Luca Guadagnino’s poignant coming-of-age masterpiece, “Call Me by Your Name,” accomplished two significant feats last year. It not only resurfaced the redeeming qualities of 80s fashion but also catapulted the breakthrough sensation, Timothée Chalamet, into the limelight as Hollywood’s imminent star.
While Chalamet had previously appeared in productions like Homeland and Interstellar, it was his portrayal of the lovestruck Elio that undeniably captured global attention. His performance earned him esteemed Best Actor nominations at prestigious ceremonies such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTA.
Despite his exceptional talent, Chalamet’s ascent into Hollywood wasn’t a mere stroke of luck. Delving into Timothée’s background reveals a 22-year-old New Yorker with a lineage connected to the world of stage and screen—a distinct advantage on his remarkable journey to success.
WHY IS TIMOTHEE CHALAMET’S HAIR SO GOOD?
The brilliance of “Call Me by Your Name” lies in its portrayal of the sun-kissed Italian Riviera, despite being filmed in Lombardy amid an extraordinary ‘once-in-a-century’ downpour. Thanks to the film’s masterful cinematography and the seemingly weather-resistant nature of Chalamet’s hair, one might never guess that a relentless deluge dominated most of the shoot.
Neither scorching heat nor humidity seems to phase this epic head of hair; Chalamet’s casual waves steadfastly resist the notorious frizz halo (known to challenge even the most stylish locks) or transform into tightly coiled curls. Off-camera, his hair consistently embodies an effortless, tousled charm reminiscent of an I-just-woke-up-like this’ allure while maintaining an impeccable shape. To put it plainly: it sets the bar for coveted hair texture goals.
According to Scott Ade, the esteemed senior hair stylist at London’s Larry King salon, Timothée Chalamet is undoubtedly favored in the hair department. Blessed with a thick head of hair exhibiting natural movement and a touch of wave, Chalamet’s hair possesses the versatility to appear slightly curly and charming when left to air dry, or it can be easily blow-dried for a more polished, straighter style.
So, how can those less genetically endowed achieve a similar look? If your hair boasts a certain length and density, there are some achievable hacks to replicate this style. Karen Alder, a prominent hair and makeup artist who has collaborated with Chalamet on various photoshoots, shares her top tips for emulating his signature look.
WHAT TO ASK FOR
Important note: Achieving ‘effortless’ hairstyles that actually look good often involves some effort, despite the illusion of ease. This style doesn’t mean you can skip the hairdresser; equally, you won’t achieve the ultra-fresh look of a barber’s visit. According to Alder, the key is to request the ‘non-haircut’—aiming to avoid the appearance of just-cut hair, yet not allowing it to grow to an unkempt stage.
The ideal length is one that appears to have been trimmed a few weeks prior, achieved through point cutting to avoid blunt ends. Ade from Larry King supports the idea of favoring a salon over a high street barbershop, emphasizing the importance of research when choosing a place for the cut. Barbers have evolved significantly in recent years, moving away from the quick ‘short-back-and-sides’ approach.
However, achieving this particular look may require a more diverse skill set. Ade personally suggests a unisex salon, noting that while the goal is a masculine appearance, the cutting techniques often associated with women’s styles may be more suitable. Emphasizing the significance of length on top, it’s advised to allow shorter hair to grow out evenly, particularly if aiming for this particular aesthetic.
HOW TO STYLE IT
For those with curls or unruly kinks, managing the impact of water is a familiar challenge. Wavy and curly hair tends to achieve its best appearance when allowed to air dry, a task simpler in summer but trickier in the winter months. Using heat styling tools with a brush often disrupts the natural curl pattern, resulting in a frizzy, undefined mess.
To address this issue, Alder recommends a technique called co-washing. Co-washing, short for ‘conditioner washing,’ involves forgoing the shampoo step and directly using the conditioner. A cleansing conditioner serves to nourish the hair and retain moisture, aiding in defining curls and controlling frizz. This doesn’t mean entirely avoiding shampoo; rather, it involves using it once a week to clarify the scalp and roots, adjusting frequency based on your hair’s natural oiliness.
If completely abandoning shampoo isn’t suitable for your hair care routine, opting for a sulfate-free shampoo presents a better alternative. Sulfates, such as SLS (sodium laureth sulfate or similar), are the foaming agents in shampoo that can potentially cause irritation to the skin and scalp. These components tend to strip moisture from the hair, a problem more detrimental to curly hair than straight hair.
Scott Ade proposes an alternative styling approach: Begin by washing and conditioning your hair. Apply a small amount, around the size of a golf ball, of premium hair mousse to towel-dried hair. Utilize a hairdryer to dry, shape, and mold your hair to achieve the desired look. Hair mousse is ideal because once it’s dried, it provides a firm hold while maintaining the hair’s flexibility, reducing the need for excessive finishing products like clay, wax, or cream. According to Ade, blow-drying is crucial; achieving this look without a hairdryer requires a particularly fortunate natural hair texture.
KEY PRODUCTS
In the realm of styling, achieving the ideal look involves a delicate balance between managing stray strands and maintaining hair that’s soft and touchable. Instead of opting for crunch-inducing gels, consider these recommended products for a more desirable outcome.
Karen Alder suggests the use of leave-in products like Jonathan Silky Dirt Shine & Define Crème (an option available in the US), a vegan texturizing cream effective in taming frizz while enhancing shine. Another favored product is Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom, recommended for application to the ends of damp hair.
When applying these products, it’s crucial to avoid the roots to prevent the hair from looking greasy. Scott Ade’s product recommendations for achieving this particular look involve using a small amount of mousse and finishing with either clay or a cream. Ade specifically recommends products like Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom, Redken Rough Paste 12, and the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, which he considers the best in the market.
