How many times have you sat in the hair salon chair before a big event and complained about your ‘terrible’ hair?
In the 50 years I’ve been in the business, with clients like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Naomi Campbell, and seven years as Princess Diana’s private stylist, I’ve lost count (and yes, even celebrities do it). .
But I have news for you: there is no such thing as “terrible” hair. You’re just not doing the right thing with it.
Sometimes it’s as simple as finding products that work for you, making small adjustments to your signature style, or trying a new cut, shape, or color, but there are a lot of things you can do to “trim” your hair.
Looking good for a New Year’s Eve party (no matter how exhausted and worn out your hair feels right now) is completely within your reach.
Whether it’s recreating Kate Moss’s ‘cool girl’ look or the secrets to glowing like a supermodel, here’s my complete guide to A-list hair.
FAKE A VOLUMINOUS SALON DRY
This holiday season, the big blowout is back and now it’s easier than ever thanks to foolproof volumizers and Velcro rollers.
Celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight believes that looking good for a New Year’s Eve party (no matter how exhausted and completely disheveled your hair feels right now) is completely within your reach (file image)
Use a volumizing mousse, root volumizer, or both to prepare your hair for long-lasting volume.
For those big, bouncy waves, you can use a hot brush (Shark and BaByliss make one, and the new Dyson Airwrap is amazing) or invest in a set of Velcro rollers.
These are truly the best for faking a blow dry. You don’t even need to put them everywhere. When your hair is dry, place four rollers at the crown of your head, add a little hairspray, and let them sit for as long as you can.
A little subtle backing around the crown doesn’t hurt either.
ADD AN UPDATE IN JUST FIVE MINUTES
Backstage at the London Olympics in 2012, I had to style 12 supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Georgia May Jagger and Lily Cole, in a ridiculously tight time frame, just a couple of hours.
But all you really need to achieve a quick and easy party hairstyle is five minutes.
Start by using a texturizer (like my Easy Up-Do Texture Spray) all over to give the hair some grip.
Use a regular elastic band to hold the strands in place, then twist the ponytail up and around itself, securing it with hair clips and loosening a few strands around the top and sides to make it look natural. Keep it simple, don’t overthink it.
TRY KATE MOSS’S ‘UNMADE’ LOOK
Kate Moss’s hair never looks perfect, and that’s deliberate. My long-term work with Kate keeps her look simple, natural, and “cool girl.” Her hair moves, it’s fun, it’s not too exaggerated.
The look, which is great if you want to add volume to fine hair, is due to the texture. I use my Cool Girl Texture Mist, which creates a sexy, tousled look.
Don’t just spray it on top. Spray it evenly (at the roots, mid-lengths and ends) using your fingers to shape the hair.
Sam McKnight pictured with one of his celebrity clients, Kate Moss. Sam also styles the hair of models Cara Delevingne and Naomi Campbell, and was Princess Diana’s private stylist for seven years.
DESIGN YOUR FRINGE WITHOUT SEAMS
If you’re growing bangs, they don’t need to be tucked away or trimmed.
Instead, style it: make it a curtain bang with a middle part or make it a side bang with a deep side part.
You can also use heat and a styling brush to move it to the side if you want a more glamorous finish.
Another tip is to incorporate your bangs into your hair. While it’s damp, separate it and comb the bangs with the rest of your locks, before blow-drying it so it blends perfectly.
FREELY USE A FREELY MOVING LACQUER
Hairspray is the product I use the most. It makes your hair shine, gives it volume and sets a long-lasting finish.
However, make sure you choose one that is flexible or brushable – you want to be able to run a brush through it, rather than having it give you an old-fashioned rigid hold.
For bouncy waves, I use my Modern Hairspray Multi-Tasking Mist. Spray each section of hair before wrapping it with a roller or curling iron for long-lasting results.
ACCESSORIES FOR EASY GLAMOR
Not everyone likes to do their hair at home, nor is everyone good at it. As a fail-safe backup, place your hair half up and half down, give the ends a little volume or curls, and place a velvet bow in the back.
You can also complement it with a scarf or a delicate hair clip. Avoid anything too shiny (think classy, not sparkly) and you’ll be set.
TAME RUFFLES WITH A TOOTHBRUSH
If you’re cursed with thin, flyaway locks (often a symptom of pregnancy, postpartum hair loss, or menopause), there’s an easy way to bring elegance back to your look.
Spray a few sprays of hairspray or a small squirt of gel onto a soft-bristled toothbrush and run it through your hair to magically remove them.