Ilham Mestour ‘does’ the hair of Doutzen and Naomi Campbell and is impressive herself too. She looks quite stunning with her Diana Ross look and in terms of work, she is that too, and she is also the sweetest and nicest hair stylist that I know. And she has incredibly good tips to provide you with a always-good haircut.

Morning ritual

“‘In the morning I always wash my face and then I apply Blue Blood Gel (a true addiction) and Rich Moisturizing Cream from Neoderma. Furthermore, I really can't do without the organic herbal peeling from Neoderma, I do that every six weeks. I also carry Eau Florale with me all day. In the morning I mist it over my face to wake up, even after I've done my makeup, and throughout the day I always feel fresh and awake with a little spray. My secret is actually very boring. No smoking, no alcohol, little meat, but partying.”

Make-up Musthaves

“After my skincare, my makeup ritual begins. I always use the Beyond Perfecting Foundation from Clinique. This is a foundation and concealer in one, which is very practical and handy because I travel a lot, but also nice because I need to use very little of it. Furthermore, the Blush 101 from Clinique provides a healthy glow. When it comes to mascaras, I always use two. The first layer is from Chanel, with Le Volume Mascara and the second layer is the Long & Tall Mascara from Eyeko. I mix them and it works fantastically, because I get incredibly voluminous and long lashes. For finishing, I also use the Powder Pink Lips and Cheeks from Bobbi Brown. I really love combo products, then I don't have to take so much with me.”

Eyebrows or lashes

“OMG! For eyebrows you have to go to the one and only eyebrow queen Roya Zare! I obediently lie on her couch every two weeks. She colors the brows, shapes them and uses a miracle oil that makes them even fuller. Eyebrows They are so important for your face and therefore the shape is also essential. Now I must admit that I also take some time for my lashes. Hence that layer by layer and a mix of Chanel and Eyeko.”

Hair Ritual

“I spend about twenty minutes when I want to curl my hair beautifully without frizz. I always wash my hair with the So Pure Shampoo and mask from Keune. Then I comb it through with the So Pure Argan Oil. I distribute this well through the hair, knead it in with a towel and that way I get my beautiful curl back. With the Thickening Cream in my palms, I knead the hair for more volume. I dry it with a diffuser from Balmain. The infrared reduces frizz and dries it quickly. Then I use volumizing powder from Keune at the roots and finish it with the new Press Wax from the same brand. For the afro look, I brush my hair out. Then I really have a huge Diana Ross mane. To be honest. If we all took the time and knew exactly what we needed for our hair, you would almost be there. As long as you stick to the right step-by-step plan that goes with those products.”

Styling Tips

“The product Press Wax is one of my hero products. It is finally a wax that women with long hair can also use. Whether your hair is curled, straight or naturally wavy; you really get an amazing texture from it. It is important to use styling products that accentuate the natural texture of your hair. So not create, but emphasize. There are products for that; they make it even more beautiful. Furthermore, it is important to use styling products with a medium hold. This way you can at least still touch your hair throughout the day and style it again.”

Fundamentals

“Just like every woman has a little black dress hanging in her closet, I also have some fundamentals for hair;

• The Thickening Cream for volume
• The Press Wax for volume and texture. It also helps against frizzy hair and gives an amazing texture to the hair.
• Volume Powder at the roots for a great Brigitte Bardot crown. It makes the hair nice and stiff, so ideal for fine hair. In no time you create an undone updo where the bobby pins stay in place.”

Head of Cabin

“I have seen many shows and have also been able to work backstage there. When we talk about making a statement in the fashion industry, it really happens at the shows of Rick Owens. You can love it or not, but the Spring 2014 Ready to Wear show was really a goosebumps moment; I also got a bit emotional about it. The inner struggle that each of us carries is expressed here in a very impressive way. Just here click and you can see it.‘  

Never leave home without

“My perfume Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier: Ambre Precieux Ultime.”

Million Dollar Tip

“If you really want a nice texture in your hair, I recommend distributing Press Wax in your hair. A lot and well to the tips. Then tie your hair in a high bun and then get to work with makeup and outfit. When you're done, release the bun and shake your hair. You then have a truly ultimate undone texture. I also do this with models during shoots if the client wants a sophisticated look with an undone feel.”

Undiscovered beauty product

“Ghassoul (soapstone) with henna packing is an incredibly good product. You get a super soft skin back with a nice tanned color in the summer. What is also a top treatment, especially during the summer, is a visit to the hamam. There I always let myself be scrubbed completely first and then put my body in a warm packing. You also get beautifully tanned from it if you sunbathe afterwards.”

Style icon

“I love classics. Madame Coco Chanel therefore.”