Behind the Scenes Beauty

Kemi Cooks, department head hairstylist on ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, shares her on-set styling tips. 

A typical day for a hairstylist on set starts two hours before crew call. The actresses and actors go through "The Works" as it's commonly called, which is hair and makeup. Hair is usually styled according to the script. Once we are on set, each hairstylist is assigned an actor to watch throughout the 12-14-hour day.

Tips to Achieve Long-lasting Waves on Set

If needed, I blow out the hair, which I always start my blowouts with a leave-in protector. I then use different sized curling irons to create the waves using modest amounts of setting sprays and texture sprays for waves to last 12 hours.  A few of my favorites are R+Co Vicious Strong Hold Flexible Hairspray, ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray, and White Sands Liquid Texture Thermal Styling Sprays. For leave-ins, it is Alterna Caviar CC Cream Leave-In Protector and BioSilk Silk Therapy Original Serum.

Tips to Achieve Durable Straight Styles on Set

I typically start with a good blowout with a leave-in protector, using tension to create a smooth foundation. If I want it silky straight, then I section and use a flat iron. For this look, I like to use Alterna Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray and CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protecting Spray. I finish with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil.

Tips for Styling Hair for HD Cameras

Although HD television has a beautifully crisp picture, it can be a nightmare for hair and makeup stylists. So, you must create a solid foundation in your blow out and if possible, try to stay away from airy hairstyles. Create smooth based, stationary styles and use light flexible hairsprays and serums to help combat those flyaways that HD unfortunately enhances.

Photo Credit: Facebook

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