Hair should be fun.
Amanda Batula has been under fire for more than just her relationship with West Wilson. Fans are obsessed with hating her half-bun, half-ponytail “Summer House” season 10 reunion hairstyle as lazy, messy and suitable for the soccer field (or bed).
But hairstylist Olivia Halpin isn’t backing down. GlamPro posted Batula’s actions on social media on Tuesday night, just in time for the second part of the three-episode reunion.
“The bread you love to hate,” she wrote, tagging critics and makeup artist Laura Mele and stylists Daniel O’Connell and Alix Gropper, who all acknowledged posting Batula’s look on their accounts.
The styling duo blocked comment, but Halpin remained open and listened.
Although many friends left compliments on her work, Bravo fans were not so kind.
One said: “It makes me feel like celebrating the 2026 World Cup goalkeeper,” while another wrote: “It makes me feel like I have to run to the bathroom and get my hair out so I can throw up.”
added a third comment sarcastically. “I feel like this is a subtle way of saying you’re #teamciara 🤭.”
When one fan threw out a series of tomato emojis, Halbin took it in stride. “Tomato tomato,” she answered.
One of her friends commented, “I love it. Sue me,” to which Ms. Halpin replied, “There’s no way a girl can wear casual, effortless leaks 😂.”
“We wanted to keep Amanda’s signature beauty: effortless, cool, and chic,” the hairstylist tells Bustle.
She said the pony bun “complimented the outfit, required minimal alterations, kept the face open, and allowed Lola Mele’s charm to shine through.”
What about hatred? “It’s exciting to see so many conversations happening,” Halpin said.
“Beauty is subjective and everyone has their own perspective. That’s what makes fashion and beauty so much fun,” she added.
“From my perspective, this look was a success because it accomplished exactly what we set out to do: create something that felt true to Amanda.”
The reunion has been brutal for swimwear designer Wilson, with ex-BFF Ciara Miller and estranged husband Kyle Cooke (and the rest of the cast) questioning their relationship with Wilson, who previously dated Miller.
Batula was asked questions by Andy Cohen about the couple’s sex life and the chronology of her trysts with Wilson, which her glam team also had to answer on her behalf.
The 34-year-old reality star chose a yellow four-piece set with peek-a-boo underwear by bridal designer Celine Meiszler for the taping, and fans instantly compared it to the outfit Miller wore at a previous reunion.
Meanwhile, makeup artist Mele’s comment section was very positive, with one fan declaring that Batura’s charm is “the only thing no one can hate!”
The “Summer House” star is clearly sticking to a formula that feels right for her new era. Wilson and Batula are escaping to Italy together while the reunion is airing, and she brought a hybrid hairstyle with her.
