A Chat With The Fashion Show’s Jeanie Syfu

Whether she’s styling celebrities or pulling together the finishing touches for up and coming designers, Jeanie Syfu, TRESemmé Lead Stylist for The Fashion Show, knows what looks good. Even with the skills to create complicated creations for the runway, each week on The Fashion Show brings not another difficult style – but rather easy to recreate looks you can do yourself. We caught up with Jeanie to talk about some of her hair tips and industry insights.

What’s the most common mistake you see women make with their hair?
I can think of a few, but most common mistake would be not getting your hair cut as often as you should, especially women with longer hair where the shape isn’t as obviously grown out as a shorter style. Longer hair is easily pulled back in a ponytail and forgotten about.

How would you adapt a messy ‘bedhead’ hairstyle to a more conservative situation (like work or a dinner party)?
There is a fine line between undone and unkempt. Skip the brush when blow drying and go for a rough dry using fingers and a volumizing product, like the TRESemmé 24 Hour Body collection. If you encounter problems with control or frizz, finish off your style with a bit of styling crème. I love the TRESemmé Anti-frizz Secret Smoothing Crème. Undone styles can work in the office when there is a controlled element happening. Try using a headband or elastic for a casual bun or braiding around your temples and pulling back loosely securing with pins.

What do you think is the best hair accessory every girl should have this summer?
A headband is great for those hot summer days, especially for those who have a fringe.

What is your number one recommendation for kids interested in pursuing a fashion related career?
Freedom of expression! Do your own thing instead of following everyone else. Cultivate your own personal style and own it. Designers are constantly taking inspiration from eras from the past. Hit a vintage shop and stock up on accessories to have fun with your look by mixing a few pieces into your current wardrobe. Another bit of advice is to have a fashion icon you identify with and use their style to inspire you.

Who has been the most fun designer to work with on The Fashion Show? Why?
Anna was always really sweet and open for ideas in the salon. She also had amazing designs that I always fell in love with.

How do you feel about retro 90’s fashion? Is it too soon for grunge to make a comeback?
Ha ha! It kinda makes me feel old having a look come back so soon, but it’s nice to see my younger friends rocking the look. It works when there are a few things done, but when it’s taken too literally, it could easily be a fashion don’t.

What are your predictions for Fall ’09 hair and apparel trends?
I’d like to see more women wearing a “haircut” — a “hairstyle” with strength. Mid-length and shorter looks have a sophistication that I love. During fashion week, we saw splashes of neon, menswear looks, the return of the shoulder pad and prints. I think a strong haircut that styles on it’s own would compliment any of these looks.

Images: TRESemmé