Sandra Oh has spectacular hair. It’s the kind of hair that doesn’t just sit there; it commands the room, vibrating with a life of its own through every scene of Killing Eve or The Chair. For a long time, though, the world didn’t see it. Or rather, the industry didn’t want to see it.
We’ve all heard the stories of actresses being told to "smooth it out" or "clean it up" before a shoot. For an Asian woman in Hollywood, those pressures were doubled. The stereotype was—and often still is—pin-straight, raven-black, silky strands. Sandra Oh didn't fit that mold. She had what she famously described to Elle as a "thick, coarse, dense, frizzy thing" that she spent years trying to beat into submission.
Then something shifted. She stopped fighting.
The result? Sandra Oh curly hair became a cultural touchstone. It wasn't just a hairstyle; it was a defiant middle finger to outdated beauty standards. If you've been struggling to make peace with your own 2C or 3A spirals, her journey isn't just inspiring—it’s a blueprint.
The Myth of the "Perfect" Asian Hair Texture
Honestly, we need to talk about the "straight hair" myth. There’s this weird, monolithic idea that all East Asian hair is the same. It's not. Sandra’s hair is proof that texture diversity exists everywhere, even if it’s been suppressed for decades under a flat iron.
She grew up in Nepean, Ontario, feeling like her hair was a problem to be solved. You can probably relate. That feeling of looking in the mirror and seeing "frizz" instead of "texture." It takes a lot of unlearning to realize that the frizz is just a curl waiting for a drink of water.
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The Ted Gibson Factor: Why the Cut is Everything
You can’t talk about her hair without mentioning Ted Gibson. He’s the architect behind that iconic volume. Gibson is a firm believer that if you have curls, you shouldn't be afraid of the scissors.
Most people with texture are terrified of bangs. "They'll boing up!" "I'll look like a poodle!" Sandra had those same fears. In 2019, Gibson convinced her to go for a fluffy, textured fringe. It changed everything. It gave her a "new attitude," as he put it.
The dry cut secret
Gibson doesn't usually cut her hair soaking wet. That's a huge mistake for curlies. When hair is wet, it’s stretched out. When it dries, it shrinks. If you cut it wet, you’re basically playing Russian Roulette with the length.
He uses a "soft technique" on dry hair to remove weight without losing the shape. This is why her hair looks like a cloud rather than a heavy triangle. He also avoids razors. Razors can shred the cuticle of curly hair, leading to—you guessed it—more frizz.
Steal the Routine: What She Actually Uses
Let's get into the weeds. If you want hair like this, you need a plan. On the set of Killing Eve, hair stylist Lucy Cain used a specific cocktail of products to keep Eve Polastri's hair looking wild but controlled.
The Foundation
It starts with a clean, hydrated canvas. Sandra is a fan of the Aromatherapy Associates Balance Nourishing line. It’s not a "cheap" drugstore find, but it's focused on moisture without the heavy silicones that can weigh down a 2C/3A pattern.
The "Precious" Product
Cain once revealed that Sandra called the Kerastase Nutritive Oléo-curl "precious." Sadly, the exact formula she loved was discontinued (the literal heartbreak of every curly girl). However, the brand replaced it with the Curl Manifesto line. Specifically, the Crème de Jour Anti-Frizz Cream is the modern equivalent. It provides that "slip" needed to detangle without breaking the curls.
The Styling Mix
- Leave-In: SachaJuan Leave-In Conditioner. It’s lightweight. You don't want a heavy butter for this type of volume.
- Primer: Shu Uemura Wonderworker Blow Dry Primer. This protects the hair if you're using heat.
- The Texture: Starring Shooting Star Texture Meringue. This is Ted Gibson’s own product. It’s a mousse-meets-cream that gives hold without the "crunch."
The $40 Secret: Why She Uses a Curling Iron
Wait, isn't her hair natural? Yes. Completely.
But here’s a professional secret: even "natural" celebrity curls are usually touched up. Sandra’s hair is a mix of patterns. Some parts might be tighter, some might be lazier waves. To make it look "red carpet ready," her stylists use a curling iron to define specific face-framing pieces.
Gibson often uses a Hot Tools 24k Gold Curling Iron. It’s relatively affordable. The trick is to wrap the hair around the barrel but leave the ends out. This prevents the "pageant girl" look and keeps the vibe tousled and modern.
Maintaining the Vibe at Home
If you're trying to replicate this, you've got to stop washing your hair every day. Sandra’s hair thrives because of its natural oils.
- Trims are non-negotiable: Gibson recommends changing things up or at least trimming a few times a year. Curls need the weight removed so they can "spring" back up.
- Diffusing vs. Air Drying: If you want that Sandra Oh volume, you need a diffuser. Air drying is great for health, but it often results in "flatter" roots. Flip your head upside down and diffuse on low heat.
- The "Prayer Hands" Method: When applying product, don't rake your fingers through the curls. It breaks up the clumps. Smooth the product over the outside of the hair with flat palms, then scrunch upward.
Why We’re Still Talking About It
There is something deeply political about a woman—especially a woman of color—letting her hair be "big." For years, professional meant "contained." Straight meant "disciplined."
By leaning into her natural texture, Sandra Oh redefined what "leading lady" hair looks like. It’s messy. It’s voluminous. It’s occasionally frizzy. And it’s undeniably beautiful. It reminds us that "perfect" hair isn't hair that's been forced into a shape it doesn't want to be in. It's hair that’s been allowed to breathe.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Curls
- Find a curly specialist: Look for a stylist trained in the Rezo or DevaCut method. They understand how to cut hair dry and in its natural state.
- Ditch the towel: Switch to a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Traditional terry cloth towels have tiny loops that snag hair and cause frizz.
- Check your ingredients: Avoid sulfates (which strip moisture) and heavy silicones (which cause buildup). Look for "water-soluble" styling products.
- Embrace the "Day 3" hair: Curls often look better a few days after washing. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to keep the pattern intact overnight.
The biggest takeaway from the world of Sandra Oh curly hair? Stop fighting your DNA. The "frizzy thing" you’ve been trying to beat into submission might just be your best feature.