It’s been a history-making night for Little Mix who became the first girl band ever to win the Best Groups category at the Brit Awards (that’s right, the first). But alongside thanking former band mate, Jesy and all the girl bands who inspired them (Spice Girls, All Saints, Sugababes), the girls also gave a notable shout-out to their glam squad, because during a year that’s been spent mainly in our trackie bums, being made to feel pulled together (and quite frankly, fabulous) can be transformative.
We don’t blame them – they’re hair and makeup was lit. Leigh-Anne slayed a sculptural plait-pony that morphed into a bob at the bottom (you have to see it to believe it), Perrie rocked waist-length mermaid waves with micro plaits framing her face, and Jade paid homage to her Confetti braids by bringing them back for tonight’s event. And if you’re wondering what exactly went into creating the styles, you’re in luck, because we spoke exclusively to the girl’s hair guru and lead stylist for TRESemme, Aaron Carlo, who created the styles they wore while they scooped their win.
“As the girls were all in white, I wanted to keep an element of the hair the same as well,” he told GLAMOUR. “We used different versions of braids on each of them so there’s cohesion but tailored each look to suit the girl’s different personality.”
And, if you’re thinking of recreating the looks yourself, here’s what you need to know…
Leigh-Anne’s faux-bob pony
Getty Images
A very special evening called for a very special hair look, which is why Aaron crafted a sculptural showstopper for Leigh-Anne. The faux-bob pony incorporates braids, a ponytail and a faux bob bottom. He started by creating scalp braids. “Braid round the head and back until you reach the top of the head,” says Aaron. Secure in place with a clear elastic and spray with TRESemmé’s Freeze Hold Hairspray. “I like to use hold 5 for long lasting, twenty-four hour results,” Aaron told us. Pull the remaining hair back into a pony and secure at the top of the head. “Then take a 1-2 inch section braid and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, securing in place with a grip,” says Aaron. To create the bob vibe, he brushed out the pony and rolled the ends outwards with a straightener to create a reverse bob within the ponytail. Lock it in place with another mist of hairspray.
Jade’s Confetti braids
Aaron worked with pro braider, Molecia George (aka @momoshair) to recreate the braids that Jade rocked in the Confetti music video. Start by prepping the hair by working a small about of Keratin Smooth Oil through the hair, starting from the mid lengths and working down to the ends. Spray hair with Protect and Care Heat Defense and use a tong to create textured waves. From the roots take small sections and to create thin braids that end at around lobe-length before opening into the waves. Finish with TRESemmé’s Day 2 Volumizing Shampoo for added texture and remember to brush out the curls!
Perrie’s Mermaid Waves
Getty Images
For Perrie’s mermaid waves, Aaron prepped hair with Protect and Care Heat Defense before brushing through. He uses a straightener, alternating between S waves and push waves to create pretty “beachy bo-ho waves” but kept the ends straight for a super undone, low-volume finish. For a hit of hydration, he spritzed the Day 2 Wave Enhancer throughout mid-lengths and ends, then finished with face framing micro plaits by taking two 10inch sections of hair and loosely braiding them. And because he didn’t want those beautiful waves to go anywhere, he misted the whole lot in place with hairspray. Top tip: “for added volume at the root, flip hair over and spray upside down,” says Aaron.
And there you have it award-winning hair that’s fit for a pop icon, or a trip down the pub with your mates.
For more from GLAMOUR’s Deputy Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.