Hairstylist Mark Townsend and Dakota Johnson collaborated on a half-up–inspired chignon that leaves face-framing layers down; the look balanced red carpet glamour with the actor’s signature long, smooth hair.
Johnson and hairstylist Mark Townsend worked together to create a "quarter-up"—a variant on a half-up style that leaves significant hair down at the sides.
The style was chosen to complement Dakota’s Calvin Klein white two-piece look at the New York premiere of Verity and to draw attention to her red lip while keeping hair sculptural and soft around her face.
Dakota Johnson arrived at the New York premiere of Verity on September 29 wearing a variation on her usual long, loose hairstyle. Hairstylist Mark Townsend describes the finished look as a "quarter-up hairdo": a half-up approach modified so quite a bit of hair remains down at the sides. Townsend frames the change as a collaboration—Johnson helped shape the top portion while he secured it.
Johnson frequently wears the same signature style—long, smooth hair with bangs—so the quarter-up showed up as a subtle but noticeable variation. Townsend picked a half-up silhouette because it felt right for her outfit: a white Calvin Klein Collection two-piece with a sparkling bralette-style top and high-slit beaded skirt. The pulled-up section keeps hair off the face to highlight makeup, specifically an intense red lip, while leaving enough hair down to preserve the soft, familiar silhouette Johnson often wears.
The hairstyle debuted at the New York premiere of Verity, coordinated with stylist Kate Young's wardrobe and jewelry choices. Townsend documented part of the process with behind-the-scenes footage showing the collaborative shaping and pinning. Products named by Townsend: IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray, IGK Good Behavior Flexible Anti-Frizz Hairspray, and Day Rate Beauty Foundation Pins.
The quarter-up is a small variation on a half-up look that keeps Dakota Johnson recognizable while offering red-carpet refinement. It combines volume, controlled texture, and a partly undone finish—achieved through specific tools, products, and an active collaboration between stylist and subject.
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That’s that me espresso.
Dakota Johnson has starred in the film "Verity" and Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero" music video this year. She's also had major style moments.
The unofficial ambassador for natural manicures has switched teams.
Her moody black manicure totally fits the Verity vibes too.
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