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Oscars 2014: Red Carpet Hair Secrets and Tricks from Celeb Stylist

Reese Witherspoon and Emma Watson
Celeb stylist reveals secrets to hair like Reese Witherspoon's and Emma Watson's.

Red carpets always leave us with a nagging feeling of hair envy. How do celebs like Reese Witherspoon and Emma Watson get their hair so darn shiny? And how do those elaborate hairstyles stay in place through the entire night?

Celeb stylist Matt Fugate of Sally Hershberger Downtown NYC shares the insider tricks and secrets to Hollywood's hottest hairdos.

Related: PHOTOS: Red carpet hairstyles we love

"Great beginnings last a lifetime," Fugate, who has worked with Blake Lively and Claire Danes, tells Us Weekly. To avoid flat locks on hair like Witherspoon's glam waves at the 2013 Oscars, stylists often turn to heat styling. "The secret for a voluminous style is the prep," Fugate says. "The hair is most likely set in hot rollers or with a curling iron."

Once curls or waves are set, stylists make sure not to over-apply hairspray. "The tackiness in sprays actually pulls out curls," Fugate says. "You only use spray at the last minute for hold, but not for prep." Instead, a thermal spray like John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protecting Spray is applied before using a curling iron.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars' Oscars red carpet evolutions

When creating elaborate hairstyles like Watson's braided updo at the LA premiere of The Bling Ring back in June 2013, stylists get a little help from extensions. "Braids can get messy if the hair is overly layered," Fugate tells Us. "Extensions always thicken up every style and can aid braided styles because they make the look polished."

Related: PHOTOS: My first time at the Oscars

Stars' shiny hair isn't just a lighting trick: They indulge their locks before hitting a red carpet with deep conditioners. "It's all about making your hair look as lustrous as possible," Fugate says. "A super-light shine product is key for the finish," he says, advising a mist like Sally Hershberger Smooth Fix over a shine serum. "The mist will make sure you don't overuse it so you don't get a grease slick."

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