How to Recreate The Real Housewives' Glam Hairstyles in Just 5 Minutes

When your workday involves making a long line-up of Bravolebrities even more gorgeous than they already are, you learn to work fast. Just ask Julius Michael, who tends to the tresses of everyone from Kyle Richards to Ramona Singer to Ariana Madix to Melissa Gorga on the regular. 

“The first time I ever did a ‘Julius Michael Faux Lob’ it was for Watch What Happens Live,” Michael told The Lookbook of his most memorable speed test. “I was working on a few 'Wives and Ramona didn’t have a decided-on look, so literally with just a few minutes before going live I braided and clipped up her real hair. I added Hidden Crown clip-in hair extensions and cut them quickly into a sexy faux lob. This was my just-in-case moment and I’m thankful I had the extensions in my kit 'cause the look went viral!” 

As complicated as his signature styles might look, he assured us that a few simple green room tricks are all that's required. In fact, he often creates styles based around the idea of ease as much as of speed. “I always try to keep in mind that viewers and my clients may want to achieve the style I created at home, so the looks that I create are all user-friendly looks,” Michael explained. He even created a Glam Team Master Class to teach his tricks of the trade. “Nothing should ever stop anyone from creating a glamorous hairstyle. You can pull your hair back in a ponytail or cool braid and you have a simple, clean hairstyle that took you less than five minutes,” he assured us before sharing his four favorite hairstyles to DIY on the fly. 

Kyle Richards' Hair Clip

“I decided to add the ‘Feelings’ barrette from Justine Marjan and Kitsch on a whim,” said Michael of the clean and sexy statement he created for Kyle's appearance on the Kelly and Ryan show. “I had it in my kit and thought that Kyle needed some pop. I was like, ‘Kyle, wait, let me try this!’ It looked amazing—not too edgy or over-the-top. It made her entire look come together. I also thought the saying was perfect considering this season of RHOBH. That clip got so much attention on my social media. It was a hit!”

Pro tip:  "If you're going to use a statement piece in your hair, try placing it just behind the top of your ear. Or if you’re using multiple barrettes, place them on one side of your hair around your ear.”

“For this look, I wanted a ponytail that anyone at home can create in minutes,” said Michael of the simply gorgeous look he created for Melissa. And he accomplished that lofty goal with just one key component: “The Pulleez band was the whole look. It’s what I used to hold all the hair together to create the ponytail. I used the ‘cross sign’ Pulleez since Melissa’s line has always been, ‘Thank you, Jesus!’”

Pro tip: “If you want to look like you spent hours on your hair when in reality you spent five minutes, slick it back into a ponytail with a gel and use a Pulleez to hold that ponytail tight all night long. You’ll look glamorous and fresh with some bling swinging around your hair.” 

“I cut Ramona’s hair every four to six weeks, but every once in awhile I like to add some hair back! Hidden Crown clip-in extensions gave just the right amount of fullness I was looking for and made her hair go from flat to fabulous in seconds,” said Michael. 

Pro tip: “You can turn flat, thin hair into bombshell hair with just a few Hidden Crown clips by putting a track of clip-ins on each side of your hair. The sides are your most important part. Back comb the section where you’re going to add the clip-in extension to secure it in place.” 

“I was completely inspired by Jennifer Lopez for this look. I wanted Ariana to look young, sexy and fun,” said Michael of his fresh take on the top knot. Before pulling hair up, he texturized roots to mid-shaft with Marula 5-in-1 Volumizing Spray, and then brought in the big guns. “I always use Alterna Bamboo Shine Silk-Sleek Brilliance Cream to tame flyaways and smooth out the hair. That is my Holy Grail of all hair products!”

Pro tip: “When you use a texturizing spray you’re adding volume and body especially to limp or day-old blow dry. It’s the best way to give yourself sexy hair without spending too much time.”