Anna Sawai x Monarch: Day to Night Hair
Anna Sawai stars in Season 2 of AppleTV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. For her appearance during the February premiere, Anh Co Tran created a seamless day-to-night transformation, turning her soft waves into a romantic, ‘90s-inspired updo for the evening premiere. Here’s how Anh created both styles.
Look 1: Daytime Waves
1. Prepping the Hair
Starting on damp hair, Anh applied two pumps of Milbon&’s Monochromatic Froth Blowout Foam from roots to ends to build body, tame frizz, and create a long-lasting foundation.
He then worked one pump of Milbon’s Smooth Luminous Bodifying Oil through the mid-lengths and ends to add lightweight hydration and enhance shine.
With the hair prepped, Anh then blow dried the hair smooth to establish a polished base for styling.
2. Creating the Waves
To build soft, natural movement, Anh styled the hair using a combination of his signature Nu Wave and Lived-In Wave techniques. By alternating the two wave patterns, he created natural dimension with effortless texture.
3. Setting the Look
To ensure the style held throughout the day of press activities, Anh generously misted Milbon’s Flex Memory Hold Hairspray 7 all over. This provided flexible control while maintaining softness and movement.
Look 2: Evening Premiere Updo
Building on the texture from Anna’s daytime waves, Anh transitioned her look into a soft, ‘90s-inspired updo for the evening premiere.
1. Building Texture
To refresh and enhance the existing texture, Anh first applied Milbon’s Weightless Dry Texture Spray 4 throughout the hair for extra grip and body.
He then worked Milbon&’s Monochromatic Puff Finishing Paste into the roots and ends to create airy lift and cushion, giving the hair a soft, lived-in structure.
2. Creating the Updo
Anh began by separating Anna’s front sections to preserve soft, face-framing pieces.
He then gathered the remaining hair into a ponytail, twisting it into a loose knot and leaving select ends out. He secured the structure with bobby pins to hold its form throughout the night.
3. Detailing the Face-Framing
Returning to the front sections, Anh re-curled the bangs and face-framing pieces to softly hug her face, enhancing the romantic feel of the look.
He then applied Milbon&’s Monochromatic Velvet Texturizing Cream to the ends for added hydration, separation, and a polished finish.
4. Finishing the Look
To hold the style in place while maintaining flexibility, Anh misted Milbon’s Flex Memory Hold Hairspray 7 throughout the hair.
Lastly, he sealed the look with Milbon’s Firm Hold Shielding Hairspray 10 to control flyaways and ensure long-lasting hold for the evening.
The final result was a soft, polished evolution from her effortless daytime waves to a romantic, ‘90s-inspired updo. Anna’s look maintained soft, touchable texture and movement, with undone details that gave the style an organic yet editorial edge.
Hair: @anhcotran
Makeup: @yukari.makeup
Styling: @karlawelchstylist
Styling Asst: @gracewrightsell
BTS Photos: @andiejjane