On Thursday, July 12th, pop star Fergie took the stage at the 2018 Feinstein Institute Summer Gala—and her incredible performance wasn’t the only thing that had people talking. The singer ditched her signature blonde locks and debuted a fiery red, orange, and yellow ombre ‘do for the performance.
Fergie’s new look marks the culmination of the Matrix SoColor Cult social media contest. The contest—first announced in January at Matrix Destination 2018—invited hairstylists from around the world to submit their best vivid hair color looks for a chance to work with Fergie alongside several Matrix celebrity stylists. After narrowing down hundreds of entries to just 30 finalists, Matrix announced the ten winners two months ago.
The winners flew to New York ahead of Thursday’s concert to begin preparing for the big day. The up-and-coming stylists had the chance to attend a hands-on training class at the L'Oréal New York test salon lead by George Papanikolas and Nick Stenson, Matrix brand ambassadors and celebrity stylists.
On the day of the show, grand prize winners Eli Mancha and Amanda Stone worked alongside Papanikolas and Stenson to create Fergie’s look. They masterfully blended the newly launched SoColor Cult shades in Red Hot, Orange Alert, and Lucky Duck Yellow. The eight first prize contest winners were on hand to create breathtaking looks for the singer’s dancers and band members.
The Matrix SoColor Cult range is available in semi, demi, and permanent formulas and boasts over 12 vibrant shades. You’ll have to head to the hair salon if you want to recreate Fergie’s dazzling hair color, but if it’s her hairstyle you’re after—we’ve got you covered. Papanikolas and Stenson broke down exactly how to re-create this rockstar look in just a few simple steps.
For this style, you’ll need to begin with clean, dry hair. Papanikolas and Stenson suggest prepping your strands with Matrix Total Results Re-Bond Shampoo, Pre-Conditioner, and Conditioner to help strengthen, revitalize, and smooth hair. Rake Matrix StyleLink Volume Builder Mousse throughout the lengths of your hair to create body and bounce. Then, part your hair down the middle and blow dry your strands section by section with a medium boar bristle brush.
Working with 2-inch sections of hair, spray each section with Matrix Style Link Prep Heat Buffer Thermal Styling Spray before curling it with a curling iron. Once you’ve curled your entire head, brush your curls out to create a loose wave. Use a small amount of Matrix Style Link Prep Smooth Setter Smoothing Cream to style the strands around your face. For a finishing touch, set your hair with the Matrix Style Link Perfect Style Fixer Finishing Spray.
Don’t be surprised if you get mistaken for a world famous singer when you recreate this look at home.
Interested in channeling your inner Fergie this summer? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.
