Here’s what two Canadian members of the Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks Team had in their backstage bags along with how they kept up with the pace of New York Fashion Week.

Product Picks

Michelle Oliver: OSIS+ Elastic Hairspray is so flexible which allows you to create and hold soft texture for the perfect undone look that’s hot at fashion week.

Paul Pereira: We use OSIS+ Grip Mousse on the mid sections and ends of the hair then flat ironed the hair turning it 90 degrees to create a bend on the ends.

Top Tool

Michelle Oliver: My Schwarzkopf Dressing Brush for smoothing, back brushing, and prepping the hair for romantic looks is the best. Also I can’t live without hairpins, which achieve a looser style and are easier to hide because they are thinner than Bobby pins. And a tail comb is so simple but so valuable for parting hair and detailing the style.

Paul Pereira: For combing and finishing a hairstyle the Mason Pearson brush is a must. Also, a flat iron is great for prepping the hair for styling.  

Timing Is Everything

Michelle Oliver: For the Alice & Olivia show we had about 15-20 minutes per model and we worked in teams of two to create the final look. We had hair extensions for every girl and a lot of braiding and pinning so we had to get into a groove and work fast. We had over 40 models to style, and we were told to have them ready in two hours, aim to be finished early and you end up on time, just like in real life.

Getting the Final Look

Paul Pereira: It’s key to follow direction from the designer (Stacey Bendet) or lead hairstylist (Michael Duenas). The hairstyling is shown in an editorial way, clean and in perfect balance that’s not overworked. For Alice & Olivia we incorporated scarves as hair accessories.

Photos courtesy of Paul Pereira, Michelle Oliver & Schwarzkopf Professional.