Hair Full of Secrets
Our hair care routines are deeply personal. From our first salon experience to the first product we fell in love with, every moment is a part of our hair story. At Byrdie, we’re fascinated by the entire journey—the styling triumphs and the lessons we’ve learned from wash day disasters. With Hair Full of Secrets, we’re bringing you the tried-and-true products, rituals, and recommendations your favorite celebrities, founders, and influencers swear by.
If you’ve ever admired Gracie Abrams’s precise bob, Jenna Ortega’s bangs, or Julia Garner’s crop of curls, you’ve also admired the work of hairstylist Bobby Eliot. Eliot, who learned his craft at the Vidal Sassoon Academy and worked his way up in the hairstyling world, describes his signature “Bobby Eliot hair” as “effortlessly cool.” After seeing his work all over the red carpet, on the covers of some of the world’s most famous fashion magazines, and in music videos, we’d have to agree. Ahead, the hairstylist and global ambassador for Shark Beauty and Olaplex shares a bit about his career journey, his best short hair styling tips, and the tools and products you’ll always find in his kit, no matter where his job takes him.
His Hairstyling Philosophy
“Hair should make you feel good! To me, hair is about expressing yourself however you wish.”
His Career Beginnings
“I started doing hair right out of high school; I went to beauty school at the Vidal Sassoon Academy and went on to work at Sassoon Salons and Academies, teaching haircutting. Growing up, I didn’t always know I wanted to do hair, but looking back now, I realize I was always playing with it. I guess subconsciously I always knew.”
@bobbyeliot / instagram
What Inspires His Work
“I find inspiration in literally everything. I can see inspiration in nature, music, and film. At Sassoon, I was taught about architecture and foundations. I learned about the Bauhaus movement and the concept that form follows function. That directly inspires everything I do with hair.”
What He Loves Most About His Career
“I love traveling. My career has taken me literally all around the world. Every job is so different, and I live for that.”
@bobbyeliot / instagram
How He Approaches Editorial vs Red Carpet Hairstyling
“In an editorial, you have to know how to work as a team. The key is always to be prepared for the unexpected. With a red carpet, having a good understanding of lights, knowing proportions, and recognizing the importance of silhouettes and their effect on the overall look is key. Also, knowing when to restrain yourself from always having a moment is important. Some of the most beautiful looks I’ve done are the simplest.”
How He Styles Short-Haired Clients Like Julia Garner and Gracie Abrams
“With short hair, it’s all about a good haircut, and everything else will just fall into place. I’ve been cutting both Julia and Gracie’s hair for years now; they’re such powerful women, so they are so inspiring to me.”
@bobbyeliot / instagram
A Hairstyle He Considers a Classic
“A cheekbone shaggy fringe will ever go out of style.”
The Tools and Products He Can’t Live Without
“I can’t live without a diffuser. My current obsession is the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling & Drying System because it’s a multi-functional tool with something for everyone. My go-to products are OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil and OLAPLEX No.4D Dry Shampoo.”
His Style Predictions for 2026
“Chic bobs are here to stay.”
