Kate Hudson Discusses Romantic Comedy Glamour, Lunar Practices, and the "Good Hair Day" Products She Relies On

      Some actors have standout moments, but Kate Hudson? She has entire eras. From portraying the quintessential bohemian girl, Penny Lane, to inspiring me—and many fellow writers—with early 2000s journalist-girl goals as Andie Anderson, her roles have influenced pop culture like few romantic comedy leads do. Now, she's embarking on a fresh chapter. In Netflix's Running Point, she plays Isla Gordon, a reformed party girl who unexpectedly inherits her father’s NBA team. Additionally, she's beginning a new career as a singer-songwriter and, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, she's stepping into the position of Joico's first-ever global spokesperson. Hudson's collaboration with Joico highlights the joy of healthy hair, making her an ideal partner for one of the most significant haircare brands globally. Not only does she have some of the most enviable hair in Hollywood, but she's also been an enduring presence on our collective beauty inspiration board (especially for those who recall her messy updo and pink peacoat in the cult classic 200 Cigarettes from 1999). Let’s be real; I’m certainly not the only one who thought about buying a canary-yellow slip dress after watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. During a recent press event in New York, I spoke with Hudson about Running Point, beauty transformations, her essential Joico products, and her mystical side. Yes, she has a deep interest in tarot, moon rituals, and crystals, which only makes me adore her even more.

      To begin, I must mention—I started watching Running Point last night in my hotel room, and I was instantly hooked. I binge-watched four episodes and thought, "I have articles to write, but I just want to keep watching!" It's incredibly funny.

      Thank you! That makes me so happy. We loved creating it; it has been an amazing experience. During press this week while discussing everyone involved in the show, I felt so much love for it. It seems like everyone is really enjoying it. It's truly been a joy.

      I can tell Isla Gordon is going to be another iconic role for you. And the costumes are fantastic!

      Aren't they? My stylist, Sophie Lopez, collaborated with Sal [Pérez], our costume designer, to really define Isla's look. If we get the green light for another season—fingers crossed—we plan to go all out with the outfits [laughs].

      We need to discuss how Penny Lane and Andie Anderson continue to be major style and beauty icons. How did hair, makeup, and wardrobe influence your portrayal of these characters?

      It's everything. Hair and makeup play a crucial role—even for someone like Andie Anderson, who appears to have a straightforward blowout. But there are countless details to consider. How blonde is she? What’s the reason for that specific shade? Does she use one process or multiple? Who styles her hair? I recently saw a TikTok where someone perfectly captured this, and it was hilarious because we consider these aspects but rarely discuss them since they seem trivial. But he hit all the right notes regarding the curly hair scene [at the end of How to Lose a Guy] when she's off-duty.

      In my latest film [the upcoming Song Sung Blue], hair and makeup are integral, functioning almost as a character. The moment I donned my "Claire hair," I transformed into a different person. Hair can do that. When you add in a bunch of extensions and sport voluminous hair that’s bouncy, your entire demeanor shifts [laughs].

      Absolutely. Transitioning from black to pink and then blonde completely changed my vibe. I thought, "This is my new character now. I'm fully embracing it."

      It's such a blast. I always say hair is the main character. Makeup can be, too, but if your hair isn’t on point, it throws everything off.

      You often portray confident characters, including Isla. Is there a particular role where you felt that confidence the most? Liv in Bride Wars stands out; her intensity and ambition were really entertaining to embody. Birdie Jay in Glass Onion was probably the most fun, vibrant, and fabulous character I’ve ever played—not to mention the amazing costumes and hair and makeup!

      Let’s talk about your era as a singer-songwriter! What’s your hair vibe when performing?

      Thank you. It’s been incredibly fulfilling for my spirit, and sharing it with the world has been a wonderful aspect of my life. In terms of hair, it varies. For larger shows, I prefer having my hair down. Recently, I performed with a live orchestra in England for the BBC, and I appreciated having my hair pulled up and out of the way. It reminded me of Ariana [Grande] and her signature ponytail; I thought, "That could be a fun compromise." It keeps hair manageable while adding some movement.

      Your hair is always stunning. What Joico products are you using?

      I've been using