Christina Aguilera Reveals What’s Fueling Her Next Move

And what her hair has to do with it.

Christina Aguilera’s hair has seen it all. She’s had platinum blond hair with black streaks. It’s been jet black before. She’s gone bubblegum pink. She’s even been a full redhead. And beyond color, she’s had hair down to her waist and cut into a bob. But through every transformation, no matter what she’s put it through, somehow Aguilera’s hair has always looked healthy. While there is no silver bullet, one way she avoids breakage is by using the right products. The singer has recently partnered with Nexxus for their Keraphix collection, which helps mitigate damage.

“I love a good treatment for every part of the body,” she says. “But hair [is] the star of most everybody’s show.” Below, Aguilera talks about her most iconic looks, motherhood, and the artist she looks up to the most.

Can I just say you have the cutest kitten?

She’s our little Christmas surprise. She’s a Bengal cat, so she has crazy energy. She is a mini wild cat—adorable, but feisty. But I get a feisty girl.

How do you view beauty right now?

Not to be cliché, but beauty always has to stem with your intent, and be something that makes you feel good. If you are happy and content, that will surface on the outside. I don’t think there’s any one specific way to view beauty or express yourself. Everyone has to find what works for them, but it all boils down to staying hydrated, doing what’s right for your body, and having a little fun on the side. With my lifestyle, everything’s a bit draining—motherhood, having to wear many different hats, and being a performer. I just have no time. I need products that are going to make life as stressless as possible.

Where are you in your hair journey at the moment?

Visually, I tend to go to where I’m at musically and what’s happening with my projects. We’ve been through the gamut. For Stripped, I played with blonde and black hair. For Back to Basics, we did throwback, Marilyn [Monroe]-style looks. Right now we’re in between albums and projects, but I’ve been toying around with all blonde, which is what we’re going for today. For the stage, I love experimenting with a black root.

You’ve had so many iconic looks. Do you have a favorite or two that have stuck out to you over the years?

I loved what the Stripped album represented. It was the first time I was able to creatively express myself. I felt authentic and wanted to have fun and play without feeling confined. After a label’s control, and working at a young age, I got to step into what I wanted to do and feel free. We had different looks for each music video. I get bored easily. The artists I love are people where, if you look across the span of their career, there’s variety.

Is there an artist that you specifically look up to in that regard?

Madonna did a great job of keeping it flowing and interesting with all her looks. The storytelling coincided, both visually and musically for her music video concepts. She was always fun to watch and definitely paved the way for a lot of what’s happening now. It’s kind of obvious, but you have to give credit where it’s due.

What makes you feel the most confident?

When I’m feeling authentic to myself, and inspired, creative, and supported by the people around me. We all are our best when we really feel seen and heard in our authentic voices. Individual style and expression is so, so important. If I look at somebody and they’re being authentic, they’ve just got that magic.

Do you have a wellness routine that you follow?

I try to take care of myself as best I can. With my schedule, I’m a horrible sleeper. I wish I wasn’t, but I think a lot of creative people are night owls. I’m not on stage, doing my job, sometimes until 8 P.M. It’s high adrenaline and it takes a while to calm down from the stage. I’m very into whatever’s going to recharge and relax me: scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender that calm and ease so I can get my best sleep. Being a caretaker in general is a lot. I have so many animals, and they keep me up, along with being a mom to my own children. It’s really important for me to take my little bubble baths with tons of Epsom salts and candles, and hot stone massages.

What has being a mother taught you about yourself?

Patience, selflessness, and deeper love than you would think is even possible. It’s the most beautiful thing ever. It’s not for everyone, so I’m never a pusher—it’s everyone’s own choice. I’m a natural nurturer. I take care of my mom, my family, all my animals, and my children. It’s a role that comes very naturally to me.

Is there anything you can tease about your upcoming music?

It’s just too soon to reveal anything. I can just assure you there’s exciting stuff to come. I’m working with amazing people, and it feels more creative and inspiring than ever right now.

Via: Elle