Hair
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How to Get Red Carpet-Ready Hair Ahead of TIFF
You don’t need your own celebrity stylist…just advice from one.
by : Jennifer Nguyen- Aug 29th, 2024
Getty Images
The Toronto International Film Festival is just around the corner…meaning there’s a ton of red-carpet glam heading our way. And with red-carpet looks comes beauty inspo we will happily borrow, especially when it comes to our hair. Whether you’re partaking in the film festival festivities or just have a red-carpet-worthy event coming up, you’re gonna have to do something with that hair of yours! But should you wear it straight or curled? Slicked back or voluminous? And how do you get the look in the first place?! That’s why we’ve tapped the mastermind behind Sydney Sweeney and Ariana Greenblatt’s great hair days, custom haircare brand Prose spokesperson Glen “Coco” Oropeza. The celebrity hairstylist sat down with us to spill on the go-to hairstyles of the season and how to get the final red-carpet-worthy look from the comforts of your own home. Bring out the curler!
The Voluminous Blowout
GettyWhy we love it: It’s a red carpet classic for a reason. Seen on stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Blake Lively, Becky G and more, the celebrity favorite is renowned for being super flattering and show-stopping on everyone.
How to get the look: It starts with the right tool and the versatile Dyson Airwrap is Oropeza’s go-to. For a voluminous blowout, Oropeza advises folks trying to recreate the look at home by using the barrel attachment that comes with the Dyson to create the curl. The secret to making sure those waves don’t fall out faster than the time spent getting it in the first place? Pinning the curls in place to let them set, before shaking your hair out. Apply a texture spray from mid-length to ends (Orpoeza recommends the Kérastase VIP texture spray) and you’re all set!
A Slick Back Bun
GettyWhy we love it: If you’d rather draw focus to your ’fit or highlight a pair of earrings that you don’t want to hide underneath some waves, Oropeza suggests a sleek bun. Zoë Kravitz is fond of this formal option and has been spotted wearing this style with her red carpet looks.
How to get the look: Oropeza suggests starting with a hair oil (like the Prose Custom Hair Oil) and applying the product from roots to ends for smoothness. From there, the pro advises creating a part and gathering your hair into a tight ponytail, securing it with BLAX hair ties. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it in place with bobby pins for a polished finish. As for those pesky flyaways? “Spray on Cricket’s Amped Up Edge Brush and Kerastase Laque Extreme Hair Spray to get any flyaway hairs and [to] finish the look!” Oropeza says.
Brushed-Out Waves
GettyWhy we love it: For folks who love that effortless put-together look, the laid-back brushed-out wave will be your go-to for any fancy event.
How to get the look: Orpoeza says to separate your hair into small sections and curl with a 1.25-inch tool. Once each section is curled, run your fingers through the waves to loosen and stretch the curls. The secret to that natural look is to alternate the direction of how you curl your hair for a tousled look.
A Snatched Ponytail
GettyWhy we love it: Take a page out of Lala Anthony’s high pony at this year’s Met Gala and get a lifted look. It will leave everyone saying “Hello, cheekbones!”
How to get the look: Apply a generous amount of styling gel (naturally, Orpoeza likes the Prose Custom Styling Gel) to your roots and smooth your hair with a brush or comb. Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height and secure it with a Utiles hair tie. “They come in all colors so choose which one would best match your hair color,” Oropeza says. For a polished finish, spray hairspray onto a Crickets Amped Up Edge brush to tame any flyaways.
Sleek Straight Hair
GettyWhy we love it: Similar to the voluminous blowout, this look is also a hit on the red carpet. Seen on Eva Longoria, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and more, the versatile hairstyle is a go-to for any red carpet event.
How to get the look: Oropeza advises to start with clean damp hair, applying the Prose Custom Leave-In Conditioner to help tame frizz and protect your hair from heat. From there, Oropeza advises folks to divide their hair into small sections to get that slick look. “Starting at the root, blow dry using a smoothing brush and slowly glide down to the length of your hair.” For the finishing touch, Oropeza turns to his trusty Prose Custom Hair Oil for a bit of shine!
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