****These days, it's not uncommon for the glam squad (aka, the team of hair and makeup geniuses who fly out with A Listers to primp and prep them before appearances) to become just as famous as their clients. In the Instagram age, where every single 'getting ready' session isn't complete without a few how-to steps or selfies with stylists, and magazine shoots are basically live broadcast, the new rising stars are the ones wielding the tools for once.
Enter Jen Atkin, hairstylist so beloved by the stars that Jessica Alba came to her wedding, and so ingrained in the Kardashian-sphere she has her own character on Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. We grilled her on about how best to find your perfect summer hairstyle...
Grazia Daily: First of all, is there an updo out there for everyone?
Jen Atkin: "I don’t think there is one anything for everyone. Everyone has different hair textures and lengths, face shapes, bone structures, etc, and it’s our uniqueness that makes us beautiful. So finding something that is universally flattering and ‘one size fits all’ is unlikely."
GD: Updos get a bad rep as being stiff and bridesmaid-y – what are three of your favourite cool updos for summer?
JA: "I love a sleek pony for summer, or a sleek low bun. These two looks are great for humid weather, as they are wet and slicked, perfect for controlling unruly hair (or for coming straight from the beach!). Plus, they keep hair off your face in hot weather. I also love an effortless side braid. This is great with natural texture and doesn’t require too much effort and styling."
GD: If we’ve got a round face, what summer styles would suit us?
JA: "I love side parts and off-centre styles for round shapes. This elongates the face and draws the eye diagonally, creating the illusion of length. Opting for styles with fullness at the crown are most flattering, and usually we can adjust any updo to accommodate. For example, a casual side braid with lots of volume at the top as opposed to sleek and slick would be ideal."
GD: If we’ve got a square face, what summer styles would suit us?
JA: "Square face shapes look great with wispy pieces around the front to soften the jawline. I love a low chignon with soft wisps casually falling in the front."
GD: If we’ve got an oval face, what summer styles would suit us?
JA: "Oval faces look great with almost anything. I suggest taking advantage of your symmetrical features and opting for a middle part with a sleek style. This will bring the attention to your face and features - try a braided bun for a fun twist on the chignon."
GD: If we’ve got a heart-shaped face, what summer styles would suit us?
JA: "I love side parts and fringe on heart shaped faces. Generally, styles with fullness around the bottom will be most flattering, like a faux bob updo with a Sarah Potempa Wrap Up (hair styling tool available here) paired with a beautiful hair accessory. I love Lelet and Jennifer Behr for stunning and ornate hair pieces."
GD: How can we make our beautiful blow dry last longer?
JA: "Avoid using too much products and opt for products with a dry finish to allow your style to last longer. I love R+Co Dry Shampoo (£27.00) and Oribe Dry Texturising Spray (£38.00) to amp up a blowdry the next day."
GD: Those of us with long, thick hair can struggle to get a blow dry at home that doesn’t take two hours. What quick tips and shortcuts can you give us so we can dry our hair to perfection?
JA: "Don’t worry about blowdrying your hair immediately after the shower! Allow some time for your hair to air dry with a leave in conditioner (I love Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream) before you hit it with the blowdryer. It will be healthier for your hair in the long run and will save you loads of time. Be sure to get as much moisture out of your hair as possible before you start styling. I suggest gently squeezing out water with an old cotton t-shirt as opposed to a towel. It’s less harsh on the cuticle layer of your hair (preventing frizz and breakage) and absorbs much more moisture."
GD: Which three hair products should we buy this summer?
JA: "Sachajuan Ocean Mist (£18.00) for beachy texture, Leonor Greyl Eclat Natural (£24.50) for smoothing dry ends and taming frizz and Balmain Dry Shampoo (£18.95) to absorb excess moisture.
Jen has a her own site, Mane Addicts, where you can find hair tutorials and get-the-looks featuring her clientele.