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Cosmo’s Celeb Style Secrets: Insider Hair How-Tos for A-List Looks

Unlock celebrity-inspired hairstyles easily with expert advice from Cosmo’s beauty director and top stylists in this step-by-step hair how-to guide.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Unlock celebrity-inspired hairstyles easily with expert advice from Cosmo’s beauty director and top stylists in this step-by-step hair how-to guide.

Cosmo’s Celeb Style Secrets: Your Ultimate Hair How-To Series

Step onto the red carpet from the comfort of your home with Cosmopolitan’s Celeb Style Secrets video web series. Guided by the masterful hands of celebrity stylist Adir Abergel and Cosmo’s own beauty director Leah Wyar, this collection puts the transformable power of Hollywood hair at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to recreate an intricate fishtail braid, fake a bob, or nail perfectly undone waves, every star-inspired look gets broken into easy, achievable steps. Get ready—your VIP hair transformation starts now.

About the Series
Dianna Agron’s SAG Awards Fishtail Halo
Rosario Dawson’s Glam Faux Bob
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Bedhead Waves
Mila Kunis’s Sleek, Straight Style
Kristen Stewart’s Signature Side Sweep
Jessica Biel’s Hidden Bangs Trick
Insider Styling Tips from Adir Abergel & Leah Wyar
Frequently Asked Questions

About Cosmo’s Celeb Style Secrets Series

Created for the fashion forward and hair obsessed, Cosmo’s Celeb Style Secrets brings Hollywood’s most coveted hairstyles right to your mirror. Each episode demystifies trending looks with:

Step-by-step video tutorials
Insider pro tips from Adir Abergel (hairstylist to the stars)
Expert guidance from Cosmopolitan’s beauty director, Leah Wyar
Accessible instructions for all skill levels

Every style features a celebrity muse, ensuring the looks are fresh off recent red carpets or movie premieres. Over eight must-try hairstyles are showcased throughout the series, ensuring a fix for any glam craving.

Dianna Agron’s SAG Awards Fishtail Halo

Inspired by Dianna Agron’s stunning appearance at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, this fishtail halo braid is both ethereal and sophisticated. Here’s how you can achieve this romantic, boho-chic updo:

Prep: Start with textured hair. Add dry shampoo or texture spray for grip.
Fishtail technique: Begin a fishtail braid at one side of your head, weaving the sections around your crown.
Pin in place: Bend the braid across your head and secure with discreet bobby pins, forming a halo effect.
Finishing touch: Loosen a few face-framing pieces for a softer, red carpet-ready finish.

This look brings an instant upgrade to any outfit—from a special occasion gown to a casual day dress.

Rosario Dawson’s Glam Faux Bob

If you’ve been tempted by the bob trend but aren’t ready for the commitment, Rosario Dawson’s faux bob (as seen at the Seven Pounds L.A. premiere) is the answer. Here’s how Adir Abergel and Leah Wyar say you can get the style at home:

Create loose curls: Start with subtle waves for bounce and texture using a mid-sized curling iron.
Pin up the length: Tuck and pin the bottom half of your hair underneath, securing with bobby pins at your nape.
Volume cheat: Tease the crown just a little for imperfect, natural movement—no helmet hair allowed.
Face-framing effect: Let some shorter pieces fall free in the front for a believable finish.

This quick transformation is perfect for anyone craving a dramatic night-out look or a low-commitment switch-up for a special event.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Bedhead Waves

No hairstyle says effortless glamour like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s undone, bedhead waves. Here’s the professional process for maximizing texture and movement:

Mousse magic: Apply a small amount of volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry upside down for max lift.
Bend, not curl: Use a medium barrel curling iron to bend random sections. Alternate direction for a more natural texture.
Texturize: Use a sea salt spray or dry texturizer, scrunching as you go for that “just woke up like this” finish.
Finish: Shake out the waves and skip the brush for truly effortless chic.

Great for both long and medium lengths, this style is the ultimate cheat to “model-off-duty” vibes.

Mila Kunis’s Sleek, Straight Style

For a fierce, polished change, replicate Mila Kunis’s super straight, high-shine strands. Even if you struggle with frizz or unruly curls, this look is within your grasp with the right technique:

Heat protect, always: Mist on heat protectant before styling to stop damage in its tracks.
Flat iron perfection: Section hair and slowly pass a quality flat iron from root to tip. Use a fine-tooth comb to guide the iron for a sharp, glassy finish.
Sleek and seal: Smooth a lightweight serum or balm through the ends for mirror-like gloss.

This style radiates confidence—perfect for formal events, interviews, or anytime frizz threatens your vibe.

Kristen Stewart’s Signature Side Sweep

For an edgier red-carpet twist, try Kristen Stewart’s famous side-swept hair. Achieve this Hollywood staple with the following steps:

Prep: Add mousse for subtle volume and brush hair to one side.
Soft curl action: Use a curling iron to create gentle waves, focusing on the lower half and away from your face.
Secure: Pin hair discreetly behind one ear for drama, letting the remainder fall over the opposite shoulder.
Texture lift: A light backcomb at the roots on one side will add that effortless, “undone” flair.

This is the go-to look for parties, date nights, or anytime you want a bold, asymmetrical statement.

Jessica Biel’s Hidden Bangs Trick

Bangs aren’t always easy—sometimes you want them gone for a day. Enter Jessica Biel’s hidden bangs trick, debuted at the premiere of Playing for Keeps and perfect for growing out fringe or mixing up your routine:

Slick and section: Separate bangs from the rest of your hair.
Bobby pin precision: Pin your bangs flat against your scalp, using pins that match your hair color.
Blend in: Style the remaining hair over the pins, making sure the transition is totally seamless.
Polish: Set everything in place with a flexible hold hairspray. No one will guess your fringe is tucked away.

This quick hack offers instant versatility for bang-lovers everywhere—no scissors (or hair regret) required.

Insider Styling Tips from Adir Abergel & Leah Wyar

The magic behind celeb looks isn’t just in the technique—it’s the secrets pros swear by. Here are a few key tips from stylists Adir Abergel and Leah Wyar, featured throughout the Celeb Style Secrets series:

Start with texture: Clean, just-washed hair can be slippery and stubborn. Add grip with dry shampoo or texturizer before any style.
Secure without stiffness: Use flexible hold hairspray to keep styles in place without sacrificing movement.
Section control: For complicated styles (like braids or faux bobs), work in small, managed sections to keep things neat and stress-free.
Let it loosen: Don’t be afraid to pull on braids or waves post-styling. Softness gives looks a relaxed, effortless finish—never fussy or overdone.
Work with your features: Customizing each hairstyle to complement your face shape and hair type ensures every look is flattering.

Following these pro tips helps guarantee your at-home styles look polished, professional, and party-ready every time.

Celebrity Hairstyles: Quick Comparison Table

Hairstyle	Celebrity Inspiration	Event	Difficulty	Best For
Fishtail Halo	Dianna Agron	SAG Awards	Intermediate	Weddings & Parties
Faux Bob	Rosario Dawson	Seven Pounds Premiere	Easy	Short Hair Without the Cut
Bedhead Waves	Rosie Huntington-Whiteley	Red Carpet	Easy	Casual Glam
Sleek Straight	Mila Kunis	Premiere	Easy	Every Day/Evening
Side Sweep	Kristen Stewart	Various	Beginner	Statements, Parties
Hidden Bangs	Jessica Biel	Playing for Keeps Premiere	Easy	Camouflaging Bangs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need professional tools or can I use what I have?

A: You can achieve most of these looks with standard tools—curling irons, flat irons, combs, and pins. Adding a quality styling spray or serum can help, but no ultra-luxury products required.

Q: How do I make my style last all night?

A: Start with a strong foundation (use styling mousse or texturizer), opt for flexible hold sprays, and bring a small stash of pins for quick fixes if needed.

Q: Will these styles work on fine or thin hair?

A: Yes. Many pro tips focus on volumizing tricks, like blow drying upside down or teasing at the crown, which help give limp hair lift and body.

Q: Can I adapt these looks for naturally curly hair?

A: Absolutely. Enhance your curls for styles like the halo braid or bedhead waves, or blow them out first for sleeker looks.

Q: Are there any shortcuts for getting these styles quickly?

A: Focus on prepping with texture and embracing imperfection! Many of the series’ looks are designed to be undone—speed and ease are part of the charm.

Final Takeaway: Unleash Your Inner Celebrity

With expert guidance from beauty insiders Adir Abergel and Leah Wyar, Cosmo’s Celeb Style Secrets web series makes every A-list hair moment available for everyone—no movie set required. Whether you’re practicing for prom or playing with a new party look, use these tips, tricks, and step-by-step guides to transform everyday hair into something truly red carpet-worthy.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb