Rising star: Alex Polillo Hollywood hair stylist

Alex Pollilo/Image: Courtesy of Launch Pad PRFrom obscurity to being the go-to hair guy for some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, stylist Alex Polillo's career has been on a meteoric rise over the last year. Just after his most recent major gig, styling Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld's hair for the Costume Institute's Metropolitan Opera Gala, he took time to chat with Style Wylde about making his mark on the industry, and just how he gave Hailee that gorgeous met-worthy look.

SW: In previous interviews I have read that your clients include Anna Paquin, Katie Holmes and Elizabeth Reaser, how did you come to work with these major stars?

AP:  I started working in salons in LA doing celebs and their teams and so when premieres and such came up it was a natural move to do them for their press needs.

SW: When styling a celebrity for a major event, such as  last week's  Costume Institute Met Gala for which you styled Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld, do you feel added nerves, or pressure knowing that images of your work will be beamed all over the world to thousands of media outlets?

AP: The met ball is an amazing event that forges designers with their current celeb muses. It is the fashion Oscars of sorts and it is one of the most coveted bookings to collaborate with designers to come up with looks that both compliment their muse as well the dress.

True Grit's Academy Award nominee Hailee Steinfeld at the Met Ball/Image: Wire Image courtesy of Launch Pad PRSW: How can my readers get the look you did on Hailee at home?

AP: First, apply a tiny amount of Ookisa Replenishing Conditioner to freshly washed 
 hair and comb through. Leave in.
 Next apply a generous amount of Ookisa Instant Volumizing Soufflé at 
 roots and rough dry with head tilted upside down for added volume.

 Finish blow drying hair smooth with a round brush using medium sized 
 sections

. Then apply a light mist of hairspray all throughout hair.

 Taking 1" sections, wave all hair with a 1" curling iron. Hold for 
approx. 10 seconds, release, and let cool. (Remember to curl front pieces 
 away from face)

Using a flat brush, brush out waves. Take a small amount of light 
 styling creme and scrunch into hair allowing curls to reform a bit. Lightly pull front pieces back and pin securely, crossing bobby pins

. Finally Finish with another light mist of hairspray.

SW:  So for Hailee, you used exclusively Ookisa products, why?  What special aspects does this line offer?

AP: I love using Ookisa. The line cleanses and moisturizes the hair from root to end creating a healthy, thick head of hair. It makes my job easier. The soufflé gives the lift while maintaining natural movement. Most of all the products reduce build up as they are sulfate free. 

To see more of Alex Polillo's work visit his official Styleworks portfolio here; and to browse the full Ookisa line visit the company's official website.