Session Styling Secrets

Go backstage with Richard Kavanagh for an exclusive look at the world of Fashion Week. In this short introduction, Richard outlines the three key roles every Hair Director plays, creative visionary, team leader, and brand spokesperson, and sets the stage for the deeper lessons to come.

Explore the art and strategy behind creating hair looks for runway collections.

Richard shares how to collaborate with designers, stylists, and makeup artists to build a cohesive creative vision, from initial concept and moodboards to lighting, fabric, and silhouette considerations. 👉 Learn the creative process that turns inspiration into show-stopping runway hair.

A great show depends on more than great hair, it relies on great teamwork.

In this video, Richard reveals his approach to leading large backstage teams: setting the tone, managing energy, communicating under pressure, and ensuring every stylist leaves feeling valued, inspired, and ready to return. 👉 Leadership is service, and excellence is contagious.

When the lights, cameras, and questions hit all at once, how do you stay poised, professional, and on-message?

Richard breaks down how to handle both trade and consumer media backstage, balance sponsor mentions, and make sure the designer, the team, and the brand all shine. 👉 You’re not just styling hair, you’re shaping perception.

You’ll learn: Which lightweight products to choose for backstage and editorial styling Why product prep is essential for balanced porosity and texture How to layer products for flexible hold without weighing the hair down Whether you’re working backstage at fashion week, preparing for a shoot, or styling clients in the salon, these techniques will set you up for flawless results every time.

This technique is the signature base for shows like Chloe, Ralph Lauren, and other luxury brands. It delivers hair that looks natural, flexible, and “effortlessly” cool — while being one of the most technically demanding blowouts to execute. You’ll learn: How to stretch and smooth the hair while maintaining bounce and movement The secrets to creating polished, luxurious texture that still feels natural

The difference between a good blowdry and an editorial-level finish often comes down to the brush-out. In this Session Styling Fundamentals video, Richard Kavanagh shares the tools, techniques, and secrets to brushing out a blowdry for flawless, flexible results.

You’ll learn: The figure 6 technique for creating controlled, uniform curls How to set hair “on base” for maximum longevity and polish The principles of curl formation and why they matter backstage Tips for efficiency and consistency when working under time pressure This skill is essential for any stylist wanting to work backstage at fashion week, on editorial shoots, or simply to elevate their styling with control and finesse.

How to brush out curls without losing bounce or structure Which tools to use for different textures and desired finishes Techniques to eliminate set marks and create clean, continuous flow Backstage tricks to turn a classic set into effortless glam hair This skill is essential for red carpet, editorial, and runway styling, where every detail matters. Mastering the brush-out takes your work from “done” to world-class polished.

How to secure a ponytail with millinery elastic (without disturbing the texture by looping through a tie) A special knot technique that locks the elastic securely Wrapping and covering the elastic with hair: with no pins required This method ensures a sleek, high-fashion finish that looks effortless under lights and lasts through the runway. It’s one of the most essential skills for stylists working backstage at global fashion weeks

How to prep and isolate the wrap section The pro method for securing the elastic without disturbing the texture How to wrap hair around the elastic and lock it: with no pins required Tips for ensuring a flawless, seamless finish every time This detail is what separates amateur styling from fashion week–level polish. Once mastered, you’ll never finish a ponytail any other way.

This style has been seen at Louis Vuitton and many other Paris Fashion Week shows, where simplicity and refinement take center stage. Behind its clean finish is a high level of craft, precision, and control. You’ll learn: How to create a chignon that’s fast, secure, and polished