Aika Flores, the celebrated hairstylist behind the dynamic looks of numerous stars, shares her unique philosophy and techniques for perfecting textured and curly hair, focusing on her collaborative work with actor Belmont Cameli for his striking appearance at the Saint Laurent show in Paris. Flores emphasizes a styling approach that celebrates natural hair, moving away from conventional taming methods to an art form that frames the face and complements fashion choices. Her insights reveal a meticulous yet free-spirited method, transforming hair into an integral accessory that enhances an individual's overall persona.
The Craft Behind Belmont Cameli's Saint Laurent Look
In a recent conversation, Aika Flores delved into the specifics of crafting Belmont Cameli's hair for his Saint Laurent debut in the fashion capital, Paris. Cameli, widely recognized for his leading role in the hockey romance series Off Campus and his distinctive hair, presented a fresh, untamed curly style that deviated from his usual pushed-back look. Donning a sleek black suit without a shirt, his curls gracefully cascaded, creating a captivating visual contrast. Flores explained that the decision for this particular style came dynamically. Initially contemplating a slicked-back aesthetic to match the suit's tailored silhouette, they opted for a more "tousled, in-your-face curls" approach to achieve a powerful, sexy contrast. Flores's client roster notably includes other "hot hockey It-boys" like Antonio Cipriano from Off Campus and Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry, cementing her reputation in styling textured hair.
For the Saint Laurent event, Flores meticulously prepared Cameli's hair. She started by applying Tresemmé Bouncy Curls Defining Mousse to his freshly damp hair, explaining that "super clean hair sometimes doesn't behave as much," necessitating extra hydration and grit. Following this, Tresemmé Bouncy Curls Leave-in Refresher was used to inject moisture and revitalize his curls, before reapplying the defining mousse to build volume and control frizz. After diffusing his hair until dry, Flores used additional defining cream to sculpt individual curls, showcasing her ability to adapt Cameli's hair into various styles, from coily to looser waves, depending on the desired effect. She underscored that a quality haircut, featuring layers and reduced weight, is paramount for curly hair to appear airy and manageable, advising against cutting curly hair wet without accounting for shrinkage.
Embracing Natural Texture: A Paradigm Shift in Men's Grooming
Aika Flores's work with Belmont Cameli transcends mere hairstyling; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing and celebrating natural hair textures, particularly in men's grooming. Her philosophy, encapsulated by "less is more" and "work smarter, not harder," encourages individuals to use the right products on damp hair and avoid excessive touching during the drying process to prevent frizz. This approach empowers men to let their hair "live the way you want to," fostering an appreciation for their natural attributes rather than striving for conformity. The trend of men actively shaping their identities around their hair, as championed by Flores, marks a departure from traditional styling norms, presenting curly hair not as something to be tamed, but as a versatile accessory that enhances personal expression and confidence.