When it comes to the ‘no makeup, makeup’ look, I know exactly what I’m doing. A bit of skin tint here, a touch of spot concealing there, some cream blush, maybe even a few faux freckles and I’m done.
But when it comes to effortless hair, I’m a little more stumped.
Kate Moss is undoubtedly the picture definition of the look, but whenever I’ve tried to recreate that tousled bedhead vibe, I always end up with a matted look that resembles a beaver’s tail and results in my Nan telling me I need a good old brush.
So, what did I do when I was offered interview time with Sam McKnight, Kate Moss’s hairstylist and the creator of the world’s most covetable hairstyle? I did the ‘cool girl’ Spanish inquisition on him, of course.
How very uncool of me, I know.
If you’re not familiar with Sam, just know that he is hair royalty. Quite literally in fact, as he was previously Princess Diana’s stylist.
Alongside Kate (Moss), his clients now include Jodie Comer, Priyanka Chopra and Cate Blanchett, to name a few.
Sam has a CV that would make anyone nervous but thankfully he didn’t mind dumbing his knowledge down in order to give me (and you) a step-by-step guide on how to achieve his signature look.
So what exactly is ‘cool girl’ hair?
“Whatever your hair type, it’s a kind of look that doesn’t appear like you’ve tried too hard,” explains Sam. “You should look like you have great hair, rather than an amazing style”.
But don’t mistake that with messy hair, unlike me. “It’s not dirty, it’s not uncared for; it’s definitely considered, with an element of thoughtfulness”.
It’s important not to confuse cool girl hair with ‘nothing hair,’ too. This style is much more about added texture and less slip, whereas the latter revolves around silky locks that look freshly-washed and luxe.
It’s also worth noting that McKnight makes it clear cool girl hair is ultimately embracing whatever texture you’re naturally blessed with too, be it curls or coils.
However, if, like me, you weren’t blessed with much of anything, here’s how to cheat a cool girl wave.
Your first step begins in the shower
On my hair type (which is similar to Kate’s in that it’s pretty straight with maybe a slight wave), Sam recommends using a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to start with, as anything too heavy will weigh it down and you’ll struggle to get volume.
I’m currently using Sam’s Light Cleanse Shampoo and Light Nourish Conditioner and as a greasy haired girl I love it, as he designed it for everyday use.
Yep, that’s right, Sam doesn’t have a problem with you washing your hair every day and I, for one, stan him for that.
You don’t need heat
Unlike some hairdressers I’ve interviewed, Sam isn’t a lover of using loads of heat on the hair and in fact, if you can, he ideally would prefer for you to air dry where possible. If that would take too long, he suggests giving it a quick blast with a dryer first to start you off, and then leaving to dry naturally.
To create that natural ‘movement,’ Sam recommends tieing your hair in a top knot once it’s dry and leaving it for 30 minutes.
If your hair really is poker straight and that does nothing, you can “touch it” with a curling iron. Sam’s words not mine.
“I would literally just show the hair the curling iron; just touch it a little bit so it doesn’t go into these big waves. Just do a little glide through”.
Remember, if you end up looking like a ‘00s Kardashian at a Tao nightclub opening in Vegas, you’ve gone too far.
The one product you *should* reach for
I won’t keep you in suspense; it’s texture spray and specifically a dry texture spray as opposed to a sea salt spray.
Sam designed his Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist so that Kate could do her hair without him, and that can is really all you need to recreate his signature look – as long as you are applying it correctly…
The vital step
Rather than just spraying the outside of your hair like I have always done, creating a slightly crispy exterior, you must spray your hair throughout.
Get ready to pretend you’re at a Slipknot gig because Sam wants you to throw your head upside down and spray through each layer, flipping and spraying, flipping and spraying (see below).
When you come up for air you may initially resemble Eddie Munson from Stranger Things, but do not fear. If you can just let it sit and settle, you’ll be left with the best hair of your life.
If you brush it however, things are going to get very Brian May. So, heed Sam’s advice and use your hands, not your Tangle Teezer, to tame any rogue strands.
So that’s it, turns out cool girl hair is really as effortless as it seems and literally just requires one product and a little know-how.
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