If anyone knows glamorous, festive season hair, it’s celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. A regular on every Kardashian’s glam squad roster, Fitzsimons also tends to the hair of Jennifer Lopez, Megan Fox, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Here, he takes us through five of his tried-and-tested rules, just in time for the end-of-the-year social whirlwind.
Don’t neglect protection
This time of year often means switching up your hairstyles more often, but with more styling comes more damage. If you’re flitting between more casual styles that don’t require the use of heated tools then you don’t need to worry, but if you are turning up the heat – say, to take you from a super slick ponytail to long, loose waves and back again–then defending your strands against heat-induced damage is a must. “Whenever you are using heat to achieve a look, it is imperative you use a heat protectant,” confirms Fitzsimons. “This will prevent the hair from becoming dry and damaged, which often leads to breakage.”
Do consider your structure
Despite having slightly old-fashioned connotations, bobby pins are something you’ll find in every stylist’s kit, including Fitzsimons’s. “If I am doing an up-do, bobby pins are a critical part of the look and I always recommend having [them] on hand to easily put your hair up–or to fix any last-minute mishaps,” he says. It’s not as simple as buying any old box of bobby pins though, according to Fitzsimons: Having the right shade for your hair is essential for seamless styling–as is being cautious about how you use them. “My best advice when it comes to using pins is to be mindful of how much hair you are tucking in. If you open the pin up to put more hair in than it can handle it won’t work.” He also has a solution if you are skilled at slotting your pins into place but end up frustrated when they ultimately slide out. “Apply hairspray before and after, and your bobby pins will stay in place!”
Use your products differently
Although dry shampoo is a styling savior all year round, it really comes into its own during party season. “If you don’t have time to rewash your hair in between event days, dry shampoo is your best friend,” says Fitzsimons. “It helps absorb dirt, oil and grease from your scalp without even washing it, so having one in your bag really comes in handy during the holiday season if you have a jam-packed schedule.” Cleansing opportunities aside, using dry shampoo as a styling spray is an insider trick that’s worth its weight in gold at this time of year. Not only will it refresh your strands between events, it adds subtle body in a way that looks less ‘done’ than volume sprays, and provides hair with a decent amount of grip for securing accessories. It also works well to add longevity to your Christmas look. “I actually recommend spraying a bit onto your roots after you’ve washed and dried to further extend the style, versus on day two or three hair,” adds Fitzsimons.
Don’t forget hairspray
If you are convinced that hairspray isn’t for you, then it’s time to think again. A good, flexible hold hairspray will help tame any flyaways and keep them under control all night. In other words, if you’re attempting a slicked back pony like Kim, you won’t want to leave home without it. To ensure you don’t overdo it and risk everything looking too stiff, take a more targeted approach. “Take hairspray and put some on a brush, then brush the hair to help it stay in place. Use smaller brushes for smaller areas or to slick down any flyaways on your updos,” Fitzsimons suggests.
Don’t forget to have fun
If you love the look of hair accessories but never feel brave enough to pull them off, Christmas is the time to give in to the urge and go for it. “For the holidays, I love using fun accessories to make a classic look a bit more elevated and festive,” says Fitzsimons. “You can do a simple blowout and add a sparkling headband to make any look more festive and chic, or if you are transitioning from day to night, a bow or clips can really help add a bit more glam.” Vogue loves Jennifer Behr for the chicest selection, and Prada for its party-ready hair accessories.
