How Hairstylist Guido Palau Does Fashion Week

His name may be Guido Palau, but everyone knows him simply as Guido… like Madonna, Beyonce, Prince, or Sting. And like those mononymous celebs, this hairstylist from Dorset, England has more than earned his status. That incredible George Michael “Freedom! ’90” music video starring fellow monoymous stars like Christy, Cindy, Naomi, and Linda? He did the hair. That whole ‘90s grunge bedhead look? He’s largely responsible. And that’s just the beginning.

Guido got his start at Vidal Sassoon, but quickly realized he’d be bored by the confines of salons. Fashion shows and photo shoots were much more his speed, and over the years he’s worked with great photographers from Richard Avedon to Steven Meisel, and designers from Calvin Klein to Marc Jacobs. Guido doesn’t predict trends, he creates them. After 10 years working with Redken, he currently serves as their global creative director, styling eight of the biggest shows at New York Fashion Week this season. And if you aren’t fortunate enough to see his runway work up close, you can pick up a copy of his latest book, simply called “Hair.” Here’s how Guido tackles on one more season backstage with ease.

This season I’m doing hair at… in New York, Coach, Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.

I fill my bag with… I always have a flexible hold hairspray like Redken’s Fashion Work 12 versatile hairspray, a heat protectant blow-dry product like Redken’s Pillow Proof Blow Dry express primer or Satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion, and a volumizing spray like Redken’s Guts 10 volumizing spray-foam mousse. The newest addition to my bag is Redken’s Braid Aid 08 braid defining lotion, which will be available in April. It’s key for creating all of my beautiful braids you see on the runway.

My go-to outfit is… whatever I’m most comfortable in and usually a hat.

The only shoes I’ll wear are… Birkenstocks or Raf Simons.

I snack on… maybe a green juice or a healthy snack backstage.

Four weeks before fashion week, I… am in Europe doing the men’s and couture shows.

The night before, I…. sleep!

In the morning I… always start my day off with a cup of PG Tips tea with a dash of milk to wake myself up.

If I have a minute to workout I… love doing yoga and I go to spin when I can.

You’ll catch me reading… anything by David Sedaris.

I get around in… an SUV.

The only way I can clear my mind is… by meditatating in the morning and in the evening.

My coffee shop order is… a cappuccino.

The product I can’t do a show without is… Redken’s Fashion Work 12 versatile hairspray.

My current favorite hairstyle is… anything punk.

The hairstyle I’m bored to death of is… over tonged hair.

If I’m losing my mind I repeat…. it’ll be over in 3 hours.

The song that pumps up my energy is… anything by Rhye or The xx.

My favorite part about fashion week is… seeing all the girls I’ve worked with over the years.

But I can’t handle the… kissing.

I wind down with a glass of…  chamomile tea.

When it’s all over I can’t wait to… take a vacation!