If you just finished spending weeks watching Season 3 of ‘The Traitors’, you are not alone. One of the standout personalities from the entertaining season was Dolores Cantania, reality TV icon known for her fashion and fun on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
The celebrity hairstylist and extensions expert behind her gorgeous curls is none other than Kevin Kelly. From Bethenny Frankel and Meghan Trainor, his clientele is star-studded.
The Tease had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin about working with Dolores, clients over 50, and his best hair extension tips. Read on.
The Tease: We have to talk about your work for Dolores on The Traitors! Can you give us a breakdown of how you create her signature blowout curls?
Kelly: We always start off by putting 22 inch clip-in extensions from Kevin Kelly Luxe in the color Espresso Martini. Then I go in with the Sebastian Shaper Hairspray all over to give me a foundation before starting to curl.
I use the 1.5 inch Hot Tools Marcel Curling Iron and after each curl, I set them with a duck clip.
Once her hair is fully curled and set I let the last few curls cool for about 5 minutes, drop everything down and use a 4 bristle brush with a light layer of Got2b Glued Hairspray sprayed on the brush. After we have everything set where we like it I finish off with the Kenra Perfect Medium Spray and to really complete the look I use Wella’s EIMI Glam Mist for a glossy finish.
Do you have a favorite moment working with Dolores thus far?
Kelly: Working with Dolores during The Traitors reunion was definitely my favorite part. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for a decent amount of time now, so being part of such an exciting moment for her made the entire experience even more special and rewarding for me.
What are the differences to your styling process, if any, that are altered depending on if your client is working on or off-screen?
Kelly: Most of the time when my client is going to be on screen, I am working heavily with extensions and focus on seamlessly blending extensions to achieve the desired style. As for clients in my chair, I am usually dedicating my attention to color application and coloring techniques.
You work for clients ranging from their 20s to 50+. Do you creatively believe that women should make changes to their hair as they age?
Kelly: Hair, like any other part of our appearance, is a personal choice and can be a fun way to express individuality or confidence at any stage of life. Age doesn’t define the ability to express style through hair—it’s about what makes someone feel good and authentic.
As an extension expert, what is the best advice for those who want to give them a try for the first time?
Kelly: Really do your research on an extension expert in your area. Anyone can install extensions. The craft is in the cutting and blending.
When not assisting celebrities, you are the lead stylist at your very own salon in New Jersey. What has this experience of balancing high-profile and normal clients been like for you?
Kelly: Balancing clients outside of my salon is not always easy, but I’m incredibly grateful for my accommodating salon family—whether it’s my stylists or my clients. Sometimes, I get last-minute calls and I always strive to do the most I can for everyone. It’s a juggling act, but I’ve found that the key is finding a balance along the way. No matter who’s hair I’m doing, I treat all of my clients with the same level of care.
For all things Kevin Kelly, be sure to check out his recent looks @kevinkelly.hair on Instagram or shop his products on his website.
