Paris Hilton Says Hair Extensions Are Out

Paris Hilton rocked television with the The Simple Life in 2003, leveraging the fame generated by the reality show to become the foremost It girl of the ’00s. We don’t need to remind you the socialite popularized everything from Juicy Couture sweatsuits to pint-size pups, even inserting her trademarked slogan into the national lexicon: “That’s hot.”

But even heiresses change with time. Hilton’s evolution has seen her become a businesswoman, wife, and mother, with a veritable empire behind her and plenty of wisdom gleaned. Celebrating the past while appreciating how things improve over time is the theme of her partnership with hair care brand Living Proof. When I talk to her, she has been shooting a commercial for the science-minded company, using the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. (Peep the ad above.)

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

On a surface level, the idea of evolving for the better can absolutely apply to hair. Once famous for her platinum blonde extensions, Hilton has moved on to a regimen that protects and nourishes her hair, through this partnership with Living Proof. “I think extensions just damage your hair so much, so I’m not really into them anymore,” she says. “Even with tape-ins, or the ones with keratin [tips], I notice that so many of my friends who wear them have hair that looks damaged.”

Instead, she opts for a hair care regimen that protects her tresses from the consequences of heat-based styling. “I’m constantly getting my hair done, basically every single day, so it’s really important to me to protect my hair. That’s why I love the Living Proof products,” Hilton explains, identifying the Restore Repair Mask as a particular favorite. “Constantly getting the heat on [my hair]—from blow-drying, the curling iron, and flat iron—damages it. But the mask makes it shiny, soft, and smooth.” She follows it with the Triple Bond Complex strengthening leave-in treatment: “My hair and I are just living for it.”

Living Proof Restore Repair Mask

Restore Repair Mask

Living Proof Restore Repair Mask

The prioritization of wellness extends to the other areas of her life, as well. She names facials as her favorite form of self-care, but she and husband Carter Reum installed an entire “living spa” at their home, featuring some of the most high-tech, evidence-based longevity-improving technologies available. “My husband and I built this whole epic wellness center at our house, and I have, like, a cryotherapy machine, a huge oxygen chamber, medical-grade facial machines, different LightStim beds—it’s basically like having a full-on spa inside my house,” Hilton says. “So whenever I have free time, I try to go in there. Weekends are our wellness days.”

She is also a major fan of regenerative red light therapy for the skin. “I really believe in light therapy; it definitely works. I’ve been doing it for many years,” Hilton says—which partly explains her age-defyingly youthful complexion. “I use the Omnilux LED, which I love. I have the full-on, professional one—the big bed—but I also have all their new products like the face mask, neck mask, etc.”

preview for Paris Hilton's Nighttime Skincare Routine | Go To Bed With Me

She names a few other skincare products and cosmetics that have helped keep her glow on point. “I love U Beauty, my friend Tina Craig’s line. I love their body moisturizer,” she says. “I love the Barbara Sturm Glow Drops, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb lip gloss, and the ToGoSpa under-eye patches—I’ve been using those for like 13 years.”

Soon, Hilton will also have her own skincare line, coming out through 11:11 Media, the company she founded with executive Bruce Gersh. “We’re working on a lot of different product lines I’ll be releasing,” she says. “My new clothing line will be coming out soon, my new skincare line—which we’re developing right now—will be so epic … and then there’s everything I’m doing in music, my new podcast, [the second season of] my TV show Paris in Love.”

With so much on her plate, her top priority in 2024 is “continuing to slay around the world,” she says. But music is also a big one. “I’m in the studio right now,” the “Stars Are Blind” singer says. “Sia is executive producing my new album, so I’ve been working a lot with her and writing new music. The album is almost done, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear that.”

Outside of her creative aspirations, Hilton’s personal evolution has also included the transition into motherhood, of course. “[Motherhood] is just amazing. My little boy Phoenix is my world. The cutest thing on the planet. Everything about him melts my heart,” she gushes. “He’s learning how to dance now, so it’s cute just, like, seeing him dance and shake his head. He’s always laughing and smiling. He’s just the best baby and I’m obsessed with him.” Since our conversation, she has also welcomed a new daughter, London. And no account of their family life would be complete without mentioning her five dogs—all Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. “I’ve always been such an animal lover,” she says, noting that as a child she wanted to be a veterinarian.

Just as it is for the rest of us, certain parts of the old Paris Hilton will always remain. Her favorite color is still pink, for instance, and she describes her professional garb as “if Elle Woods went to Washington.” But she is the first to admit that she has grown up. Rather than stepping out of nightclubs, she is more likely to be spotted speaking onstage at a conference or business event. The hints of the Hilton we once knew, though, shine through in more subtle ways. “I have always loved fun fashion, and I’ve always loved to sparkle,” she says. “And on set today with Living Proof, I’m getting some inspiration from the past, so let’s see what happens.”

Lettermark

Jessica Ourisman is a freelance beauty editor for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, InStyle, POPSUGAR, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, and more. She has previously lived and worked in New York, NY, and Paris, France, but is currently based in Los Angeles, CA. She loves covering topics related to skincare, cosmetics, aesthetics, and trends, as well as exploring the intersection of wellness and beauty. Follow along on Instagram or check out her portfolio.