Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Hair Expert Reveals Errors in ‘American Love Story’

She remains an eternal fashion symbol.

Upon unveiling the first glimpse of his new FX series, “American Love Story,” which centers on the lives of the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., Ryan Murphy ignited a storm of reactions from fans.

The preview images featured Sarah Pidgeon portraying the ex-Calvin Klein publicist, adorned in a dreary camel overcoat, an undersized Hermès Birkin bag, and bleached-blond hair that was described as “burnt” by CBK’s actual hair stylist, Brad Johns.

Insights from a Beauty Expert

Page Six Style consulted with the renowned beauty expert Johns, who was not only Bessette-Kennedy’s close friend but also famed for his “chunking” coloring technique, which transformed her from light brown to a celebrated creamy blond.

“I’m a huge fan of Ryan Murphy. I adore his work. However, there seems to be a disconnect with the wardrobe or hair departments because the portrayal isn’t accurate — her hair looks all white and scorched,” he expressed.

“Carolyn’s hair was never white or scorched, and she detested ashy hair — a sentiment I shared, and I never styled her hair that way. Seeing the first look, I was utterly dismayed,” explained Johns, who also authored the memoir “Dye,” detailing his professional journey.

He detailed the specific tones of Bessette-Kennedy’s hair: “Darker at the roots, medium blond in the middle, and the front featured vivid golden strands. Gold enhances a woman’s beauty. Ashy tones can make someone look lifeless unless they’re wearing a lot of makeup, which is just incorrect on so many levels.”

Their partnership began when Johns was the lead color director at Oribe for Elizabeth Arden. He fondly remembers their first meeting and the development of their friendship.

“Back then, I was considered the top colorist globally,” he recounted. “She approached me and said, ‘I work for Calvin, and I’m not happy with my hair color. I need you to make me blond.’ I agreed but warned it wouldn’t be instant. She simply said, ‘Just do it. I trust you.’”

Johns reminisced about how Bessette-Kennedy had an aura that could dominate any room, even a bustling salon. “She’d walk in without any makeup, and despite managing eight clients simultaneously, everyone would stop and stare, wondering, ‘Who is that? She looks like an angel.’ Indeed, she was angelic and remarkably humorous,” he described her, affectionately calling her a “fawn.”

From Hair to Glassblowing

Though Johns has now transitioned to glassblowing, his passion for hair remains undiminished.

“I believe it’s a divine gift — understanding how a woman’s hair color should be. It’s an innate skill,” he shared. “When I was young, I’d even dye my troll dolls with food coloring because their hair never seemed right. It’s just a natural talent I have.”

Addressing the criticism about the initial promotional shots, Murphy spoke with Puck’s Lauren Sherman to clarify the situation.

“Those were not the final choices for the wig or the purse. They were merely placeholders to satisfy studio requirements,” he reassured the fans.

“The release was partly strategic; it helps reduce paparazzi interference, making the environment less invasive for the actors,” he added. Murphy also shared plans to involve a group of 20 fashion bloggers, dedicated to CBK’s style, to review the wardrobe in the fall. He revealed that his team, with the help of an advisory committee, is meticulously gathering vintage designer pieces once owned and worn by Bessette-Kennedy, including items from Prada, Miu Miu, and Calvin Klein from the 1990s.

“I hadn’t realized people were so passionately invested, but that’s definitely encouraging,” Murphy concluded.