Vanessa Hudgens, beloved for her role as Gabriella Montez in the “High School Musical” franchise, has candidly opened up about her hair journey and the challenges of embracing her natural locks. Reflecting on her teenage years, Hudgens shared that she spent countless hours using heat styling tools, which left her hair extremely damaged and unhealthy.
At just 15, before her rise to fame, Hudgens began using hair extensions to help cope with her hair struggles during her time with Disney. “I feel like nobody knows, but in High School Musical I had extensions,” she revealed. Over time, the actress learned the significance of nurturing her natural hair and how to care for it properly, a journey she describes as one of personal growth.
To combat the damage from heat styling, Hudgens has turned to Virtue products. “They smell like stepping into a spa,” she expressed, highlighting the benefits of the brand’s Healing Oil and other products containing Alpha Keratin, a protein known for enhancing hair strength and shine. After facing postpartum hair loss, Hudgens found these products to be effective in restoring the health of her hair.
As a busy mom, Hudgens often opts for simplicity in her hair routine, frequently tying her hair back into a bun. “When you’re on the go, running around all day, it’s just the easiest,” she said, explaining how a slicked-back style allows her to feel polished throughout her hectic day. Although she no longer uses extensions, she prefers to keep her hair natural, reflecting a significant change from her earlier days in the industry.
Interestingly, Hudgens’ past music has found new life on social media, with her 2008 single “Sneakernight” gaining popularity among Gen-Z, even inspiring Halloween costume trends. Her reaction to this resurgence was one of surprise and appreciation, expressing, “I feel so old because I have no idea what’s going on in the world of TikTok.”
With her hair care routine now focusing on healing and simplicity, Hudgens exemplifies a journey toward self-acceptance and healthier beauty practices—an inspiring tale for those navigating their own hair challenges.