CAROL'S COLUMN

Views & tips from your side of the counter........

NEW YEAR NEW YOU!

Happy New Year!! If, like me, you went for a new style this Christmas, you may be struggling to keep it ‘salon’ perfect. We’ve put together some handy hints to help keep your style looking good into the New Year – so if its curls, spikes or lots of lift you’re after read on ………

HOW TO - LOOK AFTER A PERM

• Have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks – this will help your perm last longer.

• Treat hair particularly gently whilst wet – hair is at its most delicate then, use only a wide toothed comb to detangle when conditioning.

• Gently dry hair with a diffuser attachment to encourage curl definition.

• Apply mousse and let hair dry naturally for a tighter, more defined curl. Use fingers to tease out only during the very last stage of drying.

• Once a month deeply condition hair to restore elasticity.

• Always use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner especially designed for treated hair, an ordinary range will just not deliver enough moisture leading to hair breakage.

• Protect permed hair from the sun if you want to avoid the frizzies. Use a specially designed product or better still, cover hair with a hat or trendy headscarf if exposed for prolonged times.

HOW TO – CREATE LIFT AT ROOTS

• Apply mousse or gel at root area then use fingers to lift and direct as you dry.

• For a softer look use a vent brush to lift hair to create hair and volume.

• Apply mousse, then dry hair with head tipped forward gently gripping and pulling roots between fingers. Spritz with a small amount of hairspray and blast roots with dryer for 30 seconds before tipping head up.
  
  

TO CREATE THAT SPIKY LOOK

Have hair texture cut to two or three inches all over. Apply a strong styling product to the root area. Dry hair from the roots sectioning small twists as you dry. To finish, spray hairspray onto hands and rub through hair for a truly separated, spiky effect.

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Did You Know?

HOW TO – GET THAT SALON FINISH!

MOUSSE

Mousse is undoubtedly the most versatile and easy to use product. Its foamy consistency means it can be used on wet or dry hair. Modern mousses contain conditioning polymers to help nurture and protect the hair. Available in different strengths ranging from soft to maximum hold it can be used to tame flyaway hair, lift flat roots and create a scrunched look.

Tip – although normal hold will suit most styles if you want more holding power don’t just use extra mousse. This will weigh hair down and make it look dull. Use a firmer hold mousse instead.

STYLING LOTIONS

These lotions contain flexible resins which form a film on the hair and aid setting whilst protecting the hair from heat damage. There are various products to suit different hair types and some add volume and others additional shine. Some are also available in different strengths from natural to firm hold.

Tip – apply the lotion from roots to ends and if using a hair dryer or heated styling appliance always choose one with thermal protection.

GEL

Gel usually gives a stronger hold than mousse and come in different forms from thick jelly to liquid sprays. Used for precise styling and definition they are often referred to as sculpting lotions, and are ideal for shorter and sleek styles.

Tip – only use a small amount, preferably rubbing between the palms before applying. Gel can be revitalised the following morning by rubbing wet hands through the hair.

STYLING WAX

Styling waxes, also known as pomades, are made from natural waxes and softened with other ingredients such as mineral oils and lanolin to make them pliable. Some waxes contain vegetable oil to give gloss and sheen. They are good for controlling frizz and static and can be useful in smoothing sleek styles.

Tip – use only the finest film of wax or hair will become lank and rub wax in palms first before applying to warm it and make it more pliable.

HAIRSPRAY

Used to hold a style in place hairsprays come in various strengths from light to firm holds and there are types to suit different hair needs. Hairdressers often use sprays to give longer lasting roller sets or for extra root lifts to add height.

Tip – a light application or spray on your hairbrush can help tame flyaway ends or use to spray just the roots if your hair is too limp to hold its style.

ROLL ON!

SET YOUR HAIR ON ROLLERS:

• Roughly blow-dry hair to remove excess moisture.
• Mist hair with thermo setting lotion.
• Divide hair into sections and roll onto rollers, taking care not to buckle ends. Self-fixing velcro rollers are perfect for this. Try L’Oreal’s Tec, Ni Pinless Rollers from professional salons or Denman Magic Rollers from chemists and department stores.
• Dry for 10 minutes using a hood dryer like the Braun Uno, or use the diffuser attachment on your dryer.
• Leave hair to cool completely before removing rollers and dressing out.

USE BENDY ROLLERS

• Take a small 1-2 inch section of damp hair – the wider the section, the looser the curl.
• Before you start winding, place tissue or perm paper on the ends of the hair for extra protection and to prevent buckling.
• Wind hair with an even tension to the roots, then bend the ends of the roller towards each other to form a horseshoe shape.
• After hair has completely dried, unwind rollers and allow the curls to settle a few minutes before separating with your fingers.
• For a smoother look, brush out the curls instead of using your fingers.