Coughlan stars in Olaplex’s Designed to Defy campaign
If there’s something that actress Nicola Coughlan has in common with her Bridgerton character, Penelope Bridgerton (née Featherington), it’s this: They both understand the power of secrets—and a great hair day. Olaplex, the bond-repair brand that redefined the entire hair-care industry, plucked Coughlan to front a major new campaign focused on the intersection of style, confidence, and healthy hair. As such, Coughlan is more than willing to part with a few secrets, like her favorite hair and skincare products—and what to expect in season 4 of the Netflix phenomenon.
“It’s really exciting,” the actress tells Bazaar of the Olaplex Designed to Defy campaign. “We shot it in L.A., and I’m a big fan of Jenna Lyons, so to know that she was involved was very cool. And I just really love how it’s come out.” Coughlan stars in the brand’s video alongside Lyons, Olympian sprinter/hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and hair experts Halley Brisker, Jenna Perry, and Naeemah LaFond. “I really, really love it,” she adds.
Ahead, Bazaar chats exclusively with Coughlan about her Olaplex routine, her beauty icons and philosophy, and a small glimpse into what fans can expect from Penelope in Bridgerton season 4.
When were you first introduced to Olaplex?
I first got introduced to Olaplex on the set of Derry Girls, because we would film that show for about eight weeks at a time, and that would necessitate me dyeing my hair more often than usual. The hair and makeup department was like, “You have to use this. This is the only thing that’s going to save your hair if you bleach it.” So I’ve been a devotee ever since!
What are your key Olaplex products these days?
Always the No. 3 Hair Perfector. I will religiously use that at least once or twice a week because, like I said, I dye my hair. I like to change the color. I style it a lot. So, knowing that it’s being repaired through that is really important. The No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner are on constant rotation as well.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Any other hair tools or devices you love for keeping your hair healthy?
I like to sleep with a silk bonnet that helps my hair not suffer from friction as much. Then I’ll have a silk pillowcase underneath it, so in case the bonnet slips off at night, I’m not going to be scuffing it up.
You’re currently filming the next season of Bridgerton. How has your beauty look on the show changed as your character embraces motherhood and the new Bridgerton-family color palette?
The designs this year are softer. She’s definitely leaning into motherhood, so there are a lot more updos and things like that. It’s a lot simpler this time, but she’s a busy lady.
Pen is a big fan of a sparkly hair accessory. Where do you fall on hair accessories in your real life?
I do think I keep things simple. I think I don’t feel super confident to do it myself, but I love when someone else does it. Like, [hairstylist] Halley [Brisker] will always have a really nice box of hair accessories with him, and he loves to throw in a clip or a bow or something. I love that.
In what ways did growing up in Ireland shape your perspective of beauty?
It’s interesting because growing up when I did, there was a big emphasis on fake tans, and it was all about covering up your natural pale skin. I also really wanted curly hair growing up, not straight hair. You see, you always want what you don’t have. I think it was very much more influenced by film and TV than maybe other Irish people, but the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve leaned into the Irishness.
Who is your beauty icon or biggest beauty inspiration?
I really love the Olsen twins. I just always think they’re really timeless, cool, and chic.
You seem to be a fan of pretty dramatic hair transformations (via wigs, at least) when it comes to your roles. What is one look you’ve loved and one look you would never try again?
The wigs I had for Bridgerton season 3 were so beautiful and romantic, and I really adored those sort of Veronica Lake waves that I had. Those styles are sometimes easier to keep in a wig because it’s set, whereas real hair moves differently. That was really beautiful. One look I’d never try again? I think the fringe that Clare Devlin had [in Derry Girls]. Not saying I’ll never have a fringe again, but I think that’s become so clear to me that I don’t think I would try it myself.
Would you ever dye your hair another color, or do you feel like you’ll be blonde forever?
It will change all the time. Honestly, at work, you have to be open to the fact that you might get on a job and they’ll completely transform it. When I was at drama school, they dyed my hair super-dark brown. I looked like a totally different person. I love the transformative quality of acting, so I imagine it will change a few times in my life.
You mentioned before that you’re a “skin freak.” What does your skincare routine look like these days?
So I’m a Neutrogena girly now, and I really love it because it’s a very simple routine, and the Hydro Boost range is really excellent. I like when it doesn’t have to be a 20-step routine. Also, I’m a busy lady and I find that something that is easy and convenient is perfect for me.
Any new skin tools or pro beauty treatments you’re loving?
Yes, I’ve got the new Current Body LED mask. I do like to lie under that, and I know the benefits of red-light therapy are huge for the skin.
You’re quite fair, like me! What are your thoughts on SPF?
It’s really important. You need to use it every single day. I only found out recently that if you do two lines on your finger from your middle knuckle up to the tip on your first two fingers, that is the perfect amount of SPF to apply to your face. I’m taking that tip with me and I’m spreading it to everyone.
You’re playing Silky in the upcoming The Magic Faraway Tree movie. Did you have any fun, fairy-inspired beauty looks in the film?
I adored my look in the film. I can’t spoil it too much, but it was really cute and whimsical. I had a fantastic wig for that film, so I’m very excited. I love my fairy ears, I have to say.
Finally, one more Bridgerton question: Olaplex is all about bonds. Who on the set of Bridgerton have you bonded with the most when it comes to beauty, makeup, and hair stuff?
You know, I think it’s Polly Walker, who plays my mom. She and I love talking about beauty treatments, things like facials that we get. I go to Josh Woods—the hairstylist–and my friend Jason Hogan, who has done my hair there for many years, so I was telling her how great they are. We love to talk about that stuff together.
