At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio lit up the red carpet not only with her radiant presence, but also with a show-stopping, ultra-glamorous hairstyle crafted by none other than Giannandrea, celebrity hairstylist to the stars.
Known for his signature high-fashion finishes and bold structural looks, Giannandrea created a voluminous, modern ponytail that perfectly complemented Alessandra Ambrosio’s Cannes moment — a style that effortlessly blended vintage Hollywood elegance with contemporary edge.
From meticulous preparation to detailed finishing touches, Giannandrea’s process is a masterclass in editorial hairstyling brought to life for the red carpet:
Step 1: Preparation. Start by applying a generous amount of ESLA Volume Mousse to freshly washed hair. Distribute it evenly throughout the length of your hair using a comb. At the roots of the crown area, spray Volume Supreme Spray to amplify the overall volume.
Step 2: Blow Dry & Set. Blow-dry your hair in large sections, lifting upwards with a mid-sized round brush. Once each section is dried, set it in medium-sized Velcro rollers (about 10–12 in total). Clip each roller in place and allow them to cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Remove Rollers & Comb. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the rollers. Do not brush your hair. Instead, use a large-tooth comb to gently comb through it, moving backwards.
Step 4: Section the Hair. Divide the hair from ear to ear, separating the top from the back. Clip the back section away while you work on the top. Tools Needed: Clear small rubber band + Bobby pins.
Step 5: Create the Ponytail. Gather the sides and top section of your hair in an upward direction, aiming for the ponytail to sit at the top-center of your head. Use a dense, soft paddle brush (like a Mason & Pearson) to ensure smoothness and precision. Secure the ponytail with a clear rubber band, keeping it clean and smooth. Clip it in place while you work on the back section.
Step 6: Tease the Crown. At the top crown area, vigorously tease the entire top section as if recreating a 1970s look.
Step 7: Finish the Ponytail. Release the ponytail and take two small sections from the back, one from each side. Wrap them around the elastic band to conceal it. Tease the ponytail slightly, then gently comb it backwards to blend the front and back while maintaining volume.
Step 8: Style the Ends. Use a 1-1/2 inch large round iron to curl only the ends of your hair. This will add a soft, rounded shape that frames the bottom beautifully.
Step 9: Final Touches. With a wide-tooth comb, bring the entire style together. For the front and top sections, use a small-tooth tail comb for precision. Apply a shine serum to the front and sides for a glamorous, sleek finish. Finally, use a strong-hold hairspray to seal everything in place.
Step 10: Final Look. Ensure that your hair has movement and maintains its fabulous shape. You’re ready to go!
