Who's guilty in getting in a bloomin' hair rut? I thought so! Me too...
Yes, it may still be only May, but I'm already looking forward to spring. These tulips in particular had me stomping my sneakers in protest. If I can't get spring weather, at least I can have spring like hair!
For most of last year, I was guilty as charged of taking CRAP care of my crowning glory. Over straightening? Check. Leaving it too long between cuts? Check. Baby, I'd seen it all. Luckily I was asked to try out Luca Hairstyling, who I wrote about here in November. They really are amazing and Sophia Grace, with 17 years of experience at Buoy - which was for a long time considered New Zealand's best hair salon - leads the charge.
Six months on, we are still going strong in our love affair. I am the kind of person who if I find something I like, I stick to it. Luckily, Luca have been right on board.
Last time I went to see Sophia Grace (colour) and David (cuts), I had been seeing lots of bloggers with a beautiful wave in their hair which I am totally digging right now: Specifically, I am thinking of Estee Lalonde, Lily Pebbles, Anna Gardner and Poppy Deyes (if I could have a blogger superhero gang, these gals would be in it). So, curious, I asked Sophia about the best way to achieve this look. While my hair is a bit thick to get the truly wavy consistency, she had some good tips. Along with these, I wanted to share what I've learnt since going to Luca about taking care of your hair. These guys are the number one stylists and colourists in New Zealand and I am very lucky to have them.
1. Find a Hairstylist You LOVE
There are so many places to choose from when it comes to cuts and colours, it can be overwhelming. I'm not going to tell you who to go to, but make sure that if you go to somewhere and you decide after a few goes that you're not in LOVE, don't go back. Ask people you know for recommendations, thinking about the experience level of the particular stylist (sometimes it pays to go with someone who has more experience even if you pay more), whether they embody your personal aesthetic and your own budget. I find that asking friends, looking up reviews online and having a pre-consultation to find out if you gel are great options. Don't feel bad if you decide to break up with your old hairdresser - just remember, it is a business and don't let them make it personal. Sometimes it is just time for a change and refresh of your look. It does sometimes take a few goes but in the end it is worth it!
2. Don't Skimp On Colour
Personally, I think a good hair colour is the most important beauty buy you can prioritise. If your hair looks bad, it doesn't matter HOW great that $200 face cream is or that $100 eye shadow pallet. All people will be looking at is the fact you have tiger stripes coming out of your head!
For most of my life, I was a half head girl. I thought a full head or 3/4 head would break the bank. Because that was what I had always had, I kept getting it. Never questioning whether I should change my hair colour was a mistake. It took blogging - and with that an increased awareness of my self image (only just - I still always say YES to cake) - to wake me up to the fact I should be being a bit more careful with my old habits.
Since getting a 3/4 head, my hair has been transformed. I think that everyone should try it - and it is honestly not that much more than a 1/2 head (at Luca, it is only $15 more). I don't know why it took me so long to take the plunge but I am so glad I did. Find out what colours your hairdresser uses and research them. Just because a brand is huge, and very popular, doesn't necessarily mean it is the best.
3. Embrace Beachy Waves
There are a million ways to achieve a natural somewhat wavy look. In my opinion, dead straight is a bit old hat - it is far more fun to play with different up-do's and styles, just like I did here, here and here. The way that Sophia described how she achieve this look is by prepping my hair with a light sea salt product, taking individual pieces, no more than a inches cm wide, straightening the first 10cm or so smooth then lifting and twirling the hair into the iron to get the first bend by twisting her wrist and create an angle away from the face (sort of so it is shaped like an 'S'). I like to call this method 'the Twirl and Pull' method. Then, gently slide the iron down the section of hair before twirling the iron away from your face again. It might take a few tries, but take the time to practice (or do what I did and just ask your hairdresser to sort you out! MUCH easier). Finally use your fingers if you need to pull any of the waves out to soften the look. Voila!
4. Try a Fringe
I've dabbles between having a fringe and not for years. When I was 16 I got one for the first time and it changed my life. Right now, I am having a side fringe revival moment. I feel like Fringe's tick so many boxes. They make you look a bit edgy, young and they cover your frown lines. What's not to love?
5. Remember that your hair is your crowning glory - and to look after it like a delicate bunch of tulips!
You wouldn't bash around a lovely bunch of tulips would you? Remember, your hair is living and it is up to YOU to take care of it. You don't have to spend a fortune on expensive conditioners, but for gods sake at least buy some half decent shampoo and conditioner and try and leave the conditioner in for a couple of minutes in the shower each day. Ideally, splash out on a nice salon one, as a treat once or twice a year. I've been really liking the Keune products that Luca use, but haven't tried their at home range yet. I'm saving up for some product next time (I tried a sample and it smells like delicious licorice!).
If you can't afford to go and get touch ups done, get a toner with your hairstylist or an Olaplex treatment to repair damaged hair. Also, don't just keep with long hair because you always have had it. If it needs the chop, chop!
