Photos: Life Without Andy
Auckland’s Shed 10 became a fashion playground as New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria returned with a bang, showcasing standout beauty looks from Aotearoa’s beloved designers.
The star of the show? The versatile Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System which was used to create two entirely different hair looks at the Karen Walker and Zambesi shows. Here’s how to recreate them at home:
1. Get the look: Karen Walker
The brand’s first show in 15 years, the Karen Walker x Adidas show was full of high-octane energy, colour, and a beauty look with plenty of personality. “Hair is as much a part of dressing as the clothes themselves,” explains explains designer Karen. “It sets the tone, brings the attitude, and carries the energy.”
Alongside the voluminous hair, velvety skin set the stage for bold graphic liner, with cheeks and lips soft to focus on the eyes.
Hair how-to:
Step 1: Add volume and texture
Start with damp hair. Apply a volumising mousse generously throughout, working it in with your hands to create lift and body.
Step 2: Diffuse the product
Using the Shark FlexStyle Curl-Defining Diffuser, thoroughly dry your hair. As you dry, scrunch hair with your hands to enhance texture. Once completely dry, gently brush through to soften and shape.
Step 3: Section and ponytail
Create a strong, central parting. Take the hair that would naturally fall in front of your ears on both sides and pull it into two high ponytails that sit just back from the front hairline, in line with the mid to outer end of your eyebrow.
Step 4: Twist into a bun
Twist one ponytail around itself, letting the hair natural coil into a soft bun shape. Secure the bun with bobby pins in your hair colour for a seamless finish.Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Finishing touches
For added texture, gently rough up the bun with your fingertips Let the hair behind your ears fall naturally, showcasing the soft texture.
Your hair & beauty toolkit:
2. Get the look: Zambesi
The brand’s ready-to-wear show featured sharp tailoring, lace, and undone locks. “For the hair we went for with a relaxed wet-look, like the models had just surfaced from the sea, explains Shark Beauty hair director Sarah Allsop.
For a radiant makeup look, against a base of fresh, softly sculpted skin, a haze of diffused brown shadow lended quiet depth to the eyes, while lips stayed supple with a sheer tint.
Hair how-to:
Step 1: Start with damp hair
Apply a generous amount of strong mousse or texturising salt spray through the roots and mid-lengths.
Step 2: Create your centre part
Use a tail comb to create a clean centre part. Secure the top section with flat clips on either side.
Step 3: Diffuse your roots flat
Attach the Curl-Defining Diffuser to your FlexStyle and begin drying the product into the roots. Press the diffuser gently into the scalp while drying – this helps to press the hair flat to the head and lock in that lived-in texture. Keep the dryer on a medium heat and low airflow to avoid disturbing the part or fluffing the top.
Step 4: Define the ends
Once your roots are mostly dry and flat, move down to the lengths. Still using the diffuser, scrunch and pinch the hair with your fingers to enhance natural waves or curls.
Step 5: Add gloss
Once dry, remove your clips. Take a small amount of smoothing serum, styling cream, or leave-in conditioner, and lightly work it through the ends only. This contrast creates the illusion of a wet finish through the lengths.
Step 6: Final touches
Keep the roots raw, matted and flat. Tuck the hair behind your ears to sculpt the face, leaving a few stray strands out front for a little extra texture and movement.
Your beauty toolkit:
Maybelline Sunkisser Multi-Use Liquid Blush and Bronzer in midnight shimmer
$23.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Related articles:
- What happened when we put the Shark Flexstyle to the test
- Where to score the Dyson Airwrap on sale
- 7 best blushes for a fresh, rosy glow
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
