Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

How-To: Rachel Bilson's Casual Half-Updo

Jamal Hammadi tells MODERN how to create Rachel Bilson's half-updo hairstyle seen in New York City.

by Jessica Galliart
October 9, 2012
1 min to read


The beginning of the fall TV season means new shows for you to relax with after work--and lots of extra work, press and red carpet appearances for celebs on TV. Case in point: “Hart of Dixie” star Rachel Bilson.

While in New York City for several appearances to talk about her new series, Rachel called in the services of celebrity hairstylist and founder of Hamadi Organics, Jamal Hamadi, to style her every step of the way. For her trip to Sirius studios in early October, Rachel worked a sexy, casual half-updo with plenty of height and polish. Hamadi gave MODERN the quick how-to for you to recreate this look for a client.

Ad Loading...

“I began by applying the Hamadi Shea Spray all over, beginning at the roots, and then blew her hair dry. Next I used a 1-inch iron and curled the ends. I took a section of hair from her ears and pulled them back, leaving the top out for last. Then I teased the top just a little using Batiste Dry Shampoo for more body, brushed it back and used the L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray to seal the look.”

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

For your clients: For what kind of occasion would you recommend Rachel’s sexy look? Tell us on MODERN’s Facebook page.

More In The Know

Ad Loading...
A man cuts a man's hair
In The Know|Articles|Aug 6, 2026

In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai

Ad Loading...
A woman with long brown hair, a black sleeveless blouse, and a beaded headband.
In The Know|Articles|Jul 2, 2026

Mireya Villarreal Announces From Chair to Boss Live, a New Business Education Event for Beauty Professionals

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Ad Loading...