After seasons of undone hair and an addiction to dry shampoo, there is now a return to hair requiring a greater time investment. And it’s starting from our socials.
Noticed a change in your Instagram feed? It could be that your favourite It girls have traded their bedhead locks for hair that’s glossy and done. “We live in a time where it’s all about self-care,” says celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, who has her own hair brand Ouai and tends to the locks of A-listers such as Chrissy Teigen, Khloe Kardashian and Kendall Jenner. “We are getting tips from our friends, pros and from everyone [on social media] on how to create hairstyles.”
Hair health is at the root (pun intended) of enviable hair. “When your hair is healthy, it’s going to be bouncier, it’s going to be shiner and it’s going to look better,” says Atkin, who is ambassador for Dyson and Slip and regularly offers up hair tips to her three million Instagram followers. “I know I’m doing something right when my girlfriends who [don’t usually] compliment, say, ‘Wow! Your hair looks really good’.”
She credits her hair glossiness to the Dyson Airwrap, a high-tech hair device that promises salon-looking styles at home using temperatures that won’t damage hair. And naturally, she’s sharing.
“I started going on my IGTV and showing how I’m literally in and out of the bathroom in five minutes using the tool,” explains Atkin.
Need to polish up? Here’s how.
HOW TO LOOK MORE ‘DONE’
We asked Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Eleven how to getting your hair looking ‘done’ and polished.
Do Put aside your matt, texturising products. “Steer away from hair products that give that raw and natural texture and [start] switching to products and tools that leave hair looking healthy, shiny and finished.”
Do Add accessories. “It’s all in the details and putting that bit of extra effort into your style.”
Do Invest in a comb. “You want to go for clean partings and not a hair out of place.”
Don’t Just throw up a ponytail. “Even if you’re going for a simple ponytail, it should be super groomed, pulled tight and perfected with a high-shine finish.”
Don’t Go poker straight. “We’re moving towards smoother, seamless S-bends. Use a flat iron to create soft bends in the hair to get movement with a polished, super-glossy finish.”
Try: Dyson Airwrap, $799.
STATEMENT CUTS
Feel stuck in a rut? A new haircut will get you noticed. “A good way to add drama to your haircut is to do something different to what you’re used to,” says UK celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight, who gave Princess Diana her famous crop. “You can’t get away with having the same hair for years now. Experiment with your hair more – change and reinvention are great.”
SWEET PARTINGS
Something as simple as shifting where you part your hair can make a big change to how your hair sits and the shape of your face. Atkin gives her best tips:
For a heart-shaped face “If you have a heart-shaped face and you do a centre part, it will make your face look more oval.”
For fine hair “If your hair is really fine and flat, switch your part up because it’ll help to train the cuticle to do what you want to do.”
Ask an expert “Ask your hairstylist which part line suits your face. Take some selfies and study them.”
COLOUR UPDATES
We asked Wendy Gunn colourist and winner of the 2019 International L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy Awards held in Paris, how to nail super-polished colour at your next appointment.
Say the word “ombre” “Ombre tones or multi-tones are a big trend this year. Ask for fine, handwoven foils using high and low lights.”
Violet tones help “Violet tones give iridescence to both dark and light hair. Then add a clear gloss to add shine and freshness.”
Ask for a gloss toner “You can get this in the salon – it’s a quick service and it brings out the highlights of your hair.”
Cancel block colour “Block colour is out. Hair should have glow, not heavy colour. It’s like the fresh-faced glow in make-up.”
ACCESSORISE
From sparkling word pins and glamour slides to pretty flower adornments and oversized plastic clips, hair embellishments are a great way to upgrade your everyday look. The key to making it cool? Mixing and matching.
Try: Valet Studio hair clips in Mint Lulu Barrette, $30.
This article originally appeared in the September 2019 issue of marie claire.
