“OGX, that’s why you the baddest,” croons Demi Lovato in her newest single, “OG Who? OGX,” which debuted July 12 on TikTok. The certified pop rockstar has joined forces with OGX to mastermind the latest candidate for the song of summer 2024; the catchy tune celebrates the freedom to do whatever you want with your hair. Lovato has flirted with many hairstyles over the years, from the long hair and bangs of “Camp Rock” to a buzz cut in 2021 after she came out as non-binary.
“My look has evolved in many different ways. Sometimes, my look is more feminine, sometimes it’s not so feminine,” she tells ELLE.com. “But I’m a multi-dimensional person, and I’m very fluid, so my hair is an extension of that and who I am at any given moment.” Out of all of her styles, Lovato names her pixie cut as the one she misses most: “It was so easy, and it was so cute,” she says.
For now, she’s sporting a glossy bob, and only a few days ago, she revealed in an Instagram post that she had re-dyed her dark tresses to a golden blonde hue. The “Heart Attack” singer’s willingness to experiment with new cuts and colors is partly why OGX tapped her for its latest campaign, which seeks to spread the word about the brand’s updated shampoo and conditioner formulas—the classic Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen, Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco, and Nourishing + Coconut Milk lines now contain more hair-repairing lipids and proteins than ever.
Demi Lovato working on“ OG Who? OGX.”
Lovato co-wrote the song, and fans on TikTok are already begging for it to be released on streaming platforms. “I was so excited to lend my voice and my artistic abilities to this collaboration. So, getting into the studio with my co-writers was really fun. We loved the beat of the song, and it turned out great,” Lovato shares.
Ahead of her live performance of the OGX anthem in Los Angeles later today, we sat down with Lovato to discuss all things beauty and beyond. Below, the multi-hyphenate dishes about her go-to products, wellness routines, and why she no longer feels the pressure she once did to be a positive role model for her fans.
Could you walk me through your hair care routine?
I don’t do too much to it. I change my style–I let it evolve with my music, and it’s a part of my expression. As for my routine, I like to keep it healthy. Having a healthy routine is the best way to have the best canvas. And I use the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner. That keeps my hair really healthy.
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner
Where do you stand on the side versus middle part debate?
I’m a side part all the way. I just think it looks better on my face. And I think it’s so not fair for Gen Z to be like, you should have one part, rather than one or the other. The fun thing about hair is you get to play with styles, whether that’s a side part or a middle part. And I am a side part person.
What are some of your other beauty essentials?
I love anything Renée Rouleau. She is a skincare goddess guru. And a lot of water. Water is really essential for keeping skin clear and staying healthy.
Renée Rouleau AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser
Renée Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner
Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque
Renée Rouleau Vitamin C&E Treatment
What are some of the best beauty tips you’ve learned over the years?
Sleep is really important for your skin, for everything, for your well-being. Never, ever, ever sleep in your makeup. That was a good tip that I learned at a young age. Also, always wash your makeup brushes. There are other tips, like only wash your hair once or twice a week to maintain it in a healthy way.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty means a lot of things to me. I think it’s literal and it’s metaphorical. Beauty is important to people to keep their self-esteem high. But beauty also comes from within. Beauty is everywhere. It’s everything that we see. And it’s in everything that we do. So I think beauty is all around us.
What do you think about the idea of genderless beauty that we’ve been seeing in makeup, skincare, and fragrance lines? Do you find yourself leaning into that?
I do what feels right to me. And I feel like that’s what should be everyone’s goal when it comes to how they express themselves. You should never feel tethered to a look that you feel others expect from you. But instead, you should feel empowered to do what makes you feel confident regardless of your gender identity.
What is the beauty look in which you feel the most like yourself?
When I have no makeup on, I have my natural curls flowing, and I just feel most authentically like myself.
What are your favorite ways to maintain your general wellness and mental health?
I exercise, which clears my mind, and that’s a practice that I use to release anxiety. But also, I have a great therapist, and I meditate.
Do you like any specific workouts or exercises?
No, not really. I like hiking in LA. I mean, it’s not real hiking, but I do like hiking and going on walks. But as for my workout routines, you’d have to ask my trainer.
What inspired you to work on the upcoming documentary “Child Star?”
I have personal experience, having gotten into the industry at a young age. So, I have a lot of experience with child stardom, and I thought it was a really fascinating topic. I wanted to deep dive into that and interview other child stars and see how it affected them, if it did affect them at all, and what that looks like for the future generation of child influencers.
Were you excited to work with Raven-Symoné, who is rumored to be involved, and other actors you’ve worked with in the past?
I don’t know who I can say is involved in the film, but I was really excited to talk to everyone that I interviewed. We have some really great people in the film, and I learned a lot from them.
Do you still feel that pressure you experienced as a teenager to be a role model for your fans?
I don’t feel pressure anymore. I feel like it’s a choice. I feel like being a role model for my fans is something I have intentionally set out to do. And it’s because I’ve seen how making an impact on other people’s lives in a positive way can really affect people in the best way possible. It’s something that I take a lot of pride in, and it no longer feels like pressure. It just feels like a choice.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.