The 2010 GENIUS AWARDS: HAIR
For ELLE's fifth annual celebration of beauty's elite, we sought out the most in-demand insiders in hair, makeup, and skin care. Here, hair gurus reveal their tips on everything from building a megacoif to crafting luxurious curls—no appointment required.
Model Karmen Pedaru lets her lips lead the way with a coating of L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Sea Fleur, a perfect complement to her deep chocolate mane.
The Hair-Raiser: Sebastien Richard
SPECIALTY: Since Richard started out, when he was 18, working with Linda Evangelista, things have gotten (literally) bigger: The Paris-based stylist is known for creating healthy-looking megawatt frizz.
SECRET WEAPON: For curls that aren't "too done," Richard suggests using a smallbarreled curling iron to make allover ringlets: "Sleep in it; then spray it in the morning."
QUICK FIX: To boost volume without redoing your do, Richard recommends bending over and blasting roots with dry shampoo. "It's an old studio trick that really works."
The Kit
A touch of Phyto 9 Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream on frayed ends "will do wonders for really dry hair"; Richard swears by the gravity-defying holding power of L'Oréal Paris Elnett hairspray— "it's a classic"; to add "a light, high-gloss shine" to dull strands, Richard finishes styles with Biosilk Shine On; an allover spritz of senscience Thermal Design Styling Spray on wet hair pre-blow-dry will give "major body with no residue."
Soft Focus: Mara Roszak
SPECIALTY: Thanks to her messy-dressy redcarpet creations, Tresemmé celebrity stylist Roszak has built a client list of adorable A-list ingenues ( Zoe Saldana included) since her first celeb styling gig at age 17.
SECRET WEAPON: "Conditioners are best when heat-activated," says Roszak. Cover conditioner-laden hair with a shower cap for five minutes to "let the steam get to it" at least once a week.
QUICK FIX: For a DIY updo accent, Roszak crisscrosses two bobby pins to the back of a rhinestone brooch, placed behind the ear.
The Kit
(From far left) For a perfect pick-me-up for day-old strands, Roszak says to "focus Tresemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo at roots and then brush out"; Leonor Greyl Voluforme Styling Spray "creates non-crunchy texture"; Roszak hydrates ends daily with "rich and creamy" Davines Momo Conditioner; BaByliss Pro Mini Flat Iron "is really good at getting strays along the hairline."
The Shining: Tracey Cunningham
SPECIALTY: Cunningham, Redken Creative Consultant for Color, is Hollywood's go-to for drastic color changes—whether for a good role or a bad breakup: "It takes a few days to do it safely—and well," she says.
SECRET WEAPON: "I use leave-in conditioner on everyone," says Cunningham. "Use it daily to protect the cuticle and lock in longer-lasting color."
QUICK FIX: For her "extremely busy" clients who need to cover up roots in a pinch, Cunningham recommends using shade-specific dry shampoo.
The Kit
"I don't have one client who leaves without a glossing of Redken Shades EQ"; Kérastase Chroma Reflect Masque "makes hair look shiny and soft"; to protect color from blow-dry damage, Cunningham favors Neil George Gooseberry Treatment Oil; Pureology EssentialRepair Shampoo "is the best shampoo for color-treated hair."
Business Classy: Johnny Wright
SPECIALTY: MObama's mane man, Wright gives his DC movers and shakers the hair equivalent of a power suit. But prepare for maintenance: "Regular trims are the secret to keeping your cut fresh," Wright says.
SECRET WEAPON: "Condition, condition, condition. Strong hair is easy to manage," says the SoftSheen-Carson Artistic Style Director. Weekly deep treatments prevent deal-breaking split ends.
QUICK FIX: State of emergency? "Brush hair back and pull into a low ponytail or chignon," Wright says.
The Kit
Pop open vitamin E and apply them to the scalp up to three times a week; Brazilian Heat Ceramic Flat Iron smooths, but "don't go past 400 degrees"; Strengthen "brittle hair with weekly applications of Softsheen-Carson Roots of Nature Reconstructing Deep Treatment; Denman Classic Brush has rounded bristles that are "excellent for styling."
Wave Rider: Wendy Iles
SPECIALTY: Blame Iles for the world's infatuation with luxurious curls–she's created the look for countless shoots. "My job is to accentuate hair's natural movement."
SECRET WEAPON: Iles has the "same recipe" for all hair: Twist strands along the curling iron toward the back of the head, clasp for several seconds, then "roll and clip curl until it's cooled" for marathon hold.
QUICK FIX: Iles finishes looks with a touch of serum. "For loose waves, I'm anti-hairspray. It weighs hair down," she says.
The Kit
N.4 L'Eau de Mer Hydrating Shampoo is non-detergent and leaves hair " feeling like silk"; BaByliss Pro Ceramic Curling Iron "prevents flyaways"; John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum "seals the finished spunsilk effect" of waves; fine-textured hair gets added oomph from Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam.
Check out the 2010 ELLE Makeup Genius Award winners and their must-have makeup products.
Damage Control: Pearson Knight
Master Aveda Stylist, Juut SalonSpa
Minneapolis, MN
Daily Essential: To avoid damage from everyday styling, I always suggest using heat protecting products like Aveda Brilliant Damage Control or Glossing Straightener to prep hair.
Beauty Icon: Lil Wayne, just go crazy with your bad self!
Personal Favorite: Aveda Control Force! I have only used it backstage at Fashion Week, but it is something to get excited about. That stuff will hold anything. It's a strong spray that allows direct and controlled results.
Top Secret: If you blow dry your hair every day, try using medium heat on your blow-dryer, rather than high heat. In the end, it only takes about three to four minutes more time out of your morning routine, but it's so much healthier for your hair. Actually, if you really have a lot of time, blow-dry with cold air. It does work.
Style 101: If you want to break a pony-tail rut, here are some quick solutions: Try placing the ponytail in different spots, braiding it, or twirling the hair around the base of the ponytail and securing it with bobby pins to create a pretty, effortless chignon.
