In the throng of celebrity style, which can be pretty tiresome, Ellen Pompeo always stands out as an example of effortless chic. Admittedly, I also have a special eye towards her personal style since we are “related” because our pooches have the same parents. Breeder bros aside, the actor knows how to rock glamour in a very modern, elegant, and off-handed manner that is absolutely worth a double-take.

Ellen Pompeo’s simple chic hairstyle at last night’s SAG awards was no exception. "Ellen was looking for a modern, cool, hip style - not your typical old Hollywood up-do," says her hair stylist for the event, Harry Josh, the Creative Consultant for the John Frieda Collection. "We went through tons of runway looks and decided on a very sexy bed head style. I wanted to make Ellen look effortlessly gorgeous, like she just rolled right out of bed and threw on an evening gown and a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps." Not to mention, the magnificent Nina Ricci gown.

"I think a perfect French twist or up-do ages a person," Harry notes. "A look like this is very hip and hot. It's simple to do and doesn't take expensive products or styling tools. This look can be worn with a evening gown to an award show or to lunch in a pair of jeans and a tank."

Now, for Harry’s hairstyle how-to tips to achieve Ellen Pompeo’s very low key, high impact up do:

  To combat the downpour that day, Ellen’s hair was washed with Weather Works by Frizz-Ease Weather-Proofing Shampoo and Conditioner, then a dab of Weather Works by Frizz-Ease Weather-Proofing Crème Sealant, also from the John Frieda Collection, was smoothed on her hair.

  Each section of hair was then blown dry. Harry used his fingers to build up volume with an ample amount of a non-sticky, light hairspray. Section by section, the hair was “crumbled” by hand when dry to make it moldable. "The goal is to make the hair look as messy as possible," Harry advises.

  Once he had gone over her entire head, all the hair was pulled into a messy side knot with a very high crown. Harry gently tugged the top layer of hair to create interest with details of wispy flyaways that catch the light—voila, a sexy, undone up do hairstyle that’s a cinch to master at home, well almost!


Where to Buy:
The Weather Works by Frizz-Ease Weather-Proofing Shampoo, Conditioner and Crème Sealant from the John Frieda Collection
Available online at Drugstore.com and at your local drugstore.

--January 28, 2008