1. At home blow-wave
While having a good blow-wave at a salon is a luxury some of us have neither the time or money for, you can now replicate it at home.
The beauty of a blow-wave is when it’s done well, it should keep for at least two to three days.
Right now the one product you need is a blow-wave primer, which has starch-like ingredients to make sure your do lasts for days.
Greg Murrell from Ryder salon says when it comes to getting a good blow-dry at home, it’s all about technique.
“Often time is a factor, so women just blow their hair around in an uncontrolled fashion, and that’s not going to work. It’s important to section hair (it only takes a few moments!) so you can focus on one area at a time. With a little more patience a much better result can be achieved,” he says.
Try: Davines Your Hair Assistant Primer, $47: Simply spray on after you’ve washed your hair, but before drying. With a mix of jasmine and mint, it smells great too!
Beyoncé
2. Braid it: embrace the plait
Yes, we know all things braided hark back to your younger years in the school yard, but this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere so you might as well embrace it.
While it may be too extreme for you to try pigtail braids, why not give the simple plait a go, à la Beyoncé?
Trust us, it’s easier than it looks.
3. The chop: Bob’s your uncle
We’ve said it over and over again, but if you want to have a hairstyle that looks fresh and stylish you should look towards the bob, or the lob (long bob).
Both styles have been insanely popular and just haven’t seemed to go out of fashion.
For a more stand-out version go for the wob (wavy) bob. You can achieve this using either texturising spray or sea salt spray.
Candice Swanepoel
4. Strobing: The new ombré
Last year makeup artists started using the term strobing, which basically means using highlighter on the face to help sculpt it. Hot on its heels comes strobing for your hair.
A smattering of very subtle highlights in golden tones are applied around your face, in a bid to mimic the effect of light falling on your locks.
Yes, it sounds very similar to highlighting and the much-loved ombré look, but you’ve got to love a new trend.
Style icon: Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel.
5. First condition, shampoo last
You may have heard hairdressers recommend using conditioner first before you shampoo. Well, it seems some of the top hair brands have taken notice and are making products that let you do just that.
The theory is that no matter how many times you rinse after conditioning, it’s tough to get out all the residue that weighs down your hair, making it look flat.
Conditioning pre-shampoo is said to help you detangle first, and then wash out the excess product that can wreak havoc on your hair.
Try: Kérastase Résistance Thérapiste collection: The lightweight conditioner, $50, is designed to use pre-shampoo in a bid to protect hair during the shampooing process.
6. Olaplex: your hair saviour
Said to be the greatest hair innovation for our generation, Olaplex is changing the lives of brunettes the world over.
While it’s only available as an in-salon treatment, the breakthrough formula not only stops colour-related damage to the hair but also fixes existing damage from previous colour sessions.
If you’re looking to go Marilyn Monroe blond then this is what you need to get the right colour payoff, with no harm done.
Salons to visit:
Ryder Salon 56 Customs St East, Britomart, Auckland.
D&M Hair Design Redmond St, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Devereux & Villiger Shop 4, Casabella Lane, Hamilton.
Loxy’s, il Casino 106 Tory St, Wellington.
Or call 0800 25 25 30 to find a salon near you.
7. Frizzfighter: ditch the towel
If you’ve been using a towel to dry your hair, it’s time to stop.
Unbeknown to you, the grooves of the towel can rough your locks up the wrong way, especially when hair is wet and at its most vulnerable.
It also absorbs all the moisture from hair, which in turn can cause it to become frizzy.
Instead try using a cotton T-shirt to wring out the excess water after washing your hair.
For best results twist the T-shirt into a turban style and leave on for 10-15 minutes before styling as usual.
8. Oil, oil, oil: Its fine for everyone!
For years now we’ve heard experts rave on about the benefits of hair oil for keeping your hair in tip top condition, not to mention giving it added shine and strength.
But if you’ve got locks of the finer variety you’ve probably stayed away from oil, rightly assuming your light hair will get too greasy, too quickly.
Thankfully there are now a few oils on the market for those with finer hair.
What’s more, these products also come in a spray bottle, meaning you’re less likely to over-oil your hair.
Try:
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil Mist, $50: Specially formulated for fine hair, this one won’t weigh your hair down. The key ingredient, Intra-Cylane, also expands hair to boost volume.
Davines OI/OIL Absolute Beautifying Potion, $53: The weightless formula adds amazing softness and shine.
OGX B5 Weightless Oil Mist, $20: With a blend of vitamin B5, this will provide instant moisture to damaged locks.
9. Hydrate your hair: Make masks your go-to
When your hair is feeling a little dry and lifeless a mask is the best solution.
It may take an extra 10 minutes out of your evening, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Masks not only work to hydrate your hair, but they’ll also strengthen the strands, while adding shine and softness.
Try:
Dancoly Helichrysum Hydration Cream, $49: Enriched with botanical extracts, this one will work to prevent dryness, frizz and split ends. Better yet – you can leave it in!
De Lorenzo Essential Treatments Equilibrium, $40: This deep repair treatment contains sea kelp, oat peptides and rosehip to get your hair in top condition. Work through and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.
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