I’m a celebrity hairstylist, how the A-list get red-carpet ready including the Olaplex must-have for adding volume

“I'VE worked at least five or more BAFTAs  – I’ve lost count! But they all have one thing in common – I always breathe a huge sigh of relief when I finally send a client down that red carpet. Even though I try  to schedule three hours per person, and I prefer to only focus on one client, it is still very stressful. We do hair and make-up at the same time, so there are usually at least four of us in the room – a hairstylist, make-up artist, manicurist and at least one assistant, plus the celeb and their team – so it’s busy!.

I usually start working on ideas for the hair a few weeks in advance. The process is hugely collaborative – I like each celebrity to drive the direction where possible, and I often send reference pictures in advance, so they have time to share their thoughts. At this time of year, weather is a factor, and the jewellery and cut of the gown also have to be considered, as well as hair type and length.

Ultimately, I’m looking to balance the right look against any drawbacks that it might pose, so it looks good on camera and in-person all night. The secret to a style that lasts is good prep. Taking time and using the right products to create a good base will pay big dividends when it comes to longevity. Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo, £28. I swear by a cleanse routine first and a treatment if there’s time, plus Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo, £28, is great for soaking up moisture and adding texture.

GHD Chronos Hair Straightener, £289. If I could only use one heat tool, it would be GHD Chronos Hair Straightener, £289, as it’s so versatile, I can straighten, wave and curl. I don’t ask clients to do anything in advance, other than turn up with clean hair - but that rarely has to be said!". Halley, who is a GHD UK & Ireland professional ambassador, shares his   favourite BAFTA creations:. “Lucy Boynton’s beehive in 2019 was one of the hardest looks I’ve done.  It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare retro styles, then craft them into shape, especially with short hair. Thankfully, we had Claridges' sushi to snack on, which kept everyone happy!.

Nicola Coughlan’s side-parting and Hollywood waves when she hosted the BAFTA TV Awards in 2022 was one of my favourites. She wore a one-shoulder gown with bows we had to work around. Lily James wore an art-deco-inspired gown for the 2023 BAFTAs. It had a pearl-structured bodice that reached up to her neck and a huge bow on the back, so we paired it with a sculpted bun with twists at the nape of her neck. Straight after, I had 30 minutes to do Ana de Armas’ hair. It was a simple, sultry look with soft waves, so you’d never know I pulled it all together in just half an hour!”.

THE GLAM SQUAD. For these experts, making celebs look flawless is a full-time job. Here are the products they swear by. . . Make-up artist Min Sandhu. THE LOOK Nathalie Emmanuel’s make-up at 2024’s Megalopolis premiere in Cannes. THE SECRET “I love to use Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid, £16.50, as this is one of my favourite ingredients  for a glow, which we all want on the red carpet.

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid, £16.50. Thanks to its lightweight formula, it absorbs quickly and gives skin an instant boost of hydration.”. Hairstylist Chris Appleton. THE LOOK Kim Kardashian’s hair at the 2024 Met Gala. THE SECRET “I prepped the hair with Color Wow Money Mist Leave In Conditioner, £29.50, and Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair, £27, to ensure a glossy, frizz-free look.

Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair, £27. Then I used the curl-defining diffuser attachment on the Shark FlexStyle, £270, with high heat and low air settings.”. Hairstylist Ross Kwan. THE LOOK Zara McDermott’s hair for the BRIT Awards 2024. THE SECRET “We wanted to ensure her hair was really full, despite the evening’s rainy weather, so we sprayed it section by section with Tresemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray, £5.99, to maintain the overall shape.”.

Make-up artist Janice Daoud. THE LOOK Ellie Goulding’s make-up at the Grammy Awards 2024. Benefit 24-hr Brow Setter, £26. THE SECRET “If you perfect the skin and brows, everything else falls into place, so I always create beautiful skin and a full brow as a starting point. I used Benefit 24-hr Brow Setter, £26, to shape and create fluffy brows.”. Make-up artist Jenn Streicher. THE LOOK Emily Blunt’s make-up for the 2024 Oscars.

THE SECRET “For Emily’s look, we went for a Grecian editorial vibe with a little pink pop on the lips, using Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick  in Candy Chic, £29.”. Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. THE LOOK Demi Moore’s hair at the 2025 Golden Globes. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, £17.85. THE SECRET “I aimed for a style that felt both classic old Hollywood and effortlessly ethereal, finishing with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, £17.85, for lasting hold.”.