7 Simple Ways To Elevate Any Hairstyle
Whether you wear your hair long and loose, slicked back in a ponytail or effortlessly tousled, a more considered approach to styling your tresses can take your look up a notch – and it needn’t take a lot of time or effort. Here, hair pro ILHAM MESTOUR shares the small tweaks that will make a big difference
Add texture
Injecting a hint of body and life into your hair will instantly make it look thicker and more voluminous depending on the formula you use. “Dry shampoo can do wonders here,” says Mestour, artistic director of Balmain Paris Hair Couture. “It helps to absorb excess oil on day-two hair, but also adds instant texture and volume. Apply it section by section, spraying the dry shampoo directly on the roots before massaging it in with your fingertips. You can even put it on your brush before brushing for a bit of added texture throughout flat, fine strands.” On freshly washed hair, Mestour advises using a texturizing volume spray instead. “It’s like a dry shampoo but has a bit more grip and hold – you’d use it in the same way as dry shampoo, too, focusing mainly on the roots. The difference is that dry shampoo doesn’t have any hold, but they’re both very good for giving hair guts.”
Apply products the expert way
The difference between salon-standard hair and a DIY job is in the details. “How you use a product is just as important as which products you use,” says Mestour. “If I’m applying a hair serum, for example, I don’t keep it on my palm or the tips of my fingers – I use it like a hand cream, working it in between my fingers, over the tips and palms of my hands, and even on the top of my hand, before I massage it through the hair, so the product is divided evenly throughout. This gives you that ‘expert’ touch.”
Go big on shine
Worn sleek or textured, glossy hair simply looks more luxe. “Hydration and nourishment are essential to getting good shine, so apply a moisturizing serum or elixir throughout clean, damp hair before you start styling,” says Mestour. “Always apply it from the mid-lengths down to the ends only; avoid the roots like a plague.” Whether you choose to use a serum or an oil depends on your hair type. “Serums are lightweight and best suited for fine hair, whereas oils are ideal for medium to thick hair,” she advises. “I love Balmain Paris Hair Couture’s Argan Moisturizing Elixir for curly or kinky hair. It defines and enhances curls immediately – simply allow it to air-dry into hair, or use a diffuser.” Once dry, use your formula of choice to finish the style, too. “But again, apply it only to the mid-lengths, downwards.”
Adorn a simple style
A hair accessory can add elegance and sparkle to very low-maintenance hair, “but there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to which accessory to use,” says Mestour – it depends on your hair texture. “For curly hair, if I create a bun, you can lose the accessory within it. So, my rule is the bigger or more texturized your hair is, the bigger the accessory should be.” Meanwhile, for straight or fine hair, Mestour says bobby pins with jewels or pearls are always chic. “One of my favorites is a hairband, which is a universal accessory you can use with any kind of texture.” Look to the season’s oversized leather, metallic or crystal-embellished versions.
Consider a hair perfume
Misting scent behind your ears and through the ends of your hair will ensure any meet-and-greet is memorable. “Many of my clients love to use a hair perfume as the ultimate finisher because it elevates every hairstyle – even off-duty hair,” says Mestour. “Plus, it’s such an easy way to add a touch of luxury. Simply spritz the fragrance in your brush and run it through your lengths before heading out the door.” When it comes to formulas, stick to fragrances meant to be used on hair, such as Balmain Paris Hair Couture’s new heritage Hair Perfumes (in warming Vetiver, Cardamom and Ginger). They won’t leave an oily film on fine strands and come spiked with nourishing silk proteins. An exclusive argan elixir will also add strength and softness to hair – as well as a long-lasting scent, of course.
Opt for a classic look
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a low, sleek pony. “It’s the most flattering ponytail for all hair types,” says Mestour. “It’s always sophisticated and polished, and it never goes out of style. You can play around with your parting to keep it modern, too, whether that’s a side, middle or no parting at all – just completely slicked back. I have curly hair and I’d smooth my roots with a gel, pulled slick into a low ponytail, and keep my curl on the tail so my hair has two textures. If you don’t want a tight ponytail, use a curl or moisturizing cream to groom curls, and keep hair looser and wavier in the front on the crown.”
Don’t be afraid of heat tools
“There are two hair tools I can’t live without when styling: a straightener and a curling iron,” says Mestour. “If you have straight hair, run a straightener over the ends and you’ll get a sophisticated, sleek look in an instant. If you have wavy hair, use the curling iron to create a gentle bend at the ends, which adds an easy polished effect.”
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