Festive hair should always be special, no matter if you choose to go all out glamour or prefer or a more natural way with your strand style.
We asked the experts for their top festive hair hacks.
Strengthen Your Festive Hair
At this time of year, there’s parties aplenty and lots of heated styling, up-do’s and product overload. Above all, you want to treat your tresses to some serious TLC advises Sabrina Maxwell from Marc & Maxwell in Sydney.
“Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. If it’s weak and porous, it’s going to need help. Consider an in-salon keratin treatment. It will add strength, mega-watt shine and manageability.”
Combine with a quality strengthening shampoo and conditioner.
Try Theorie Pure Professional Shampoo and Conditioner.
Each relies on quinoa protein and amino acids to help reinforce the hair strands. Sunflower seed extract soften hair and shield from damage.
“Watch your diet,” adds nutritionist Faye James. “Be sure to include at lease once source of protein with each meal, to help build healthy hair from the scalp. You might even wish to include a protein supplement in your morning smoothie.”
Replace Lost Moisture In Festive Hair
Australia’s festive season typically means lots of sun exposure and swimming. Add late nights at festive events and plenty of product use, and you could wind up with a dehydrated ‘do. The solution? Quench thirsty locks with a strategic plan of inner and outer hydration.
“Drink plenty of water daily,” advises Faye. “Eat foods rich in Omega fatty acids. They’ll support the naturally occurring oils that keep your hair full of shine. Think: salmon, nuts, avocados. As hard as it is, try to avoid over-imbibing. Alcohol leaches nutrients from your body. The first to suffer is your hair, as your body naturally directs all remaining essential nutrients to vital organs.”
External hydration is non-negotiable, adds Sabrina. “Choose a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and try to leave a few days between washing. This is where your handy Dry Shampoo comes into play! A quick spritz each day can keep your style snazzy through a week of festive events.
As for when you do shampoo, use a quality product that replenishes and maintains moisture. We love A.Live Body White Tea and Argan Oils Shampoo and Conditioner Tray. It contains a luxurious blend of naturally derived ingredients, fortified with essential oils and native botanical extracts.
Make Your Professional Festive Hair Blow Out Last A Week (Or More)
Day One
“Day One is when you’re in the stylist’s chair. Above all, don’t scrimp on cost when it comes to a professional blow-dry,” suggests Marc. “As with most things in life, what you pay for is what you get. Explain to your stylist the look you’re after and exactly how long you’d like it to last. You could even go so far as detailing the events you have coming up. Ask for suggestions on how to morph that ‘do into different looks for each ongoing occasion.
“Ask for plenty of volume and lift at the roots. This should take you at least to Day Three. Ensure you get plenty of movement too, as you’ll want to play with the style through the week. Ask your stylist to use products sparingly. Otherwise your hair could become weighed down. Invest in a satin pillowcase – it will help prevent friction while you sleep.”
I love the Faceluxe Beauty Sleep Collection. It’s created by Aussie beauty therapist Ariane Dobler and contains a luxe pillow case, sleep mask and soft hair scrunchy.
Day Two Of Your Salon Style
On Day Two, spritz your fave dry shampoo into the roots of the hair and slightly throughout the mid lengths to revitalise volume. “Tip your head over and blast the roots with your hairdryer,” says Marc. However, don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like Frosty the Snowman! Afterwards, turn right side up and rake your hands through your hair to distribute the product. Use a Denman Paddle Brush to smooth over and recreate shine.”
Day Three
“Try adding some curls,” suggests Sabrina. “Use your curling tongs to curl three to four centimetres sections of hair. Gently brush them out and set with a flexible hold hairspray.”
Cosbeauty is loving on Goldwell Stylesign Magic Finish right now. Why? It’s a lustrous hair spray that gives light, flexible hold for natural movement. Plus, it adds intense shine and protects against humidity, which, despite our best efforts, can cause hair horror in the warmer months.
Days Four To Seven
Reserve Days Four through to Seven for glam up-do’s, ranging from half-up, half-down, braids, top knots or a slick bun. The beauty of braids, topknots and slick buns mean you can also add some hydrating hair oil to your locks as a leave-in treatment. Asa result, they won’t make it look oily; they will simply enhance the style.
We love Recreation Beauty Glow Queen Glow Body + Hair Treatment Serum Oil Jasmine And Neroli. It’s a swiftly-absorbed, lightweight serum that leaves hair soft, with a silky sheen. Its delicious white floral scent simply screams summer nights. As a matter of fact, it also can be used on your skin, adding hydration as well luminosity. Apply sparingly to the high points of the face, the collarbones and if you’re wearing a plunging neckline or short skirt, massage a little across the décolletage and along the legs too. Your skin and hair will be equally as lustrous – perfect for the festive season!
Lastly, enjoy the festive season and your sensational evolving hair styles.
