WILLOW SMITH’S AFRICAN ROYALTY-INSPIRED MET GALA HAIR

OLAPLEX Nº.3 Hair Perfector: Applied as a pre-treatment to strengthen and repair the hair. “I love this product. It’s a staple in my kit,” says Vernon.

OLAPLEX Nº.6 Bond Smoother: Applied to damp hair to provide moisture and protect against heat damage. I genuinely use this on most of my clients. It’s a great preset.

Braiding Backwards: Start by braiding the hair backwards, focusing on creating a clean look from the front and leave out the low back section.

Pulling Up the Back Section: Pull up the loose hair at the back into the braided section of the hair to maintain a neat appearance, this creates a defined shape.

Using Rectangle Polystyrene Circles: Employ lightweight Polystyrene circles as stencils to shape the hairstyle, maintaining precision and structure.

OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil: This product serves multiple purposes: besides massaging it into the scalp, it acts as a finishing touch, enhancing shine and smoothing where necessary, all while offering protection against environmental damage. “Keep this close to you,” says Vernon.

Hair Doughnut Placement: Wrap natural kinky hair around hair doughnuts and place them strategically to add volume and shape to the hairstyle.

Binding with Cotton: Bind the entire head with 100% cotton, incorporating loose Afro kinky straight hair for a realistic look and securing the shape of the hairstyle.

Sculpting and Weaving: Sculpt the hairstyle further as needed and weave Afro kinky straight hair extensions, through the cotton binding to add texture and dimension.

OLAPLEX Nº.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo: “As a personal touch, I love applying dry shampoo at the end of the styling process. It not only refreshes the hair but also adds a subtle, natural finish. I particularly enjoy using it on hair extensions, especially curly ones, to tone down any excessive shine. This technique works wonders for red carpet looks and special events, giving the style that perfect finishing touch.”

Vernon’s Pro Tip: “For those looking to recreate this look at home, start by ensuring your hair is well-protected and hydrated using the mentioned products for a strong foundation. As you style, allow yourself the freedom to let your creativity flow and embrace the wild side of your imagination. Let your hair be a canvas for your artistic expression.”