In the midst of a natural texture revolution, with women embracing maybe-she’s-born-with-it waves and curls in full force, there’s no shame in seeking a bit of control on your big day. Perhaps you’re hoping to master a frizz-free look reminiscent of the glassy center parts seen tied back on Brandon Maxwell’s glowing catwalk, or sported loose and glassy like Versace’s latest muses. Whatever the intended style, for tips on liquid-smooth lengths, I turned to Adel Chabbi, the French stylist known for perfecting Alicia Silverstone’s signature blowout (with clients like Coco Rocha, Lauren Hutton, and Martha Stewart to boot).
At his airy 58th street Adel Atelier Salon, Adel shares a few of his favorite no-brainer tips on fighting humidity-induced fuzz, and the best products to hydrate sun-scorched strands.
Mask in The Weeks Ahead
“I think it’s very important to use a mask for your hair at least once a week,” says Chabbi, who notes that the key ingredients to look for in a good mask are natural oils. “Harklinikken’s Hair Hydrating Mask has both olive and avocado oil, which are essential anti-aging remedies to keep your hair lively and shiny and also boosts elasticity by restoring the cuticle shafts.” Why not apply in the tub and let it soak into your scalp for 20 minutes while taking your wedding playlist for a spin?
Treat, Shampoo, and Condition The Night Before
If you plan to shampoo and condition the day of your wedding, you may want to reconsider. “Hair is generally less frizzy the next day after you shampoo,” notes Chabbi, who recommends using an Phyto’s rosemary and juniper-infused HUILE D’ALÈS oil treatment before shampooing and conditioning with moisturizing formulas like Davines Love Smoothing line. “Pay special attention to conditioning, and leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing off that night.”
Sleep in Loose Braids or A Scarf
After cleansing hair, Chabbi suggests drying hair with a few spritzes of Leonor Greyl’s Lait Luminescence Bi-Phase detangling and styling spray (“I like that it includes exotic oils like mongongo and karanja”). “When hair is completely dry, make a loose braid or two and sleep with it, then let it loose in the morning before you style.” Too exhausted for a blow dryer? “If you are feeling too lazy to fully dry your hair, wrapping it smoothly in this Multiway Sleep Scarf will help your it look decent in the morning thanks to its silk fibers.”
Shield with A Spray
A few deft spritzes of thermal protection spray can insure a glossy finish well into the cake cutting. “Amika’s The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray is a great go-to in the hot humid summer days. Mist it over hair after drying but before styling with flat or curling iron. It works well with most hair textures provides up to 450 degrees of heat protection without harmful sulfates or phthalates.” Anti-static agents in R+Co Foil Frizz + Static Spray can provide a similar barrier. “I like that it gives you the option to use it on both styled hair and damp hair before styling,” Chabbi explains. “Plus, its Argan oil and vitamin E-enriched formula is a fantastic frizz remedy, as well as a great anti-aging therapy.”
Wield Your Tools Carefully
For looks that require a mirror finish, Chabbi praises ghd’s new Gold Styler for its futuristic safety features. “If you have to use a flat iron, let this be it,” he notes of the shimmering tool. “I especially like the two heat sensors to maintain a safe-for-hair heat of 365°F consistently.” Keep in mind that the aforementioned sprays provide extra protection to keep hair healthy during extended styling sessions.
Keep An Oil Handy
As the celebrations continue and guests move from ceremony to reception, Chabbi suggests keeping an oil within reach for on-the-go flyaway control. “When it’s time to refresh your hair, just put a couple of drops on your hands, warm it up by rubbing your palms together, and lightly run your fingers through the hair areas you need to calm down.” TLW’s grape seed Treatment Oil is small enough to fit in your maid of honor’s clutch, plus its label emblazoned “Let’s Get Tacos” will serve as a cheeky reminder that the real party has only just begun.
