To onlookers, Paris Haute Couture feels like a far-removed fairytale whirlwind of tulle tiers, dramatic floor-sweeping fabric and Cannes-worthy embellishment. But let’s be realistic, as we scroll through the heavenly looks from the comfort of our own sofas (in pyjamas probably covered in crisp crumbs too), it’s a little bit of a pipe dream.

It’s all about managing expectations, and so, what is completely achievable IRL is nailing the beauty looks. Thankfully, talent agency ELSL Management – supported by Neville Hair & Beauty Salon – sent lead artist Cristian Pignatta to do the hair for five shows during spring/summer 2019. Using L’Oreal Professionnel products, here are step-by-step instructions on how to get the look from Pignatta herself.

How to get the look:
1. Prep the hair using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli
2. Blowdry smooth with centre-parting
3. Take out horseshoe section and clip away
4. Backcomb small section above ear to cover without splitting.
5. Tie into low pony and secure with elastic
6. Add mask and tie at occipital bone using elastic.
7. Take horseshoe section down and cover the straps of mask and tie onto previous pony.
8. Take small section of hair from pony to wrap around elastic and secure with grip.
9. Finish with a light mist of L’Oreal Professionnel Infinium hairspray strong hold.

How to get the look:
1. Prep the hair using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli on the roots
2. Blowdry the hair straight with center parting using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Fix Anti Frizz Spray
3. Gather the hair at the nape to create a pony tail and secure with elastic.
4. Using a small strand of hair from the underneath of the pony tail, wrap around the base to hide the elastic.
5. Finish with a light mist of L’Oreal Professionnel Infinium hairspray strong hold.

How to get the look:
1. Prep the hair using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli or L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art messy cliché to create a matt effect.
2. Rough dry without smoothing the hair out, to create natural texture.
3. Taking diagonal sections, barrel tong the hair away from the face and away from the hairline to the crown.
4. Create a small pony tail above the crown and secure with elastic.
5. Backcomb the remaining hair and build and mould the shape securing with elastics and pins.
6. Apply a light mist of L’Oreal Professionnel Infinium hairspray strong hold to secure.
7. To finish the look apply L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Density material onto the hairline.

How to get the look:
1. Prep the hair using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli and L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art beach waves to create a dusty effect.
2. Create several braids using a triangle section pattern.
3. For more intricate detail add smaller braids on either side of the larger braids or split the main braids into smaller braids.
4. Secure with small elastics.
5. Finish with a light application of L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Super Dust or L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Morning After dust for a lived in texture.

How to get the look:
1. Prep the hair using L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli and rough dry.
2. Tong the hair using an 18mm barrel, twisting the hair as you tong to create texture.
3. Set the hair once it is tonged leaving the ends out.
4. Spray with a light mist of L’Oreal Professionnel Infinium hairspray strong hold.
5. Dress out using a wide tooth comb
6. Finish with a cocktail of L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Density material and L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Liss Control + and apply to hair to complete the look.