Credit: © Steve Ross/Capital Pictures/Retna Ltd.

During a busy two days cutting and styling hair for our models, we caught up with Regis stylist Damon Footer at The Look photo shoot. Here’s what he had to say:

Do you have any styling tips for our readers?
Generally speaking, don’t rely on hairspray for your volume. Hairspray is used on an updo or at the end of a style for adding control, not volume. If you want to achieve a lot of volume in your hair, the most important thing is the prep. When we’re on set at a photo shoot, volume always starts by applying a styling lotion or mousse.

What are some classic hair cuts that will never go out of style?
Traditional bangs are always a classic. The bob, also, has managed to stay relevant over many years because of the way we cut and style it. It’s popular for many clients because it’s a shorter haircut with a feminine, girly quality to it.

Ponytails were all over the runway at New York Fashion Week. Do you have any tips for creating a chic ponytail?
The key is to keep it polished and smooth, not frizzy. To do that, you’ll want to start by blow drying your hair, and maybe even using a flat iron depending on the look you’re going for. Afterward you’ve created your ponytail, use a shine spray.
A textured, messy ponytail can look chic, as well; it doesn’t have to be pulled tight.  Most people can’t pull off a slicked back ponytail—they work on the runway because, at the end of the day, the clothing is the focus of what’s happening. However, on a day-to-day basis, it always looks better to have a big of volume to your ponytail so it’s not flat on your head. You also can take a small section of hair at your hairline and leave it out of the ponytail, tucking that section behind your ear with pins to keep it there.

The ombré was huge this summer—what’s the next big thing?
Ombré will continue to be popular but it’s evolving into something different with brighter colors and pastels—look to the Prada FW12 fashion show as inspiration. The reason this look is popular is because the upkeep is easier than traditional hair colors.

Which celebrity’s hair would you like to style and why?
Marion Cotillard (above). Not only is she beautiful and stylish, she’s done some interesting things with her hair. She’s had short hair, long hair, a shag, a bob…the list goes on and on. She’s not afraid to take risks with her hair, which is something that stylists love because it’s makes things fun. French styling is more visual and a little less technical, which creates the softer look that you see on Cotillard.

I’ve read a lot of hype about boar bristle brushes—are they really as great as they’re made out to be?
Boar bristle brushes are indulgent but they are an investment worth making. They feel great on your scalp and hair because they’re very gentle. All session stylists have them and use them all the time backstage, for runway looks, etc.
Some people like to use them for blow drying but I think of them more for dry hair. If you’re unsure whether you’ll like one, start with the smaller version before opting for the big one; Mason Pearson is the King of boar bristle brushes.