Getting to Know the Glam Squad: Hairstylist Mara Roszak

Get the know the gal that's behind Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone and more star's gorgeous updos

By Cinya Burton Apr 29, 2014 7:50 PMTags
Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone, Mara RoszackGetty Images

You know those stunning hairstyles Emma Stone has been modeling during her global The Amazing Spider-Man 2 press tour? Well, the woman who created them is L'Oréal Paris' celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak. She's also the genius behind all the gorgeous updos and perfectly coiffed waves worn by Zoe Saldana, Lily Collins, Mila Kunis, Olivia Wilde and Kate Mara.

For the past ten plus years Mara has been working with most of Hollywood's It girls on everything from red carpet events to magazine covers. Oh, and did we mention she's the go-to gal during awards season, especially the Oscars? Well, she is.

We caught up with Roszak—fresh off her trip to China with Emma!—to hear all about her time as a glam squad member. Here's what she had to share:

How long have you been a hairstylist?
I have been a hairstylist for a bit over a decade.

Where did you get your start?
My first real job was through a family friend who at the time was a personal publicist for actors. She knew I had recently graduated from beauty school and asked if I would be willing to style a client's hair for a red carpet event. Up until that point I had mostly just styled friends and family and didn't have a driver's license—but of course I said yes! My mom drove and dropped me off around the corner, per my request, I went in and did the job. Soon after I was requested for a huge press tour around the world with her. I recently looked back at images from that event and am happy to say I still like it! 

What was your big break?
A huge moment in my career was when I met my agent and good friend who I am still represented by today. He saw me for the artist I was then and have become today. 

Getty Images

What are a few of your favorite red carpet looks that you've created?
Emma Stone at The Amazing Spider-Man 2 premiere in Paris.
Lily Collins at Vanity Fair Oscars party in 2013.
Zoe Saldana at the 2010 Oscars.
Mila Kunis at the 2011 Golden Globes.
Emma Stone at the 2011 Golden Globes.

Getty Images

What items are always in your kit? 
L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray in multiple strengths, L'Oréal Paris Oleo Therapy Oil Essence hair oil, root boost spray, sea salt spray and texturizing spray.  Blow dryers, curling irons and bobby pins are an obvious staple. I typically travel with hair accessories in case the moment calls for one. 

What new item are you currently obsessed with? 
Product-wise, I'm obsessed with L'Oréal Oleo Therapy Deep Recovering hair mask. I use it on a weekly basis and my hair has never looked better. Personally, I am obsessed with the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag mini in white or pastel pink.

What is your favorite drug store buy?
L'Oréal Elnett Hairspray or any of the products in the L'Oréal Oleo Therapy collection.

What about your fave high-end splurge?
Serge Normant Dry Shampoo. 

Instagram

What's the weirdest request you've ever been asked by a client?
I was on a photo shoot and someone asked me if I had a mini leaf blower for the hair. I had no clue what they were talking about, so obviously the answer was no. I later realized it's one of the best tools for creating wind blown hair on set. I now own one and use it regularly on shoots. 

What's the best thank-you gift you've ever received?
While on a press tour with a client I fell in love with a ring that the stylist had for her to wear. After we got back home a box was delivered to my house, and in it was the ring with a beautiful note. It was one of the most thoughtful gestures I've ever received. 

Who have you been working with the longest?
I've been fortunate enough to have some long-lasting relationships with really wonderful people that are still in my life today. I met both Emma and Zoe  around seven or eight years ago. 

To see more 360 degree views of Mara's creations—like the above photo of Stone's braided updo—check out Roszak's Instagram or Twitter.