The One Thing
Our series The One Thing is a Sparknotes version of the products, rituals, and moments your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by—their go-tos, must-haves, and can’t-live-withouts. So go ahead—take a brief, intimate peek into the lives of your favorites through the things (and people, and moments) they hold dear.
Kelsea Ballerini started 2025 on a high note, embarking on her first-ever arena tour from January to March. While on the road, she released the highly anticipated deluxe version of her album, Patterns. If that weren’t enough, after performing around the country, Ballerini jumped right back into filming season 27 of The Voice.Â
Now, seven months into the year, the award-winning country singer is still on a roll. She most recently starred in a new campaign for Pantene, playfully titled “Fixins for Country Fried Hair.” The commercial—set in a retro diner—features Ballerini as a waitress serving up damage-fighting Pantene products to customers. Ballerini has been working with the iconic hair care brand since 2023, but she says this particular shoot was extra fun to shoot.
“This was my second commercial with Pantene,” Ballerini says. “When I got the concept for this one, I really loved it and the idea of ‘country fried hair.’ No one likes to talk about split ends, but this added levity to it. Plus, I’m a Tennessee girl—born and raised in Knoxville, so this campaign feels so me.” Ahead, Ballerini shares the routine that helps keep her hair healthy, her summer makeup must-haves, and her post-concert wellness rituals.
The One Hair Routine She Swears By On Tour
“Over the last few years, I’ve been so busy—I’ve put my mind, body, soul, hair, and face through it all. I gave my hair a good chop like three years ago, and I was like, ‘Alright, we’re getting it together now.’ I worked hard to do all the right things. And then it was time to tour, and I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m going to ruin all this hard work.’ So, we opted for a wig on tour, which I loved because I didn’t have to style it every day and I felt like Hannah Montana. Every day, when I put on the wig, I’d apply Pantene’s Miracle Rescue Regenerative Hair Oil to my real hair, let it soak overnight, and wash my hair the next morning. So my hair was actually getting healthier while I was doing my job.”
The One Thing That’s Changed Along Her Hair Journey
“I used to think that because I shot my first album cover with my hair down, I always had to wear my hair down. That style was like my security blanket. Now, I’ve gotten comfortable with not washing my hair every day and wearing styles like a slicked-back bun.”
Pantene
The One Red Carpet Hair Look She Can’t Stop Thinking About
“At the Grammys this year, I wore a retro old Hollywood look. I had a deep side part with high bangs and soft waves.”
The One Makeup Routine She’s Sticking To This Summer
“This summer, I’m all about ‘less is more.’ I’m using tinted sunscreen and brushing up my brows with whatever’s around. CoverGirl just released these TruBlend Skin Enhancer Balms for contouring, highlighting, and blush—they’re super creamy. I like to use them on top of my SPF. Then, I line my lips, put on a gloss, and add a couple of freckles if I’m feeling spicy.”
The One Outfit She Always Travels With
“I believe in a good pair of jeans and boots. The more you wear them, the better they get. As your style evolves, you find new ways to wear them.”
The One Thing She’s Checking Off Her Summer Bucket List
“A girls’ trip is a yearly thing for me. It can be a weekend getaway or something quick. I just spent three nights in Paris with my friends. It was so quick but so soul-filling. I loved every second of it. Other than that, spending time with my dogs—especially Dibs—has been really important. We’re doing lots of beach walks. He loves the water.”
@kelseaballerini / instagram
The One Song That Describes Her Summer Vibe
“Sally, When The Wine Runs Out by Role Model.”
The One Thing She Did to Celebrate Her First Arena Tour
“After we finished the tour, we went straight into filming The Voice to finish Season 27. Then, on the way home to celebrate, I went to the opening night of my friend Kenny Chesney’s Sphere residency. It was my first time at the Sphere, and the visuals wrap around the ceiling and the sides. It was amazing to see it and also be a part of it. Kenny invited me on stage to sing with him, and when you’re on stage, looking out at this massive crowd, and everything is moving—it’s wild.”
The One Ritual That Helps Her Reset Her Voice and Body After a Show
“I started using a nebulizer. I do warm-ups, teas, lozenges—all that before shows—and then the nebulizer after too. Steam is great as well. Anytime I can get to a steam room, I’m there. Or I’ll turn the shower on and let it get steamy. Sometimes, I’ll use those eucalyptus shower pods as well. It helps my skin, throat—everything.”
