Jared Leto's Hairstylist Spills All About That Magical #ManBraid

We thought we'd seen it all from Mr. Jared Leto — mohawks, Bieber bangs, and hot pink strands — until the 2015 Golden Globes happened. And Jared Leto changed the men's hair game forever by wearing his gorgeous, ombré waves in a loose, low braid down the back. It's the kind of effortlessly cool look we'd expert from a boho beach beauty like Behati Prinsloo or a young Hollywood face like Sarah Hyland. But Jared took the viral plait to a place where no mainstream Hollywood man has gone before — proving that the boys can play in the girls' club and still look damn sexy. From the front, Jared showed off a masculine, scruffy beard. But from the back, we saw his confident take on a classic (previously) female-preferred look. You don't have to ask us twice to say, yes, we love gender-bending beauty!

Jared's longtime stylist Chase Kusero was responsible for the job, so we chatted with him about this epic look.

POPSUGAR: Was this the first time he has worn a braid?
Chase Kusero: Jared has worn braided looks before — even in the movie Panic Room — however it was the first time he [appeared] on the red carpet with a braid.

PS: What products did you use on the braid? What steps were taken? Was it done on dirty or clean hair?
CK: Quick and easy steps were taken to achieve this look. [It was] a simple three-strand braid fastened at the bottom with just a strand of his hair. This gives it the most natural and organic look.

PS: Did you teach Jared how to DIY the braid himself?
CK: I don't have to teach him how to do his own hair because he has me.

PS: Did he rock it with dirty or clean hair?
CK: Dirty hair always wins.

PS: We loved all of the flyaways the braid had. Was that intentional?
CK: I wouldn't say the flyaways were intentional, but the idea of slight imperfections is what makes the hair great.

PS: How can men like Jared wear a braid and still look masculine (he looked hot with all of his scruff!)?
CK: We saw quite a bit of Vikings and Indians over the last year or so. I think the idea of a man with a braid or braids has gotten more familiar to the world's eye. A braid's masculinity is dependent on the confidence of the man rocking it. And [to keep it masculine], it should not be anything other than a three-strand braid with imperfections.

PS: Man bun. Man braid. What's next for men's red carpet "updo?"
CK: I don't think guys should wear updos. It gets tough for most men to pull off long hair. And unless you're Jared Leto, keeping the hair tied back as simple as possible is the way to go.

PS: Tell us about Jared's hair maintenance: how often does he get it cut? What products does he use? Does he wash it frequently?
CK: He has great hair naturally and is a really healthy person. With the length of his hair now, I like to use as little product as possible. Lately I have been using a sample product from my own line, IGK Products, launching March 2016. My long-haired clients — male or female — are seeing me every three months for a minimal dusting of the length to keep the hair looking long and uncut. Washing the hair less enhances shine and reflects light.

PS: Are there any other tips you have for men who have long hair and want tips on upkeep?
CK: The most important tip for men with long hair is: unless you are a naturally cool movie star or rock star it might be time to cut it!

Jared Leto From the Front

Jared Leto From the Front

Jared Leto From the Back
Instagram | mikeyyyyyyy_

Jared Leto From the Back

Jared Leto's Man Braid Close Up
Getty | Steve Granitz

Jared Leto's Man Braid Close Up

Jared Leto's Man Braid Stealing the Show
NBC

Jared Leto's Man Braid Stealing the Show