Vanessa Hudgens' Hair Stylist Gave Us a Step-by-Step Tutorial on How She Achieved Her Oscars Hairstyle

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FYI: You're not the only person who has been dreaming of Vanessa Hudgens' 2024 Oscars look. The multi-hyphenate and official Oscars Red Carpet host this year looked absolutely breathtaking in a floor-length, turtleneck black gown by Vera Wang Couture. And the fact that she used the red carpet to announce her pregnancy was just the icing on the cake! Not only am I super hyped about Baby V’s own baby, but I also couldn't stop fawning over her sleek and wavy half-up hairstyle. Maybe because it just looked so effortlessly elegant… and, TBH, something I could possibly achieve myself.

I know, I know, a bold statement. But! I am here to say that we can recreate Vanessa Hudgens' Oscars hair right at home! Yes, us amateurs!! Danielle Priano, the star's longtime hairstylist and Sexy Hair ambassador, shared with Cosmo a tutorial on how exactly she styled Vanessa's hair and the exact Sexy Hair and Remington products she used to achieve the half-up moment for the 96th Annual Academy Awards. Also, almost everything she used—including hair tools—is less than $50 and available on Amazon. Celebs, they're just like us!

Below, a step-by-step tutorial on how celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano created Vanessa Hudgens' iconic Oscars 2024 hairstyle. Ahem, if I were you, I'd save this article (click the "Save" button at the top) so you always have this handy!

Big Volumizing Shampoo

First things first! The hair must be properly cleansed before styling. "We started by cleansing Vanessa's hair using SexyHair Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner to ensure a clean, voluminous base," Priano told Cosmo. (FWIW: If you love a full and shiny look, ya gotta add this to your hair-washing routine ASAP.)

Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner

Next up: a leave-in conditioner to get the hair malleable for the sleek style. "I initially towel-dried her hair gently and applied Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner, which doubles as a detangler to prepare her hair for styling," Priano said.

Big Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse

"I then applied SexyHair’s Volumizing Big Altitude Mousse to give the roots a lift," Priano added. Best used on damp hair, this volumizer gives that va va voom look without feeling heavy. Its medium-hold formula will reduce flyaways and make sure the volume lasts. I mean, it was literally made to last up to 72 hours of humidity!

Healthy hot Hair Shine Show Blowout Spray

The last thing she put on Vanessa's hair before she used heat tools was this new blowout spray by hot Hair that nourishes, shines, smooths, and provides thermal protection up to 450 degrees.

One Multi-Style Hair Dryer

And then it was time to dry Vanessa's hair! "I used the Remington One Blow Dryer with a large round brush for a smooth blowout, ensuring the hair was completely dry and prepped for further styling," Priano said. (BTW, this under-$50 blow-dryer also comes with two attachments: a curl diffuser and a styling concentrator. A steal!)

Body Wave Clip In Hair Extensions

To make the style thicker, Danielle added clip-in extensions with a body wave (aka ones that already came pre-styled in the way Vanessa was going to have her hair). Priano told Cosmo: "Next, I sectioned the hair and began adding The Hair Shop Pro 7 Clip-In Extensions 26” in 1B with a body wave from the nape upwards, stopping at the occipital bone. This technique added volume and length, creating an illusion of fuller hair." Because the specific extensions that were used on Vanessa are on the pricier side, the one shown here is an affordable option—less than $50—that looks nearly identical!

Style Polished Up Pomade

Once she had the extensions in, the next step was to create the half-up style. This magical product slicked her hair back ever so smoothly and it also played a big part in holding up Vanessa's hair throughout the night! "I applied Polished Up Pomade by SexyHair to smooth the hair and then pulled it into a chic half-up, half-down style, securing it with a ponytail holder. This step added a sophisticated, snatched, half-up vibe reminiscent of the '90s supermodel era," Priano said.

ONE 3 in 1 Flat Iron Hair Straightener, Curling Iron and Wand

FYI: You can achieve celeb hairstyles with super affordable hair tools! "I used the Remington One Curler to curl the hair and set the curls with rollers to cool and hold their shape, ensuring lasting volume and bounce," Priano said. This one tool is a flat iron, curling iron, and wand—which makes it super easy to travel with.

Healthy So Touchable Weightless Hairspray

A hairstyle won't have much longevity if it isn't sealed with some hairspray! "I then used SexyHair So Touchable Hairspray to lock in the curls while maintaining flexibility," Priano said. This ultra-lightweight one provides a soft hold but is buildable!

Pro Tools Wide Tooth Comb

But how exactly did Priano give V. Hud those loose, wavy curls? The trick is to a wide-tooth comb. Priano let us in on her user-friendly method: "I removed the rollers and gently brushed out the curls with a wide-tooth comb for a soft, flowing look."

Big Spray & Play Harder Firm Volumizing Hairspray

The more hairspray, the longer it'll last! "I finished the hairstyle with SexyHair Spray and Play Harder (a firmer hairspray) for hold," Priano said. This flake-free and mega-strong hairspray will keep a style in place for up to 120 hours—aka perfect for an all-day occasion like the Oscars!

Healthy hot Hair Smooth & Seal Anti-Frizz & Shine Spray

But Vanessa's hair wasn't fully ready without this spray to lock everything in. "I also finished with the SexyHair Smooth and Seal for an extra glossy finish, ensuring the hair looked stunning and stayed in place through the Oscars," Priano added. Infused with coconut oil, this spray really secures a hairstyle. It shields it from humidity, adds shine, and tames pesky, stick-out hairs.

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