Either way you cut it, Meg Ryan's hairdo a hit at the salon

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu hairdressers expect clients to be asking for Meg Ryan's latest hairdo, as seen in "Kate and Leopold." Miramax Films

"Trendy folks always want what Meg Ryan's wearing," said master stylist Paul Brown.

Ces Spinelli of Bottega Antoine keeps pictures of Meg Ryan in a drawer for reference.

Richie Miao of Chop Salon said his clients have been asking for the latest: the look Ryan sports in "Kate and Leopold."

In its proportions, it's a little like a child's drawing of a Christmas tree, with jagged branches protruding from an A-line. It reminds some observers of a scarecrow's do, too, but it's also quite trendy, similar to the hair seen on fashion designer Valentino's runways during the fall fashion shows. (It can be seen on men, as well, including actor Michael Weatherly, who plays Logan Cole on "Dark Angel.")

According to Brown, the look is not new. He calls it a "flick" and said at his salon they've been doing it for quite a while.

How's the hairdo done? Brown said he uses a flat iron (the opposite of a curling iron, it's sort of like a waffle iron without the grooves) to pull down on and straighten the hair.

This is not my college roommate's technique of the late '60s. She put her head on the ironing board and used her clothes iron to straighten it out, burning the tresses to a frazzle in the process.

There are plenty of products on the market these days that protect the hair, Brown noted. To prevent heat damage, he applies a topical silicone gel called "Diamond Heads" before ironing. For Asian hair, he said, he sometimes has to perm it first to help it hold the flick.

While there are many variations on the look, Miao and Brown said the cut usually requires using scissors or a razor to break up the ends. For the textured, pieced look, Miao uses a styling product such as Bed Head from Tigi to twist and finish the ends. Brown uses a gel or mousse to pull the hair out straight, then separates pieces, applying a hair wax on the ends "so the hair holds its integrity."

This look "is not for everyone," Brown said. "The stylist needs to modify and design it so it fits the person's personality and personal needs. It does take time to do that hair. It doesn't just happen."

Is it worth a few extra minutes in the morning? Lynette Ching of Mo'ili'ili thinks so. Stylist Catherine Acena at Paul Brown Salon cut Ching's hair in layers so they will create the desired "flick."

"I have bangs, not too long and not too short, and a semi-side part with layers that flip up," Ching said. She achieves the look on a daily basis by dividing her hair into sections and flicking it up with a roller brush. She uses a conditioner, followed by a little wax on the ends to separate and help her straight hair do the flick.