What’s In My Hair Kit: Patrick Wilson
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Brushes & Combs
“The brushes I like are by a Japanese brand called YS Park. I first came across them working backstage at the shows in Paris. At the time, there were very few places you could buy them, so I stocked up at a supplier called Delorme near Le Marais in Paris. They are the best brushes for smoothing curly or unruly hair textures. A mixture of boar bristle and heat-resistant nylon pins, they smooth the hair’s cuticle and pick up different sections with ease. I go to the same brands for all my combs, too. They have a huge selection of wide tooth, cutting, tail and tinting combs. They don’t just look fun; they are durable and work for all hair types as well. Back in 2014, the hair artists backstage at the Victoria Secret’s show gave the entire team a pink tail comb – ever since then, I’ve sworn by YS Park and never bought anything else.”
Pretty Accessories
“I always keep an array of hair accessories in my kit. For weddings, I like to use Tilly Thomas. Its pieces are so delicate and chic. If I’m going for more of a statement look, I like Emily London. It does some beautiful Chanel-style bows that add interest without looking too over the top. Likewise, Jennifer Behr is a go-to for headbands or statement pieces. Finally, I love Lelet NY for pieces that feel a bit more unique.”
Top Tools
“I always have a toothbrush and a firm blusher or tanning brush in my kit. Isle of Paradise has a Blending Brush I swear by. I’ll mist some hairspray onto a toothbrush then use it to style the edges of the hair, getting rid of fly-aways and keeping everything smooth and slick. I use the tanning brush to add sleekness to a ponytail. Once the hair is tied back and secured, I’ll fix it with a gel or a hairspray, then use the brush to tame and secure the product in place. Use this trick to polish and de-frizz stray hairs along the parting, too. I always use soft curl clips as well. You probably recognise this when you see someone having their make-up applied and the pins are sat in the hair. They are ideal for setting a curl in place, but also just to move hair out of the face without causing any dents or marking.”
Everyday Essentials
“The Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique is the best heat protector out there and I’m never without it. I’m often asked how important heat protectors are – they’re paramount for minimising damage. As for hairspray, I love Sam McKnight’s Modern Spray. It’s lightweight but gives great hold all day long. For instant texture and a cool-girl effect, you can’t beat Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray, while Color Wow’s UV Frizz Control & Glossing Serum is a gives the kind of sleek, shiny finish to hair that looks really expensive. If you have curly hair, the best product for defining waves is Umberto Giannini’s Curl Jelly. It’s lightweight but gives great definition and extra volume. Finally, I’m never without my Ghd Soft Tong. Without doubt, it’s the best styler and the perfect size for creating effortless movement within the hair.”
Niche Finds
“Another session stylist named Anna Chapman set up an online store called Session Kit. There, she sells all the products we love backstage, but can’t get hold of in the UK. There are thinks like discrete face shields you can use on your model while cutting a fringe, so no hair falls onto their face or in their mouth, as well as products like specialist diffusers and special hair pins. It’s a great place to stock up on essentials. I love a good clip-on ponytail, too. The place to stock up on pieces like this is Beauty Works. It does a range of colours, lengths and textures made from 100% real human hair. You simply clip one into the base of your pony, wrap it around and secure it. They are very realistic and add instant volume.”
Go-To Cleaners
“Hygiene is hugely important in my line of work. Even pre-pandemic I was obsessive – especially with my brushes and combs. The best way to clean both is to use a thin comb along the bristles. This will remove any stray hairs and also dust out of the pad. Then, disinfect everything with barbicide and rinse with water – that’s if you want to give them a really thorough cleanse. In terms of keeping my tools hygienic day to day, I have several pouches that separate everything for maximum organisation and cleanliness. I swear by the My Kit Co XL Canvas Pouch. It’s so durable and makes travelling a lot easier.”
Secret Staple
“Cock Grease – yes, you heard that right – is one of my favourite products and still not many people know about it. It’s a workable wax that I use to slick hair back for high ponytails and low buns. It gives a great wet look, and always delivers slick results. The formula, however, isn’t water-based, so you don’t ever have to worry about it drying out as the night wears on. It’s genius.”
Kit Storage
“Almost my entire kit is stored neatly in My Kit Co Travel Cases. But I also get a lot of storage and containers from Muji to separate and divide items for minimal mess. As for my actual grooming kit, I got it from Amazon, via the Garsumiss Store. I’m obsessed with it. I call it the Lazy Susan as you just turn up, put it on the side, and it’s all there ready for you to dip in and out of. I also have a Salons Direct Pins & Grips Box which is ideal for keeping everyday essentials like kirby grips in place. Organisation is key in my job, but it should be for anyone who wants to style their hair quickly, too.”
Follow @PatrickWilson for more hair tutorials, tips & advice
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