Priyanka Chopra's Stylist on How to Style Thick, Luscious Hair

Updated on 2/29/2016 at 4:00 PM

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In our humble opinions, Priyanka Chopra may be one of the most beautiful people in Hollywood right now. We are obsessed with her hair and makeup at pretty much every red carpet appearance she makes. And at the 2016 Oscars, she did not disappoint when she walked the red carpet and took the stage (as a presenter) with bold brows, lush lashes, and a matte, mauve lip (she's wearing a combo of Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Colour in Cocoa Pout and Velour Lovers Lip Colour in Seduction, to be exact). The makeup was created by Stephanie Brooke for Laura Mercier.

And though we could go on and on about her flawless face, we also need to talk about her chic hair. Priyanka is known for her thick, glossy strands that have given many women envy. We had to learn more about what goes into styling it, so we chatted via email with her mane man, Castillo for S Factor by TIGI. He shared everything from what it's like to work with her, how to copy her sleek Oscars ponytail, and tips for getting Priyanka-level shine.

POPSUGAR: What is the best part of working with Priyanka?
Castillo: The best part is her overall attitude. She's been in the industry for a long time working in media, and she likes to have fun with her look. She doesn't want to be boring; she's always pushing my creativity to the next level and keeps me on my toes. That's a gift from a client because you don't want to get too comfortable in what you're doing.

PS: What was the getting-ready atmosphere like?
C: We were playing music — we were playing Zayn Malik’s "Pillowtalk" and Rihanna's "Work" on repeat. We both love the upbeat, top 40 music so it helps that we're on the same page. We love the popular songs like the new Coldplay and Beyoncé. We were both drinking lots of coconut water because we both have really long days going into really long weeks. We're each hopping on flights to the East Coast tonight to work tomorrow morning. Priyanka kept it very healthy today eating protein and veggies, in comparison to her usual In and Out Burger order.

PS: What inspired the hair for her Oscars look?
C: We wanted to change it up from what we usually do, especially what we've done this awards season, and we took a risk that worked out really well. We usually do a high/tight ponytail and a side part so we did the opposite — a low, loose pony with a middle part. As a hair artist, I get inspired by the dress, especially with this dress baring the shoulders and the opulent earrings. We wanted to do an effortless glam look as a team but something that would sustain the whole night. The dress and the jewelry stand alone and we didn't want to compete with them.

PS: What is the key step in a reader DIYing Priyanka's Oscars ponytail at home?
C: A really good blow dry is the key to this look. Start with a clean base using the right products, then be sure to really focus on a good blow dry and flat iron the ends. The S Factor by TIGI Stunning Volume Shampoo & Conditioner really created a nice, healthy, shiny base.

PS: What is your best advice for wearing a ponytail with a gown and making it look glam and not sporty?
C: Keep it mid or low positioning on the head to make it look glam rather than sporty. The higher you go, the sportier it gets. A low positioning is the most elegant.

PS: Priyanka has super thick hair. What are your styling tips for women with thick hair?
C: Women with thicker hair should keep their hair clean because it tends to get oily and product builds up and weighs it down even more. Washing it with a really good shampoo and conditioner is key. Thick hair can get really messy if it gets frizzy; if you use a good conditioner and anti-frizz product, it keeps it healthy and beautiful.

PS: How can you preserve a blowout an extra day or two if you have thick hair?
C: For thick hair, your best friend is dry shampoo on the roots, and if you go to bed in a loose, high ponytail away from your face to keep it off the face and pillow.

PS: What is your go-to second- or third-day hairstyle, especially if you have thicker hair?
C: There are so many different versions of a topknot that you can do to extend your hairstyle. The trick for putting thick hair into a topknot is to utilize a braid. It's a good way to keep it locked in without having such a large knot; braid it then twist it into a topknot to hold everything in place and compact.

PS: How can women at home make their hair as shiny as Priyanka's?
C: Using a good hair masque once a week definitely helps. S Factor by TIGI True Lasting Colour Oil really brought out the shine and her hair color tonight.