The evening before the Academy Awards, Dior and W Magazine co-hosted an intimate pre-Oscars dinner party at Mr. Chow. They brought together a curated group of creatives, tastemakers, and talent for an evening of dinner and karaoke.
For the occasion, K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Rei Ami wore an updo that balanced structure with soft, face-framing movement. Anh Co Tran designed a look that felt controlled with an effortless, editorial edge. Here’s how he created Rei’s hairstyle for the evening.
1. Prepping with Milbon
Starting on damp hair, Anh applied three pumps of Milbon&’s Monochromatic Froth Blowout Foam from roots to ends. Since Rei has more layers in her hair, the Froth Blowout Foam helped to smooth, control frizz, and create a long-lasting foundation for her style.
Anh then worked one pump of Milbon’s Smooth Luminous Bodifying Oil throughout the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, to enhance smoothness and manageability. Anh especially loves the results of this leave-in treatment on textured hair types.
With the hair prepped, Anh blow dried the hair smooth and straight, creating a polished base.
2. Building Texture
Next, Anh incorporated texture in Rei’s hair to provide grip for the updo style. He first applied Milbon&’s Monochromatic Puff Finishing Paste all over, followed by Milbon’s Weightless Dry Texture Spray 4. This combination added airy texture and grit, allowing the hair to hold its structure.
3. Creating the silhouette
Anh first established a horizontal section from ear to ear, isolating the front face-framing pieces and bangs for later detailing.
With the remaining hair, Anh divided it into two sections and created ponytails: a ponytail at the top of the occipital bone and a second ponytail just below the occipital bone.
Starting with the bottom ponytail, he twisted it upward, intentionally leaving the ends out to create a spiked, textured effect. He then worked with the top ponytail, twisting and knotting it into place. He secured both twists with bobby pins.
Together, the two sections formed a figure-eight silhouette, creating a sculptural shape with visible ends for an editorial finish.
4. Face-Framing Details
Returning to the front section, Anh blow dried the bangs and refined the face-framing pieces with a slight bend. This created a seamless transition from the bangs into the rest of the style, softening the overall look.
He then misted Milbon’s Flex Memory Hold Hairspray 7 throughout the hair for light, workable hold.
5. Sealing The Look
To enhance the back details, Anh used a flat iron on the loose ends, creating bends and subtle curls that formed a fan-like effect with movement and dimension.
To lock everything in place, he sealed the style with Milbon’s Firm Hold Shielding Hairspray 10 for long-lasting hold and control.
The Final Result
Rei’s dinner party look felt both romantic and bold. The textured knots with spiked ends created a sculptural, editorial silhouette, while the soft flow of the face-framing pieces kept the overall look polished and effortlessly modern. It was perfect for an intimate evening celebration ahead of her Oscar-winning moment.
Hair: @anhcotran
Hair Asst: @justmeezay
Makeup: @tamielsombati
Stylist: @ayumiperry
Photos: @offthecheng
