Keith Campbell does his best work while wearing headphones.

“I love loud music,” he says, as he dials up cuts from One Republic and Timbaland Collaboration. “It helps me concentrate!”

The self-styled “Hair Architect,” who has coiffed the likes of Missy Elliot and Serena Williams, must focus to create meticulous, artistic designs. He always has a vision, as in this shoot with models Belinda and Naima. “I want to create something that is red carpet, but unorthodox red carpet,” he says. “Sophisticated
but edgy.”

Click here to look at Belinda's technical.

Strong-form cuts provide the foundation for the looks, then Campbell mixes it up with extensions used for color punch. “They make it easy to create a totally different look,” he says. “They are quick and to the point.”

Campbell places wefts along the halo over the top, just behind the fringe, to allow the highlight color to stand out without dominating the design. To finish, he uses pomade, spray or gel to place lengths and accent texture. Turn it up!

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