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Celebs are known for looking their best when they have to saunter that scarlet carpet, and their hair never seems to play second fiddle to the fashion and makeup. To recreate the best red carpet looks, you only need two tools, and they're not a personal hairdresser and his comb! With some creative hands and a head of hair, you'll be pounding the pavement or rocking the red carpet like a star.
Chignon
A loose chignon à la Kate Hudson oozes subtle sex appeal and sophistication. The key to recreating the look is in the preparation. The style works best with freshly washed and dried hair. If you have a natural wave or curl, encourage the natural texture with a styling creme, as it works well with this look. Using your hands, pull the hair on the sides and top of your head into a half ponytail. The base should rest just below your crown. Secure with an elastic the same color as your hair. Use a comb to softly separate hair in the top ponytail into 2-to-3-inch sections. Wrap these sections around your finger a few times, then pin around the base of the pony. Gather the remaining hair into another ponytail, just below the first one. Wrap the pony into a knot that is messy and undone. Spritz with a holding spray and you're chignon is ready to shine!
Retro Waves
Retro waves are for the gal that loves a classic look with a contemporary edge. To rock the retro look like Eva Longoria, prepare your mane by adding a heat-protecting serum to dry hair. Starting at the base of your head, clamp a curling iron around hair. Unclamp after a few seconds, then move down that same section and clamp again. Spray the finished section with hairspray to hold the wave. Repeat until your whole head has been curled. Run your fingers through hair to break up the waves. Finish the look with a dose of sparkle by adding a jeweled hair clip and you're all set to make your red carpet debut!
Sleek Ponytail
This sexy hair style is not your "throw up and go" gym look. Take a page out of Zoe Saldana's hair handbook; she often shakes up the red carpet with this design, which has plenty of volume, control and shine. To get the look, blow out just-washed hair with a round brush to ensure a sleek, straight finish. Once dry, create a center part with a comb and pull your hair back into a tight pony at the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic the same color as your hair. Take a piece from the pony and wrap the strand around the base. Pin the hair underneath your ponytail to mask the elastic. Finish the look with a spritz of holding spray, and you'll look the part of red carpet goddess.
Ballerina Bun
You don't need a tutu to make this an entrance-worthy statement. A little undone yet sophisticated, this style highlights cheekbones and eyes. To achieve this style à la Sarah Jessica Parker, it's best to work with damp hair. Pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Twist hair and wrap around elastic, tucking ends into your pony. Secure with hair pins the same shade as your hair color and pull hair at various spots to make the look a little undone. Spritz with hair spray to hold the bun and you're ready to pirouette to the park or down the red carpet!
