Meet the hair extension expert behind Kate Middleton, Gigi Hadid and Alix Earle’s luscious locks

When royals, supermodels and “It” girls want Rapunzel-level locks, they head to RPZL.

From founder Lisa Richards’ NYC salon at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, the RPZL team boosts clients’ blowouts with her best-in-class hair extensions, which range in price from $695 to $1,700 — and count Gigi Hadid, Paris Hilton and Kate Middleton among their most high-profile clients.

Richards has had it “confirmed” that the Princess of Wales has worn her brand’s extensions, although it’s not known when; Princess Beatrice, meanwhile, wore one of RPZL’s padded headbands in a photo announcing her second pregnancy this week.

A rep for the Princess of Wales was unavailable for comment.

Richards has had it “confirmed” that the Princess of Wales has worn her brand’s extensions, although it’s not known when. Getty Images Princess Beatrice, meanwhile, wore one of RPZL’s padded headbands in a photo announcing her second pregnancy this week. via REUTERS

Gigi Hadid’s a RPZL regular, having worn Richards’ extensions at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March as well as the 2023 Met Gala, while Madelyn Cline wore them to the US Open last month.

Other notable clients include Charli D’Amelio, Katie Holmes, Vanessa Hudgens, Lindsey Vonn, Poppy Delevingne and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star Brooks Nader.

New Yorker Richards was busy working in marketing, sales and distribution for sports and entertainment giants including World Wrestling Entertainment, Starz and On Demand when she started the investment and marketing firm Piper to fund beauty and fitness start-up ventures, including co-founding RPZL.

She herself had experienced thinning hair, and loved how adding extensions instantly boosted her confidence.

Gigi Hadid wore RPZL extensions for her night at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March. Gigi Hadid/Instagram Lisa Richards founded RPZL after she experienced thinning hair — and wants to offer every woman the chance to feel better about themselves, not just celebs. Roger Neve

The mane maestro tells us there’s been a boom in women seeking more volume in their locks after experiencing hair loss due to aging and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

And while clients can have their extra hair installed at her salon, Richards also now sells clip-in extensions, clip-on ponytails and even braided headbands on her website.

“We source our hair ethically,” Richards says.

“We’re the only place you can walk in and get same-day extensions in the world. It’s so cool you can walk in and walk out with keratin bond or tape extensions or a pony.”

Madelyn Cline wore RPZL extensions to the US Open last month. Madelyn Cline/Instagram And TikTok phenom Alix Earle’s boosted her blowout with help from the brand’s extensions. RPZL/Instagram

Stephanie Angelone, who has worked with RPZL for the past 10 years, tells us, “My favorite part of the job is making hair dreams come true.”

Angelone has worked with celebs including Paris Hilton and Jill Zarin.

“They want people to envy them, to look up to them. Every woman wants the perfect hair,” she says of her star clients.

RPZL stylist Stephanie Angelone has worked with Paris Hilton. GC Images Angelone’s client list also includes Paris’ sister, Nicky. Nicky Hilton/Instagram

She’s also personally witnessed how a good hair makeover can be life-changing.

“I’ve worked with women with cancer and they have walked out of here so happy,” she tells us.

“Extensions are the new Botox. People will say, ‘Oh, I wish I had her hair.’ Now you can. It’s not like plastic surgery; it’s affordable luxury, and it makes women feel more secure. Your hair is your biggest thing.”