The Exact Sutra Tools and AquaLyna Clip-In Extensions Used to Create the Oscars Hair Look for Best Supporting Actress Nominee Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
Best Supporting Actress nominee Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas was nominated for her role in Sentimental Value. Christopher Naselli created her modern, effortless ponytail for The Oscars. Image courtesy of Christopher Naselli.
"Soft texture. Natural movement. Just the right amount of undone.” That's how stylist Christopher Naselli describes the Oscars hair look he created for Best Supporting Actress nominee Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, nominated for her highly acclaimed role in Sentimental Value.
While Naselli created a look that appeared effortlessly beautiful, there was quite a bit of planning and technique that went into creating the hairstyle. This included using Sutra tools and AquaLyna clip-in extensions to perfect the style.
Another secret to creating the style? Prepping the night before. Naselli had Inga wash her hair the night before the big day. "Second-day hair always gives me the best texture to work from," says Naselli. He also shares that he prepared and razor-cut AquaLyna Aura 20” clip in-extensions for the look the night before so they were ready to blend seamlessly.
Stylist Christopher Naselli used Sutra IR2 Infrared 1” Flat Iron to style the Oscars look for actress Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Image courtesy of Christopher Naselli.
Naselli shares the step-by-step breakdown for the modern, movement-rich ponytail:
I had Inga wash her hair the night before.
To prep, I started with the Sutra Heat Guard Renewal Spray (Amazon, $28), misting through dry hair to detangle, refresh, and protect before heat styling.
Next, I worked a mousse from roots to mid-shaft for volume and structure, distributing it evenly with a flat brush from root to ends before blow drying with the Sutra AC Infrared Blow Dryer. (Amazon, $135).
The trick for best volume, after blowdry, I switched to the Sutra Thermal Brush ($110, Amazon). Working in sections, I placed the brush underneath at the root to build lift, gliding through to the ends and wrapping the mid-lengths slightly around the brush to encourage soft movement.
To enhance length and density, I added a few AquaLyna Aura 20” clip in extensions color # 4 Medium Brown through the back.
After creating a middle part, I went back through with the Sutra IR2 Infrared 1” Flat Iron (Amazon, $148) to create soft, irregular waves for that lived-in texture.
To soften and separate the texture, I warmed two pumps of Sutra Heat Guard Leave-in Cream (Amazon, $20) in my hands and worked it through the hair to break up the waves and add shine.
The final shape was a very loose low ponytail, secured about two inches from the ends with an elastic. I pulled out a few pieces around the face to keep the look modern and effortless.
To set the final shape while keeping movement, I finished with a light mist of Sutra Heat Guard Hairspray. (Amazon, $28)
The completed ponytail look on Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for The Oscars. Image courtesy of Christopher Naselli.
Lizzy Sherman, Co-Founder of Spa & Beauty Today
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.
She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.
When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy