From the shellacked updo at Givenchy to the half-wet/half-dry hair at Alexander McQueen to the messy, grungy look at Coach, gel made a major comeback at this season’s shows. As the hallmark styling product of the ’80s, it’s no surprise that with the current throwback to the decade’s fashion, gel has also made a return—but with an updated formula and new technology for modern use. “It’s interesting how you can use gel to change a conventional look,” says Guido, Redken Global Creative Director. “It really shows how versatile of a styling product it can be.”
Givenchy
At Givenchy, Guido relied on Redken Hardwear 16 to create the futuristic, helmet-like look. “The gel is the star product for achieving this super-strong look in the hair. Using the shine you get from gel to create a shellacked look or hard texture makes the hairstyle much more impactful,” says Guido. “It’s such a different look to see hair with that much product in it, while still looking elegant.”
Alexander McQueen
“It’s a very sculptural hair specific to the head shape at Alexander McQueen,” says Guido. He heavily sprayed Redken Forceful 23 onto the mid-section of hair, starting at the back of the head and moving up toward the forehead, soaking it in product for extreme hold.
Coach
Guido added a heavy dose of Redken Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist for intentional weight and shine. The overall effect? A tough, cool-girl feeling with a strong middle part and free ends for a boyish look.