Backstage is usually where New York Fashion Week’s most interesting hair moments are born—out of sight, under bright lights, in the hands of the industry’s best stylists. This season, though, insiders had another way in: the A-List Salon by TRESemmé, which offered that same runway-caliber transformation to the fashion crowd itself. Immediately upon hearing about it, I knew I had to experience it for myself. I penciled it in between a packed afternoon schedule and an evening of fêtes. By that point in the day, my hair would definitely benefit from a little pick-me-up.
Tucked into a Soho loft on Greene Street, the dedicated haven promised everything from a zhuzh to a total hair transformation between shows. Staffed by stylists fresh from backstage at the buzziest runways—think Christian Cowan, Christian Siriano, and more—the pop-up delivered true Fashion Week styling that extended far beyond the catwalk. Velvet curtains framed the space, a lounge area invited lingering, and shelves were stocked with ample product to help you get the look at home.
“So, what are we thinking?” My stylist—an industry vet with 20 years of experience doing hair backstage for the buzziest runways—asks, brushing my hair in front of my shoulders. I had just come from three shows and five appointments, with a full outfit change and party circuit still ahead. A complete revamp felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. My hair—long, straight, and newly framed with bangs I’m still learning to finesse—had been left to air-dry that morning. I gave him carte blanche, with one directive: something polished and evening-appropriate against a black pantsuit.
Thirty minutes later, the transformation was complete. Loose, touchable waves replaced wind-swept strands, finished with the TRESemmé A-List Dry Texturizing Spray for movement and hold, without feeling weighed down. The result struck that elusive balance: effortless but intentional, polished yet modern. (You know it’s a great appointment when you hug your stylist twice.)
Back in the lounge, I caught up with Paige DeSorbo as she wrapped her own TRESemmé shoot celebrating the launch of the TRES A-List Collection. As the brand’s Chief A-List Officer, she was no stranger to the week’s whirlwind. “Fashion Week can be hectic, but working with TRESemmé made it easy—I felt prepared,” she told Vogue. “I never had to worry about my hair because the A-List Collection always kept it in check. I felt really confident but still like myself, which is always the goal.”
For DeSorbo, the Greene Street salon offered more than just a styling appointment. “Between the bright lights and hairspray everywhere, the A-List Salon made me feel like I was in a movie,” she said. “It was a luxe space but still had a calming energy, which is rare during NYFW.” She got ready there ahead of the Christian Siriano show with TRESemmé, describing the experience as less glam-squad chaos and more getting ready with friends.
Her must-haves from the collection? The A-List Dry Texturizing Spray—which just so happens to be my own personal favorite—and the A-List Signature Hair Fragrance, a product she calls the perfect finishing touch. “My hack is I also use it as a home fragrance,” she admitted. “It’s so versatile, and I love the scent.”
The role itself carries a bit of full-circle nostalgia. “From the moment I learned what hairspray was, I loved TRESemmé,” she said, laughing. “So the fact that I get to be their Chief A-List Officer makes for a very happy 10-year-old Paige.” More than anything, she sees it as an opportunity to make great, styled hair accessible to all. “You don’t need an A-List budget to get A-List hair,” she added.
By the time I stepped back onto Greene Street, waves still holding and bangs finally cooperating, I could see that she was right. Of course, insiders made repeat drop-ins all week long. With backstage expertise, front-row treatment, and a little well-timed TLC, why wouldn’t they?
In the days since, I’ve recreated the same loose waves at home with the very products used in the chair. What surprised me most was how little effort it took to get there—the same airy texture and movement, now part of my regular morning routine. What once felt like backstage wizardry, walled off to the masses, now feels refreshingly doable. That’s the A-List difference—done the TRESemmé way.