Spring 2011 Hair Protective Style

Celebrated stylist and Kérastase Paris Spokesperson, Ashley Javier led his team backstage at the Behnaz Sarafpour Spring 2011 show and unveiled a beautiful, new take on the traditional French braid. Relying on his coveted source of professional treatment and styling products, Ashley Javier plucked from his arsenal of Kérastase, including a new secret weapon coined Elixir Ultime, to perfect each model’s hair and complement the stunning collection debuted by the designer.

The Inspiration: “The collection was very delicate and feminine so I wanted to create a look with innocence and sweetness, but with a bit of an edge. We created a designer French braid that snaked neatly behind the head and was very intricate, not “do it yourself” looking. The great thing about a neat and skillful French braid is that it can last for days…even longer than a blow dry.” — Ashley Javier

To Create the Look:
§ Ashley began by applying NEW Elixir Ultime beautifying hair oil to the lengths of the hair to prepare it for braiding, by softening, adding body and solidity
§ Next, he started the braiding at the top left and worked hair into a French braid, following a crisscross pattern across the back of the head
§ Once complete, a non-visible elastic secured the braid, and the ends were pinned up under the hair
§ He finished the look with Double Force Controle Ultime to set the style in place with a firm, yet workable hold
§ Finally, he smoothed the edges around the hair line, once again using Elixir Ultime, and with a fine toothbrush perfected the hairline

Protective Style: Runway to Real Life

After a busy New York Fashion Week, Redken Creative Consultant Guido is across the pond in Milan getting ready for a week of innovative styles, before heading to Paris to finish Fashion Month. Guido kicked off his week in Milan with the Alberta Ferretti show, and created a very 60s chignon with a boyish swoop over the eye and small pieces left out just in front of the ears.

"Alberta has a very strong opinion about the woman she wants to send down the runway each season. This season we decided on a look that was simple 60s feel, yet stylized. Almost twiggy- like but with a boyish feel."
Create the look:
- Create a low side part on the left. Wet hair and apply velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel and blow dry in

- Spray quick dry 18 instant finishing spray in sections and back comb to create the "Bardot-like" height at the crown

- Pull all hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Coil ponytail around itself into a chic chignon and pin with hairpins

- Pull pieces out at either side in front of the ear with a tail comb as not to disturb the rest of the hair

- Finish entire look with shine flash 02 glistening mist for extra sheen on the runway (and for your personal runway)!