Master Hairstylist Reveals Secrets to Achieving a Stunning 'Wet' Look and More Hair Tips
Celebrity hairstylist Ericka Verrett reveals her top product recommendations, expert insights on the bob trend, and essential hair care tips for the winter season exclusively to Us Weekly
Ericka Verrett is an expert when it comes to hair. Hailing from Northern California, she honed her skills in top salons in Los Angeles for over ten years before transitioning to become a freelance hairstylist.
Verrett is the go-to hairstylist for countless celebrities, including Lucy Hale, Courteney Cox, Miranda Kerr, Millie Bobby Brown, Maude Apatow, and Lili Reinhart. In an exclusive interview with We, she revealed her top recommended products for clients, her favorite hair trend, and how to achieve Lucy Hale’s stylish wet look from Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2023.
Ericka Verrett Courtesy of Ericka Verrett/Instagram
What hair products do you suggest for your clients?
Having a shampoo and conditioner that fit your hair type is essential. I recommend using a treatment once a week in the shower. Personally, I use the SpoiledChild M26 Damage Reverser one to two times a week for 10 minutes each time. This mask, infused with collagen, argan oil, and keratin, helps restore my long, wavy, and colored hair, keeping it soft, shiny, and frizz-free.
What is the biggest hair mistake someone can make?
There are numerous potential mistakes when it comes to hair care. For those with colored hair, one of the most common errors is exposing it to pools or the sun without proper protection. It is advised to wet the hair and use conditioner on the ends before swimming, and to use a UV protectant styling product during the summer months.
How frequently should we be washing our hair?
"As someone who only washes my hair once a week, I believe that as a society, we tend to overwash. I recognize that each of us has unique lifestyles and reasons for overwashing. If you are accustomed to washing your hair more than twice a week, consider replacing one of those washes with just a rinse and perhaps a scalp treatment. Over time, your hair will adjust to this routine, and the pH balance will begin to normalize."
As winter approaches, it's important to have tips for repairing hair damage caused by cold weather such as split ends, dryness, and static. One suggestion is to get a trim to prevent further splitting and dryness. Additionally, using products like SpoiledChild’s M26 Damage Reverser and E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen, which contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C to maximize collagen production, can promote healthier hair, skin, and nails. Hydration is key, so taking collagen alongside the treatment can help repair existing damage and prepare for the winter season.
Will the bob haircut remain popular in the upcoming fall and winter season? I certainly believe and anticipate that it will. The bob is my preferred classic hairstyle due to its versatility. It can be easily customized with layers, a fringe, curls, straightening, or even a change in color, making it a timeless and adaptable choice.
What are your predictions for the most popular hair trends in 2024?
"I'm hoping that the biggest hair trend of 2024 will be the use of collagen supplements. It's hard to say for sure what the future holds in terms of trends. My belief is that the biggest trend of the year will be what looks great on you and what makes you feel good."
How do you decide on the perfect hairstyle for your clients for photoshoots and events?
Determining the right look for clients is a flexible process that varies from job to job and client to client. For photoshoots, we often start by reviewing a mood board provided by the stylist or photographer, and then collaboratively determine how to bring their vision to life. In some cases, the client is also involved in this decision-making process.
“When it comes to events, my initial question is always, “What will you be wearing?” From there, I probe further with questions like, “How do you envision yourself in this outfit?” Clients might inquire about my vision for the look. Depending on their comfort level and openness to trying new things, this is typically how we collaborate to determine the perfect look. Some individuals have a clear idea of what they want, and I'll offer my interpretation of that, while others may have no idea and rely on my expertise.”
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I love how you styled Lucy Hale’s slicked back wet look during Paris Fashion Week. What goes into creating a wet look — and is it really wet?
Creating a 'wet' look can involve a variety of elements, particularly the selection of the right products based on hair texture and desired level of wetness. For example, Lucy's hair had a slightly greased, lived-in wave, so I chose a cream with a shine element to enhance separation and reflection. Given that her dark hair would be photographed with flash, I took this into account in the product selection. These factors combined to create a more realistically 'wet' appearance. Mousse, gel, high-shine hairsprays, oil, cream, among other products, can all help achieve a wet look.
