Embrace the Unexpected: Where Classic Meets Contemporary
A Red Carpet Revelation: "Heated Rivalry" Stars Make a Statement
While they might not have received nominations at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the emerging talents from the acclaimed series Heated Rivalry, were undeniably the event's most talked-about personalities. Their rapid ascent from obscurity to Hollywood's newest heartthrobs, fueled by their compelling Canadian hockey drama, saw them dominate social media from the moment they graced the red carpet.
The Genesis of a Trendsetting Hairstyle: Candice Birns' Vision
Every facet of their style has undergone intense scrutiny during their recent two-week media blitz. From Williams's elaborate skincare regimen to Storrie's notably sculpted physique, nothing escaped attention. The Golden Globes were no different, as Storrie's hair, a bold departure from his characteristic voluminous curls, set the internet ablaze. This innovative look, featuring a forward-swept fringe and a slicked-back style reminiscent of a modern mullet, was the brainchild of renowned hairstylist Candice Birns. Her inspiration struck during a flight, sparked by an image of Kurt Cobain's 1986 mugshot.
Crafting the "Mod Mullet": A Fusion of Eras
Birns recounted her creative process, sharing with GQ, "I then sought out images of Patrick Swayze in Point Break, followed by an early photograph of The Beatles from around 1967. I thought, 'If these three influences had a stylistic offspring, this could be your hair.'"
Birns conveyed her hair concept directly to Storrie, who enthusiastically embraced it. Upon learning he would be wearing a Saint Laurent tuxedo with a slender black tie for the event, they both recognized they were on the verge of creating something extraordinary.
Styling Secrets: Achieving the Edgy, Refined Look
She characterizes Storrie's haircut as a "mod mullet," a harmonious blend of 1960s mod aesthetics with a touch of 1990s grunge. The styling began with dampening the hair and applying curl cream, hair oil, and mousse pomade to impart a certain "grittiness and texture." The aim was to give the hair an edgy feel, deliberately avoiding its usual softness. To manage its natural waves, Birns utilized a blow dryer with a narrow nozzle attachment, meticulously smoothing and straightening the strands with her fingers to effectively deconstruct the curls. For the final touch of the mod mullet, Birns employed a flat iron to fashion the distinctive "flips" at the ends of the hair, both at the front and back. A finishing spray was then applied to give the hair a wet appearance, accentuating its depth and texture—a crucial detail, as Birns noted, for how it would interact with the 360-degree lighting of the red carpet.
Minimalist Grooming: Enhancing Natural Features
For his complexion, Birns maintained a minimalist approach to Storrie's makeup, focusing primarily on meticulous skincare preparation with products from Sofie Pavitt. She completed the look with Milk Makeup's tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and brow gel.
Time Constraints and Triumphs: A Stylist's Dedication
Remarkably, Birns had only an hour to prepare Storrie before the Globes, a challenge she met with impressive skill and efficiency.
Birns expressed her delight, stating, "We had an incredible time, and I eagerly anticipate our next collaboration. He is an absolute joy to work with and a genuinely kind individual, for which I feel truly fortunate."