Executive Hairstyles: Master Stylist, Nick Arrojo, Provides Great Tips

If you are a fan of TLC's "What Not to Wear", then you're familiar with hair stylist, Nick Arrojo. Watching him work his magic on many heads of hair was my favorite part of the program. Nick started his career working with Vidal Sassoon. He now has his own line of effective products at arrojoproduct.com and owns Arrojo Studio in New York City. Being a longtime follower of his work, I was very happy to connect with him and get his advice on hairstyles for women in the workplace. Included are styling ideas for different hair types.

If You Have Long, Straight Hair...

Sleek and Serious

This look is all about creating-in 3 simple steps-smooth, flyaway-free, long straight hair that lasts all day at the office. Mist a thermal styling spray into the roots. Loosely blow-dry into a straight-ish form with a round or paddle brush. Use a straightening iron from roots to ends of all sections to iron your hair smooth and sleek. Don't spend more than 30 seconds on each section. If there are any kinks at the end, cure them by going over that section again; this is far better than leaving the iron on too long. This style can be created in 10 minutes...5, with practice.

Rock 'N' Rollers

Now that you know how to create a serious and straight executive hairstyle, Arrojo says it's time to go for bouncy, voluptuous volume with waves. It's easy. Place a few big hot rollers into dry, un-shampooed hair. Make sure to cover the crown, side-lengths and bangs-where the fullness stands out the most-and mist in a holding spray. Get dressed while you allow the waves to set. Release the rollers, being careful not to cause snags by rushing to rip them out. Brush through for playful volume with luxurious waves. This look makes personality pop, but is still pulled together enough for a day at the office.

If You Have Short, Straight Hair...

Finger Lookin' Good

Use the power of your fingers with the power of a blow-dryer to shape a soft, elegant, short hairstyle that works well in a business setting. The key with short hair is using the right amount of the right product. Too much will leave short hair sticky and stiff. Nick's favorite is styling crème. The crème-based formula means no intense firmness, but plenty of hold to help set your look in place. Work the product through from roots to ends and go for a 2-minute hit with your blow-dryer. Now use your fingers to lift the hair away from the scalp as you dry. This ensures lift and movement in the finished style. Once done, again use the fingers to place your hair as you like it. You can finish with a touch of pomade or textured paste, just on the ends, to add little bits of detailing.

Seductive and Shapely

Hair that is short and straight often benefits from a kick of texture. Nick uses this method to create waves and curls, fullness and movement. Apply a thermal protector from roots to ends, adding just a touch of curl crème or styling crème. Use a small barrel curling iron to create playful, come-hither, undulating volume. Focus your curling iron action around the crown, as the shape you make here is where this executive hairstyle succeeds or fails.

If You Have Long, Wavy/Curly Hair...

Damsel without Distress

Arrojo says, "The thing with wavy hair is that, normally, some parts are wavier than others." After styling, a lot of ladies are left with, at best, irregular and non-conformist waves-at worst, flyaway and frizz. This can bring your whole executive hairstyle down, even if you're wearing your best power suit. This technique is an education in controlling wavy hair with a curling iron. This creates loose but smooth and polished waves and curls that complement each other while looking sophisticated at the same time. Key points follow: use a thermal protector before you iron; use a curling or setting crème to help hold waves together; know just how much hair to put in the iron; never iron one section for too long.

If You Have Short, Wavy/Curly Hair...

A Parting of the Waves

This business hairstyle is about the smart use of a side-part to create professional shape and structure for unruly waves. This side-swept, wavy look stands out for its softness and movement, and its lovely, face-framing shape. It's easy too. Arrojo suggests using a styling gel or crème from roots to ends. Give the hair a 5-minute blow-dry blast. Part on your favorite side and brush flat any fly-away strands. Comb bangs neatly above the forehead and expose your ears and neck-a beautiful side-part special.

Iron It Out

One of the best things about short and curly hair is the ability it gives you to go straight in a flash, so it's perfect for the office. Mist a thermal spray into hair, followed by a little styling crème. Now use a flat iron to press the hair sleek and smooth, working each section quickly and easily to avoid too much heat in one place. This makes short and curly hair smooth and straight-and free from frizz-in five minutes flat. Nick thinks if you wear your hair naturally-textured to the office, going straight is a great way to wow co-workers for that big board meeting.

For more hair tips from Nick, read his 2008 book, Great Hair, a must-have for business women who want to look stylish and professional.

Source:
Interview, Nick Arrojo; Arrojo Studios, NYC; July 2010