With the 75th Cannes Film Festival in its high, we’re bound to start noticing some favourite tricks MUAs are pulling out of their bags—especially in the beauty realm. After all, the red carpet glory is one to truly behold when it takes you on a trip from the tip of your mane, right down to your toes. And this time around? Wet, slicked updos seems to be taking the driver’s seat.
First spotted on Katherine Langford on our festival’s opening night, the 13 Reasons Why star paired her sequined Prada number with a wispy updo that amped up her glam factor. Others like Emilia Schule and Jennifer Connelly made their appearances in a more classic fashion: of tightly pulled back manes that brought full focus to their flawless features instead. Those choosing to strike a glamorous balance between sleek and sophisticated—perhaps even with a slight edge— took to half-up styles and grunging it up with tousled details.
View this post on Instagram
Yes, whilst we may not all be dialling in on a red carpet call anytime soon, it’s no surprise that many of us are starting to see our social calendars fill up amidst the high that is post-pandemic. So be it the perfect inspo for that wedding invite or a look you’re really trying to cinch in for date night, the season’s red carpet might just as well be your best bet.
Look no further, as we’ve taken it upon ourselves to ask after some quick-witted professionals on how you might achieve that mane: from the must-have tricks to the right products in your arsenal.
1 / 4
What product should we use for a more natural effect?
First and foremost—you’re going to want to get your hands on the Shiseido Professional Stage Works True Effector Shine. And when you’re choosing the texture type, Tien Goh, education manager of Shiseido Professional Singapore says to go for the water wax texture: which will lend your tresses a little more of a wet, glossy effect, as if you’d somehow managed to style this perfectly slicked-back mane after just coming out of the shower. As it doesn’t harden your hair, this will aid in making the styling process at home easier. Consider this the perfect everyday look to try on a chill night out.
2 / 4
How do we go about adding more dimension to our updos?
If you’ve got Katherine Langford’s more elaborate mane on your radar instead, be prepared with a couple of bobby pins and some extra product on your hand. “Separate out the middle of the hair at the front—the section where the bangs are cut—and do a twist and roll (especially for longer hair), before pinning it onto the side or top of your crown,” advises Goh. This will help you achieve that slightly wispy, vintage look up top. You can then follow up by “tying the rest of the hair into a ponytail” for a neat, sleek finish.
3 / 4
Does this work on shorter hair?
If you wear a shorter cut on the daily, trying this hairstyle might still work—you’ll just need more pins. “Put in the pins on the left and right behind your ears in order to hold the hair back,” as if you’re pulling the hair away from your mien. Of course, longer tresses will give you more to experiment with; a higher ponytail with a full slick-back might get you a more elevated, polished look, but you can also “explore different styles by trying to tie some braids on the upper half of your hair.”
4 / 4
How long will my styled mane last?
“If pins are used or hair is pulled back, it should be able to remain securely in place for the day or night.” So don’t fret—it seems like you’ll be able to safely take this hairdo from that midday brunch to the evening soirée.
