Emily in Paris Hairstylist Mike Desir Shares His Secret to Lily Collins' Iconic Looks for Season 5

Desir begins every styling session with Roz Foundation Shampoo and Conditioner, which creates what he calls "an ideal balanced pH environment." This duo provides a lightweight base that actually helps your styling products work better rather than weighing your hair down with buildup.

For that glossy, healthy-looking finish Collins consistently sports, Desir reaches for Christophe Robin's Aloe Vera Hydrating Leave-In Mist. "It delivers instant moisture diffusion without altering the hair's natural movement or creating buildup," he notes. It's the kind of product that gives you shine without making your hair feel sticky or stiff, exactly what you want for that lived-in Parisian vibe. 

Before you even reach for styling products, Desir recommends addressing something most of us ignore: scalp tension. His surprising tool of choice? The Corefit Face Pointer Gravity, which he repurposes for the scalp. "We all carry tension on our scalp, which can affect circulation and overall hair health," he explains. "Releasing this pressure helps improve blood flow and brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair roots." Think of it as gua sha for your head—those three gentle points work along the temples and sides where tension accumulates, creating a healthier foundation for everything that follows.

For those struggling with thinning or lackluster hair, Desir's most advanced recommendation is the Lucibelle Paris Casque Hair OVE LED Hair Helmet. Using LED light technology that penetrates deep into the scalp, this professional-grade helmet does double duty. "It helps activate blood circulation in the scalp, supporting hair regrowth and improving overall hair vitality," Desir notes. "It also helps regulate excess sebum, allowing you to extend the time between washes." According to Desir, visible regrowth can be observed within just a few weeks, with hair appearing shinier, stronger, and more radiant from the very first use.

The catch? The Hair OVE is currently only available for professional use and hasn't launched for at-home purchase yet. But if you're serious about addressing hair loss, the iRestore Essential Helmet offers similar red light therapy technology that's FDA-cleared for home use.

Here's where Desir's kit gets interesting. For finishing touches on Collins' structured bob, he uses the Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer. Yes, it's an investment, but there's actual science behind his choice. "Its integrated thermal sensor continuously monitors and adjusts heat exposure to protect the scalp and maintain thermal stability," he explains. The result? That smooth, polished finish without the heat damage that comes from traditional blow dryers.

Ready for some insider knowledge? Desir shared a technique that's deceptively simple but makes all the difference in achieving that Parisian-chic aesthetic.

"For a more refined, Parisian touch, I like to play with the ends," he reveals. "Even when the bob is cut quite short at the nape, I prefer giving the tips a slight forward twist rather than leaving them perfectly straight. It subtly frames the face and enhances the overall silhouette."

It's such a small detail, but it's the difference between a haircut that looks American-polished and one that captures that French je ne sais quoi. Think of it as the hairstyling equivalent of that perfectly undone scarf Parisian women always seem to master.

Over five seasons, Desir has created an impressive 64 different hairstyles for Emily Cooper and his work hasn't gone unnoticed. He's been nominated for an Emmy Award and recognized by the Guild Awards, cementing his place among Hollywood's elite hairstylists.

The dedication shows in every frame. Desir shared a few exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from set that offer a rare glimpse into his creative process and the meticulous work that goes into perfecting each of Emily's looks.

Achieving Lily Collins' Emily in Paris hair isn't about having a Parisian zip code or a celebrity budget, though that Dyson definitely helps. It's about understanding the fundamentals: clean, balanced hair care, lightweight moisture, heat protection, and those subtle styling techniques that separate amateur from professional results.

Start with Desir's product recommendations, practice that forward-twist technique on your ends, and remember that Parisian style is ultimately about looking effortlessly put-together, not perfectly styled. After all, if an Emmy-nominated hairstylist can keep his routine this simple, maybe the rest of us have been overthinking it all along.