Lacy Redway‘s hair design for the alice + olivia’s FW26 presentation was all about romance and ornamentation.
“The hair for this presentation is inspired by the Gilded Age and the Victorian era, really playing into that soft, ethereal aesthetic,” says Redway. “We brought touches of romance with pearls, crystals and gold placed throughout the hair. Between the textured, loose braid and the woven braided updo, my goal was to pull the hair back to highlight and complement the collection.”
Redway made it happen with amika products. A breakdown on both of the key looks below.
Get the Look: Cross-Braided Updo
- Prep hair with Supernova Moisture & Shine Cream and Soulstruck Nourishing Dry Mask, focusing on moisture as the foundation of this look, especially for textured hair.
- Once dry, mist The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray throughout for heat protection and longevity.
- Using a 3/8-inch curling iron, curl the hair in small sections for added texture and volume, and lightly mist Fluxus Touchable Hairspray as you work to set the shape.
- Instead of combing, use your fingers to loosely split the hair into two sections. If needed, use a no-crease clip while working to maintain a soft, natural separation that won’t create a harsh part when the final look comes together.
- Apply Superfruit Star Styling Oil to the fingers for extra slip, then Dutch braid each section back toward the nape of the neck. Secure both braids with elastics.
- Crisscross the two braids at the nape, forming an “X,” and pin them over one another to create a woven, basket-like effect. Secure with bobby pins, adjusting as needed to personalize the shape to your liking.
- Before adding embellishments, mist Un.Done Texture Spray to create airiness and soft dimension throughout the bun. Place pearls, crystals, or whatever gems you like strategically throughout the braided bun to naturally enhance the dimension, at an angle to avoid disrupting the braid or touching the scalp.
- Finish with Soulstruck Nourishing Dry Hair Mask for lasting softness and shine before heading out.
Get the Look: Loose, Romantic Braid
- Use the same prep steps as above up until the braiding point: Loosely braid the hair down the back, leaving the ends and front pieces out for a softer, more undone look. Gently pull apart the braid with your fingers and mist additional Un.Done Texture Spray for dimension and hold.
- To hide the secured elastic, wrap a piece of hair around to conceal it, and set with Curl Corps Enhancing Gel to ensure no movement throughout the night.
- Enhance face-framing pieces with hot tools and set the entire head with Fluxus Touchable Hairspray, securing with no-crease clips while cooling.
- Finish the look with Soulstruck Nourishing Dry Hair Mask, for instant softness and luminous shine that will last all night long!
- As a last step, make the look your own by delicately placing pearls, crystals and gold aesthetically throughout the braid for a subtle, light-catching finish that complements the braid beautifully.
