SEATTLE — As Sabrina Carpenter gears up for her “Short n’ Sweet Tour” performance at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, her hairstylist Scott King opened up about the techniques and products he uses to create the pop star’s signature look.
King, who has worked with Carpenter for nearly a decade, recounted how their collaboration began. “I was working in Washington, D.C., at a salon for about six years and was feeling a bit stagnant, so I spontaneously flew to L.A.,” he explained. “After about a year, I worked on a random photoshoot for Sabrina. I didn’t know her then, but I soon learned she was on a Disney show, and I’ve been styling her ever since.”
Carpenter, known for her vintage pin-up style, often sports her trademark blonde ringlets, a look King has perfected with a combination of heat styling and top-notch haircare.
“Given the amount of heat styling Sabrina undergoes, plus her hair treatments and highlights, maintaining healthy hair is crucial,” King shared. “We rely on Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate system, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment — all essential for keeping her hair healthy and vibrant.”
A key component in maintaining Carpenter’s hair during her rigorous tour schedule is the Redken 5-minute mask. “We use the leave-in after every wash, and once or twice a week, we apply the 5-minute mask for an extra dose of conditioning,” King explained.
To achieve the voluminous curls Carpenter is known for, King employs a few specific tools. “For everyday looks, I like to use a 1 1/4-inch curling iron for a looser, voluminous blowout,” he said. “But on stage, I opt for a 1-inch barrel to create tighter, vintage-inspired curls that hold up better under the stage lights.”
King also swears by heat protection and Redken’s Quick Blowout Spray, along with a volumizing mousse to add lift. After blow-drying Carpenter’s hair, King sets the curls with curlers for up to three hours before brushing them out, section by section.
To tackle flyaways, King has a simple but effective technique. “I spray a bit of Redken’s Brushable Hairspray onto a boar bristle brush and run it through the hair to smooth things out,” he said. “For a stronger hold, I use Redken’s Control Hairspray, which also protects against frizz and humidity—especially important during sweaty performances.”
As fall trends take hold, King revealed the three biggest hair trends he’s been styling lately:
Face-Framing Fringe
“I love a face-framing fringe because it opens up the face,” King said. “To keep it in place, I use a barrel iron or blow-dry it and finish with hairspray or texturizing spray.”
Blonde and Bold
“Blonde is timeless, whether it’s honey, platinum, or anything in between,” King noted. “But blonde hair can be damaging, which is why Redken’s ABC system is so effective—it repairs bonds while keeping hair healthy and shiny.”
Rom-Com Hair
“Romantic, bouncy blowouts are always in style,” King said. “It’s that healthy, shiny look that feels effortless yet glamorous, perfect for stage or any occasion.”
Carpenter will take the stage at Climate Pledge Arena on November 6th at 7 p.m., and King reflected on the demanding yet rewarding nature of touring with the star. “It’s exhausting—moving from city to city every day—but it’s incredibly fun to see my work on stage and watch the fans try to recreate the look,” he said. “It’s the best feeling.”
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