Swift and simple tips and tricks from some of the world’s most renowned hair maestros. Have a good hair day on us!
How to fight the frizz
Frizz is caused when hair drinks up moisture from the air, causing the hair shaft to expand and kink. Damn that humidity! Firstly, ‘Always use a hairdryer with a narrow nozzle and direct it down the hair shaft’ advises A-list hair guru
Secondly, always style those locks with products that create a moisture resistant barrier – the best being those that contain silicones. But be sparing if you want to avoid oil-slick status. Phyto PhytoLisse Smoothing Serum is specifically formulated to fight pesky frizz, whatever your hair type.
And finally, get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks – ‘This will stop split ends from splitting up the hair shaft and causing hair to frizz out’ explains hairstylist Alan Tosler of the Tosler Davis salon in NYC.
How to shine on
Mark Wolley, hair stylist to Olivia Palermo no less, advises that ‘The key to perfecting… shine is to get the hair as smooth as possible. Apply a lightweight prep product through damp hair and make sure you coat every strand from root to tip. Preparing the hair like this ensures that you only use the essentials to get the look you’re after as layering products will only create a heavy and greasy build-up.’
How to de-grease
Excess oil and product buildup can make locks less sexy senorita and more chip-pan chic. According to trichologist Philip Kingsley (who tended to Audrey Hepburn’s tresses), ‘Contrary to popular belief, daily shampooing does not cause your scalp to produce more oil, it actually encourages hair and scalp health.’ The best way to deal with an oil slick situation? Don’t have your shower too hot! And use a daily scalp toner – it will help to soak up excess sebum. Philip Kingsley’s bestselling version also stimulates hair growth. Freshen up lank locks throughout the day with grease guzzling Alterna Caviar Dry Shampoo; it’s also perfect for adding a little ‘grip’ to hairstyles.
How to eat yourself glossy
‘A good fish oil can literally turn back time, especially on fine or ageing hair. But you have to commit. You need to wait three months to see a difference, and stick with them long-term to reap ongoing benefits’ says editorial hair darling
Here’s the science-y bit. The living parts of your tresses are the follicles – tiny hair-making machines under your scalp. The protein in your diet nourishes and carbohydrates provide them with energy. Essential fatty acids hydrate these little machines whilst vitamins B6, B12, and biotin, help strengthen your hair’s outer layer, called the cuticle. “Iron is also essential because it stimulates hair turnover and replenishment,” says Neil Sadick, M.D., a New York based dermatologist.
So, chow down on hair loving lean proteins, eggs, dark leafy greens, avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish, bananas and soy.
How to stop being so darn dull
Product buildup, dulling sulphates and hard-water can all leave hair with a certain lack of enthusiasm. To reclaim its joie de vivre, your best bet is to thoroughly cleanse the hair once a week (only!) with an industrial strength shampoo such as Kevin Murphy’s Maxi Wash. Want a cheap and cheerful anti-buildup alternative? ‘Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into shampoo’ advises hairstylist to the stars
