At the NYFW SS26 Ulla Johnson show, she delivered a collection that blended soft craftsmanship with a sense of effortless luxury—and the hair told the same story. Behind the scenes, professional hairstylist Diego da Silva led the runway’s hair direction utilizing Wella Professionals to create one of the season’s most wearable and covetable looks: elevated natural texture that feels as modern as it does timeless.
Behind The Scenes: Ulla Johnson SS26 NYFW
A Celebration of Individuality
“We really wanted to keep each model’s natural texture,” explains da Silva. “If someone had straight hair, we kept it straight. If they had waves or curls, we worked with that. The effortless look fits with Ulla’s collection because her designs are always soft and flawless, and the hair needed to carry that same feeling.”
The result? Hair that felt lived-in yet luxurious—glossy waves, defined curls, and understated braids that echoed Johnson’s handcrafted detailing.
The Hero Products
To achieve this balance of polish and authenticity, da Silva relied on a lineup of Wella Professionals favorites:
“The key product I used was Wella Professionals EIMI Sugar Lift spray, sometimes just with water. For some girls, we added the Wella Professionals EIMI Boost Extra Volume mousse or Wella Professionals EIMI Just Brilliant shine pomade, especially if we had them with braids, which Ulla loves to include a couple to give them a bit more of a refined look for the girls wearing looks with more detail around the neck.” Says Diego da Silva
Shop The Products:
EIMI Sugar Lift Spray to build soft volume and amplify texture.
EIMI Extra Volume Mousse for definition on select models.
EIME Just Brilliant to refine braids and add subtle gleam.
The Technique:
To replicate the look off the runway, da Silva shared his backstage method:
- Prep: Mist damp hair with EIMI Sugar Lift Spray to boost volume and enhance natural texture.
- Define: Apply EIMI Extra Volume Mousse where more definition is needed.
- Dry: Diffuse gently, pinning waves and curls in place until completely dry to preserve their form. *Make sure the hair is completely dry before removing the pins.
- Detail: For select models, da Silva created two pigtail braids knotted at the back—finished with EIMI Just Brilliant for shine and hold.
Increasingly, the beauty narrative has leaned toward authenticity and texture. By amplifying what you already have, rather than masking it. da Silva’s approach aligns perfectly with that trend, and with Wella Professionals products, it amplifies healthy, lived-in hair that celebrates individuality.
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