At AfterPay Australian Fashion Week, Hansen & Gretel designer, Ainsley Hansen, presented a collection inspired by relaxed Californian vibes—the city meets the surf. Redken hair director and industry expert, Diane Gorgievski, led her team of stylists to create an elevated take on the beach wave, using hidden plaits to create a lived-in look.

“The look is really inspired by California dreaming, even the Bondi woman,” Gorgievski told Gritty Pretty. “We really wanted to bring to the table something that was elevated in that area, so we’ve deconstructed the waves. We’ve provided waves that are not symmetric at all. We’ve got bends in there, traditional waves, and horizontal waves—breaking them all apart to bring something different to that look and elevate it for Hansen & Gretel.”

To add interest and extra texture to the hair, the Redken hair stylists created tiny plaits in small sections of the hair for the ultimate cool-girl finish. “We brought in some braids and some plaits that also encompass that non-symmetrical vibe. We’ve got some at the front, some at the back, some right underneath. We’re seeing that resurgence of plaits and braids coming through, so it’s been very exciting to be able to do that tonight.”

Gorgievski’s secret for a cool-girl look? “Leaving the ends undone, so no ties.”

To get the look, Gorgievski started with Redken Fashion Waves 07 Sea Salt Spray, sectioning dry, clean hair and applying it straight to the roots for grit. “Applying that into the roots creates that lived-in feeling but you get elevation and root lift out of the hair.” Gorgievski recommends letting the Sea Salt Spray dry and then dispersing it through to the ends of the hair.

She then went in with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Hairspray, using a tong to put the waves in. To finish the look, the plaits and braids were added into small segments of the hair.

Speaking with Gritty Pretty prior to the show, Redken Hair Insider, fashion stylist Deni Todorovič, said the Hansen & Gretel show was one he was really excited to see.

“It’s a Sydney-based brand and it’s this really beautiful success story that we’ve seen really evolve over the years. I’m really excited to see what the Hansen and Gretel team have in store for this season.”

A must-have for this look: Redken Fashion Waves 07 Sea Salt Spray
For extra hold: Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Hairspray