Hair report

26 May 2015

By Fashion Quarterly

Explore the new wave of styles and find out how to be best tressed this season

AT EASE
This season, hair is so low-maintenance, that if it could speak it would say, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Anyone who struggles to do the perfect blow-dry can heave a sigh of relief because imperfect is in. Hair Expo New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Sara Allsop, who recently returned from Europe, says: “Hair texture on the international catwalks was dry and gritty, with no real definition and partings.” She suggests styling hair with your hands and wearing low, textured ponytails and long bobs that are “everywhere at the moment”.

STYLING SPRAYS
It seems a shame you only get beachy hair after a sea swim, so we’ve found the best sea salt styling sprays. For best results plait your hair before bed, spray and by morning you’ll have beachy waves. Try: Fudge Salt Spray, $25.50. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort, $45. Lush Sea Spray Hair Mist, $13.90. Original & Mineral Surf Bomb, $39. Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray, $43.

GROW YOUR OWN
Thinning hair is traumatic for men and women alike. Fortunately, scientists have been hard at work to reduce hair loss and even encourage new growth. L’Oreal Professionnel’s Serioxyl Denser Hair, $50, contains Stemoxydine, which can produce more than 1700 new hairs after three months use. The idea is that it recreates a low-oxygen environment to rouse dormant follicles. Hair grows for five to seven years, then has a dormant phase, which can last up to 10 years. Stemoxydine helps reduce the length of inactivity to get hair growing again sooner. Redken’s Cerafill Retaliate Hair Re-densifying Treatment, $55, also contains Stemoxydine.

CAREFUL HANDLING
Summer can be harsh on hair. Wherever possible use a shampoo and conditioner immediately after swimming – or rinse it at least. Nic Apaapa of Nicholas Paul Hair Design recommends using products with UV protectants. “UVA damgaes natural hair pigment, while UVB damages artificial pigment.” Try leave-in treatments and weekly masks as well as a shampoo and conditioner. And Apaapa says it’s a good idea to tie your hair up when running. “All that wind can be quite dehydrating.”

COLOUR CARE
Davines Naturaltech Well-being De Stress Lotion, $39.90: Sunscreen for the hair that doubles as a body moisturiser. Moroccanoil Treatment, $67: Prep hair before a day at the beach to protect against UV damage.