From 'Buttery Chunks' to Fame: Hair Legend Dies

Brad Johns, the influential hair colorist who made "buttery chunks" a celebrated technique, passed away on August 27 at the age of 70 in West Hollywood, California. His death was attributed to complications from prostate cancer. Johns rose to prominence in the 1990s, transforming the hair of celebrities like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with his signature blonding method.

His innovative technique involved painting hanks of hair with bleach, primarily around the face, creating a look he described as "buttery." This artistic approach, which he compared to works by Picasso, contrasted with the more subtle methods of earlier stylists. Johns's salon work was prolific, often styling dozens of clients daily, and his popularization of descriptive terms like "butter" and "caramel" for hair color brought a new vocabulary to the industry.

Born Bradley Salvatore Johns in Pennsylvania, he overcame a childhood marked by poverty and bullying to pursue his passion for beauty. After an early, brief stint in acting school, he enrolled in beauty school and began his career at a high-end New York salon. His work with high-profile clients, including models, actors, and socialites, cemented his status as a society figure.

Beyond his hair artistry, Johns explored other creative avenues, including jewelry and fine art glass pieces. He also served as a spokesman for Clairol and a global color director for Avon. He is survived by his partner, Donovan Blyden, and two siblings. His career was marked by both artistic success and personal challenges, including a struggle with addiction and mental health.