At the “Elle” season one Premiere in New York City, Reese Witherspoon delivered a polished and sophisticated beauty moment — one that held up effortlessly against intense summer humidity. The actor’s silky, glossy style was created by celebrity hairstylist and Nexxus brand partner Lona Vigi, who crafted a look to feel red-carpet refined while standing up to the unpredictable New York City summer weather.
“New York humidity and rain are famously brutal for an outdoor red carpet, so I love collaborating closely with the styling team to ensure her look stood up to the elements. The gown itself is spectacular — very lacy, whimsical, and romantic, so we came together to ensure the hair would perform beautifully and stay flawless under pressure,” Vigi shared.
Keep reading for the exact products Vigi used for everyone’s favorite “Legally Blonde” leading lady.
Get the Look:
Step 1: Prep + Smooth Foundation
On clean, damp hair, Vigi applied Nexxus Keraphix Liquid Crystallizer ($29.99), distributing two pumps evenly from mid-lengths to ends. The formula builds strength and fluidity while instantly reducing frizz and boosting shine without adding weight.
Step 2: Blow-Dry for Shape
Hair was then blow-dried using a round brush to create a balance of controlled volume and smooth structure—the foundation for a sleek, red-carpet finish.
“Because the dress has so much intricate texture, my goal was to keep the hair clean, smooth, and modern so it wouldn’t compete with the wardrobe,” Vigi further explained.
Step 3: Soft Refinement
A large-barrel curling iron was passed through the hair to further smooth the cuticle and add a soft, polished bend without disrupting the sleek silhouette.
Step 4: Lock It In
To ensure long-lasting hold in humid conditions, Nexxus Maximum Hold Hairspray ($17.99), was applied to set the style in place.
Step 5: Red-Carpet Finish
For a final polished touch, Vigi used Nexxus Slick Stick ($16.99) on a wooden toothbrush to tame flyaways and refine the hairline, creating a clean, camera-ready finish built for close-ups.
Planning on recreating Reese Witherspoon’s “Elle” premiere look for your next client? Tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok so we can see.
