A wash day with the Hallbäck trio!

A detangling story with artist Jessica Hallbäck and her adorable family

The other week, we got to be part of the Hallbäck family’s wash day, a Saturday morning ritual. That’s when three little kiddos get washed and prepped for the week ahead. Between all the fun and laughter, we talked about hair, parenting, and a bit of politics.

We left with so much energy and inspiration! It was a beautiful reminder that a hair routine can be much more than just another task to tick off —it can be a moment of togetherness. This family has truly created a beautiful tradition where hair gets to take up space between the everyday chores. A moment for presence, laughter, and warmth.

Tell us about yourself and your family

We’re a big family with five kids—two teenagers and three little ones. It’s a wonderful combination. The teens love their younger siblings, though of course, they sometimes find them a bit much. The little ones, on the other hand, adore the teens unconditionally.

What do you appreciate most in life?

The freedom to do things that make me feel good. I started working for myself about eight years ago, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Being able to set my own schedule and choose my own projects is exactly what I need to feel good.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an artist, journalist, and creator. Right now, I have a few different projects going—a current exhibition at Maxim in Stockholm and an art project in Burlöv focused on environment and waste. I also just finished writing a cheese guide. Otherwise, I blog for Femina and create content for different companies.

What does hair mean to you? Tell us your hair story!

Hair is a sensitive topic! I experimented a lot as a teenager—dyed it in crazy colors, tried wild haircuts, had a mullet, a mohawk... you name it. And that continued, though in a slightly more toned-down way.

By the time I was 37, I had gone grey and loved it. But I decided to stop dyeing my hair altogether to see what my natural color really was. I was born a redhead but lost the color as a teenager. I left it alone for seven years and ended up with long, red-blond hair. Then, this summer, I chopped it into a bob. But I’ll hold off on dyeing it again for as long as I can.

When does your hair feel its best?

Summer! Always summer.

Tell us about your kids’ hair and your routines!

My kids have curly hair, and taking care of it was totally new to me. It’s a lot of work! I wash their hair every Saturday, and after washing, I detangle it while they enjoy their one weekly moment of screen time. Liana, who’s five, gets braids that last her the whole week until the next wash day.

They absolutely don’t want me touching their hair during the week, even though it could use some attention. I think that’ll change as they get older. My main goal right now is to avoid accidental dreadlocks!

The kids themselves don’t think much about their hair. But they do get a lot of positive comments on their curls and their red-brown color.

Two final questions! What upsets you and what do you want to change?

Equal rights for everyone! It’s crazy that we still live in a world where people don’t have the same rights.

What are you curious about?

Where life will take me next. Life is so exciting!

About Jessica:

Loves: Beautiful things

Lives in: Malmö

Family: Liana (5), Frankie (4), Lou-Allen (1), Zoe (17), Lily (15), Ramon (46), Jessica (44)

If you could have any hairstyle for a day, what would it be? I’d get a perm!

Best hair tip! Don’t over wash your hair! In winter, I wash it once a week (hats make it dirtier), and in summer, every other week.

Favorite Rufs product & why? The Leave-In Conditioner! It gives just the right amount of moisture—softens the hair without making it heavy.

Jessica Hallbäcks Blog