Oribe’s Top Tips for Supermodel Hair!

A model's hair is one of her biggest assets, and whether or not she is lucky enough to be born with camera-ready tresses, hairstylists work hard in the salon and behind the scenes to create the fabulous finished looks you see on magazine covers, in advertisements or coming down the runway. How do they do it? We recently talked to Oribe, celebrity hairstylist and fashion show veteran also known for his editorial and campaign work, about how he consistently gives models that healthy, sexy, touchable hair that everyone wants…and which you can help any client achieve. Read on!

MODERN: What are the characteristics of "supermodel hair," and why is it so sexy?
ORIBE: There are a few types of "supermodel hair" that people think about. There's the Victoria's Secret hair that you see on Alessandra, Adriana and those girls. This style is all about easy, hyper-sexy hair that's fairly long and kind of layered. In this decade, the hair doesn't go incredibly big: The main thing is beautiful movement.

Then, we have the supermodels like Karlie Kloss or Karen Elson. For everyday life, these girls wear their hair in easy, undone styles. It's only in the magazines that you'll see them done up. The key for this type of look is keeping hair in shape. [Recommend] a great shampoo and conditioner, along with a once-weekly masque treatment. Don't over-color hair-focus on its health.

You'll want [to give] a great, well maintained hair cut that's very versatile. I just worked with Lara Stone, and she has incredible blonde hair-a fairly long style with layers. Her front pieces are about chin length, and with a cut like that, it's easy to emphasize the Brigitte Bardot similarities. You can take the front pieces, twist and wrap them around, and push them behind her ear while her makeup is being done. After that, you can release the sections to create beautiful movement around the face-just like the classic Bardot look.

MODERN: How can hairdressers best create the appearance of supermodel hair, in terms of cut, color or styling products?
ORIBE: It's critical to have a hair cut that allows options. Sometimes, signature cuts don't work on supermodels because they're always doing different styles. I just did a shoot with Raquel Zimmermann, and her style is a great example of versatility. She has wavy, shoulder-length hair with no severe bangs. Her hair, even in front, is long enough to be pulled back so that you can see her face.

Color should be beautiful and natural. Instead of incredibly bleached hair, consider a textured blonde, for instance.

Find a go-to product that you can simply run through your client's hair to offer a bit of structure-it could be Oribe Crème for Style or Curl by Definition, depending on the hair type. The key is to encourage natural movement without adding stiffness.

MODERN: Any other tips for achieving supermodel hair on older clients with thinning/coarse hair or those with ethnic hair?
ORIBE: For coarse hair, the key is restoring youth. It's important to condition well and often. I'd recommend Oribe Signature Moisture Masque or Masque for Beautiful Color once or twice a week. Also, products like Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray encourage softness and shine. It's a great idea, once again, to maintain a mid-length style-it's versatile and you can change up the look. For thinning hair, focus on great color and health. Don't over-iron the hair.

Ethnic hair has the same general rules, but you're just dealing with a different texture. Products like Oribe Original Pomade are great for smoothing the hair near the face. That product will also help enhance the hair if you're using hot tools for the look.

All Getty images.

Victoria's Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima flaunt long, sexy layers with lots of body and movement.

High-fashion models Karlie Kloss and Karen Elson show off healthy, shiny hair that always looks soft and touchable.

Model of the moment Lara Stone's versatile cut allows for an array of styling options and looks.