Yes, you can love the hair you’re in by following these expert tips for healthy hair (no matter your type). It all starts with being comfortable with what you have.
“I love it when my clients want to embrace their natural hair texture,” says celebrity hairstylist Ken O’Rourke. “Fact is, the less you try to make hair look great, the sexier it appears. Your hair is who you are, so why change it? I tell my clients to learn small tricks and quick fixes, as well as pick the right products that work for their hair texture.”
In a recent survey done by Charles Worthington, only 14% of us actually LOVE our hair, while one-third feel their hair is just ‘OK’. Time to follow our tips for healthy hair, so you can embrace your locks now.
Crazy curls
Think beautiful bounce
“Curly hair is so versatile, as you can wear it in so many different styles, and it looks amazing with accessories,” says Ken. “Plus, there’s no need to blow-dry or shampoo as often, which saves a lot of time and money. You have natural body that straight-haired girls crave.”
“Curly hair is more like topiary; each individual piece needs separate attention,” says hairdresser and organic colour expert Karine Jackson.
The ultimate cut
Many hairdressers prefer to cut curly hair in its dry state, as when it’s wet, it’s almost impossible to judge how it will sit once dry. “Remember, curls always look amazing and will suit any face shape,” says hair guru Jamie Stevens. “Don’t layer too much, though, as this can give your hair a triangle-like effect.” Texturing and point cutting create a better curl.
The one product
“The trick to styling curls is to keep them fresh, bouncy, but manageable on a daily basis,” says Luke Hersheson, creative director at John Frieda. “Treat curls to a moisture boost on the second or third day post-wash.”
Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray, R115,95 for 200ml .
For super-thick curls, add a 10-minute moisture masque to the ends, such as Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Fix My Hair Intensive Repair Conditioning Masque, R127,95 for 426g ; or Inoar Divine Curls Mask, R490 for 450g .
The best tip
Shampoo with care. “Most people with curls just shampoo the same way someone with smooth hair might,” says stylist James Galvin. “But if you vigorously scrub, this will strip out the natural oils that help keep curls defined, and can also lead to frizz. Gently massage the roots instead.”
Try this
“Twirl damp curls around a finger after distributing a product, and you’ll have perfect curls,” says Karine.
Over processed and frizzy?
Think hydration and volume
“Those prone to frizz have built-in volume waiting to be harnessed,” says Jamie Stevens. “And if hair isn’t curly already, it’ll more than likely hold a curl easily. Frizzy hair also holds colour well, so with the right protein and hydrating products, you can have a voluminous style.”
The ultimate cut
Keep frizzier hair long, with blunt ends,” says stylist Paul Edmonds. “Avoid short layers to manage your style better.”
The one product
“People think hairspray is the best way to tame frizz, but a serum or cream is better.”
Try the super-lightweight and conditioning Redken Extreme Length Sealer, R400 for 50ml ; or use L’Oréal Série Expert Nutrifier Blow-Dry Cream, R320 for 150ml , before blow-drying to seal in moisture.
The best tip
Sleep with your conditioner in and rinse it out in the morning – this will hydrate hair, boosting its natural movement.
Try this
Schwarzkopf Fibreplex N°2 Bond Sealer, is a salon treatment that adds a protective layer to hair, leaving it stronger and shinier. From R210 at selected Schwarzkopf salons nationwide.
Fine, limp and lifeless?
Think smooth and sexy boho layers
“Just think, you always look groomed and never have to battle with frizz,” says Jamie Stevens. “Flat hair just needs a little encouragement to lift it at the roots, and it’ll look amazing!”
The ultimate cut
“Blunt bob shapes work best to maximise the weight and add a little more bounce,” says John Frieda creative consultant Kerry Warn. Glossy hair suits sleek grown-up ponytails and sophisticated chignons, too.
The one product
Use a texture spray on dry hair at the roots to give a quick boost of volume.
Try Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray, R420 for 205ml ; or Lush Sea Spray Hair Mist, R215 for 100g , which is like backcombing in a bottle.
The best tip
“Use your hands while rough-drying hair to create natural volume. Then, with a round brush, take top sections of hair, blow-drying upwards to create smoothness and height,” says James Galvin.
“Alternatively, if you don’t have time to style your hair, switch up your parting to create instant height.”
Having a brittle grey day?
Think strong and dynamic
“Grey hair is ‘the new black’,” says Kerry. “It’s a bold look that radiates modern elegance.” However, grey or brittle hair is likely to be very dehydrated, so keep it nourished.
The ultimate cut
“If it’s very coarse, go for a fun, chic, shorter haircut, as this requires much lower maintenance,” advises James Galvin.
The one product
Hair oil for sure! Saturate hair from mid-length to ends, allowing it to sink in overnight for a burst of moisture.
Try Hask Macadamia Oil Revitalizing Shine Hair Treatment, R54,95 for 18ml ; or L’anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray, R375 for 350ml .
Try this
Grey hair is beautiful, but it can become dull if you don’t look after it. Make sure it stays glossy and non-brassy with Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Conditioner, R240 for 75ml .
The best tip
“Apply a tiny bit of hair oil on back of your hand, rub a bristle brush on it and swipe over hairs to keep flyaways at bay and hair perfectly sleek,” says Ken.
Here’s a list of our top hair products for 2017:
Top tips for healthy hair from star stylists
Hairdressers want us to love our hair more
Get to know your hair
This is important says Luke Hersheson. “Let it air-dry once in a while to see how it falls naturally and where any movement is to encourage curls or waves.”
Have a consultation
“Point out any concerns early on,” says hair artist Jack Merrick-Thirlway. “Nobody knows their hair better than the person who lives with it.”
Get a good cut
“If you can manage your hair in its most natural state, it’ll make life easier,” says Jack. “Most important for this is to have a great haircut; perfect hair colour is vital to show off shine and tone.”
