A Superstar LA Stylist's Guide to Gorgeous Holiday Hair

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If the season's change has inspired you to start reevaluating your current hairstyle, maybe it's time to switch it up. Before you make any major moves, we've tapped our go-to girl at Spoke & Weal—J.P.—to see what she's feeling for fall.

In addition to being a founding member of the beautiful West 3rd Street salon, J.P. has also styled hair backstage for fashion favorites like Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Here, the popular stylist (with a head of enviable locks herself), gives us the scoop on the most-requested hairstyle, what ingredients to avoid to keep hair healthy, and how to refresh your look without going overboard.

What is the most-requested celebrity hairstyle right now?

The piecey lob is still reigning. A ton of celebrities are rocking it—it's modern and young.

What style is going away?

Strong blunt lines are leaving the scene and we are seeing more movement-friendly texture. Soft layers create movement. For men, the disconnected 1940's cut is disappearing and hair is looking much less dapper.

Any tips for keeping hair healthy and strong this season?

Aveda Dry Remedy! Los Angeles gets super dry this time of year. Hydration is key. Aveda has a whole line targeting hydration including an Intense Mask and the Dry Remedy Oil; many product cos have a moisturizing line. Go to it!

What are a few hair product ingredients to absolutely avoid?

Avoid silicones and plastics! What many of my guests don't know is that most conditioners and leave-in products contain silicone. Silicone leaves a synthetic shine and softness but underneath that layer of shine, the hair is left and usually gets more brittle and dry. These synthetics and plastics don't penetrate hair so the hair is not truly being nourished.

I like Aveda because it's 100% derived from plant and flower essences. It does not contain plastics or silicones and it's highly concentrated. Also, and on trend, is embracing your natural hair texture as often (if not more) than smoothing or straightening your hair. Now is the time to give the hot tools and blowdryers a break on a regular basis.

What's a fun way to experiment with your hair without taking a huge risk?

Add pieces in front to play with whether long bangs or some feathery layers in the front. Hair that moves is in. Find a stylist who can texturize your hair in the right places so it stays both full and full of life.

What's a great hairstyle for holiday parties?

A messy ballet bun or a tousled wave. I like the spirit of pairing a party dress or holiday jewels with purposely-imperfect waves or a messy and twisted ballet bun.

Hair extensions: yay or nay?

For fine hair girls adding extensions for fullness is amazing: micro beading to fill in breakage works as well. If you are considering extensions for length you don't have to right now! Medium length and short crops are totally in and the trend is getting shorter and shorter.

Intricate braids: yay or nay?

I always love a good braid, but my go to for this season is a bigger and looser style. I'll braid hair and then pull the braid apart, kneading or massaging it to look a bit disheveled. Intricate braids are cool, tight, and thorough. The hair trends this fall are more liberating.

Who is your ultimate hair muse for fall?

Bridget Bardot is my hero right now. Long full bangs and soft, luscious, face framing hair...she's such a beauty.

To book J.P. for your next cut and style, Spoke & Weal online or call 323-591-0979. Spoke & Weal is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Closed Mondays.