THE JOURNAL

Mr Richard Madden at The Met Gala, New York, 6 May 2019. Photograph by Mr Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Have you noticed that your calendar has been rapidly filling up of late? No surprise there. We’re heading into the year’s busiest social season. You might be able to rest the six pack under a cosy knit until spring when you aren’t partying, but your hair is going to have to work extra hard when you are; defying central heating, arctic blasts, extra precipitation and going from desk to drinks to dinner to desk again.
Sound exhausting? Not to worry, we asked London session stylist Mr Daniel Dyer, who’s worked with Messrs Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Irvine and Tony Ward, for some expert advice on how to achieve five of the best hairstyles for the imminent holiday season.
01.
The textured grown-out look

Mr Timothée Chalamet at the premiere of The King, London, 3 October, 2019. Photograph by Ms Joanne Davidson/Camera Press
Whether it’s a silver-grey cinched suit by Haider Ackermann, a black sequinned hoodie by Louis Vuitton, or all-over floral print formalwear by Alexander McQueen, Mr Timothée Chalamet has been busy rewriting the rules on party dressing recently. His famous dark mop of generous “stra-vy” (straight-wavy) curls has also proved inspirational. A thick thatch is always a blessing – it’s down to how you manage it.
Get the look
“For a longer, shaggier style such as this, I’d always recommend going to a salon over a barber and asking for a textured, grown-out look,” says Mr Daniel Dyer. “To style, a salt spray is excellent for bringing out any natural wave in the hair and can be re-applied to refresh the look throughout the day.” December doesn’t always have the kindest climate for this type of hair. “Use a good quality leave-in conditioner with a little bit of serum to control any frizz,” he advises. “But above all try not to overwash the hair – the less the better.”
02.
The high and tight

Mr Mahershala Ali at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, February 2017. Photograph by Mr Adam Rose/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
Mr Mahershala Ali knows how to step it up on the red carpet. His Oscar-winning high-fade haircut is low on styling time, but requires close ties with his barber to keep it looking on point. Follow Mr Ali’s style cues and invest in a soft beanie to keep the warmth in on chillier days and nights.
Get the look
“This ‘sharp defined’ look requires regular maintenance every two-to-four weeks by an experienced barber,” says Mr Dyer. “Ask for a high skin fade on the back and sides with a short crop on top. Styling wise I’d recommend using a good quality pomade to add shine and control. Work it evenly through the hair using a natural boar bristle brush to protect the hair.”
03.
Mid-length layers

Mr Adam Driver at a screening of The Report, London, 5 October, 2019. Photograph by Ms Julie Edwards/Photoshot
The force is strong with this one. The ever-brooding Mr Adam Driver looks great with his mid-length mane. Now is a good time of year to try letting your hair grow out – the extra insulation is always a plus, and Mr Driver shows it can be stylish, too.
Get the look
“To get this haircut, I’d recommend using a deep point cut technique to avoid any harsh lines and keep the outline of the style soft,” advises Mr Dyer. “Again, this is best achieved in a salon as opposed to a barber. The key here is you don’t want your hair to look like it’s just been cut. Style it using either a leave-in conditioner or a matt wax to keep everything pliable and to avoid the dreaded ‘helmet’ head look.”
04.
The classic

Mr Richard Madden at The Met Gala, New York, 6 May 2019. Photograph by Mr Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Personal quirks allow your true style to shine. Put the dye to one side and follow the lead of Rocketman star Mr Richard Madden pictured at the Met Gala earlier this year. His graphic streak of grey and natural wavy texture adds character to this classically stylish cut.
Get the look
“An all-time classic, this has been clippered at the back and sides for sharpness and left longer on top and cut into create texture,” Mr Dyer explains. “The length comes down to personal taste and head shape. Accentuate any silver or grey tones with a silver toning shampoo. Style with a matt clay once it’s dry.”
05.
The silver crop

Mr George Clooney at the premiere of Suburbicon, Toronto, 9 September 2017. Photograph by Canadian Press/Shutterstock
We should all aspire to mature as gracefully and effortlessly as Mr George Clooney. Embracing the full spectrum of white-to-grey hair is a good place to start, while keeping the hair cropped close to the head. This will help it look more dense – useful for areas where you might be thinning. Also, note that a little self-tan can enhance the brightness of the hair.
Get the look
“It’s a slightly grown-out version of the classic French crop,” says Mr Dyer. “Depending on the length, you can either wear it flat and forward or lift up the front/top section. A silver shampoo is brilliant for cancelling out any yellow tones and keeping hair looking fresh. Use a wax or clay to style depending on the finish you prefer and always apply to dry hair so as not to overload the hair with product.”