Hair Share - The behind-the-scenes details from the celebrity hair looks you're obsessed with, courtesy of the pros that created them.
If there's a beauty moment that dominated 2023, it was undeniably Sofia Richie Grainge's internet-breaking bridal look. Storming social feeds everywhere at the peak of our quiet luxury obsession, Richie's high shine, understated updo went straight onto our mental beauty moodboards. Along with her enviable trio of bespoke Chanel gowns, Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc wedding destination and the iconic Good Charlotte reunion at her reception party.
The woman behind Sofia's modern, minimal and totally timeless bridal bun? Hairstylist and close friend Kathleen Riley. Here she spills the details you didn't know about this year's most notable wedding hairstyle...
Tell us a bit about you…
I've a been a hairstylist for 8 years. I specialise in styling and extensions and have an extension brand called SHAE Hair.
Who are your top clients…
Sofia Richie, Marianna Hewitt, Olivia Culpo.
Whose hair would you love to style but haven’t?
I would love to style Margot Robbie.
What’s your signature style?
I would say effortless texture.
What have been your career highlights?
Working backstage at NYFW and doing the hair for shows. Sofia’s wedding was also a highlight. It was such a beautiful memory to have because we're friends as well as working together.
Which hair products are always in your kit…
Ahh this could be very long but I love a good strong hold gel like the Schwarzkopf got2be Glue Gel, the Unite U Argan Oil, a Mason Pearson brush and a toothbrush to define and detail the hairline.
Tell us about Sofia Richie’s hair…
She has amazing hair her natural texture is beautiful and it’s easy to work with.
How did you start working with Sofia?
We started working together about five years ago; I styled her for an event and we've worked together ever since.
Shop Kathleen's Sofia Richie Hair Kit
UNITE U Argan Oil
Mason Pearson Large Bristle and Nylon Brush BN1-Dark Ruby
How did she ask you to style her wedding hair?
We were at dinner in New York when she asked me! It was very sweet and she wanted to make sure I was ok with it since I was a wedding guest as well and of course I said yes.
What was the wedding hair brief?
Classic, chic, clean, timeless. She's so stunning that the simple updo just showed off her beauty even more.
How did it tie in with Sofia's Chanel wedding dress?
I feel like Chanel is so classic and timeless that the hair complemented the dress so well - it didn’t take away from the look at all.
Talk us through creating Sofia's wedding updo...
I started by blowdrying her hair straight and then created a low ponytail with the back of her hair. Then I joined the sides into the low pony. I added a few SHAE Hair clip ins to conceal her layers then created a 3 strand braid and twisted it into a bun. I used the got2be gel and hair pins to hold it in place. It took about an hour to create in total.
Tell us about that veil...
The veil was stunning, it had two parts to it: one that covered her face, then one that was long to the back. I sewed the veil into her hair so there was no risk it could fly off.
How did you change it up for the evening?
We had very limited time so I took down her bun and took out the extensions, brushed everything out and then brought it all up into a 'party pony' and tied it off with a Blax clear hair tie. I sprayed the pony with IGK texture spray and got2be hairspray before fluffing it out with a brush.
Tell us something about Sofia’s wedding hair that no one knows...
Although her bun looked 'easy' to recreate it's all about making sure there's balance and symmetry and no hair out of place.
What’s the next look you’re excited to work on with Sofia?
I had a look in mind for the rehearsal dinner and last minute we switched it up so I have a hairstyle I can’t wait to do on her hopefully for her next event!
