Hairstylist Anthony Campbell shared the methods used to create the distinct looks for Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys at the recent Emmy Awards, where both actors achieved significant wins.
For Russell, nominated for her role as diplomat Kate Wyler in Netflix's "The Diplomat," the goal was a clean and sleek aesthetic to complement her black leather gown. Campbell created a tight bun by first applying RŌZ Root Lift Volumizing Hair Styling Spray to Russell's roots to ensure a smooth, backward direction during blow-drying with a flat brush and Dyson hair dryer. This initial step was crucial for setting the foundation of the sleek style. "The most important step is definitely the blow dry and flat ironing to set the root direction with the blowdry and lock in sleekness and shine with the flat iron," Campbell stated. He then utilized the ghd Chronos Styler, which maintains a consistent 365-degree plate temperature, to further flatten and smooth the hair from root to tip, ensuring a seamless line from the hairline to the eventual bun.
To gather Russell's hair into a ponytail and control any frizz, Campbell applied a few drops of RŌZ Santa Lucia Heat Protectant Styling Hair Oil. This lightweight oil provided necessary control without a stiff or greasy finish. The ponytail was then treated with four pumps of RŌZ Milk Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Hair Serum before being twisted into a bun and secured with hairpins. The serum's properties helped detangle, soften, and control frizz, allowing for a compact coil and preventing shorter ends from disrupting the finished shape. Finally, a small amount of RŌZ Evergreen Hair Styling Cream was used to manage flyaways around the hairline and bun, ensuring a smooth surface. The look was completed with Parfums de Marly Valaya Hair Perfume.
For Matthew Rhys, who won for his performances in "Widow’s Bay" and "The Beast in Me," the approach was to enhance his natural texture. Campbell began by brushing The Bur Bur Mermaid Brush through Rhys's hair and applying a few drops of Bur Bur Growing Season Botanical Hair Treatment Oil. This oil, typically used as a pre-shampoo treatment, helped define Rhys's curls, add shine, and maintain their loose structure. The brush's combination of boar bristles and nylon pins aided in distributing the oil evenly.
Rhys's hair was then dried using the diffuser attachment on a Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer. This method allowed the airflow to spread across the curls, drying them according to their natural pattern. After drying, Campbell shook out Rhys's hair and applied an additional amount of Bur Bur oil to further sharpen the texture and enhance shine, completing his award-winning look.