Someone close to Kate Middleton is spilling all of her secrets her hairstylist! Richard Ward is the owner of his own eponymous salon in London. It’s been nearly a decade since he first met the Duchess of Cambridge at that same location. In a recent interview with People, Ward sweetly noted, “She’s the same person that first came into the salon 10 years ago.”
After working with Kate for quite some time, Ward dubbed her simultaneously bouncy and sleek style the “Chelsea Blow Dry” a creation that he has since trademarked. Though Ward has a pretty amazing canvas to work with, he insists that the Chelsea Blow Dry can be achieved by anyone. He told People, “It’s not just about Kate’s hair it is beautifully finished, frizz-free, shiny hair.” We experienced this legendary blowout from Ward not too long ago, and he generously gave us the lowdown on his entire process. Using that salon visit and his tutorial for People, we’ve determined the major tips and tricks to getting a mane fit for a duchess. Read on!
1. Don’t Start on Soaking-Wet Hair
According to Ward, the key to the perfect blowout is in the preparation. First, comb through your wet hair and remove excess moisture by rough-drying — but avoid blowing the hair in all directions. Also, don’t rough-dry too much! Ward estimates a good blowout begins on a mane that is 70 percent wet.
2. Avoid Using Too Much Product
Ward told People, “It’s all about cocktailing small amounts. I favour an Argan oil elixir — which is a cross between a serum and an Argan oil — this works very well for giving the hair shine.” For a blended oil product, try Wella’s Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir ($24).
3. Invest in a Powerful Hair Dryer
A high-quality hot tool can make all the difference. Using the nozzle attachment, gradually focus the heat onto different sections — working from the top down — for a smooth, glossy result. Then slide the nozzle down the hair shaft while firmly gripping your hair in place with a large barrel brush. In the market for a new styling tool? Try the GHD Air Professional Performance Dryer ($225).
4. A Natural Bristle Brush Is Key
A firm believer that metal tools just don’t get the job done, Ward told us the use of a natural bristle brush is “absolutely nonnegotiable.” He personally uses his very own Shine Angel brush ($19), which smooths the strands with each pass.
5. Hot Rollers Will Make Your Style Last
If your hair is naturally rather straight, you might need some reinforcements in addition to the heat of your hair dryer. This is where hot rollers come in! Immediately after blow-drying, roll each section into a medium velcro roller. Angle your hair up and away from the face at the front but down for the back and sides of the head to keep the ringlets from looking too fussy. Make sure there’s a considerable amount of tension on each section to secure the roller and to make your curl more taut. Ward always clips the rollers in place with a banana clip as they cool to guarantee a longer-lasting curl.