Special-Occasion Hairstyles

Hairstyles

A ponytail doesn’t have to be reserved for the gym — this modish updo keeps hair out of your face and looks fabulous. Spritz dry strands with a thermal protecting spray, then run a straightening iron over hair to flatten and close the cuticle. Next, separate a section of hair on top of your head and clip it so it’s out of the way. Pull the rest of your hair into a high, tight ponytail at the crown of your head. “Secure it with two elastics for extra volume,” says Andy Lecompte, a Wella Professionals celebrity stylist. Unclip the sectioned strands and use a blow-dryer to create lift at the roots, then divide hair in half at your natural part. One at a time, sweep each section back and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, fixing in place with U-pins. “This hides the elastic and gives shape to the head,” explains Lecompte.

Hair by Lisa-Raquel Using Redken at See Management. Makeup by Keiko Takagi.

Touchable Waves

It’s time to get reacquainted with your hot rollers. “People think they’re old fashioned, but they really work, they’re easy to use, and they create perfect waves,” says New York City stylist Anthony Sorensen. Using clips, divide your hair into sections: Three on top, two on each side, and four in back. Wrap strands around a 1-inch roller and pin in place. Wait until hot rollers have completely cooled before unwinding. Then, flip your head upside down and spritz the underside of your hair with a flexible-hold hair spray. Mist tresses again with head right side up so curls don’t come undone.

Hair by Lisa-Raquel Using Redken at See Management. Makeup by Keiko Takagi.

Get Smooth Sleek Hair

To achieve that high-gloss, hair-commercial shine, begin by applying a lightweight smoothing serum to freshly washed strands. Then, using an antistatic brush such as Goody Jewel Shine ($6.50, available at drugstores), blow-dry hair so that the air is being diverted downward. “Always move in the direction of the cuticle –- never against it,” says Amit Abraham, portfolio stylist for L’Oreal Professionnel. For extra sleekness, make sure a concentrator nozzle is attached to your blow-dryer. Once tresses are dry, apply a dime-size amount of L’Oreal Professionnel Gelee Riche ($21,lorealparisusa.com) and run a flat iron through hair. (This step is less about straightening and more about sealing cuticles to lock in luster.)

Hair by Lisa-Raquel Using Redken at See Management. Makeup by Keiko Takagi.

Detox Stressed Strands

A flurry of special events means you’re probably applying more product than usual. “When you use a lot of heavy stylers –- such as gels, waxes, and hairsprays –- they can build up on the hair, making it look dull and feel as if there’s a residue that won’t wash off,” says Elaine Mitchell, senior creative director at Sassoon Salon New York City Uptown. To wipe the slate clean, use a clarifying formula once or twice a month to remove any buildup. (Avoid overuse, since these ultra-cleansing shampoos can be drying and may fade hair dye.) After washing, apply a hydrating conditioning mask loaded with olive and sweet almond extracts to help restore softness and manageability.

Hair by Lisa-Raquel Using Redken at See Management. Makeup by Keiko Takagi.

Low Ponytail

A low ponytail is easy to create and adds instant polish to your look. If you’re wearing a one-shouldered dress, create a side ponytail on the opposite side, suggests Abraham. Start by dividing dry hair from ear to ear across the crown of the head — you’ll be left with top and bottom sections. Spray the roots of each section with a flexible-hold hairspray or dry shampoo; then, gather all strands to one side and fasten with a thin elastic. To add an unexpected touch, braid a piece of hair from underneath the ponytail and twist it around your elastic. Tuck in any loose ends with bobby pins.

Hair by Lacy Redway for TRESemme. Makeup by Keiko Takagi Using Chanel at See Management.