Creating Pageant-Ready Hair for Miss Kentucky USA: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with the walden.
- Hunter Walden
- Oct 11, 2025
- 3 min read
There’s something magical about getting to be part of a moment where beauty meets confidence—especially on the pageant stage. One of our favorite collaborations at the walden. has been working with Miss Kentucky USA, Mattie Barker, to bring her signature pageant hair to life.
From rich dimensional color to seamless extensions and stage-proof styling, we love combining luxury techniques with healthy hair practices to help her feel unstoppable. And because we get so many questions about her hair, we’re sharing a full behind-the-scenes look at exactly how we create it—from color formula to styling breakdown to maintenance between pageants.
STEP 1: Creating Dimensional Color with Keune Haircosmetics
Pageant lighting can wash hair out if the color isn’t just right. We aim for depth, shine, and tone that reflects beautifully on stage and in photos.
Here’s Mattie’s exact color formula:
Keune Semi Color 4.37 (a warm brown with golden and violet tones)
Semi Color Red Activator to boost richness and vibrancy
This combination enhances her natural tone while adding that “glass hair” glow that shows up flawlessly under stage lights.
STEP 2: Custom Extensions for Fullness, Length & Movement
Pageant hair isn’t just long—it's strategically built for volume, structure, and longevity. For Mattie, we custom-blend two types of Bellami Beaded Row Extensions to get the perfect mix of fullness and dimension.
Total Hair Added: 300 grams (yes—queens need volume!)
Weft Breakdown:
By layering these shades, her hair looks natural yet glam, with movement that holds shape on stage without looking stiff.
STEP 3: Styling for Stage Performance (That Lasts All Day)
Now for the fun part—styling! Pageant hair needs to be big, polished, long-wearing, and photo-ready from every angle.
Here’s the exact styling routine we use for competition day:
PREP (for smoothness, body, and hold)
Keune Velvet Cloud – moisture + strong hold mousse
Keune Thick Trick – plumping volume + heat protection
Keune Rush Hour – quick-dry blowout
smoother
Blowdried with Dyson Supersonic R for tension and shine
CURL & SET
Curled using Bio Ionic 1¼" Extra Long Barrel Iron (perfect for 24” extensions)
Each curl was sprayed with Keune Soft Setter while setting to lock in shape
SCULPT & SLEEK
Brushed into a voluminous ponytail
Keune Good Fibes to smooth and polish the base
Keune Get A Grip as a working spray to mold waves in place
LOCK IT IN
Finished with Keune Fixer for a long-lasting, humidity-resistant hold
The result? Full, glossy, sculpted pageant waves that stay flawless through photos, competition rounds, and crowning moments.
STEP 4: Maintaining Healthy Hair Between Pageants
Beautiful hair is important—but healthy hair always comes first.
To keep Mattie’s natural hair and extensions in top condition, we focus on:
✅ Regular extension move-ups
✅ hydration + repair treatments
✅ scalp exfoliating + ph balancing treatments
✅ At-home care guidance
One of our favorite tools for protecting her hair is the Brazilian Blowout (formaldehyde-free formula). This helps:
Control frizz
Seal the cuticle
Reduce styling time
Improve shine and manageability
Protect against heat and humidity
Healthy hair = better styling, longer extension life, and more confidence on stage.
Why Pageant Queens & Public Figures Choose the walden.
Working with titleholders isn’t just about glamour—it’s about strategy, trust, and performance. at the walden., we specialize in:
✨ Luxury color and dimensional brunette techniques
✨ Seamless hand-tied extensions and custom blending
✨ Long-lasting pageant and red carpet styling
✨ Hair health and maintenance plans
✨ A calm, private, luxury experience
Whether you’re stepping on stage or just stepping into a new season of confidence, we create hair that empowers you.
Ready for Your Own Crown-Worthy Hair?
You don’t have to be Miss Kentucky USA to feel like a queen—we bring the same level of care, artistry, and luxury to every guest.
📍 the walden. – East Nashville
💇♀️ Extensions • Custom Color • Signature Styling
📸 @thewalden.salon
Book your experience today—your dream hair is waiting.
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