Take it from Meghan herself, writing on The Tig in July 2014 —
“While my hair off-camera is generally pulled into a low bun or tousled and flipped from side-to-side (a frenetic and self-conscious tic I adopted for moments I feel anxious), the onscreen Rachel Zane hair is something that leaves little room for insecurity. Her look is thoughtful and crafted.”
credit: USA Network – Meghan as Rachel Zane on Suits
Rachel Zane – Meghan’s character on Suits – was known for her blowouts; if that’s what you’re after, here’s how to get it done, a la The Tig:
***We should note that not all hair types are the same — for example; those that have fine, thin, thick, silky straight hair, etc., then these products and methods shown above and below may not work. We suggest using products best suited for your hair type. Some of the companies below may provide alternative options.
- Apply Shu Uemura Oli Absolue to ends of wet hair (this makes it soft and well moisturized).
- Section hair into pieces to begin the blow dry with a paddle brush.
- Re-section pieces and spray Paul Mitchell Hot Off the Press spray (thermal protection spray) to protect before flat ironing.
We do not flat iron root to end, but rather smooth the hairline and areas that need extra straightening (you don’t want to lose the body, especially at the crown of the head). - With a 2-inch curling iron or wand, curl pieces outward taking small chunks (use the wand if you want a messier look, or a curling iron for a polished look).
- Sprinkle La Biosthetique Volume Powder at the very top of the head to add extra lift and volume (this product is pretty miraculous and keeps you from having to tease your hair which causes lots of breakage).
Some Extra Products Used Throughout the Day
6. Aveda Brilliant Universal Styling Cream is sometimes used to coat the ends if they are feeling dry, or if we want a piece-ier look (note: a little goes a very long way).
7. Klorane Dry Shampoo is the perfect boost for my hair when we are shooting for 12+ hours – simply tip your head forward, spray at the root, rub it in, and flip your head back hard.
Meghan in real life and off the clock, as we’ve come to learn, is much more low-key about her hair. Giving her own personal beauty secrets to Birchbox, Meghan said the following about hair:
Don’t Underestimate the Hair Flip
“There’s nothing like a hair flip! When my hair is feeling a little weighted, Suanne, my hair artist on set, has me bend forward as she sprays a little Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, and then has me ‘flip back hard’ to give my hair a little extra bounce.” — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Tame Flyaways and Frizz
“For my flyaways, I spray hairspray on a small boar bristle toothbrush (a regular toothbrush also works great!) to lightly brush them down or smooth the hairline — this is especially good for a sleek bun when I’m off-camera.” — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
The Duchess has also recommended Davines SU Hair and Body Wash, a head-to-toe wash that works on sun-drenched hair, conditioning and repairing damaged locks, and, in an interview with Beautybanter from 2015, she had the following to say —
“There are two lines I use religiously: Kerastase (masquintense & the oleo relax line and Wella, which has a hair oil that I am obsessed with. It smells like vacation and makes your hair slippery and touchable. I love this stuff! It also doubles as a pretty amazing body oil post bath.” — Meghan Markle, Beautybanter, 2015
Davines SU Hair & Body Wash, $26 / Kérastase Discipline Oleo Relax Anti-Frizz Oil Serum / Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothing Oil and Luminous Reflective Oil Light, $40.
In October 2013 Wella posted this behind-the-scenes (and style) at an Elle Magazine photo shoot to see how Wella Top Stylist Aleksandar Blagojevic uses Wella Oil Reflections to create a new spin on Hollywood glamour for Meghan Markle.
More from Wella, July 2013.
credit: Wella Professionals USA
In the October Vanity Fair story, the magazine said products used in that shoot were from the BioSilk line.
credit: Vanity Fair, October 2017 issue
Of course we can’t forget Meghan’s famous “messy bun” look. Below, Meghan’s hairstylist, George Northwood, demonstrates how to do a messy bun.
Happy shopping!
I remember reading a similar blog post here a few years ago, after which I bookmarked the Oribe texturising spray because it sounded like a game-changer. I finally bought a little bottle earlier this year because I had a coupon, and I’ve sadly found it to be absolutely useless on my fine hair. It doesn’t provide volume, doesn’t give any texture to a bun even after backcombing my hair, and doesn’t work as a dry shampoo. I wish I had a positive comment to share about it, but I don’t! So my advice to anyone excited about these products to consider if your hair has similar texture to Meghan’s and you’d be able to get a similar effect…otherwise you may be disappointed!
Hi Larissa – I should note that in the post! I too have super fine, thin hair and know that this product would not work on my hair. I have never had luck with any dry shampoos. This gives me an idea to do a post about hair care for all types of hair – fine, thick, thin and so on. This would probably prove to be more helpful. I am a product junkie and (makeup, skincare, haircare) Thanks so much for the feedback – this is very helpful. 🙂 – Susan C.
Ladies, you are killing it with these lil treats! Bring it on! Can we get Meghan to write a guest blog post?? hehe one can dream…
Hi Lauren – thank you! We are really trying to crank out more posts these days and come up with some that everyone has requested. Glad to hear you are enjoying them! – Susan and Rachel
Wow, I should really try those products <3