prefers a larger 2-inch iron for a blowout effect without an overly styled look. If your hair is shorter, he suggests a 1.5-inch curling iron. His favorite is the T3 SinglePass Curl 1.5 Ceramic ($150).
To achieve the look Sweeney is sporting, Oropeza curls hair in alternating directions, except for face-framing bangs, which are curled away from the face. To finish, he uses a texture spray followed by hair oil to create a separated and piecey look, keeping frizz at bay.
With these tips from Glen Oropeza, achieving gorgeous, healthy hair like Sydney Sweeney’s is within reach. Whether you’re looking for product recommendations or styling advice, there’s plenty to keep in mind for your next hair appointment!
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