Blow-by-blow

Actress Kate Beckinsale. Photo / Supplied

To get supermodel stunning long-hair, Serville's creative director at Takapuna, Emma Ecott, takes inspiration from the likes of Jerry Hall and Claudia Schiffer in the 1980s.

To modernise the voluminous look into something sexy and polished, she creates softer waves with a glossy finish, pointing to the likes of actress Kate Beckinsale as a model of how to wear luscious long locks.

Here are her tips for DIY drop-dead gorgeousness:

1. After shampooing and conditioning with the correct products for your hair, prep it: if you have fine hair you will need a volumising mousse to give lift and hold, use a comb to ensure even application; for medium to thick hair you can use a mousse at the roots and then a thermo smoothing cream to protect or tame the hair, resulting in a supple, polished look.

2. To start drying, use a large flat brush to remove 50 per cent of moisture in the hair and brush the roots upwards to encourage lift.

* If you are confident using a round bristle brush, follow these next steps, if not skip to No. 6.

3. Start at the back of the head and section the hair into three segments on either side or more depending on individual thickness. One by one working from underneath, place the round brush in at the roots and pull upwards to create lift. Curl the hair around the brush, direct the airflow down the hair shaft to smooth, then release.

4. Once you have completed each section and while the hair is still warm, lift and curl the hair around three fingers and pin to the head using a flat clip. By starting at the back of the head you won't disturb the sections you have just styled. Then move on to the next section and repeat the previous steps until all the hair is pinned up like a set.

5. Allow a few minutes for the hair to cool down or blast with cold air, before removing the pins and lightly brushing through to loosen.

6. If you're not confident with a round brush, the alternative is to use Velcro rollers as detailed here.

To start ensure the hair is approx 80 per cent dry and roll each section of hair around each roller, pin to the head and leave to set, which is when hair is completely dry. You can speed the setting time up by blasting with the hairdryer, but be careful not to blow the hair out of the rollers!

Use a diffuser if you have one, as it will reduce the force of the airflow, allowing just the right amount of heat through. Remove pins and run fingers through to loosen.

* Finish either method of styling with a shine-enhancing product and a light flexible hairspray to hold your look but to encourage bounce and movement.

For another great look, Ecott recommends pulling hair to one side to sit on the shoulder and then anchoring it in place with an embellished clip as seen at the Proenza Schouler spring-summer show.

She also says you can make your blowdry last longer than a day by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce static.

In the morning wear a shower cap to avoid moisture getting into the hair, then pep it up with a light brush through and finish with a little hairspray.