What did prep for each of the looks entail? Talk us through any key techniques and products
L: Creating each look required meticulous planning and a selection of techniques and products to embody the emotions we wanted to convey. Here’s a breakdown of each look:
Sorrow:
Inspiration: We aimed to capture a melancholic and delicate aesthetic. The look needed to evoke a sense of softness and vulnerability.
Techniques: To achieve this, I started by creating smooth, sleek hair that framed the face, using a straightening iron to eliminate any frizz and create a polished finish. The ends were kept slightly damp to add a touch of natural, undone texture, symbolising the weight of sorrow.
Products: I used a smoothing serum to ensure the hair remained sleek and frizz-free. A light-hold gel was applied to the damp ends to maintain the soft, wet look without making the hair too stiff.
Fear:
Inspiration: We wanted a look that felt chaotic and intense, reflecting the inner turmoil associated with this emotion.
Techniques: Lots of volume was added to create a wild, frizzy texture. I backcombed sections and used a diffuser while blow-drying to enhance the natural curl and frizz. The aim was to make the hair appear as though it was standing on end, mirroring the feeling of fear.
Products: I used a volumising mousse at the roots to create lift, followed by a texturising spray to add grit and hold. A strong-hold hairspray was essential to keep the volume and frizz intact throughout the shoot.
Anger:
Inspiration: It needed to be depicted with a fierce and striking hairstyle that showed intensity and aggression.
Techniques: I chose to work with sharp, angular shapes and tight braids to create a look that was structured and powerful. The hair was sectioned into small parts and braided tightly then wrapped with elastic, before styling into an upward, spiky formation to add a sense of dynamism and tension.
Products: A strong-hold gel was used to keep the braids neat and in place. I also used edge control to smooth down any fly-aways and ensure the look remained sharp and defined. For the spikes, I employed a hair wax to mould and shape the braids, followed by a generous amount of hairspray for maximum hold.
Joy:
Inspiration: The goal was to convey a sense of lightness, playfulness, and exuberance. Joyful hair needed to radiate positivity and energy, which bouncy waves with volume naturally provide.
Techniques: I started by washing the hair and applying a volumising mousse to the roots while it was still damp. After blow-drying with a round brush to lift the roots and add volume, I used a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, bouncy waves. Each section of hair was wrapped around the curling iron for a few seconds, and then released to form soft curls. Once the entire head was curled, I gently brushed through the curls with a wide-tooth comb to create a more relaxed, wavy texture and enhance the volume.
Products: For the lift and fullness, a volumising mousse was key, along with a texturizing spray to add grip and enhance the texture of the waves. A shine serum was also Applied sparingly to add a touch of shine and keep the hair looking healthy and vibrant.
