HAIRSTYLE HOW-TO: NICOLE KIDMAN

By Zuzana Ritchie, Beauty Writer and Make-up Artist

The usually play-it-safe Hollywood star Nicole Kidman surprised her fans with a series of adventurous hair-dos in Cannes. From a futuristic ponytail to elaborate braided creations, we’ve picked this fabulously voluminous hairstyle and show you different ways of recreating it.

1. Blow-Dry to Sky-High

If you’re a master of blow-drying with a round brush, you can achieve top volume and loose curls in no time. Whilst blow-drying your hair at the top, hold the round brush horizontally and twist it back on itself, away from the face. For loose curls, hold the brush vertically, twisting it back on itself. Add a generous amount of a hairspray and sleek the sides, pinning them back with hairpins.

2. Roll and Curl

For those who prefer tools to ensure amazing results, dig out some big Velcro rollers and large curling tongs. Blow-dry your hair either with the large round brush or upside down, roughly running hands through your hair. When dry, place two big Velcro rollers underneath the top part of your hair and leave to cool. Curl the ends of the hair by holding the large barrel tongs vertically. Take out the Velcro rollers, fix with spray and sleek the sides.

3. Product to the Rescue

A quick and easy way to achieve the desired volume at the top is by using a volumising hair powder. Perfect for those with fine hair, it combines the power of a root-lift mousse and a dry shampoo. Just work it into the roots of the hair and watch the magic happen. Then curl the bottom hair and sleek the sides.

4. Good Ol’ Backcombing

Backcombing is an old classic. But we recommend ‘back-brushing’, where you ditch a comb in favour of a flat-backed brush because its bristles are gentler to your hair. Use hair spray and dry shampoo as a base. Curl the rest of the hair.

Top Tip: Add a touch of Nicole's glamour by pinning a gem-encrusted barrette on both sides of your sleek hair.

By Zuzana Ritchie, Beauty Writer and Make-up Artist