Take care of your hair! Celebrity hairstylist Clariss Anya Rubenstein is known for creating gorgeous styles for Leighton Meester, including baby bangs, elegant updos, flowy waves, loose ponytails, and more, and now she’s telling ET all about her creative process. 

“Leighton is an absolute dream to work with. We’ve worked together for years, so there is trust there. She is really open when it comes to her hair and often has ideas, but is totally open to switching it up. It makes working together really easy and fun. … She can pull off anything,” the Nexxus stylist explains.

Rubenstein’s recent go-to look: “I’m loving pixie cuts on the red carpet. It’s super feminine, bold, and chic.”

And while the actress likes to experiment with new ‘dos, there are some styles the hair guru steers clear of.

“The wolf cut and modern mullet are not my favorite,” Rubenstein notes.

“I always encourage my clients to take risks, but never to the point where they feel uncomfortable or not like themselves. Any look that makes them feel uncomfortable or self-conscious is not something I’m willing to do ever,” the hair expert adds.

Regardless of your mane preferences, Rubenstein believes that having luscious locks is what’s most important.

“Unhealthy hair never looks good. … Don’t over wash, under condition, or brush wet hair without a detangler in it, or you’re asking for breakage,” she spills.

Instead? “Mask, deep condition, use a treatment, and repeat on a regular basis.”

From there, you’ll be ready to nail your favorite hairdos with the help of some must-have products and tools.

“Use the Nexxus Slick Stick to add some texture, create a sleek look, or to tame fly aways. I use it on almost every client and keep one in my purse for personal use. … For a blowout or updo, the Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist is the perfect light hairspray. It will hold your style in place, but doesn’t look or feel like a spray,” she shares.

“I love Parlux blow dryers, the GHD Chronas flatiron for waves or a straight look, the Babyliss mini flatiron for edges, and T3 long-barrel curling irons. As far as brushes go, I use Ibiza for round boar bristle, Olivia Garden for ceramic, Sheila Stotts or Yves Durif for detangling, and Mason Pearson for smoothing,” she continues.

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