Hosting an awards show is a big feat. You have to be funny, charismatic, engaging, and articulate, all while looking immaculate in a half dozen costume changes and sometimes, hair switches. It’s no wonder our favorite funny girl next door Regina Hall was tapped to host Sunday night’s BET Awards to end off the BET Experience weekend on a high note. She was all of the aforementioned things, and she looked incredible. Her beauty squad made sure not an eyelash or strand looked out of place during the event. Hairstylist Shornell McNeal used a slew of Dove Hair Care products to achieve the actress’ polished mane, and she shared her step-by-step process with ESSENCE so that you can achieve it too.
“The look was a collaboration of the glam team. We worked together to make sure that all components of Regina’s look came together,” said McNeal. “We wanted to do something playful and a little out of the box. It was also important to have a look that could be transformed in under ten minutes to take Regina from the red carpet to the stage.”
Good hair is healthy hair, so before starting any styling process, make sure hair is clean and conditioned. To start, McNeal used Dove Nutritive Solutions Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse Regina’s natural hair for the evening. After the shampoo and conditioning, she used Dove Care Between Washes Rehydrating Mist as a leave-in conditioner to moisturize and protect her natural hair.
Next, she flat ironed Regina’s hair to smooth it out—don’t forget to get that all important heat protectant before applying any hot appliances to the hair.
Then she put Regina’s hair in a ponytail, using Dove Style + Care Compressed Micro Mist Extra Hold Hairspray to lay her hair down so that it would not curl up as the night went on. For the ponytail, McNeal added additional hair and secured it with hair pins, then wrapped the wire around the ponytail for a unique and sophisticated look. Finally, she sprayed a little of Dove Care Between Washes Invisible Dry Shampoo to take away a little of the shine.
We asked, she answered. McNeal spilled some tea on what it was like to work with the Shaft actress, and gave hair tips for Essence Festival!
Do you ever get nervous when you’re not just styling a celebrity, but the host of a big event, knowing all eyes will be on her?
The only time I get nervous is when I am not prepared. I aim to be very prepared when styling anyone’s hair. I take pride in what I do and I want to always ensure that my clients are satisfied.
What inspired Regina’s red carpet hairstyle?
Her dress was very expressive and going with the ponytail allowed us to go with something fashionable and unique. The wire around her ponytail contained [the hair] and added an artsy look to accommodate what was going on with her dress and other parts of what the glam team was doing.
What was the most difficult part of doing this style and how did you finally achieve it?
Creating a style that would look great and could be done with a ten minute change over into her next look. I had to make sure I could transform her hair into the next style in a matter of minutes.
What makes Regina so fun to work with?
She is very down to earth and treats everyone equally. She is kind-hearted, funny and just amazing! She is one of the best celebrities I’ve ever worked with.
Essence Festival is coming up in NOLA. Besides braids what’s a creative protective style that you would recommend for ladies?
I would recommend using a very good human hair lace wig, installed by a professional hairstylist.