While the media is regularly whipped into a frenzy trying to unravel the latest Paris Hilton scandal, I am constantly focused on just what the heck is going on with her tresses. 

(Image of Paris Hilton at the 2004 funeral of her grandmother wearing a three strand Dutch style braid)

While the media was snapping a bereaved Paris at the 2004 funeral of her maternal grandmother, I was using a magnifying glass to try and figure out if the white daisy pinned in her blonde braided do was a Michelle Roy hair accessory creation or not (it was).  Okay, maybe I'm being a tad bit shallow, but my job is to track major hair happenings. Even in mourning, Paris looked spectacular in a demure three strand Dutch style braid that cascaded down the back of her tasteful black funeral attire. 

The truth of the matter is that while the paparazzi is furiously angling for images of Paris dealing with her latest scandal, and the blonde socialite appears to have a new one every six months, I am trying to access whether she is wearing hair extensions or not, whether she had a new hairdresser and whether or not she has added to her massive hair accessory collection.

(Image L-R of Paris Hilton & Nicky Hilton at the 2004 funeral of their grandmother with Paris wearing a three strand Dutch style braid )

Speaking of hair extensions, that falls into the category of a "minor Paris scandal" somewhere on the list below the recent discovery of her reported dislike of Jessica Simpson but above the temporary misplacement of her dog, Tinkerbell.

As reported by gossip columnist Ashley Pearson in the British magazine OK! in early 2005, the Paris PR camp is trying to hush up the fact that the Simple Life star is suffering from hair extension hair loss issues. 

(Image of Paris Hilton with very long blonde hair extensions with sister Nicky at one year anniversary of the Spider Clup in Hollywood, CA 10-22-04 )

According to Pearson, the wear and tear on Paris' scalp from the constant addition and removal of a wide range of hair extensions and half wigs have caused damage.  As a result, it reportedly can take over an hour each day to get Paris gorgeous for her nonstop public appearances.

Like I said, this is a minor scandal and one that many young stars face constantly.  Hollywood hairdressers and other beauty insiders refer to the condition as "actress hair".  Any sizzling hot performer - male or female - eventually must deal with the reality of what constant hair changes do to the scalp and surround tresses.

(Paris Hilton wearing a half up/half down hairstyle with max crown height - Marciano Launch by Vanity Fair, 10-19-04)

Although "actress hair" has been a fact of life, even during the days of Jean Harlow who struggled with hair problems due to excessive bleaching, most Hollywood hair professionals don't discuss the issue. 

Even with the very best and most expensive hair care products, hairdressers, wigmakers and extension experts, anyone that goes through as many hair color, style and length changes as Paris goes through in an average month, will eventually have to pay the price to the hair gods. 

(Paris Hilton wearing a modified twist updo at Fox TV White Hot Winter Network Party at Meson G. Restaurant, LA 01-17-05)

Which explains why some actresses suddenly appear with a very short crop or a style that looks suspiciously like a wig or half wig.  This also explains why some formerly bleached blondes either take a color break hiding out in brunette strands or again, adopt pin-on strands.

Bleached Blonde

It is obvious if you watch Paris for any extended amount of time that she adores not only being very blonde, but loves wearing very long tresses. 

(Paris Hilton wearing a platinum blonde wig at the MTV Video Awards in Miami, 08-29-04-04)

Which is why I would definitely be surprised if Paris followed younger sister Nicky over to the dark side and went with a darker hue.  Regardless of how much damage Paris may have sustained to her scalp, I would expert her to go with a super short pixie, don a series of half-wigs and/or interesting hats before I would bet on her as a brunette.  I would be less shocked to see Paris completely shave her head ala Demi Moore in GI Jane than to see her with darker hair color.

Paris has been pretty vocal about the fact that she likes being blonde.  In fact, her ever changing hairstyles are a major part of her "fashion statement". 

Straight Ponytail Panache

Paris easily morphs from rock star strands to a prim and proper French Twist with ease. Well OK, she does have the very best celebrity hairdressers like Laurent D and Frederic Fekkai at her beck and call, along with hair extensions, wigs and other hair tools.  Regardless, the starlet is able to pull off some amazing hairstyles.

(Image of Paris Hilton at The Bullrun Rally starting point in LA in 2004)

It is obvious that Paris loves to play with her mane and is definitely a major tress trendsetters.

Style Paris' Style

Whether you want to morph into a Paris Hilton style that is long and straight or you want to go with a longer waved coif, the key is to start by washing and then blow drying strands either stick straight or with the help of various styling aides. 

If you wish to add more texture follow the washing and styling and then skip to the second set of instructions.

Keep in mind that it has been reported that Paris has baby fine textured tresses that appear to be mostly stick straight with or without extensions.  Adjust the style to fit your own face shape by adding appropriate parts or fringes.

(Image of LR Paris Hilton & Nicky Hilton at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2005)

Step 1:  Start before you step into the shower.  Detangle hair carefully starting at the ends and working up towards the roots.  Use a 100% boar's head brush like a Mason Pearson or similar, to smooth strands completely. 

Step 2:  Prepare a shampoo mix that will work for your hair type, texture and length maximizing the potential to get super straight strands. Consider using a moisturizing shampoo like Phytojoba is straights are chemically treated or naturally dry.  Phytocitrus shampoo works well on hair that is colored.

Mix your normal shampoo with luke warm water in a clean plastic bottle.  Shake to mix well.

Note:  An example of a good shampoo mix proportion, depending on length and type of hair, might be 1 - 2 teaspoons of shampoo to 1 quart of warm water. 

Step 3:  Step into a shower with luke-warm, not hot water and get hair soaking wet.  Drizzle shampoo formula over the top of your head letting the suds gently cascade down the length of your strands. 

(Image of Paris Hilton at booksigning in Century City, CA September, 2004)

Use fingers to pat shampoo mixture into strands.  Avoid rubbing wet strands.  Not only will this prevent breakage, it will help keep strands as straight as possible.

Step 4:  Rinse well until hair is completely clear of suds.

Step 5:  Apply favorite rinse-out conditioner for type, length and condition of hair, if one is normally used. Phytosesame is excellent for providing moisture.  Phytocitrus Conditioner will help to soften and condition dry or chemically treated strands.  Use fingers or a wide tooth pick to distribute onto strands from the top of the ears down to the ends.  Allow to remain on strands for up to 10 minutes.

Step 6:   When possible finish with a cool/cold rinse which closes the cuticle and add shine. 

Step 7:  Towel blot to remove excess moisture.  Do not rub or ruffle delicate hair which is more prone to breakage when wet. 

Step 8:  Starting at the ends, use a smooth high quality comb like a Kent or a wide pick.  Apply desired rinse-out conditioner like Phyto 7, Phyto 9 or similar to help keep strands soft and detangled.  Add a heat protectant spray on top of the detangling/leave in product.

Step 9:  Working in a circular pattern, separate hair into 6-8 equally sized sections and clip in place.  Using a flat, boar bristle brush like the Mason Pearson (favorite of many of the celebrity hairdressers), unclip the first section of hair and using the brush to anchor and smooth, direct the air flow from a blow dryer from the roots down towards the ends of the strand.  This will help to keep the cuticle smooth and help to add natural shine. 

Note:  The Mason Pearson Handy boar's head brush (available at HairBoutique.com) is a favorite of hairdressers and beauty editors alike because of his superb quality and ability to create fabulous styles.

Step 10:  After all of the sections have been carefully dried and more straightness is desired, apply a very light amount of anti-frizz product to the middle to the bottom ends of the strands.  Avoid getting any frizz product near the scalp or root area which can cause oiliness.  Use a flat iron to remove any kinks and add a stick straight finish.

Wear straight cascading over your shoulders or wear it Paris style in wrapped pigtails or in a side ponytail with the tail nestling over one shoulder.

Move Towards Wavy

To add a fullness, movement and wave, substitute a round brush for the flat Mason Pearson.  Also, ditch the hot straightening tool for either hot rollers or a medium barrel curling iron.

(Image of LR, Paris and Nicky Hilton at premiere of Alex & Emma  June 2003)

Step 1: Follow all of the steps listed above until Step 9. 

Working in a circular pattern, separate hair into 6-8 equally sized sections and clip in place. 

Step 2: Blow dry individual strands, unclipping them, one at a time, using a medium sized round boar bristle brush like the Conair (shown to the side) or the Rene Furterer Large Round Brush. Utilize the brush to help build in instant volume. 

Step 3: Direct the air flow from your blow dryer towards the hair wrapped under and over the brush and up towards the roots to gently build in volume, movement and body.  Use a medium heat setting, if possible. 

Step 4: Right before you are finished drying the individual sections, switch to a cool setting or hit the cold shot button to help cool down the newly formed curl.

Step 5: Keep newly dried hair wrapped around the round brush until it cools down for approximately 2-3 minutes. 

(Image of Paris Hilton at General Motors 3rd Annual Ten Fashion Show 02-24-2004)

Step 6: Gently unroll the cooled hair from the round brush and carefully clip the newly formed curl to your scalp.  For a tighter curl or one that will hold longer, transfer the new curl to a similarly sized Velcro or soft roller.  Whether you use your fingers or a curler, spritz once with a medium to firm hold hairspray.  (Ones to try, Paves Professional Convertible Proof Hairspray or Rene Furterer Instant Hairspray).

Step 7: Continue to dry all of the individual sections until the hair is completely dry and the new curls have all been either clipped to the scalp or transferred to Velcro or soft rollers. Experiment with rolling all the curls frontwards, backwards or in alternating patterns.

Step 8: Allow the curls to remain completely clipped in place or wrapped around the curlers until right before you leave the house. 

Carefully unclip or unroll each section and use your fingers to gently arrange the curls into place. 

For a sleeker look, use a brush to gently break up the curl pattern and arrange the curls into a sleek curtain of waves.

For extra special shimmer, apply a tiny bit of shine serum (one to try - Paves Professional - FLAWless in the spotlight) or gloss (Rene Furterer Gloss Spray) to the palms of your hands and lightly rub over the top of your beautiful style.  Viola!

What's Paris' secret to scandalous but versatile hair?  Great hairdressers, great products and an in-your-face attitude.

When Paris recently had her Sidekick hacked, it was discovered that she had the New York Prive salon number in her list.  Prive is the salon owned by famous celebrity hairdresser, Laurent D. 

During her guest appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show she gave the blonde comedian tips on looking "hot" on the red carpet.  Paris explained to Ellen that "You just have to walk down knowing you're hot. You have to smile sweet and look nice - and never close your eyes! If you wanna do it like an heiress. you have to enter in royal and regally, but not like a snob."

Paris, who has been known to favor real tiaras in the past also told Ellen to "act like you're wearing an invisible crown. It's all about confidence."  

Amen to that!

by Karen Marie Shelton 3/31/05