TIPS FROM KATE'S MANE MAN
James Brown & his muse Kate Moss
Elle.com caught up with Kate Moss' longtime hairdresser, James Brown, for the scoop on model-worthy vacation hair:
First, walk us through creating “The Kate” hairstyle.
Start by washing the hair with my James Brown London Volume Boost Shampoo and Conditioner. Squirt a quarter-sized amount of Volume Boost Mousse into your hand and work through the hair evenly before blow-drying with a big round brush. Use a smaller brush around the front to create a bit of a wave. Back-comb the hair at the crown and temples, then finish with Effortless Hold Hairspray.
Do you have a trick to backcombing the hair without it ending up a tangled, ratty mess the next day?
Backcombing with a brush is the best way. You pull hair in the opposite direction that you want it to go. So if it’s on the crown, most people try to backcomb by pulling their hair backwards. But if you pull forwards towards the front of your face, and then backcomb at the roots, it happens a lot easier, and it’s a lot better to get out. You’ve got a lot more control.
How do you keep the bedhead look from getting too messy?
The main thing is not overdoing it. People always forget to backcomb the temples. They always backcomb the top, but they always forget to do the temples, and the way to get that rock 'n' roll Brigitte Bardot look is to make sure you backcomb the temples.
Are there specific products we should us?
The best tip ever is to spray a little bit of hairspray on your fingertip and rub it into the roots to give it a stronger foundation. Instead of spraying tons all over the hair—that’s when it starts to look crunchy. Then, it’s hard to brush straight out the next day. Just use spray where you’ve backcombed, rubbing it in with the fingers, and do a very light spray from about 10 inches above your head. The hair should all move about, and bits should sort of fall and tousle.
Any other tips for keeping hair fresh the next day, or even two days later?
If you’re doing that kind of look, the next day the hair will look even better. But a silk or satin pillowcase can protect the hair from rubbing and getting messed around in your sleep. Just be gentle with your hair. Don’t expect too much from it. Be firm on the roots, but gentle on the ends.