That's very different from styling for a dinner or a family function. At Elite Elegance Studio in Pitampura, Delhi, we approach ramp, shoot and portfolio hair as part of the overall look: planned around the designer's brief, the outfit and the makeup, and built to hold up to a demanding day. Here's how we do it, and what models, designers and event organisers can expect when they work with us.
Why ramp hair is different
Everyday styling is about looking polished up close. Runway and editorial styling has to work at three distances at once:
From the audience: the shape of the hair has to be clear and intentional from 10 or 20 metres away. Fine details disappear at that distance; strong lines, clean partings and bold volume don't.
On camera: photographers shoot close-ups under flash and stage lighting, so flyaways, frizz and uneven shine show up instantly.
Backstage: models often change outfits several times. Hair has to survive garments being pulled over the head, accessories being added and removed, and sometimes a quick switch from one look to another.
On top of that, every model in a show usually wears the same or a very similar look, so the style has to be repeatable across different hair types, lengths and textures.
It starts with the brief
Before we pick up a brush, we want to understand the story. For a fashion show, that means talking to the designer or coordinator about:
The collection: is it bridal couture, Indo-Western fusion, contemporary prêt or streetwear? Each calls for a different hair language.
The mood: soft and romantic, sharp and minimal, bold and dramatic, or classic and timeless.
The garments: high necklines, heavy embellishment, dupattas, hoods and headpieces all change what the hair can do.
The makeup: a strong eye or a bold lip usually pairs best with cleaner hair, while minimal makeup leaves room for more drama in the hair.
The running order: how many looks each model wears, and how much time there is between them.
For portfolio and test shoots, we ask the model or photographer for a mood board and talk through the kinds of work the model wants to book. A portfolio that shows range, such as one sleek look, one soft look and one dramatic look, is far more useful to an agency than five variations of the same style.
Ramp-ready styles we create
Sleek high ponytail. One of the strongest runway looks. It opens up the face, shows off the jawline and earrings, and reads clearly from a distance. The secret is in the base: smooth, flat sides, a tight and secure elastic, and a wrapped section of hair to hide it. We finish with a light shine product, so it catches the stage light without looking greasy.
Polished low bun. Elegant, versatile and practical for quick changes, because outfits slide over it easily. It suits bridal couture, formal wear and minimal collections. We build it on a secure base, so it holds through multiple walks.
Wet-look and slicked-back styles. A high-fashion favourite that instantly makes a look feel editorial. Getting it right means controlling the product carefully. Too little and it looks unfinished; too much and it looks heavy or flat in photos. We set the shape so it stays glossy and sculpted under lights.
Hollywood waves. Glossy, sculpted S-waves swept to one side are timeless for red-carpet-inspired collections, evening wear and portfolio shots. We set the curls, let them cool completely, then brush and pin them into a smooth wave pattern that holds its shape.
Voluminous blowouts. Big, bouncy, movement-filled hair is ideal for beauty shots, hair-focused portfolios and commercial work. Volume at the root and soft movement through the lengths photograph beautifully, especially in motion.
Braided crowns and textured updos. For ethnic, fusion and festive collections, braids add craftsmanship and detail. Fishtail, Dutch and rope braids can be woven into crowns, buns or half-up styles, and they hold extremely well through a long show.
Accessory-led styles. Maang tikkas, matha pattis, hair chains, clips and fresh flowers are often part of Indian ramp looks. We plan the parting and the base of the style around where the accessories will sit, so they stay secure and look intentional.
How we make styles last through a show
A runway or shoot day can run for hours. Here's what we do to make sure the hair looks the same in the last walk as in the first:
Prep: heat protection on every style, plus volumising or smoothing products, depending on the look.
Structure: setting curls to cool fully, building braided or backcombed bases, and pinning with the weight spread evenly, so styles stay put without giving the model a headache.
Finishing for the camera: controlling flyaways, choosing between a shiny and a matte finish based on the lighting, and checking the style from every angle.
Touch-up plan: for shows, we prepare a quick touch-up routine so the look can be refreshed between walks.
Hair and makeup, designed together
The strongest runway looks feel like one complete idea. Because our hair and makeup teams work together, led by Madhu, our chief makeup artist with more than 10 years of experience, we can balance the two: a sleek ponytail with a bold eye, soft waves with a dewy, minimal face, or a wet-look style with a strong, sculpted complexion. For models building a portfolio, this also means one appointment, one plan and a look that's consistent from head to toe.
Portfolio shoots: show your range
If you're a new model building your book, your portfolio is your calling card. Agencies and casting directors want to see that you can carry different looks. A strong portfolio session might include:
A clean, natural look: soft blow-dry, minimal makeup and your real texture.
A sleek editorial look: a high ponytail or slicked-back style with sharper makeup.
A glamorous look: Hollywood waves or a voluminous blowout with evening makeup.
A cultural or fusion look: braids, a bun with accessories, or traditional styling that shows versatility for Indian fashion work.
We can plan the changes between looks so you get the most out of your shoot time.
For designers, colleges and event organisers
We work with fashion shows, college fests, design-school final collections, pageants and brand shoots. For group bookings, we plan:
Look development: testing the agreed style on one or two models before the show.
Team size: enough stylists to get every model ready on schedule.
Timing: a backstage plan that matches your running order and change times.
On-site or in-studio: we can style at our Pitampura studio or come to your venue across Delhi NCR (a travel charge applies).
Tips for models before a ramp or shoot
Arrive with clean, dry hair unless you've been asked otherwise. Second-day hair often holds structured styles better, so ask us which suits your look.
Skip heavy oils and serums on the day; they make hair slippery and flat.
Tell us about extensions, colour or treatments such as keratin, as they change how hair takes heat and product.
Bring reference photos and any accessories you'll be wearing.
Plan treatments early: a hair spa or smoothing treatment should be done a week or more before the event, not the day before.
Frequently asked questions
Can you style a group of models for a fashion show?
Yes. Share the date, number of models, number of looks and the running order, and we'll plan the team and timing.
Do you come backstage to the venue?
Yes, across Delhi NCR. A travel charge applies, depending on the distance
Can you recreate a look from a mood board?
Yes. We adapt each reference to the model's hair type, length and face shape, so it works on the day and on camera.
How long does an editorial or ramp style take?
Typically 30 to 60 minutes per look, depending on the style and hair length. We'll give you a timing plan for group bookings.
Do you offer hair and makeup together?
Yes. Booking both lets us design one complete look and keeps your schedule simple.