Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The singer extends her collaboration with Pantene in a playful new campaign — with PEOPLE offering an exclusive first look.
Kelsea Ballerini Brings Country Charm and Big Hair Energy to Pantene’s New Campaign
After a whirlwind start to 2025 — complete with a North American tour, a coaching role on The Voice season 27, and head-turning red carpet moments alongside boyfriend and actor Chase Stokes — Kelsea Ballerini is keeping her momentum going with a bold new beauty partnership.
The country star is the face of Pantene’s latest campaign, Country Fried Hair, which uses humor and retro flair to highlight hair damage and recovery using the brand’s regenerative oils line. The campaign is set in a vintage-inspired diner that channels the golden age of country music, drawing aesthetic cues from the 1950s through the 1970s — and serving up solutions for dry, damaged strands.
“I wish I’d come up with ‘country fried hair’— it’s genius!” Ballerini tells PEOPLE. “It’s playful, retro, and a little sassy. Plus, I get to wear this super cute diner outfit.”
The campaign’s throwback concept resonated deeply with Ballerini, who says voluminous, styled hair is woven into the fabric of country music history.
“‘The higher the hair, the closer to Jesus’ — that phrase really captures country music,” she says. “It’s all glitter and volume. Look at the legends: Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, Shania — I grew up with women whose hair and style defined the genre.”
But achieving those larger-than-life looks often comes with damage from heat and styling — exactly what this campaign aims to address in a lighthearted way.
“It’s refreshing to spotlight the reality of hair damage, but do it in a fun, cheeky way,” Ballerini says. “Not everything has to be perfect, and I love telling that kind of story through the campaign.”
Ballerini’s journey with Pantene began in October 2023, during what she described as her “healing era” — a period of personal growth and reflection following her 2022 divorce from fellow musician Morgan Evans. That time wasn’t just about emotional healing; she also prioritized caring for her hair. The renewed collaboration with Pantene now parallels her evolution — both personally and musically — following the release of her latest album Patterns.
The campaign also features Pantene’s traveling Fixins Truck, which will visit cities across the country, including Ballerini’s hometown of Knoxville, the Texas State Fair, and the Red River Rivalry weekend. (Fans can follow the journey via Pantene’s Instagram and the hashtag #PanteneFixins.)
“There’s a reason I’ve always loved Pantene — it’s nostalgic,” Ballerini shares. “The scent is iconic. I rely on products that bring consistency and comfort, especially with such a hectic schedule. That familiarity grounds me.”
Below, Ballerini opens up about her beauty routine, evolving style, and the inspirations behind her music.