What do the possessors of Hollywood’s most-admired heads of
hair—Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake
Lively, and Julia Roberts—have in common? Superstylist Serge Normant,
whose New York and L.A. salons are paparazzi-stakeout staples. Although
his work is the standard for sexy, glamorous hair, Normant has a very
laissez-faire attitude when it comes to trend setting. “I never think
about trends!” he says. “You can be inspired by looks you see on the
runway or in movies and magazines, but it’s important to do your own
interpretation. I don’t ever want to clone people.”
Jack: Your name is synonymous with volume.
Serge Normant: I love volume because it gives a thickness and richness to hair. But that doesn’t mean it has to be teased 10 inches above the head! It’s more about finding the right products that give hair movement and make it touchable.
Jack: Is that why you created your own line?
SN: Yes. I think of the hair as an extension of the skin. Glamorous hair is healthy hair, so just as you use a moisturizer and a mask on your face, do the same for your hair. But overloading the hair doesn’t give better results. If you need more than two or three styling products, you’re probably using the wrong ones.
Jack: So what’s your recipe for turning up the volume?
SN: Find a good volumizing spray. You can use it in different ways: Either spritz the product from the hairline to the ends, then blow-dry with a round brush, or just apply it to the roots and let it air-dry in the summer. If you want even more lift, use a little dry shampoo. Back-combing can also go a long way.
Jack: What’s one product everyone should own?
SN: I’ve used dry shampoo my whole career—it’s an absolute must. We have a tendency to touch our hair all day, whether consciously or not, so it often goes flat by the end of the day, and dry shampoo is a quick fix that can make you feel refreshed, even if it doesn’t make you feel squeaky-clean. It will also extend the life of a blow-dry. Or if you have to put your hair up and it’s too limp, it’s perfect. It will help anchor a ponytail or even a teased-up ’60s-inspired look by adding volume and texture.
Jack: What role does color play when you’re cutting hair?
SN: It’s the best way to enhance a haircut: Even subtle color can make a world of difference. When you go to the salon, I always recommend getting the cut done first, followed by color. This way the colorist can really see exactly where the placement needs to be. I’m doing a lot of midlength cuts right now, which look pretty when the front and ends are a bit lighter. If you do the cut second, it would take off some of that color.
Jack: A lot of your celebrity clients have long hair. Do you think that will change now that so many starlets are going short?
SN: Looking at my clientele, it’s really all over the place. People still really love long hair, but it can be refreshing for someone who has worn the same hairstyle for a while to trim a few inches off and make a bit of a statement. Short hair can look classic and modern, especially if the cut is a little sassy.
Jack: Any short-hair styling tips?
SN: To add texture to short hair, I love twisting in some pomade. Then, for shine, add a great dry oil. Short hair works best when you are making the most of your natural texture and not overworking it, so again, you shouldn’t need a lot of products if the cut is tailored to your hair type.
Jack: Your name is synonymous with volume.
Serge Normant: I love volume because it gives a thickness and richness to hair. But that doesn’t mean it has to be teased 10 inches above the head! It’s more about finding the right products that give hair movement and make it touchable.
Jack: Is that why you created your own line?
SN: Yes. I think of the hair as an extension of the skin. Glamorous hair is healthy hair, so just as you use a moisturizer and a mask on your face, do the same for your hair. But overloading the hair doesn’t give better results. If you need more than two or three styling products, you’re probably using the wrong ones.
Jack: So what’s your recipe for turning up the volume?
SN: Find a good volumizing spray. You can use it in different ways: Either spritz the product from the hairline to the ends, then blow-dry with a round brush, or just apply it to the roots and let it air-dry in the summer. If you want even more lift, use a little dry shampoo. Back-combing can also go a long way.
Jack: What’s one product everyone should own?
SN: I’ve used dry shampoo my whole career—it’s an absolute must. We have a tendency to touch our hair all day, whether consciously or not, so it often goes flat by the end of the day, and dry shampoo is a quick fix that can make you feel refreshed, even if it doesn’t make you feel squeaky-clean. It will also extend the life of a blow-dry. Or if you have to put your hair up and it’s too limp, it’s perfect. It will help anchor a ponytail or even a teased-up ’60s-inspired look by adding volume and texture.
Jack: What role does color play when you’re cutting hair?
SN: It’s the best way to enhance a haircut: Even subtle color can make a world of difference. When you go to the salon, I always recommend getting the cut done first, followed by color. This way the colorist can really see exactly where the placement needs to be. I’m doing a lot of midlength cuts right now, which look pretty when the front and ends are a bit lighter. If you do the cut second, it would take off some of that color.
Jack: A lot of your celebrity clients have long hair. Do you think that will change now that so many starlets are going short?
SN: Looking at my clientele, it’s really all over the place. People still really love long hair, but it can be refreshing for someone who has worn the same hairstyle for a while to trim a few inches off and make a bit of a statement. Short hair can look classic and modern, especially if the cut is a little sassy.
Jack: Any short-hair styling tips?
SN: To add texture to short hair, I love twisting in some pomade. Then, for shine, add a great dry oil. Short hair works best when you are making the most of your natural texture and not overworking it, so again, you shouldn’t need a lot of products if the cut is tailored to your hair type.
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