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20s: Natasha Boustridge from Blaze, Auckland
Q: How far can you go with experimentation at this age?
A: As far as you like. So many women say they wished they’d played around with styles while they were younger and able to ‘pull it off’.
Q: What are your product must-haves?
A: A salon-quality shampoo and conditioner prescribed for your hair type. A home treatment is great too. Heat protection is a must if styling with tools.
Q: What should you play it safe with?
A: Your hair’s condition. Damage can be caused by over-lightening and using dryers and heat tools without heat protection. Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer, $36, is amazing for heat protection. If using just a dryer, I recommend Redken Satin Wear 02 Ultimate Blow Dry Lotion, $36.
Q: What are the best tips to look after your hair at this age?
A: Trim every 6-8 weeks and wash every second or third day so you don’t remove too much natural oil. Don’t brush while wet; use a wide-tooth comb or Tangle Teezer after applying leave-in conditioner like Redken All Soft Supple Touch, $36. And don’t tie hair too tight; this can cause breakage.
Q: What can you take a risk with?
A: An undercut! They look great on long or short hair.
Jessica Alba.
30s: Ronda Siaki from Nspyre Red Hair Design, Christchurch
Q: What can you do to ensure you’re not ageing yourself too soon?
A: Explore shapes and colours that enhance your complexion. Steer away from blanket coverage; go for a soft, seamless colour with an illusion of lights.
Q: How long is too long?
A: Past your waist is too long! If you do keep hair long, the condition is vital. Keep it hydrated and use a masque every seven washes. My favourite is Matrix Biolage HydraSource Masque, $30.
Q: What should you look out for in terms of condition of hair?
A: A weak, elastic feeling means your hair’s been stripped of protein (overprocessed). Try the Matrix Biolage Advanced Fiberstrong collection, from $26.50.
Q: If you’ve recently had children, what sort of style would you recommend?
A: A stylised cut with an edge that’s easy to wear. Try Matrix Total Results Curl Surf Waves Spray, $19; spray into damp hair and leave to dry. It gives you a beautiful beachy wave with soft control.
Q: What can you try taking a risk with?
A: Short, edgy colourful styles. Splashes of pastel and asymmetric angles.
Cameron Diaz.
40s: Danny Pato, Co-owner of D&M salon, Auckland
Q: What is the most flattering cut in your 40s?
A: Women in their 40s do tend to look amazing in a lob (long bob), whether it’s blunt, wavy, wispy, choppy or layered. But I think we’re living in a world where 40 is the new 30. Long hair is definitely still an option for women in their 40s; think how gorgeous J-Lo looks.
Q: What are your product must-haves?
A: Davines Essential Haircare MINU Shampoo $36 & Conditioner, $37, full of antioxidants to protect from colour fade. Davines OI All In One Milk, $38.
Q: What should you try taking a risk with?
A: Your colour. If you’re used to being brunette, go for caramel. If you’ve been a fan of mahogany, turn to copper.
Q: And what do you recommend we avoid doing?
A: Pulling your hair tight back into a bun or high pony in an attempt to give yourself an instant facelift; it usually backfires as it exposes every imperfection. Leave some pieces out around the face to keep the look more natural and soft.
Q: What should we make sure we do?
A Pay more attention to your hair as you age; people will notice your hair long before they notice your crow’s feet. Keep it looking and feeling healthy with weekly treatments such as O&M Seven Day Miracle Mask, $40.
Q: Is a fringe a good idea to hide the wrinkles?
A: To tell you the truth, yes. While Botox and dermal fillers are an effective way to reduce those fine lines on your forehead, a less invasive option is to get yourself a banging fringe. The best news is fringes can transform your look by framing your face. It’s all about finding the right style of fringe for you.
Q: What style can you play it safe with…
A: A bob.
Q: What should you look out for in terms of the condition of your hair?
A: Many women in their 40s are going through hormonal changes, both post-pregnancy and on the way to menopause. Free radical damage to cells is usually starting to become evident as well, so it’s a time where changes to the hair occur. Hair can become more coarse – particularly the greys – but is also likely to become thinner. Be aware of any changes to your hair texture and respond accordingly. For example, if it’s becoming drier, shampoo less frequently and use products that add moisture and softness.
Annie Lennox.
50s+: Maureen Bowring, Haircraft Centre, Wellington
Q: What should you try taking a risk with?
A: A ‘peek-a-boo look’: colour showing through from underneath, as your hair moves. This could be a pastel or a darker shade to suit your new shape.
Q: What is one of the major things you’ll notice about your hair in the later years?
A: Some clients notice they can’t achieve the volume they had previously. So choose a style which will work for your hair type and try products to promote volume like L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Denser Hair Treatment, or Serioxyl Thicker Hair Serum, $50 each.
Q: What cuts look great for older women?
A: This depends on the client but pixie looks are great and very on trend now.
Q: What should you look out for in terms of the condition of older hair?
A: Our scalps become a lot drier and can get itchy. Kérastase Chronologiste collection, from $48, is great for the scalp. Try Chronologiste Soin Gommage Renovateur, $50, for a pre-shampoo to exfoliate the scalp, helping to replenish the hair.
Words by: Sarah Murray
Photographs by: Getty Images / Bauer Media Studios / Supplied
