Don’t you wish you could get out of bed every morning with good hair, or have it look perfect after every blow-dry, never needing that emergency hair tie or hat? All of us have bad hair days now and then – but here’s how to solve the most common causes, so you don’t have as many.
Dull hair
If you have dull hair, then the problem might be product build-up. Check you’re not using too many stylers containing strong silicones. A fading colour also results in a drab look – did you know the shiniest hair of all is always brunette? It could also be that your hair is dehydrated due to too much heat styling.
**Frizzy hair
**Chemical processing such as colour treatments tend to weaken and break hair, resulting in frizz and flyaways. Ironing hair can produce static that makes the problem worse. As for curly hair, well, that will find any excuse to frizz – humidity tends to be the biggest issue. This is where hair oils come into their own. There are loads of good ones out there.
Flat hair
Volume is tricky to fake if your hair is very fine. The cut is important, so talk to your hairdresser about a style that has volume, such as a bob. Instead of heavy serums, use products containing body-enhancing polymers that work to plump up the hair. The trick is to spray the product into your roots, then blow-dry with a round-barrelled brush.
If every day is a bad hair day…
It sounds like you have the wrong cut for your hair or lifestyle, or even the wrong colour for your skin tone. Talk to your hairdresser. If they’re any good they should be able to come up with some suggestions that will improve things. If they can’t, then find a new one.
Ask your hairdresser for a blow-dry lesson, particularly if you’ve recently changed your style. You can also ask for help with techniques for ironing and tonging.
Take a “less-is-more” approach with products – most of us use way too much conditioner and styler. An overload can ruin styles.
**MY BEAUTY SECRETS
**Former newsreader Carol Hirschfeld (49) is head of programming at Maori Television.
My beauty philosophy is… The happier you are, the more beautiful you’ll look. That’s why I think women need to be encouraged to view ageing differently. Age can bring a level of confidence that only life experience can deliver. Confidence in turn translates to a calmer, happier you. So embrace the march of time, I say – it may be exactly where happiness resides!
The skincare product I can’t live without is… Murad Exfoliating Cleanser Wash. I was introduced to this recently and now I’m addicted.
My haircare secret is… Guy Roberts from Vada Hair who has cut my hair for years. Backing him up is an army of professional stylists who painstakingly wash and blow-wave my unruly Afro weekly. I very rarely do my hair myself and I’m resigned to a high-maintenance mane.
The must-have products in my makeup bag are… Three shades of lipstick (one natural, one glossy, one bright), concealer, gel eyeliner and Tom Ford’s Black Orchid perfume.
My favourite beauty treat is… Seeing the lovely Eloise, a talented beauty therapist near my work. She’s very no-nonsense when it comes to waxing! There’s nothing like a vigorous course of maintenance to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
My biggest beauty sin is… Not drinking enough water. I forget and then wonder why I feel so dehydrated. Also I can be hopeless about slapping on the moisturiser.
The best thing I’ve learnt about beauty is… You need to celebrate the things that make you different from others. Beauty is about what makes you unique – highlight what makes you special.
