Hair Icon - Scarlett Johansson

Every month we unveil our handbag hair icon, with top styling tips from the UK's finest hairdressers on how you can recreate her day and night looks yourself...

In the space of just a few short years, modern day Monroe Scarlett has blossomed from quirky, independent-movie favourite to a full-on blockbusting screen siren. A beauty butterfly who flits from one úber-glam look to another, Scarlett changes her 'do as often as she changes her screen persona – opting for bouncing platinum blonde curls one day, and sleek and chic brunette the next. But whatever her look, she always look five-star fabulous and more than worthy of a place in our 'hair icon' hall of fame. This month, our expert advice on stealing Scarlett's style comes from Martyn Gayle, leading session stylist and owner of his seriously cool Westbourne Grove, London salon…

Scarlett by day…

  Scarlett Johansson's carefree day look Scarlett's day style, with big waves, soft highlights and muted tones, looks carefree but still effortlessly chic and stylish. Volume and texture were big news on this seaon's catwalks, with loose curls and side swept partings making many an appearance. Scarlett's take on this trend is perfect for giving your casual autumnal wardrobe a dressed-up twist.

To successfully pull off this look, Martyn advises pumping up the volume as the first important step, 'begin by shampooing the hair with a personal favourite of mine, the Schwarzkopf BC Moisture Kick Shampoo (£7.20, 01296 314000), and then conditioning with BC Light Volume Conditioner (£8). This will inject moisture and shine, whilst adding a little boost to the roots. Then towel dry the hair and spray in OSiS Hairbody (£7.90, 01296 314000) for further root lift followed by OSiS Upload (£8.95) for volume.'

Now, moving on to texture. 'To create the textured separated look that looks so great on Scarlett, use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment' says Martyn, 'like the Remington Hair Envy Volume & Curl Kit (£34.99). Start at the back by taking the hair in your hand and directing the hair into the diffuser, and letting the heat from the diffuser dry your hair into a curl. Continue this technique throughout the back and the sides. To create more volume through the top and front of your hair detach the diffuser from your hair dryer and replace it with your normal concentrator nozzle. Take a small to medium round bristle brush and working section by section, take the hair in your brush to create a more defined curl. Note: only remove the brush when it has cooled down completely to create a set curl. Continue this until you reach the front of the head. For the final two sections, decide if you want to dry your hair to the side to have a sweeping effect – like Scarlett – or to style it across your forehead. Once the hair is blow-dried, take some OSiS Shape Soft Wax (£5.75) and work through the mid lengths and ends for separation to create a shiny textured look.' Simple enough eh? Be sure to have a practice run beforehand – it's not especially A-list to leave the house on a bad hair day! As you become more confident with your brush and dryer, creating this look will become like second nature.

Scarlett by night…

  Scarlett Johansson recreates '50's Hollywood glamour This evening look is inspired by the 'screen sirens' of the 50's. Perfect for a big night out on the town, it screams glamour when combined with a full lashes and red lips. 'I love this look on Scarlett,' Martyn gushes, 'but if your locks are quite fine, like hers, begin by washing with a volumising shampoo and conditioner, like BC Light Volume Shampoo (£7.20), and BC Light Volume Conditioner (£8) to give a gentle boost without overburdening. Prepare the hair by spraying a light volumising spray to the roots. I recommend BC Light Volume conditioning spray (£8.55), as this product is ideal for giving fine hair a slight boost. It also adds a little styling support so there's no danger of the hairstyle dropping as the evening goes on.'

Next step, the all-important blow-dry. Again, Martyn suggests drying your hair with medium sized round bristle brush section by section. 'Once each section is dry, place Remington Protect & Shine Heated Rollers (£29.99) in the hair, and continue to do this until you have a full head of hair in rollers. Whilst the rollers are cooling, spray them with a hairspray with good hold, and leave for 10 mins before taking them out. The result - a soft cascade of sexy waves!'

As a piéce de résistance, Scarlett has pinned the sides with a stunning silver Butterfly clip – the ultimate glam accessory for the season. Get a similar look with the Butterfly Beauty Hair Clip by Glitzy Secrets (£29.99) and you're good to go.

For appointments with Martyn or a member of his team call 0207 792 5656