Famous for creating the Duchess of Cambridge’s royal wedding hair style in 2011 and her popular ‘Chelsea Blow Dry’ (think those big, bouncy curls!), Richard Ward is a renowned celebrity hairdresser.
His luxurious London salon has won Salon of the Year twice in the British Hairdressing Business Awards and Richard has tended to the locks of A-listers, including Liz Hurley and Kim Cattrall.
He chats to The Weekly’s Beauty and Health Director, Sheree Mutton, about Kate’s famous mane and how to recreate her look at home.
What was it like creating the demi-chignon hairstyle for Kate Middleton on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011?
It was amazing to be asked, not just to look after HRH the Duchess, but her bridal party as well. The great thing about the whole event was that it was very much a team effort, and very uplifting for everybody associated with our company; not just on the day, but the whole build up and in many years to follow.
Did Kate, now the Duchess of Cambridge, have a clear vision of what she wanted for the wedding or was it more of a collaboration?
Like any bride, many ideas were thrown into the mix. There are so many considerations to take into account, before you finally arrive at the final look.
Just like her fashion style, Catherine’s bouncy curls are copied around the world. What hair tools and products do you use to style her hair?
To get the blow dry, use Velcro rollers with clips, a real bristle Shine Angel brush, a good strong hairdryer with nozzle and my Chelsea collection Anti-Ageing Argan Elixir on the mid-lengths to the ends.
You’re well-known for the classic ‘Chelsea blow-dry’. Do you have any tips for recreating this look at home?
1.Hair must be blow dried from 75–80 per cent wet.
2.Products, for example serum or root-lifting sprays must be applied evenly throughout the hair – the best way is to turn your head upside down, apply in small amounts and repeat. Remember less is more!
3.When taking the moisture out, rough dry in a controlled way, lifting and heating roots with your fingers.
4.Always use a real bristle brush.
5.A good, strong hairdryer and a nozzle is ALWAYS a must.
6.When using Velcro rollers, make sure they are firmly in place and secured with a clip, so the all-important root lift stays in place.
What hair trends do you think will be big this year?
The ‘Lob’ is already huge, inspired by HRH’s new haircut. Sleek hair is making a big comeback, and short crops (if you’re that brave). At the moment there’s a real mix between highly groomed hair and a more natural, undone look.
You have won many awards in your career as a hairdresser, is there a highlight?
Yes, I have won many awards, including Salon of the Year, Celebrity Hairdresser of the Year, London Hairdresser of the Year and I’ve been nominated as British Hairdresser of the Year six times! The highlight would definitely be my first nomination as British Hairdresser of the Year. I’ve also had many nominations for my Chelsea Collection range of products and our brush brand, Tangle Angel.
You have an impressive list of celebrity clients, is there anyone you would still like to work with?
Nicole Kidman – she always looks so incredibly groomed, and that is the look that’s closest to my heart!
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