True story: Adriana Lima’s hair for the 2016 MET Gala was changed 5 minutes before she walked onto the red carpet. “We originally had her hair down because she was wearing a dress,” says celebrity hairstylist Anthony Cristiano. “Then her stylist brought out a little cape to complete her look, and the hair just didn’t work. It had to go up! I had five minutes to change it.”

 

 

The key to perfect red carpet hair? Consider all the elements. “Your hair should be able to work with your outfit, the weather and what is going to make you feel your best. If you are in Toronto this weekend for TIFF, you definitely want to create a hairstyle based on the heat.” Cristiano notes French twists, chignons and ponytails are all great options for humid weather. “When I am planning the hair, I like to reflect on classics and then modernize it,” he says. 

A die-hard lover of the slicked pony myself, I asked Cristiano exactly how to achieve this look. “It always sort of… droops when I attempt it,” I told him.

“Its all about directional blow-drying” he said. “Spritz your roots with Phyto Phytoplage Protective Sun Veil, and then pull up your hair in small sections. As you brush it up towards the place you want your pony to sit, blow-dry the hair in the same direction.”

 

 

Cristiano also told me that if your hair is prone to curl in the humid air, you can weigh it down by leaving in a little bit of conditioner, or even a hair mask. He loves Phyto Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Mask ($44, at sephora.com), especially for curly and frizz-prone hair. 

“Tie a ribbon around your pony to add a little more personality,” he said. His number one tip? “Always style your hair in a way that will make you feel your best.”