Get the look: Valentino Spring 2012 runway hair

The final look/Image courtesy of Redken USA-beautypress

As we mentioned in our most recent backstage beauty report, For Spring 2012 braided and twisted do's whether all the way up or long and flowing were cropping up everywhere. But, as anyone who has ever struggled with self-fishtaling or attempted a French braid knows creating these looks at home can be more than a little challenging and sometimes just figuring out 'what exactly is happening on that model's head' is the biggest hurdle to overcome. 

Thankfully, when it comes to the complicated yet ultra feminine looks that graced the Valentino Spring 2012 runways Redken's resident creative genius (and runway hair guru) Guido Palau has agreed to share his process with the world. 

Here's how Palau described the look via the official press release: 

"[the look is] A classic, sensual Valentino woman with soft braids. Valentino has really found their woman and we see her each season in different guises. Today's look is very signature Valentino, it's beautiful and romantic, it’s about a woman with an ease to her beauty. The look we created is a French braid wrapped around her head- the kind of beauty that is timeless.”

the look from the back/Image courtesy of Redken USA-beautypressHow it was done: 

First hair was shampoo'd and conditioned with All Soft IPN shampoo and conditioner. The All Soft Argan-6 Multi-care oil  was applied and hair was blown-dry to create a soft shine to the hair.  Next, a circular section of the hair was taken at the crown and  divided into 3 sections  to create a French braid. The braid was continued across the head counter clockwise around the hairline to just under the right ear hair along the way to keep in place.  Finally a few wisps of hair  were pulled out to keep the final look easy and soft.

image courtesy of Redken USA-beautypress

For more information on the products used to create this look please visit Redken online.

Comments

[Mai]

Took an instagram photo of a version of this hairstyle, so I could try it out. My hair is long enough, but I don't have that much patience, but will try this at some point soon and will post my layperson attempts. Great photos!

[Cynthia Anderson]

Mai- let us know when you post the attempts, we'd love to see them ( as would our readers!)

[Anna]

I don't understand what is meant by a circular section...it looks as if the braid starts at the top of the head, travels down along the back of the skull behind one ear, and continues along the hairline up behind the opposite ear and along the forehead, creating a horse shoe shape in the back, but diagonal. Am I insane or on the right track?

[Cynthia Anderson]

I think you are on the right track Anna, it's "circular" in a loose sense of the word, more like a horse shoe.