This season do you feel like trying a Halle, a Cassie or perhaps a Solange? Shevelle Rhule investigates the iconic A-List hairstyle.
Let me ask you a question – the hairstyle that you are currently sporting, was the inspiration spurred from a celebrity shoot in the magazine or perhaps a paparazzi shot on the red carpet? Whether we like it or not the impetus to try a new hairstyle often begins with seeing a Hollywood celebrity wearing it first. This became particularly evident after a certain Bajan superstar chopped off her long locks in favour of an asymmetrical crop that soon became the most requested hairstyle of 2010. Even the current move towards natural hair and 90’s box braids has been sparked by the queen of Afro cool Solange Knowles. There is no doubt about it, the power of the celebrity hair cut is sensational
“For me an iconic hairstyle is something that captures the trend and the mood of a given period. Ultimately it’s a style where people come into a salon and say they want that particular look,” reveals Errol Douglas who received an MBE from the Queen for services to hairdressing in 2008. “An iconic style to me is Breakfast at Tiffany’s Audrey Hepburn for glamour and Grace Jones for those amazing haircuts.” From Halle Berry’s pixie cut to Mary J’s trademark blonde bob and Grace Jones’ androgynous crop it’s their hairstyle (and fashion sense) that takes them beyond just being actresses and musicians towards demigoddess status. With so many celebrities wearing similar Hollywood looks – it’s those who are willing to take a risk and move to the beat of their own drum that are rewarded with the elusive icon title. “Iconic looks are important because they drive fashion, they’re important for the music industry, modelling and the movie business as well,” adds Douglas.
The power players behind the tresses of some of the most successful black celebrities on the planet include Kim Kimble who’s client list consists of music and acting bigwigs like Beyoncé Knowles, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige and Vanessa Williams. Ursula Stephen is the maverick behind Rihanna’s ever changing ‘do and charges a whooping $3,300 a day for the privilege. The silky locks of Ciara, Gabrielle Union and Jennifer Hudson are tended to by Kiyan Wright. Over in the UK Errol Douglas has coiffured the tresses of Diana Ross, Iman, Naomi Campbell and Thandie Newton to name a few. “Somebody I love and still collaborate with is Kelly Rowland. She came over here to have her first image change– I gave her a great cut and a lovely fringe.”
Evidently a great amount of time (and money) is invested into the tresses of the famous, with some stars spending £20,000 a week to have their treasured hairstylists at their beck and call. This is the initial step towards achieving Grade A-List hair, not the crazy price tag but finding a hairdresser that you trust and can build a solid understanding with. Director at Hype Coiffure and hairdresser to Rebecca Ferguson, Alesha Dixon and Alexandra Burke, Michelle Sultan agrees. “To be honest it comes back to celebrities having a great relationship with their hairdresser. The key is constant maintenance and care to keep their locks looking their best. “I loved Alesha’s hair throughout the whole of Britain’s Got Talent. I change her hair so often and she is so flexible and willing to try different looks,” Sultan gushes about her client. So in layman’s terms a good relationship with your hairdresser equals even better hair – simples.
However the ingredient to making a celebrity style a look that every young girl in the nation wants to copy isn’t quite so one dimensional. It has a little to do with risk but as we know not all risks pay off (sorry Nicki Minaj.) It’s a delicate balancing act between being ahead of the crowd, striving to be different, a willingness to change and making a style your own. For Errol Douglas it’s all about the celebrities piquing your interest, “Celebrity clients change their look all the time. So a look could be done one week and the next it’s changed. That’s why I love Rihanna you can’t accuse her of not being interesting! “The other person I find quite alluring is Beyoncé– it’s all about glamour and long hair with her.”
So how do we achieve A-Lister hair at home? If you do one thing, invest in quality products that celebrities use like Moroccanoil, which is a favourite with most top stylists too. Fans of the range include Rosario Dawson (who uses the oil treatment £30.45.) Alexandra Burke and Lianne La Havas love Mizani’s wide range of products including Moisturfusion Silk Cream Conditioner (£13.85.)
Some may scoff at how celebrities have the power to command millions to try the latest fad but you’ve gotta love the power of the celeb haircut. It reinvigorates the wearer and instils confidence so who cares where the inspiration comes from?!
