I don't know about you, but I always love watching the Golden Globes and the Oscars on TV, not so much to catch a glimpse of what designs celebs like Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson or Hilary Swank are sporting, but to soak up everything I can about their hair and how it was styled. This year there were plenty of standouts to see, from curled locks to brilliant blonde and red manes to minimalist, textured styles. And, of course, updos—a look that continually catches my eye—were in no short supply. Unlike past years, however, the hot new version was more laid-back; it appeared disheveled, almost as if it had been created with minimal effort.
 Frédéric Fekkai |
Although the new updo may look casual, it takes skill and the right products to transform hair into fuss-free chic. I like to start off by preparing the hair with my Frédéric Fekkai Technician Glaze, which enhances shine and protects haircolor from fading. I also prefer to add lasting hold by mixing a spritz of Frédéric Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray and a pea-size amount of my Glossing Cream into the palms of my hands before smoothing it through the hair. Taming flyaways is just as easy and can be accomplished by putting a dime-size amount of my Pomade Cristal in the hair and brushing it through from the roots to the ends with a natural bristle brush.
Generally, whenever I mention the word "updo," an image of rigid, lacquered-in-place hair immediately crops up in people's minds. But as you can see from the images shown here, this style is very dramatic, intricate and far from being stiff. In fact, it's loose, playful, smooth and ultra-feminine. In many ways, it resembles a flower that's about to unfold and is the perfect way to cap off a dress that's being worn to a wedding—or for a trip down the red carpet, for that matter.
To create this modern interpretation, brush hair back into a smooth, low ponytail. Next, take small hair sections and hold upwards, spraying them with Frédéric Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray for lightweight hold and control. Twist each section repeatedly until it coils up close to the head, then secure with a bobby pin. Repeat section by section until the entire ponytail is twisted and secured with pins. For a touch of glamour, gently weave a beautiful crystal hair stick through the finished look. There's no specific method as to where each twist should be placed—just let your creative juices flow.
E-mail Frédéric at [email protected]