“Summer House” star Amanda Batula’s relationship with co-star West Wilson isn’t the only thing about the reunion sparking conversation on social media.
It seems plenty of viewers had a lot to say about Batula’s polarizing hair ‘do for the occasion as well, after the Bravo reality star paired her yellow gown with a pulled-back ponytail bun combination.
While the reunion isn’t the first time that Amanda has sported the half-pony look, as she’s rocked it on regular episodes of the Bravo series, the criticism of her ‘do has reached an all-time high. Many of her critics believe it was a bit too informal for the setting, especially when paired with a more glamorous dress like the one she wore.
Now, her hairstylist is speaking out, while a “Real Housewives” star is also chiming in on the look.
Amanda Batula’s Hairstylist Defends Look
Hairstylist Olivia Halpin responded to the bun backlash in a June 3 social media post, captioning a photo of Batula’s hair by writing, “the bun you love to hate.”
She further explained the overall look while speaking with Bustle, saying, “We wanted to keep the beauty signature Amanda — effortless, cool, chic.”
“Together, we decided on the pony bun because it complemented the outfit, required minimal touch-ups, kept her face open, and allowed her glam by Laura Mele to shine,” Halpin continued. “When looking at the sketches of her custom Seline Meisler dress, we felt her hair should be up to complement the neckline, material, and overall vibe of the outfit.”
Acknowledging the discourse over the ‘do, Halpin added that it’s been “exciting to see so much conversation around the look.” She added, “Beauty is subjective, and everyone brings their own perspective, which is part of what makes fashion and beauty so fun.”
In the end, she believes the styling was a success “because it achieved exactly what we set out to do: create something that felt true to Amanda.”
What Viewers Are Saying
Among those commenting on Bataula’s look was “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Bronwyn Newport, who commented “I love your buns” on Halpin’s post.
Others in Halpin’s comments, however, wondered why she even took credit for the polarizing look.
“you could not have waterboarded this information out of me,” wrote one viewer. “Girllll the way I would never let anyone know I did this 😂” added another.
The jokes kept coming in, with comments including, ” Do you take cancellations?!?,” “I feel like this was your subtle way of saying you’re #teamciara 🤭,” and “It’s giving late for 9th grade homeroom in 1997.”
There were others still who had their own theories as to why so many people had a negative opinion of Batula’s bun.
“I feel like everyone’s Amanda hate is clouding the fact that the bun is so cute,” theorized one. Another added, “let’s just say it: the style itself is fine! cute, even. but we don’t like her, so we don’t like the style.”
See more of Batula’s polarizing ‘do when the third and final part of the “Summer House” reunion airs June 9 on Bravo.
