When the odds are against the characters in the upcoming thriller “The Equalizer,” they are urged to call on the eponymous hero of the film. Meanwhile, in the hair and makeup trailer, when the odds facing the actors were against having shiny hair and a healthy scalp, lead hairstylist Frank Barbosa turned to his favorite hero product, René Furterer COMPLEXE 5 regenerating plant extract. This concentrate of pure essential oils of orange and lavender works to deep-clean and tone the scalp. Frank’s on-set challenge: The stress of long days spent filming, plus all of the teasing, brushing, hot-tool-styling and product used to create iconic hair looks for the star-studded cast, including A-list actress Chloë Grace Moretz, eventually led to dry, itchy scalps. For actors who traveled long distances to the Boston location, the change in climate and weather also led to scalp discomfort.
“Usually, three weeks into shooting any film, we encounter this problem,” says Frank. “Which is why my on-set kit must contain René Furterer COMPLEXE 5 — I cannot live without it. Massaging a few drops into the scalp every other day made such a difference in not only counteracting dryness, but also in giving hair a healthy shine and beautiful texture. I also use COMPLEXE 5 when I’m working behind the chair in my own salon,” adds Frank, who is co-owner of Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup in Newport, RI. Here, Frank gives you the scoop on how he incorporated René Furterer COMPLEXE 5 regenerating plant extract into his on-set styling regime during the three months of filming "The Equalizer."
“First, I part clean, dry hair into sections, and then one section at a time, I apply a drop or two of René Furterer COMPLEXE 5 regenerating plant extract directly to the scalp. The actors love the fresh, clean scent of the orange and lavender oils.
“Using the pads of my fingertips, I gently massage COMPLEXE 5 into the scalp with small, circular strokes, working from the crown to the sides, and then down the back of the head to the nape of the neck.
“After a few minutes you feel a sensation of warmth spreading over the scalp. That’s a sign that the oils and massage are helping to stimulate the scalp’s microcirculation. Next, I lightly brush the scalp with a soft natural-bristle brush to loosen any dry flakes on the scalp.
"I run a warm blow-dryer over the scalp and hair; the airflow quickly disperses any flakes. Next, I hit the scalp and hair with a few blasts of René Furterer NATURIA dry shampoo and brush it out after a minute or two. The dry shampoo soaks up any excess oil left on the hair and texturizes hair, making it easier to style. That’s it! The actors are ready for lights, camera, action—with a more comfortable scalp and healthy shiny hair!"
[Image courtesy of Karen Oliver and Associates]