Classic Red Carpet Hair

You really could tell how scared the stylists were this week when they saw all of that long hair. With that much hair to work with, there's really only so many places it can go, and the contestants given the clients with the longest locks really had to think hard about where to put it all. There are only so many places you can stick 62 inches of hair! I'm far more interested in the elimination challenge though, because here's where we really get down to business. People come on this show because they have big dreams, not because they're content with their careers. To be a renowned stylist in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, or London, you have got to develop a roster of elite clientele. And what do the ritziest clients want? Flawless red carpet hair.

This week's challenge is something that any winner of Shear Genius should be able to handle with ease because in this business that's where the glory is. A lot of the stylists were on track with their work, but a few missed the boat by trying to be too inventive and modern. Red carpet looks can be both of these things, but first and foremost, they have to look classic. No client is ever going to ask for something wild for a formal affair, so when you're styling someone's hair for the red carpet, think of what you associate with that kind of an event. Black ties, expensive gowns, and the finest jewelry deserve to be complemented by polished, classy hair.

Charlie hit that right on the nose with his look. A silky wave like that would be at home on top of any actress, and what's nice is that it is not too difficult to create for yourself for a formal event. Sculpting products like Nexxus Versastyler help define and hold styles for a polished look. Charlie is the clear front-runner at this point, but you've got to wonder how much of that is because most of the challenges so far involved putting hair up. He's unmatched in his skill at that, but when more and more challenges focus on the cutting, we'll get a chance to see how well rounded he really is. The scissors could very well be his Achilles' heel. We may even find out as soon as next week, when I appear as a guest judge, so be sure to check it out! I'm not giving anything away, but I may make someone cry.