“Abbott Elementary” creator, executive producer and star, Quinta Brunson, stunned at the 78th Annual Emmy Awards with a whole new look. Gone was the jet black pixie we’ve become accustomed to seeing. Quinta’s hair was much lighter and much longer. Her hairstylist, Suzette Boozer, who just won at 2026 Emmy for her work on “Rupal’s Drag Race” a few weeks ago, tells The Tease that she had been lobbying for a big change for some time.
Boozer says, “Quinta Brunson is known for her signature Betty Boop pixie, but with multiple Emmy nominations for ‘Abbott Elementary,’ I knew this was the perfect moment to give everyone something unexpected.”
She shares,”The transformation actually started before Emmy night. For the pre Emmy celebrations, I teased the change with a chic bob, just enough length to let everyone know the pixie might not be making an appearance on the Emmy carpet. Then came Emmy night and we went LONG.”
“Our vision was beautiful golden blonde color, length and a soft, natural wave pattern that still felt effortless and authentic to Quinta. We collaborated on the direction, and I loved having the opportunity to completely transform her look for such a special night.”
But Boozer didn’t throw caution to the wind. “With a transformation involving chemical services, including relaxer and color, maintaining the integrity of her natural hair was just as important to me as the finished style. That’s where my K18 system came in,” she says.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of exactly which K18 products Boozer used.
Get the Look:
- “Before coloring, I applied K18 PRO Molecular Repair Hair Mist to prepare and protect the hair throughout the chemical service.
- After processing, I cleansed her natural hair and custom colored extensions with K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo and skipped traditional conditioner. It was important to me to give the extensions the same attention as her natural hair because I wanted everything to come together seamlessly.
- I then applied the K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask and allowed it to work for the full four minutes before continuing with my process.
- Before drying, I added K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil and HeatBounce Conditioning Heat Protectant.
- For the extensions, I used K18 AstroLift™ reparative volume spray to create lightweight body and movement. I allowed the extensions to air dry, and I loved the softness and natural movement I was able to maintain without adding unnecessary heat.
- The final styling was heat free, allowing the color, texture, length and movement to become the statement.”
Boozer tells us, “For me, a transformation isn’t only about creating a beautiful look for one night. It’s about making sure the hair underneath remains a priority before, during and after the transformation.” Of this look she says, “Healthy hair. Beautiful color. Natural texture. A completely new Quinta. And the perfect Emmy night reveal.”
If you have a client who’s interested in changing things up as dramatically as Quinta Brunson, and you use any of these steps or products, let us know about it. Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok.
