This year of music has been a chance for the pop girlies to shine, and one who has made quite the statement is Meghan Trainor. After releasing her ‘Timeless’ album and embarking on a national tour, her new era wouldn’t be complete without her signature long, created by her sought-after celebrity hairstylist Antoine Martinez.
He’s also credited for being the hair professional behind several other stars, including Nessa Barret and Miguel. The Tease had the pleasure of speaking with Antoine about how he puts together Meghan Trainor’s ‘Timeless’ look, his go-to products for wavy hair, and his take on this year’s holiday hairstyles. Read on.
The Tease: How did you go from someone interested in pursuing a career in hair to becoming one of the most sought-after hair stylists in Hollywood?
Martinez: I’ve always dreamed of working in Hollywood from the moment I started Cosmetology School. I was obsessed with pop culture, fashion, and music as a child, and a career in beauty was my creative outlet. I worked at A Robert Cromeans Salon in San Diego and as a platform artist for Paul Mitchell for over a decade. Those years taught me almost everything I know in hair, and I had the most incredible mentors supporting me along the way. It was a big leap of faith to move to Hollywood, leaving the comfort of the salon and the people I loved. My advice to those who dream big is to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, work hard, and surround yourself with people who are doing great things and who support you in your journey.
We have to talk about your work for Meghan Trainor and her ‘Timeless’ era! Can you give a breakdown of how you put those stunning hair looks together?
Martinez: Working with Meghan during her ‘Timeless Era’ was incredible. We honestly had so much fun and all her looks came very organically. Every day she would have a fitting with her stylist Allison Cartagena, and then depending on her outfit, and the elements of where we were at, we would decide the hair look on the spot. Every look would fall under the same category, I would describe them as “Hot Girl Pop Star Hair.“ Working with Meghan has been a dream, always with good vibes and much love.
When achieving these waves, what specific beauty products would you consider to be your essentials and why?
Martinez: We love some wavy hair!!! I would prep her hair first with Bumble and Bumble BB Prep Primer for lightweight detangling and control and brush through her strands with That Girl That Did Your Hair Knotty Brush. I would follow up with Balmain Paris Volume Mousse Strong for volume and hold. I would then blow dry with my Shark Speed Style Pro Flex Hair Dryer System. For the waves I would use my favorite Mermade Hair Style Wand, using the 3barrel iron, and sometimes alternating with the other 2 attachment rods depending on the vibe. Before ironing, I always use a heat protectant. My choice on Meghan was Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray, it has flexible hold, humidity resistance and fights frizz. It’s important to protect the hair from high heat, especially on blond hair.
As we get into a colder season, what are your best tips for keeping curly hairstyles maintained?
Martinez: It’s Important to be mindful of the right products and tools to use while the weather changes as we move into fall and winter. Prep, Protect, Style, in that order for the best hair. With the holiday season here, we tend to do more heat styling to keep our styles lasting longer. On off days or if the weather is terrible, do a protective hairstyle. I live for a hair spa moment. I’ve been obsessed with Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub followed by Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask.
This holiday season has already sparked new hair trends. Are there any in particular you’ve been noticing that you give your styling stamp of approval?
Martinez: I love a hair switch up like some sexy piercing bangs in a tousled updo or a chic bob to go with your fall/winter sweaters. Keep in mind your outfit and be intentional with your look. I’m also living for a retro updo fantasy for the holidays. It’s great to be adventurous and try new hairstyles, but also important to know what’s best for your hair texture and face shape. Just have fun with it, at the end of the day it’s not rocket science, it’s HAIR!
For all things Antoine Martinez, and his work with Meghan Trainor, be sure to follow @antoinemartinez on Instagram.
