Celebrity Prom Hair Tips: Jennifer Garner

Introduction

Jennifer Garner is a perfect celebrity hair role model for the Prom 2004 season. The lovely Alias star turned heads at the recent 2004 Academy Awards show wrapped in a spectacularly gorgeous peach hued vintage Valentino gown with a stunning floor length train.

Although the gown was vintage, it looked as if it was designed specifically for Jennifer's statuesque physique. And in fact, when asked why she chose that particular gown, when so many were available to her, the lovely star commented that "I had to choose from a ton of dresses, but this fit the minute I put it on". Indeed, every female, just like Jen, relishes that moment when they try on a special dress and there is that instant moment of knowing that they have found their dream gown.

(Image of 76th Annual Academy Awards - Jennifer Garner posing on the Red Carpet - ABC Media - all rights reserved).

Goddess Inspired Twisted Updo & Accessories

Of course finding the absolutely perfect gown is just part of the task at hand. The right dress must have absolutely the right hairstyle and accessories.

(76th Annual Academy Awards - Jennifer Garner - ABC Media - all rights reserved)

And Jen scored all the points for her perfectly coiffed hairstyle. Complimenting the off-the-shoulder gorgeous halter-esque neckline Jen's light chocolate brown goddess worthy hair was perfectly styled by Master Hairdresser Oscar Blandi, into an elegant, yet sassy, twisted chignon updo style, that nestled sleekly against the back of her head. A fringe of wispy bangs framed her beautiful face, drawing all eyes up from the gown to her beautiful brown twinkling eyes.

Exquisite Fred Leighton earrings were sewn into the back of Jennifer's earrings forming a faux barrette. 1960s style Leighton diamonds estimated to be worth $18,000 were dazzling hanging from Jennifer's ears.

In order to avoid minimizing her movie star inspired gown and gorgeous jewels Jen kept her accessories simple, but elegant, with a Fendi gold "Radio" tubular clutch evening bag, matching shoes, a gorgeous cocktail ring and simple gem encrusted drop earrings.

Divine Gown Intervention?

So did Jen have divine gown inspiration when she chose to wear the luscious Valentino gown? As so it seemed.

(Image of 76th Annual Academy Awards - Jennifer Garner posing with singer Annie Lennox on the Red Carpet - ABC Media - all rights reserved).

Jen, who recently confided to Jay Leno, on her recent Tonight appearance, that she loves to be "a girlie-girl".

The self-proclaimed tomboy grew up in a family of three girls. Jennifer, who proudly introduced her two sisters to Jay Leno, during her appearance, is a homebody who appears to prefer more conservative fashions that are simple and elegant with just a slight hint of that feminine style that she enjoys.

The gown that Jennifer chose for her stroll down Hollywood's Academy red carpet was a perfect study in conservative elegance and class.

Although the Valentino gown showed off Jen's hard earned perfect biceps and spectacularly sculpted back and shoulders, it definitely hinted at the girlie-girlie without being too frilly or froufrou. The gown had a fitted drop waistline that was enhanced with elegant runching.

Steal Jennifer's Style For Your Prom

Steal Jen's look for your Prom by selecting a dress similar to Jennifer's, especially if you want to show off your arms and back.

If you prefer to display less skin you can wear a similar dress but pair it with a matching wrap. Keep in mind that beaded wraps are all the rage.

(76th Annual Academy Awards - Jennifer Garner - ABC Media - all rights reserved).

Tips For Creating Jennifer's Updo

Although Jen's shoulder length, medium textured hair looked amazing and was created by a famous hairstylist, her look would be easy to steal.

Jennifer's sleek chignon can be easily adopted for medium length hair or longer. Hair that is short can be spun into this style with extensions or add-on hair.

Naturally straight strands or tresses that have been pre-straightened are ideal. This style would work well for hair that is naturally curly hair if the curls are first straightened.

With the help of any experienced hairdresser a similar chignon updo style could be created for most. A key element of Jennifer's updo style is the use of the proper styling products to hold the chignon tightly for the entire evening.

Instructions For Similar Chignon

A chignon similar to Jennifer Garner's style has been recreated to the side.

Model Casey’s naturally fine and stick straight hair falls to her mid-back.

This dressy updo style (shown to the side), similar to Jennifer's chignon, could be modified to work with medium to thick tresses that range from shoulder length to waist length.

The key to this twisted hair updo design is to have enough thickness of hair to allow for a series of hair roles to nestle together to form the chignon. If your hair is short, thin or fine, consider using pin-on locks to give you added fullness.

Note: Celebrity Hairdresser Robert Hallowell suggests that for short term updo styling to opt for one of the temporary hair extension solutions that can be taped into the hair and will last for several days. These temporary hair extension systems can be safely removed with a special solution that comes with the hair.

Getting Started Notes

Like Jennifer's Academy Award updo Casey’s style was designed with a side swept fringe and a small angled part to show off her beautiful oval shaped face and gorgeous eyes.

A variety of different parts and bangs could easily be incorporated into a customized version. This style could also be worn without either.

The style was created on previously washed, dried hair that was “aged” so that the hair’s natural oils had time to build up slightly. Natural hair oils help the updo hold tighter and last longer. If hair is not stick straight like Casey's it should be flat ironed to make sure that all kinks, waves and creases are removed before styling.

Keep in mind that freshly washed hair may be overly soft and slippery, making it challenging to style.

If you prefer to work with newly washed hair limit your use of conditioners or other products that make strands slippery soft.

Before you start make sure that you have all the proper tools including plenty of hairpins, a good brush and comb.

You will also need to have the proper pre-colored hair wefts in a length that is long enough to create a series of long ringlets. If you wish to add hair accessories be sure you have them ready to be added to the style at the end.

Remember to use good styling creams, gels, sprays or similar products to give hair instant texture and stylability. (Image of Robert Hallowell Prawduct - dream cream! - 2 oz (60 ml)

While less may be more, when it comes to creating dressy updo related styles, too little may not enough. (Image of Robert Hallowell Prawduct - rawhold gel - 5 oz (150 ml)

While this style might be accomplished at home with the help of some talented friends or family members, because the back involves some hair rolling and pinning, you may prefer to have your hairdresser create the style for you.

Instructions - Steps To Create

1. Begin by using a soft boar’s head brush or similar natural bristle brush to make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed from all previously flat ironed or straightened strands.

2. This dressy hairstyle was created with a sultry side-swept anchored part formed by a small angled hairline part. The rest of the hair was brushed back off of the face.

3. Using a rattail comb or brush part off a section of fringe hair from the rest of crown section. Clip out of the way.

4. Brush hair smoothly back from the hairline. Using your hands in conjunction with the brush, gather the back section of hair up into a ponytail making sure that the top section of the crown is pushed up to maintain fullness. 5. Secure the ponytail with a “hair friendly” Blax, Bungee or other elastic band preferably in the same color as the hair so that the band is not visible. The gathered base of the ponytail should rest approximately 6-8" up from the base of the head.

6 . Position bobby pins in the same hue as the hair around the outside of the base of the ponytail to act as an anchor for future hair rolls.

7. Separate a 1” section from the underneath side of the pony and wrap up and around the base of the ponytail. Anchor with U shaped hairpins or bobby pins.

8. Divide the remaining hair into 1” to 2" sections. Starting at the top of the base of the ponytail hold the separated section straight up in the air.

9. Brush to completely smooth all hairs.

10. Using both hands and your fingers as a guide, roll the strand so that the ends curl up towards the base of the ponytail. Pin the curls securely against the base of the scalp using the previously placed anchor pins. Arrange the new roll with your fingers to your liking and then spray well with a firm hold hairspray. Spray well to make sure that the section is well anchored. Note: As an option leave a small section of hair free at the "tail" section of the roll and direct it out in a splayed direction as you pin the roll. For extra hold, use a good setting gel like Phytofix or similar, to prepare each chunk of hair before looping. To add extra volume to each curled section, use Phytovolume Actif Spray or Robert Hallowell Prawduct - super volumizing tonic - 8.5 oz (250 ml) and spray each individual section lightly before rolling into a loop.

11. Repeat Steps 7, 8 and 9 above forming an array of looped and pinned sections around the base of the ponytail (as shown to the side). Create less rolled hair loops with smaller sections of hair or more loops with larger sections. Work from top to bottom and side to side. Note: The key to this look is uniformity. Strive to make all the curls the same size and tightness. Nestle the rolls together to form a cohesive and smooth chignon design. Make sure that the looped sections are well balanced.

12. Once the back is finished spray the entire chignon creation completely with firm holding spray.

13. Release the fringe area. Lightly backcomb, spray and pin into place.

14. Apply a drop or two of a shine serum like Phyto's PhyoLisse, Rene Furterer's Spray Gloss or Robert Hallowell's Love That Shine Drops to the palms of your hands. Rub the serum into the palms and then lightly glide over the top of the style to add instant shimmer and shine. Spray well with hairspray like Phytolaque or Jessica Simpson’s favorite Phytolaque Soie made with real silk.

15. Attach any desired hair accessory. Remember to always attach accessories last after all styling products have been applied to avoid damaging delicate accessories.

Finishing Touches

This sleek style screams elegance and class. The style works beautifully with any type of Vintage gown that is designed to show off gorgeous necklines, shoulders or back. Ideally the gown paired with this updo style would be simple but elegant so as to not detract from the beauty of the style.

This feminine chignon hairdo can be toned down or glammed up depending on individual tastes.

When all else fails keep in mind that hair accessories will brighten any bad hair day, week or month. (Shown to the side - Jane Tran - A Ponytail w/Hanging Pearls & Shell - Black w/Dark Chocolate).

The beauty of hair accessories is that they can be used as functional hair-helpers to camouflage or as fun hair toys to brighten a blah style.

Headbands are perfect for disguising hair loss around the hairline, over the ears or near the crown. A gorgeous jaw, claw or condor clip will help busy new moms to create a beautiful twist or bun in seconds.

Substitute a Swarovski or semi-precious clip or encrusted headband for your rhinestone one and step out to any evening event in style. (Shown above - Eve Reid - Semi Precious Headband - Aquamarine Chips (1) and Eve Reid Sequined Flower in Pink.

Summary

When it comes to your Prom, go for the bling and enjoy your evening in the spotlight. If you can channel Jennifer Garner so be it.

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