Brad Johns, Hair Colorist to Stars, Dies at 70

Brad Johns, a celebrated hair colorist known for his transformative work with celebrity clients, including Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, has died at the age of 70. He passed away at his home in West Hollywood, California, on August 27, 2026, following a multi-year struggle with prostate cancer.

Over a career spanning four decades, Johns worked with a prestigious roster of clients such as Christy Turlington, Kate Moss, and Johnny Depp. He is particularly remembered for achieving Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's iconic golden blonde hair color, a signature "child-of-the-beach" hue that required meticulous effort to perfect.

Johns utilized his distinctive "chunking" technique to meticulously place highlights around Bessette Kennedy's face. He later publicly critiqued a portrayal of her hair color in a television series, deeming it inaccurate for the era. He also shared anecdotes about Bessette Kennedy's pre-wedding nerves, where she considered dyeing her hair black, a request he humorously declined.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1955, Johns initially pursued acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts before dedicating himself to hair design. His professional journey began at the renowned N.Y.C. salon Cinandre, and he later held significant roles at other prestigious establishments before establishing his own legacy in the beauty industry.