(Culture)
Shay Mitchell Has Perfected The Art Of Long Hairstyles — Here’s How To Follow Her Lead
It's no secret that Shay Mitchell has some of the best tresses in the business. And though she's switched her look up every so often — rocking everything from a shoulder-grazing bob to a textured lob — she always ends up going back to her signature lengthy, black cut. That's exactly why the actor is the ultimate source of inspo when it comes to hairstyle ideas for long hair. Prepare to take notes, because these Mitchell-approved ways to wear long hair are so good, you'll want to remember them for years to come.
Whether you prefer an easy, low-maintenance look (perfect for when you're in a rush in the morning) or one that's a bit more chic, glam, and perhaps even red carpet-approved, Mitchell has covered it all. Ahead, The Zoe Report highlights four of the actor's best long hairstyles to date, as well as the products needed to recreate each with ease.
Side Part + Texture
Mitchell's go-to hairstylist, Jesus Guerrero, was the mastermind behind this wet-hair look that managed to feel '80s retro but modern at the same time. Guerrero started by combing the actor's long tresses into a deep side part, likely working a texturizing mousse and strong-hold gel into damp, towel-dried hair. The end result? A perfect post-beach hairdo (minus the sand).
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Messy Bun
Mitchell is the unofficial queen of the messy bun — and that's because super-long locks are ideal when creating this carefree updo. Here, Guerrero went for a nonchalant topknot that actually drew inspiration from Mitchell herself. "It’s always funny when the inspiration for a look is inspired by the crazy hair I had during the fitting," she captioned the photo, adding in, "Hollywood: Where a messy, undone bun, takes two hours."
It certainly doesn't have to take you quite that long to create this Mitchell-approve updo — in fact, it works best with second-day hair, so you can eliminate a shower from your morning routine. Simply work with you hair's natural texture (or add in a bit with a texturizing spray), pulling it back into a high ponytail. Then, wrap your hair around the base of the pony, securing with bobby pins. Complete the messy, undone look by gently pulling on the topknot, keeping a few face-framing strands in the front.
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Smooth + Sleek
Sleek, straight, and ultra shiny, this is the chicest Mitchell-approved way to wear your hair in 2019 — and clearly, many other celebs are on board, too. Priyanka Chopra and Kim Kardashian have played up length and silky-smooth texture in the past, sporting locks that channel Cher's signature hairdo.
Though it looks simple and unfussy, this sleek and smooth approach is one of the more high-maintenance styles Mitchell has worn. That means a handful of styling products are necessary in recreating this high-shine, ultra-long look, including a frizz-eliminating serum, a flat iron, and a finishing spray.
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Super-High Ponytail
When it comes to ponytails, it's clear Mitchell believes the higher, the better. Though she's sported just about every version of the classic pulled-back updo — including an easy-to-copy, slicked-back, mid-height take that you can recreate in minutes — she prefers a super-high style over all the others.
When recreating this hairstyle, you'll want to start with straightened, frizz-free tresses — something you can achieve with a pump of shine serum and a straightener. Then, pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Finally, wrap a small strand around the base to hide the elastic for a chic, sleek look, finishing with hairspray to smooth and tame any pesky flyaways.
