Kailey Strachan for E! OnlineGuys, it's the final countdown to the Oscars. Are you ready?
Even if you're not headed to grab a golden boy, there are still plenty of moments where having red carpet-worthy hair is just as important. Knowing how to get some prep in your step can help you get you the look award shows are made of.
We've asked celebrity hairstylist, E! Style Collective member and star of L.A. Hair Kim Kimble to give us the dos and don'ts of showing up to your hairdresser on your special day.
Do step up to the stylist's chair with freshly clean and conditioned hair if you're going for a sleek, straight, beautiful look.
"If I want something flowy, then I'm going to want hair fresh and clean," said Kimble. "For my own hair, I'm going to condition it really well. To get it hydrated, I'll drink water. I might even do a hot oil treatment."
Do arrive unwashed if you're planning on getting a voluminous updo.
"I like to work with hair that's kind of dirty when I'm doing red carpet looks because it's easier to tease and put it up," mentioned the hair guru. "So I'll have them not wash their hair maybe a day or two before."
The artist talked about using a little dry shampoo before styling. We recommend using one like Pantene Original Fresh Dry Shampoo to help refresh hair.
Don't arrive the day of your big event with freshly cut hair.
"I wouldn't get a trim, if you can, any later than a week before a big event because you want to give it that lived-in look," said the star. "If I'm doing extensions for a certain style or adding something that needs to be blended into the hair, it's better when it's not freshly cut. It looks more natural when the hair has some split. If you can do without it, wait until after."
Do make sure that you're keeping up with your regular trims.
"We don't want the ends to be too dry because it might mess up the style," noted Kim. "Normally, you should be getting a trim every eight weeks or after every (regular) chemical service. So if you're having hair color or any kind of Brazilian blowout or relaxer done, you should have it trimmed after because hair can get pretty damaged."
Don't try a new color right before a moment that matters, and if you do, waiting two weeks prior is optimal.
"Drastic color changes—color is always tricky," shared the stylist. "If you've been going to the same colorist for years, I would take more chances. But if you're trying something really new and it's a new color and a new colorist, I would do it two weeks prior or just wait until after. Give the hair color a chance to oxidize in case you have to re-do something, because every seven days it kind of changes."
We are now locked and loaded with some easy ways to help our hairdressers—or even ourselves—get hair in shape for life's most exciting moments. Timing our trims and color sessions right seems simple enough, but our favorite tip is the one that gives us an excuse not to wash our hair—done and done. Thanks Kim!