Combing through the latest haircare trends and tips, Melissa Nazareth brings you the most popular ones this summer. Right from cut and colour to wash and heat protection, we’ve got you covered.
GREY HAIR, DON’T CARE
If you have naturally greying hair or are maybe experiencing premature greying, hair colour is a good solution. Don’t get us wrong; we love moonlit strands of silver. In fact, natural looking grey hair is a trend this season, says international haircare and colour expert Irene O’briene. “Leave grey hairs and mix them with highlights for blonde colours or apply selectivity colour. This is a good option for those having greys either for the first time or up to 40% [if you have more than 40% grey, it is better to have your roots coloured before adding the highlights].” Selectivity colour focuses on the silver areas only so as not to over colour. Irene also suggests transparent grey coverage, a European colouring treatment that is free of the peroxide and ammonia contained in permanent hair dyes. It does not cover or hide grey hair but shades it closer to the hair’s natural colour giving a natural look. Henna or ammonia-free colours are good options for this. Henna is widely used in our part of the world and has cooling properties too.
TRENDS FOR YOUR TRESSES
Professional hairstylist Felda Del Prado McAvoy recommends rich, bright hues such as reds and coppers this summer. You can go darker or lighter, depending on your skin tone; brighter reds suit skin with cooler undertones and deeper reds, warmer (if your veins appear blue, you have cooler undertones and, if green, then, warmer).
“It is always good to dye hair in a way to keep a natural base shade with the purpose of avoiding obvious root regrowth in the future,” says Irene, who recommends natural shades this summer. Following this advice will ensure the contrast between your new and previously coloured hair is blended out. “Shatush is a new version of balayage,” she continues. “The colours are more balanced and natural looking, with a very soft transition from roots to tips. Delicate babylights, very thin, white-blonde highlights, which do not show obvious regrowth, are an alternative to classical, sharp highlights. Drastic changes in colours and contrasts are disappearing this year; no crazy and over artificial colours. Solid natural hair colours are relevant. Neutral shades of brown, natural blonde and honey blonde are also trendy.”
CHOP-CHOP
More often than not, summer calls for short hair. Felda says: “Short haircuts like bob and pixie cuts are in.” She adds, however, that it depends on what the person is comfortable with. “Mid-length hair is also easy to manage,” she says.
Irene shares a wide range of popular hairstyles and haircuts: the classic ponytail, ponytail braid, straight-side parting, high beam (high bun), beach waves, retro waves, soft feminine natural hairstyles, graduations (a type of layered cut), fly away for long hair, cascading soft haircuts and degraded around the face (a type of layered cut). “Handkerchiefs, hoops and bows are some hair accessories you can add to your ensemble,” she says. While it’s good to have many trends to choose from, remember, the best is the one that suits you.
MANE MAINTENANCE
Investing in the right hair products can go a long way. “Use professional products like masks, shampoos and conditioners, which are sulphate free,” says Felda. She also advises using a hair sun protector, a heat protector and a good hair serum.
Most of us will be hitting the beach or poolside. Irene advises protecting your hair from chlorine, salty sea water and strong sunlight. “Try to avoid contact with sea or pool water by putting your hair up,” she says. She goes on to recommend using SPF protectors, leave-in products and masks saying: “Apply leave-in products with SPF such as milks, oils and creams if you’re only exposed to the sun and not having contact with sea or pool water. Apply an intensive layer of regular mask mixed with any oil that contains omega-3 fatty acids and caviar extract on dry hair, if you are having contact with water. Also, use a hat to protect your hair from direct sunlight.”
Irene advises washing your hair not more than twice a week. “When you have the sensation of sweat or after hitting the gym, you can use only water instead of shampoo, and apply conditioner after that. Do not over wash the hair!” She also recommends natural air drying.
Irene shares more tips. “Immediately after swimming, wash your hair with a detox, balancing or deep cleaning shampoo or shampoo for volume. These have more active components to remove the chlorine and build-up of minerals from the water.” She recommends following this with a mask applied on towel-dried hair and leaving it on for at least 20 minutes. She goes on to highlight the importance of using products that are parabensilicone- and sulphate-free. “Maximise the use of products containing lipids and protein, which are a blend of natural ingredients as this will provide the best benefits,” she says. “Correct application of products also matters, don’t scrub your hair while washing and towel drying; apply shampoo only to the roots and towel dry hair before mask and conditioner application.”
Connect with Irene O’briene @irene.obriene and
Felda Del Prado McAvoy @feldacutandstyle