Oscars

Hair stylist Adir Abergel reveals how he completely transformed Charlize Theron's hair for the Oscars

Including a trim just hours before the red carpet...

25 February 2019

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Every year the Oscars brings together the best of makeup and hair to create some seriously showstopping beauty looks. The jaw-dropper this year? Charlize Theron's shiny brunette bob.

We had to do a double-take when we first spotted the usually-blonde Theron take to the red carpet in a floor-length, backless blue gown which intensified her new chocolate hair colour.

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The dramatic switch up was the vision of hairstylist Adir Abergel, who told GLAMOUR he wanted to "take her hair to a luxe and rich shade of brown that would enhance her gorgeous blue eyes."

Here, he reveals how he pulled off the change just a week before the ceremony...

THE INSPIRATION

According to Adir, the secret to creating an amazing red carpet look is about finding the right balance between the hair, the dress, and the makeup.

"When I saw the beautiful light Japanese indigo fabric on her Dior dress, I immediately knew I wanted to create a dramatic contrast with her hair", says Adir. "Charlize is an incredible creative artist who is fearless and willing to experiment. When I presented her the concept to go brunette for the Oscars, she totally trusted me."

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Adir turned to colourist Tracey Cunningham to help his vision for a 'luxe, rich colour' to come to life. "My vison for the entire look was healthy, glowing hair styled into an amazing bob."

For the cut and style, Adir referenced the hairstyles in two iconic films; the sleek bob with rolled under ends on Michelle Pfeiffer in Scar Face and the famous asymmetrical bob on Julie Christie Shampoo.

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THE STEP-BY-STEP

Adir stresses the importance of starting a hairstyle like this with a 'healthy foundation'.

"I started by hydrating her hair with Virtue’s Restorative Treatment Mask (£26) to give it the most amount of shine. I also added a secret ingredient that acted as a boost to the mask: Virtue’s NEW ColorKick™ (it’s only available in salons right now but you need to know about it!)"

"I allowed the mask to penetrate for just three minutes and then rinsed it out completely."

Once the hair was towel dried, Abergel used Virtue® Volumizing Primer (launching Spring 2019) at the roots to create memory and volume that would prime Charlize's hair for the perfect blow out.

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He then created a deep side part, smoothing the hair with Virtue® Polish Un-Frizz Cream (£19) from roots to ends, before blow-drying.

To finish, Abergel ran through the hair with the ghd Platinum Plus Styler, which he says "really helps with shine and keeps the cuticles healthy so that the light reflects better."