As hairstylists zoomed across New York in preparation of this year’s Met Gala, few can say they were as busy as Dre Demry-Sanders. The “hair bender,” known for working with Ayo Edebiri, Yseult, Erykah Badu and Vogue, GQ, and The New York Times, took on over 53 clients, a mix that included one designer, one photographer, one actress, and more than 50 performers. Still, on the first Monday in May, she found time to call Into The Gloss in between appointments and share how she got designer Grace Wales Bonner ready for fashion’s biggest night.
Dear ITG,
When I first heard this year’s Met Gala theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” I was so excited because we don’t get many chances to celebrate Black style in such an elegant way. A lot of times the celebration starts and stops with street wear, but this theme? Oh, we were getting fancy. As a Black hairstylist, I know that hair is just as important as the wardrobe. So with that in mind, I knew it was my time to shine. Honestly, from that point forward, I felt like inspiration was everywhere. I didn’t even have to go looking for it; it found me. Just yesterday, I went to Chez Josephine, this very sexy restaurant in Midtown, and there were photos of Josephine Baker everywhere. See what I mean?
All things considered, my day started at a reasonable time on Met Gala Monday—7AM. I styled actor Myha’la and photographer Tyler Mitchell, and I had a team of 25 people at The Metropolitan Museum of Art working on over 50 performers. Grace Wales Bonner was my third look of the day. Grace, who I’ve worked with a few times before, tells such amazing stories through the clothing she designs and through her own wardrobe. Her clothes feel deeply cultural and familiar. Sometimes I’ll notice a piece, and I’ll think, Wait, my uncle has worn something like that.
Usually, I just do her signature style—a middle part with a very slick, low bun—but because this is the Met Gala, I wanted her look to be a little different, a little extra—but still comfortable. We decided to keep her usual part because a hair part is so important to how you see yourself—you change the hair part, and all of a sudden, you don’t look like you. She naturally has beautiful waves and so we opted to accentuate that texture—but not too much. Think: finger waves that lead into a chignon.
I always like to start with damp hair when I’m working with textured hair because it’s easier to manipulate. It's also safer to manipulate because you don’t cause as much breakage. I first used Bumble & Bumble’s Prep Primer. Then it was time to get her middle part as straight as a pin with a tail comb. After I shaped her waves with Bumble & Bumble’s Sumogel, I sprayed Bumble & Bumble’s Strong Finish, a really firm hold hairspray, all over. I let it dry until it was a bit hard because it was pouring outside and I wanted her hair to stay put. Also in my arsenal: my Pattern detangling brush and Mason Pearson brush, my go-to’s.
I’ll be celebrating tonight with some good sleep. And, of course, I’m excited to see the exhibit at The Met’s Costume Institute myself. I hope that it opens minds to the value of diversity within fashion. And, I hope that it opens doors for people, too.
Love,
Dre Demry-Sanders
—as told to Daise Bedolla
Photo via Getty