Rod Ortega
While watching the 2013 Golden Globes I saw the star of the show "Nashville," Connie Britton walk down the Red Carpet. I was wondering if Celebrity Stylist Rod Ortega was responsible for her looking so beautiful. When Connie stopped to chat about "who" she was wearing, she mentioned that Rod Ortega did her hair for the event. Rod works with Connie as well as his many other well-known clients: Selena Gomez, Megan Fox, and the iconic Jennifer Lopez! What that says to me is it was time to seriously stalk him for a Hair Nerds interview. Getting to know Rod, I found him to be inspiring, humbled, and excited about everything that comes his way.
Rod, The Hair Nerds thought Connie Britton looked stunning in a vintage Hollywood kind of way. What inspired her look?
My inspiration was classic Hollywood! As a matter of fact, I was inspired by Rita Hayworth in "Gilda."
You have become one of the most sought out celebrity stylists in this business! Let's talk about that...but before we do, let's venture back to the beginning. What drew you into the beauty industry?
I was drawn, like a moth to a flame, by the glamour, fashion and creativity of the industry. It offers many creative challenges, and is never the same thing twice, and that appeals to the artist in me.
As an artist, you've worked on so MANY HUGE FILMS like: "Enough" starring Jennifer Lopez; "2 Fast 2 Furious" starring Eva Mendes; "Green Lantern" starring Blake Lively. It takes a lot of endurance to be a hairstylist behind the chair...I can only imagine what it must be like on a high budget film today!
Even after a decade of film, I still find it so exciting because, again, it is never the same thing twice. You are constantly evolving, and forming new alliances with other creative people. It takes a lot of endurance to be a hairstylist in films. The hours are long: you are up early and late-to-bed, you are frequently on location in some far flung place, and you have to hit the ground running because the clock is always ticking.
It’s not like being in a cozy photo studio for a magazine shoot where you sit and schmooze, then do a little hair, take lunch and do a little more. Every minute is crucial on a movie set and you must be very focused because you are shooting scenes out of order, and making frequent changes to keep in sync with the actor’s character, and there's no time for retakes. I also work frequently with wigs, which requires cutting, styling, coloring, and frequent changes at short notice.
A hairstylist in films has to be very subtle because your work is going to be blown up on the big screen and it’s important that it blends seamlessly with all the other elements of the film and doesn’t stick out, otherwise you can sabotage all the actors’ and director’s—and lots of other talented people as well—hard work.
Being on a film is like joining a family-you spend a lot of time working intimately with a lot of talented people, and everything has to mesh perfectly to bring it off. It takes a commitment and dedication that surpasses your own ego.
Your filmograpghy is a long list. But my favorite has to be the movie "SELENA." What was that like for you?
Working on “Selena” is still one of my most memorable experiences. Jennifer Lopez became Selena-it was really a star-making role for her and watching her do it, and being part of the process, was a thrill. We all got very close on that set, and a lot of us are still friends because of the movie.
It was my big break, thanks to my good friends Terri Vasquez and Corina Duran, who hired me. It was a non-union job that went union so I was very fortunate. It often takes years of work to get into the union. When we shot the big concert scene the energy of all those people—they were true Selena fans—was exhilarating. They had mourned her passing just nine months prior, so it gave them a chance to let go the loss and celebrate her memory, and Jennifer just knocked it out of that stadium. Between takes I would go touch her up and they would be chanting “Selena, Selena, Selena..” so loud that I got goose bumps.
It’s moments and memories like those that are why I became a stylist.
Rod, just talking with you right this minute, you sound completely inspired!
I love the art of hair in all forms. I am aware that I am part of a long creative lineage, both in my film work and print work, and that makes me very proud. I am be inspired by whomever and whatever life puts in my path. There are endless opportunities and I try to embrace them all.
What does Rod Ortega do when he gets home & it's time to relax?
I have two dogs Gigi and Luigi, who you can bet are very well-groomed, and they keep me busy, and grounded. And to relax, a full body massage once a week if you are slammed, or every two weeks if your work load is lighter. You spend long hours standing and in repetitive motion, so you need to get the knots out if you want to have any stamina and longevity in hairdressing.
I take short vacations when I have down-time, and a longer one once a year. I enjoy swimming, hiking, skiing as physical activities. I am interested in art, music, and architecture, and enjoy the inspiration that culture offers. It renews the spirit and keeps your thinking fresh. I like to document my travels with photography, and I always make time for family and friends. They offer perspective and keep us in balance.
What advice would you give any stylists who want to follow in your footsteps?
I appreciate the compliment of others "following in my footsteps," but I believe that to achieve anything real as an artist you have to forge your own path. I am still learning after all these years, and hope I always shall. I love watching old movies-the variety and quality of work in films, from silent to last week, is a wellspring of inspiration.
Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Seek new opportunities rather than repeat old victories. As long as you are growing you are never bored. Stay humble, and remember to be grateful. That's my advice to fellow hairstylists.
Rod was kind enough to give us a special step-by-step for recreating this gorgeous look from the red carpet!
CONNIE BRITTON: Golden Globe Awards
MY INSPIRATION for Connie Britton’s Golden Globes red-carpet look was Rita Hayworth in “Gilda.” 1940’s: semi-structured, Classic Hollywood waves.
Step 1: Start by applying Leonor Greyl Mousse au Lotus Volumatrice to damp hair all over, combing the hair from the roots all the way through to the ends, giving hair full body and shine. Blow-dry in 1 inch sections with the T3 Featherweight Journey Hair Dryer and the T3 AntiGravity Barrel Brush 2.5 until completely dry.
Step 2: Setting-Spray is essential for this look to give you hold and shine and to set the structure for this style. I recommend Leonor Greyl Spray Structure Naturelle.
Brush completely through the hair to prep for Step 3
Step 3: I used the T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers, sectioning the hair into 1-inch sections, placing the larger rollers at the nape of the neck halfway up, then the smaller rollers from the middle to the top of the head. Let them cool and remove.
Step4: Brush out the waves using the T3 Free Flowing Vent Brush, securing the waves with Leonor Greyl Spray Structure Naturelle, and voilà, 1940s Classic Hollywood semi-structured waves reinterpreted for guaranteed 2013 red carpet glam.