Colleen stylist Camila Sarlo (left) pictured backstage.
Salsa is an art form that originated from African musical traditions brought to the Caribbean and was shaped by cultural exchanges between Cuba, Puerto Rico, and New York City. It reflects Afro-Latino history, identity, and community while preserving often overlooked cultural heritage. During the civil rights era, salsa became a powerful tool for activism and resistance, connecting with movements such as Black Power and the Young Lords.
Colleen stylist, Camila Sarlo, has been a salsa dancer for ten years, "I really wanted to reconnect with my Latin culture. Growing up I always danced but never gave salsa a go. It was a way to feel closer to home and to embrace a side of me that I really tried to hide, as a teenager!" She takes us through her top tips on dance-proof hair that won't get in the way of expression.
Tania Cannarsa in a perfectly snatched ponytail during a live performance.
"My favourite salsa dancer is Tania Cannarsa, I have trained with her when I went to Italy for a dance course for 5 weeks! She is incredible and definitely inspires my style."
Camila's favourite hairstyles for a performance are:
- A low bun or ponytail with a middle part
Singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in a side parted, sleek, low bun.
Actress and singer Sara Montiel bodied the middle part low pony with her impeccable style to match.
Alexa Demie makes a case for the hairstyle at a red carpet event.
Dolce and Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week in a hair look heavily inspired by Flamenco dancers.
- A sleek high pony or a half up half down
Kali Uchis with a pony snatched to the high heavens.
Rossy De Palma takes it one step further by wrapping her high ponytail around a red bottom pump.
Alexa Demie's ponytail perfection during the Euphoria press tour.
Kali Uchis in a playful half up, half down style at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
YOU WILL NEED:
Evo Gangster Grip
Kevin Murphy Session Spray
* Evo The Great Hydrator
"Making sure the hair is really sleek is a must for me, I cringe when I see messy hair on stage. Using a good gel like Evo Gangster Grip and finishing it all off with a strong hold hairspray like the Kevin Murphy Session Spray. Making sure there isn’t a single baby hair out of place! For my buns, I like to put a treatment on the ends, like Evo's The Great Hydrator, to make sure the bun stays nice and tidy. I also just love a good way to hydrate your hair without having to do too much, I use it in my every day life too!"
