Hair matters, and a lot, when building our look. Beyond our own features, being advised by a professional is key to achieving our best version, without looking disguised or wearing something that does not flatter us. And Jesús de Paula knows this well, one of the country’s reference stylists who is behind the looks of celebrities such as Aitana or the actress Ester Expósito. But beyond his work with celebrities, the expert knows firsthand the demands of red carpets, fashion productions and image changes, where every detail counts and the hair takes on a leading role.
De Paula, who is an ambassador for Kérastase, has a perspective that combines creativity with a polished and refined technique that helps to create iconic looks, which adapt to the hair texture, the features of the person and the lifestyle of each one. One of the most important figures in Spain’s hairdressing sector, who values the profession and who has become one of the most recognized faces in the backstage of beauty.
How trends influence the looks of celebrities
Working with celebrities is demanding as it requires them to appear impeccable at every appearance and to follow the trends. Social networks play, increasingly, an essential role and Jesús de Paula is aware of this. « not only in hair, also in fashion, makeup, trends…». In addition, the professional notes that «celebrities themselves are very connected and many times come with a folder of inspiration or with references from other people they follow and who are aspirational for them». Therefore, he concludes that «trends are a continuous inspiration» but one must «analyze those references, talk with them and decide which trend actually works for their image, their hair type and their personality».
But, beyond trends, these renowned individuals sometimes have a «signature look» such as the recognizable fringe of Aitana. Is it possible for it to coexist with trends? «It’s a double-edged sword» considers De Paula, who adds that «it can limit you in some aspects, but, on the other hand, it can become a hallmark and make the person immediately recognizable». Focusing on the fringe, the hair stylist explains that «a priori it may seem to limit certain ways of styling, but in reality it offers many more options than we think». For this reason it is important to know the person’s hair and stay aware of trends «you have to try, see what works and what doesn’t, and find the balance between the trend and what makes that person recognizable».
But we must face challenges at times, such as creating looks in record time or radical changes that are tied to a shoot. The professional considers that all these jobs are a challenge because «you don’t have the time you would need to achieve exactly the result you want; others, because you are making a color change that needs to be done progressively and you have to explain to the person that it cannot be achieved all at once». And even when we talk about cinema «you have to find the balance between what the director imagines, what flatters the actress and what the hair can withstand without damaging it» he states. The same happens with tours because «getting hair to stay perfect from the start of the show until the end, enduring movement, dancing and sweat, requires a lot of preparation and technique». Therefore, beyond concrete cases, the pressure is always present because «everyone has an opinion and any change of color, cut or image generates conversation».
Shine, Layers, and Volume: This Season’s Trends
Naturalness is no longer at odds with polished finishes. As Jesús de Paula states, «we are witnessing a boom in shinier, more polished finishes». We bid farewell to those more tousled hairstyles and opt for «hair that is more worked with a blow dryer, more shine and more shape». Added to this is the disappearance of straight manes: «layered cuts, long and subtle layers and beveling in the frontal area are more in fashion». This happens because «we seek more movement, whether in long, medium or short manes» highlights De Paula, who also believes that the 60s and 70s will be very present with «movement, layers, shape or bangs». But if there is a trend the professional believes is at its best moment it is «achieving the best possible version of our own hair. Just as we have lived the skincare boom for the skin, I would speak of a true ‘hair skincare’. A trend that goes hand in hand with the search for more natural colors, that resemble our roots and that do not look like we have had a radical color change» and in cuts with «layers and movement, but very subtly, tailored to each hair».
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In terms of finishes, hair with a polished look is very much in trend, but that does not mean movement and texture disappear. For Jesús de Paula, «the key is to combine both things: a cared-for, shiny and worked hair, but that preserves movement and naturalness», saying goodbye to the perfection we were used to. If we talk about volume, it also makes a comeback, «especially through the blow-dryer, the brush and the work of waves or curled hair». The expert acknowledges that he is increasingly asked for more volume, but only if it is «loose and with movement». He also believes that this trend «is going to stay for quite a while».
Movement, Naturalness, and Preparation
There are hairstyles that seem to require no effort and have prior preparation and work. This is seen a lot on red carpets and it entails behind-the-scenes work because it also has to work in photography and video. Jesús de Paula believes that «the first thing is the attitude of the person wearing the hairstyle. And then, that there is a connection between hair, makeup and styling. Everything has to speak the same language». A trick the expert applies is «taking photos and recording videos with the phone before finishing a look» because «it makes you realize that you have to soften something, remove product, eliminate some excessive volume or add texture».
Jesús de Paula in a production.
Another major dilemma that exists is the length of the hair, which De Paula considers fundamental. A hairstyle is like a construction: you need a solid foundation for it to last. He notes that this goes hand in hand with the products you use because used consistently and tailored to the needs of each hair, it can drastically change its look, its texture and how it behaves. That said, he warns about overusing hold products: «if the preparation is good, the hair can last many hours while maintaining movement. I like that, over time, the hairstyle continues to have life and that you even feel like touching the hair».
Therefore, styling products are a great ally for a professional finish. Jesús de Paula’s favorite combination is «a texture spray, a moisturizing serum for mid-lengths and ends, a product to control frizz and a good heat protectant». The expert recommends «applying them to the hair when it’s damp, first preparing the root, mid-lengths and ends and protecting the hair before starting to shape. A good preparation is what then allows achieving a professional and lasting finish».
Adapting Celebrities’ Looks to Our Hair
Although social networks increasingly inspire trends, celebrities remain a focal point of inspiration. What are the main mistakes we make? For Jesús de Paula one of them is «using a tool that isn’t suitable to achieve the effect we’re seekings. Another is trying to reproduce the hairstyle in a too-perfect way; what works best is knowing how to adapt it». In addition, the expert recalls that «not all hairstyles work on all hair types or cuts».
And these famous people do not have the same hair as us, therefore, sometimes we must adapt the hairstyle. «You cannot work in the same way with fine hair as with very dense hair, nor with straight hair as with curly hair» the expert believes. De Paula adds that «the professional’s job is precisely to adapt the reference so that it flatters the person, rather than trying to copy it literally».
Scalp Health and Changes
Among the main trends, scalp health is gaining more and more prominence. A factor that professionals like Jesús have to encounter daily. «I suffer a lot when I see hair that is not cared for. I always try to recommend a care routine and, on occasions, I have even refused to carry out certain jobs when I know they will damage the hair too much». Because scalp health brings to light «the shine, the movement, a beautiful texture and well-cared ends» and goes hand in hand with the use of «professional thermal tools, not using excessively high temperatures and not bringing the dryer nozzle too close to the brush».
The hair stylist Jesús de Paula.
And what happens with look changes? The advice of a professional is essential. For Jesús de Paula it is important «to observe how their hair really carries itself day by day: what is their natural texture, how they usually place it, if they wear it behind the ear, if they like to wear it up…». For the expert, «small changes can transform a whole image: very subtle layers, a slight gradient at the contour, removing a few centimeters or incorporating a long and open fringe, Brigitte Bardot style». Therefore, he concludes that «a small change in the contour of the face can hugely modify the image without needing a radical change. Even the length of the hair can alter the perception of the figure and proportions».
