The art of hairdrying

 

The humble hair dryer (along with a few of its friends), transforms your hair from ‘just fine’ to FABULOUS thanks to the power of heat and air. From smooth and straight to textured and voluminous, your hair dryer is a foundational element for constructing great looking hair - and by employing a few salon techniques and taking a little extra time, A-class hair can be your everyday look!

Key styling tools

• Hairdryer- ideally with a diffuser and concentrator nozzle attachment


• Curling iron


• Straightening iron


• Round brush


• Paddle brush


• Wide tooth comb


• Volumising mousse


• Hairspray


• Sectioning clips


• Hairpins/curl clips

Dishevelled beach-babe

1. Run a small handful of volumising mousse through your hair (from roots to ends), making sure it’s evenly distributed (you can use a wide tooth comb to do this).


2. Using the diffuser attachment with your hairdryer on a medium heat and airflow lift sections of hair and place them in the diffuser, gently scrunching your hair until it’s about 80% dry (for extra lift, chuck your hair upside down to dry).


3. Finish off by drying the roots, holding the hairdryer close to your head and twisting the diffuser in circular motions.


4. Add a spritz of hair spray and a few final scrunches to complete a cool ‘undone’ look.

Tip: A diffuser distributes a consistent airflow so that your hair dries evenly and creates additional volume.


Straight and sleek strands

1. Blow-dry your hair until it’s a little more than towel dry.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections (consider where you want your hair parting and section accordingly).


3. Using the concentrator nozzle attachment and starting with the underneath sections, dry your hair using a round brush.


4. Starting at the roots, follow your brush with the dryer to the ends continually brushing each section before moving on to the next.


5. Once your hair is dry, re-section your hair and use straightening irons for an extra slick finish.


6. Hairspray to set your style in place.

Tip: A concentrator nozzle attachment directly targets air, drying your hair faster and smoother (not to mention making brushing easier!).


Voluminous waves

1. Blow-dry your hair until it’s a little more than towel dry.


2. Run a small handful of volumising mousse through your hair (from roots to ends).


3. Divide and clip your hair into sections


4. Starting with the underneath sections, dry your locks using a round brush to roll your hair from the ends to the roots (similar to how you would use rollers).


5. Work the brush upwards and away from your head or curl under and towards your head, holding and drying for a few seconds before releasing (try not to play with each section at this stage).


6. Use your hairdryer’s cool setting, to give your hair a final blast to set the style.


7. Run your fingers through your locks to loosen and lift the look.

Alternative: Consider using rollers for added volume. Roll and secure sections of your hair in rollers (the bigger the rollers the bigger the volume), blow wave your hair dry and use a paddle brush to blend the sections.


Elegant swirls of curls

1. Roughly blow-dry your hair.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections.


3. Using a curling iron, roll your hair up the wand from the ends to the roots and hold for a few seconds.


4. Carefully unravel each curl and use curl clips or hairpins to clip the curls in place.


5. Once your head is full of little curls, unravel and brush through your hair using a paddle brush.


6. Set your style with hairspray.

Colour me happy!

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Brighten up your locks with a fresh new coat of colour and see if it doesn’t brighten up your outlook on life too!

There are two distinct colour trends featuring this year with varying degrees and interpretations. In one corner you have the more natural look with warm golden tones - moving away from the sharp, heavy highlights and dipped tips, and instead, blending a combination of harmonious shades to enhance your natural colour. In the opposite corner is the dramatic show-stopping option that opts for radical block-colours and pops of bold hues for a striking result. The choice is yours - take your pick….

Warming up
Whether blonde, brunette or redhead, this year the hues are warming up with gorgeously buttery golden tones to brighten up your complexion. Platinum white was the 2011 blonde but 2012 marks the season of a softer creamier blonde - with golden sand, earthy beige and champagne shades in demand. If you have darker hair, consider boosting your natural colour with touches of caramel, chestnut and bronze tones to create rich, textured colour. Reds are also popular this season with bold, deep copper tones conveying a warm sultry look.

Ombre is here to stay
The ombre style with its darker roots and light coloured ends is still a popular choice and a great option for sprucing up brunette hair. However, this year the look is taking on a more subtle approach - with less contrast between the richer colours at the roots and a more gradual fade to lighter shades at the tips. This creates a radiant sun-kissed look perfect for the summer season.

Bright and bold
In contrast to the warmer natural styles, bright and bold colours have also been thrust into the spotlight thanks to the likes of Katie Perry, Rhianna and their strong, vibrant hair colour selections. If you’re one to push the boundaries and you like your hair to make a statement, this trend is for you! Whether block-colour or multi-coloured highlights, steal the spotlight with deep purples, blues, reds and even greens.

Greys and pastels - The new cool
If you crave the cooler hues, be prepared to think out of the box! Grey is the new cool, with ashy and silver highlights and lowlights proving to be an up and coming trend with Lady Gaga and Kate Moss leading the way. To add a summery edge to cooler colours, inset subtle pastel tones of pink, purple, yellow or blue to sections or the tips of your hair.

If we've got you buzzing to try one of these new hair colour trends - you know who to call!

Here come the brides!

Spring hails the beginning of the season for saying ‘I do’! Weddings are such exciting occasions and mark one of the most significant and memorable days of your life.

If you or someone you know is a bride-to-be, we’d love to offer our services! Hair is the icing-on-the-cake part of a bride's appearance and whether you're after a classic style or something a little more edgy, our team can ensure your wedding hair compliments your natural beauty and represents your unique style, so that you look and feel exquisite on your special day!

Of course, there are so many other aspects to consider aside from hair! Invitations, guests and photography, flowers, dresses and the honeymoon! There is certainly no shortage of wedding inspiration out there in cyberspace - but who has the time to sift through all the options right?!

Well, we’ve spent a bit of time scouring the web and narrowed the hoards of bridal urls down to a selection of wedding websites that we think will get you well on your way to creating your perfect wedding day...

Project Wedding: Planning tips and tools to help fend off bridezilla symptoms...

• The Knot


• You and Your Wedding

Set the theme: Endless ideas for tailoring your ideal invitations, decorations and flowers...

• Martha Stewart Weddings


• Wedding Magazine

Bridal fashion and beauty: Top to toe inspiration for fashioning the most handsome of bridal parties...

• Brides


• Brides Magazine

That extra special touch: Super creative DIY options...

• 100 Layer Cake


• Once Wed


• Style Me Pretty

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a piece of wedding wonderful...
http://vimeo.com/31413662

Achieve a salon-standard hair wash at home

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Don’t you just love how your hair always feels incredibly silky and lavishly nourished when you leave the hairdressers? Believe it or not, you can achieve the same result at home by simply refining your morning hair washing routine!

Of course using premium hair care products is an essential key to healthy, vibrant hair (see our article on supermarket vs. salon hair care), and you’re probably not going to be able to recreate the divine head massage your stylist so tenderly bestows…BUT there is most certainly a “best practice” for cleansing your hair and we’re going to share it with you so you can achieve the soft, sparkling tresses you acquire at the salon…

1. Take a few moments to brush your hair – this helps loosens the grip of any styling products you have used and by detangling your locks you prevent hair breakage.

2. Thoroughly drench your hair with warm water and squeeze a walnut-sized dollop of shampoo into your palm, spreading it evenly over your hands. Work the shampoo through your hair and gently massage your scalp, lathering at the roots and working your way down to the ends. The extra time you spend giving your head a good knead is well worth the effort – aside from the fact that it facilitates the removal of build-up, it also stimulates scalp circulation, which can aid hair growth. Rinse your hair until the water runs completely clear and if you are a frequent user of styling products, consider giving your hair a second round.

3. As with your shampoo, evenly spread a walnut-sized dollop of conditioner over your hands and massage the conditioner through your hair (you could also use a wide-tooth comb). Leave your conditioner in for 1 to 2 minutes before giving your hair a good rinse.

4. Dry your hair with a towel, but avoid vigorous rubbing as this can cause damage - gently squeeze instead. Leave your hair wrapped up while you do your make-up or eat your breakfast. To conclude your hair wash routine, comb your hair - starting at the bottom to prevent hair breakage, and then commence styling as desired.

Voila! Squeaky clean, healthy, shiny, luscious locks!

Taking a shortcut

Is it time to make the big chop and go crop? Or are you already sporting a short do and just need to freshen it up?

Short hairstyles can complement most face shapes and are both feminine and striking. Aside from the fact that short dos accentuate your beautiful face and bone structure, cropped cuts are also low maintenance, super versatile and suit all occasions - morphing easily from day to night, cute to classy.

Here are a few of the current short hair trends…

[caption id="attachment_365" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of About.com"][/caption]   The Pixie is still a crowd pleaser! The ever-stylish pixie cut is a timeless style that is donning its 1960’s influence stronger than ever before. Celebs such as Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan display perfect examples of this chic and sassy cut.

[caption id="attachment_367" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of People Style Watch"][/caption]   On edge. Statement cuts such as Ginnifer Goodwin’s current style indulge in texture and sharp strong edges, with a modern take on the undercut (longer layers at the top and front, and shorter on the sides). If you’re game enough - this style is dramatic, sexy and flexible.

[caption id="attachment_368" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of About.com"][/caption]   Bobbing for compliments. Bobs are still a classy winner with the likes of Keira Knightley and Alexa Chung rockin’ the crop. Refined or a little unkempt, a bob is the perfect mix of flirty, confident and sophisticated. Define your bob with an A-line style (slightly shorter at the back and longer in front), sharp “bowl” cut (yes, the “bowl” cut is an option!) or blunt fringe.

Consider your face shape and hair type when choosing a short style. Your stylist can help you find the most flattering and well-suited cut for you.

We hope you have a super week!

Happy Spring everyone!

Spring has officially sprung and with it comes daffodils, singing birds, the return of the sun and spring-cleaning! Spring is a great time to freshen things up and try something new. As we usher in the warmer months with open arms, put an extra spring in your step (excuse the cliché pun, but it was too hard to resist) by experimenting with some of 2012’s top spring/summer hair trends:

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It’s all about accessorizing darling!

From headscarves and flower garlands to baubles and colourful ribbons - hair accessories are in! Transform your hairdos from plain to just plain fabulous by adorning your locks with a few embellishments. Add a subtle touch with decorated bobby pins or try a statement piece such as a giant rose ensemble. Experiment and have a little fun with it!

 

 

 

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Morning Dew.

Whether sleekly tied back or shaggy and loose, the “just got out of the shower” look is a dominant trend this spring and summer. Glossy, shiny, wet-look hair is a fresh, low maintenance style that is putting a bold glam-rock twist on the unintentional “hairstyle” that ordinarily never leaves the bathroom.

 

 

 

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Lace up those locks

Plaits, braids and twisted knots are another big trend this spring and summer, but we’re not talking “Little House On The Prairie” or “Sound of Music” pigtails here! Think romantic spirals of plaited love inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and playful yet classy twists that wouldn’t look out of place in a charming French film.

 

 

 

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Making Waves.

If you have naturally wavy or curly hair count yourself lucky, straight hair has taken a back seat this season! Beach hair meets city life with ruffled, whimsical waves that make for effortless “cool”. For a slice of glamour (and if you have a little more time on your hands), have a go at creating some 20s-style finger waves for a sophisticated and sassy look.

 

 

 

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Ponytails.

The humble ponytail is a classic style that can be adapted to fashion numerous looks. A neat and high ponytail accomplishes the current “classic, preppy” trend. Achieve laidback elegance with a low, tousled pony at the nape of the neck- clipped in a loop or secured with a dainty ribbon for extra loveliness.

 

 

 

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Bring on the Bouffant!

Big truly is beautiful! The sixties have made a come back thanks to the likes of Adele and Katie Perry. Whether you opt for the light and bouncy “blowout” (a signature Adele style) or an elegant beehive up-do, the more volume the better!

 

 

 

If you need a few tips for creating these styles yourself, have a chat to your stylist- they’ll be happy to help!

Looking after your locks: supermarket vs. salon hair care

 

Your hair is one of your greatest accessories; so it’s worth ensuring your tresses stay in mint condition. Hair care plays a key role in maintaining healthy, shiny locks and it’s important you use products that contain essential and quality ingredients to protect the condition of your hair as well as make it look and feel fabulous! Which heralds the question: Can supermarket products do the trick or is it best to invest in salon-endorsed hair care?

The price and quality of supermarket vs. salon products is often debated. Supermarket-bought products are in general, considerably cheaper than salon-bought, but the quality is more-often-than-not compromised. Some maintain that there is no a difference between the two, however we beg to differ.

Here are a few things to consider:

More bang for your buck

• Believe it or not, salon products can give you more value for your money!


• Due to the a higher concentration of active ingredients (including essential vitamins and proteins), you only need to use a small amount- which means it can last longer than supermarket products that are less concentrated and have higher quantities of fillers (such as water and unnecessary chemicals and preservatives).

The facts about foam

• Fact: Lather has no real benefit in making your hair clean.


• Supermarket products often use harsh foaming agents such as ammonium laurel sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate that remove essential oils from hair resulting in dry and coarse hair. These elements can also strip hair colour, cause scalp irritation and accelerate the thinning of hair due to their acidic properties.


• Surfactants in salon products are generally much kinder. Sodium laureth sulphate is the gentlest option with very little lather (which is why a lot of shampoos won’t use it). It helps remove the build up of oils, dirt and environmental pollutants, without stripping natural sebum or hair colour- leaving your hair softer and shinier.

Silky and smooth

• Hair care products generally contain conditioning agents to produce soft and moisture-rich hair.


• Supermarket products use ingredients such as silicone to produce this effect. Silicone coats hair strands making your locks feel silky smooth, but it restricts   moisture absorption and inhibits cleaning, resulting in residue build-up that leaves hair limp and lifeless.


• Salon hair care contains higher-quality moisturising conditioners with essential proteins that help lock moisture within the hair shaft and scalp. This protects hair from drying out, assists in repairing damage and helps maintain soft, pliable locks.

I think celebrity hairstylist Dario Cotroneo says it best...”The difference between salon-professional shampoos versus supermarket shampoo is the investment made in the product development to protect hair against UV protection; thermal repair from over-styling; and colour-fade preservation," he says. "The internal makings of professional shampoos and conditioners are more concentrated with essential ingredients to repair hair from the inside out. "Supermarket shampoos are detergent based, so they will lather up and give you the impression that it is cleansing faster, but this is smoke and mirrors, as it cleanses from the outside in. When I was at college and a colour did not work out, we used a supermarket shampoo to strip the colour out faster! So professional is my choice for that reason as it's all about protecting your investment, so your hair colour lasts."*

We recommend that you invest in quality hair care that does just that- cares for your hair. We endorse Wella products and have them available in our salons and very soon, our online shop. Make an informed choice by talking with your stylist about the best hair products for you based on your hair type, condition and exposure to elements including the sun, chlorine, hair colour and thermal stylers.

*Quote from Your Beauty Spot