Redken's Runway Report from Paris: Valentino & Alexander McQueen with hair by Guido

With only a few days left of Paris Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week, Guido, Redken Creative Consultant created two beautifully eye-catching hairstyles for both the Valentino and Alexander McQueen shows, see below for inspiration and steps and products to re-create the look!

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At Valentino, the look was a soft, feminine braided ponytail emulating a gentle yet sexy woman.

“The designer wanted a younger hairstyle, so we decided on a soft, yet sexy, feminine braid – which is a different take on a ponytail this season.” Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken products:
- velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow dry gel
Create the look:
- Apply velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow dry gel into damp hair and blow dry straight.
- Create a clean center part.
- beginning at the nape of the neck, pull hair into a long braid and secure with a clear elastic.
- Pull a few pieces out around the face to soften the look.

*All photos courtesy of Matt Lever for Redken

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At Alexander McQueen, the fantastical look was basket-weaved panels inspired by nature, straw, wicker and basket weaving.

“The collection is very inspired by nature and creating things from what is around you. This style was inspired by whicker, straw and basket weaving – it’s a fantasy hairstyle and not meant to be wearable.” –Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Products:

-          spray starch 15 versatile ironing spray

-          forceful 23 super strength finishing spray

Create the Look:

-          Center part the hair from the roots to crown.

-          Divide the hair into 3 panels (left side, right side, and back).

-          Taking 1 panel at a time, divide the hair into 1” panels and apply spray starch 15 versatile ironing spray all over.

-          Flat iron each 1” panel so it’s completely straight.

-          Beginning on the left side of the main panel, take a 1” panel towards the top and begin weaving this horizontally through the other panels.  Keep weaving until the horizontal panels reach the end of the hair’s length.

-          Take the final portions and braid until the end.

-          Follow the steps above for each of the two other panels (left side, right side, back).

-          Once the back panel is complete, fold the panel upwards in thirds and secure with pins so it lays flat against the head.

-          Finish with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray to secure style and reduce fly aways.

*All photos courtesy of Matt Lever for Redken