THE OSCARS: Giannandrea, the Stylist Behind Naomi Watts' StyleThe Oscars are the crowning moment of an awards season that begins in November.  For nominated actress, Naomi Watts, this meant months of premiers, parties, and press events.  For her hairdresser, Giannandrea Marongiu, it meant a clear strategy and vision.  “When I work with someone, I take them on a stylistic journey,” says Marongiu. “They will be seen in London, Madrid, Los Angeles, at places with distinct personalities, and the hair should reflect that.”

On the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet, Naomi Watts’ hand-shaped hair complimented her stunning metallic gown and Marongiu shares how he designed this couture style:  

THE OSCARS: Giannandrea, the Stylist Behind Naomi Watts' StyleSTEP ONE—Begin with clean, wet hair.  Apply BB Creme from Pantene, a prepping moisturizer/texturizer. Rough dry to remove excess water

STEP TWO—“I took a large round brush to give a full blow out, amplifying the volume and creating a base.”

STEP TWO—Section the hair (8 sections) and with a one-inch curling iron, create a combination of slight curls with waves.  Used Pantene Style Heat Protection Spray.  “It allows me to create a good separation and definition and it holds the wave.  For the next step, this is important, because you want to be able to create the ‘grooves’ in the hair.”  

STEP THREE—“After curling, I used my hands with a tiny bit of BB creme and ran my fingers through the hair, just lifting from the roots and creating those finger lines.”

STEP FOUR—“Then I started pinning using straight pins--short and long—and bobby pins (blonde or gold, of course).  You have to start gently pulling back—softly, gently. You don’t want to pull too tight because you need the softness.  You start twisting it into an unconventional bun—not smooth, with intricate texture, as you twist and pin into place.  You’ll notice that the separation you created with the curling iron will create this lovely texture.  Situate it midway between crown and nape.”

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