There’s something about a trip to the hairdressers that leaves you feeling sexy and confident. But what happens when the weather turns sour and your tresses let you down?
Whether it’s a cut and colour or a quick blow-dry during your lunch break, when your hair looks good, you feel great – and there’s a reason for that. A new study conducted by Pantene revealed that 91% of Australian’s believe hair is a key element to a person’s overall sex appeal.
The famous haircare brand commissioned a study of 1,000 Australians to explore the influence of hair care and style on men and women. The research found that Australian women spend an average of 13 minutes a day taking care of their locks – the equivalent of sitting through 60 football matches a year. At the opposite side of the salon, men are clearly less concerned with their grooming as over half (53%) spend less than five minutes a day on their hair.
The survey also revealed, if you’re a woman in the dating game your hair could determine whether or not you score that second date. Over half of Aussie men (60%) admit that they would be put off pursuing a relationship if their date turned up with unclean, unhealthy or unkempt hair.
“When your hair is looking its shiny, glossy best you have unbelievable confidence,” says beauty expert Zoe Foster. “And because confidence is attractive, you in turn feel – and are – a lot sexier.”
Stuck for ideas on how to wear your hair for a first date? The survey revealed your best bet is to opt for a style that conveys your characteristics – a woman with hair down and curly is much more likely to suggest that she is sexy and uninhibited according to 56% of men. While a woman with a bun will be considered prim and proper (40%) and a ponytail tends to say that the woman is practical (46%). And, if you’re a female on a date with a man who doesn’t interest you, whatever you do don’t play with or run your fingers through your strands – 55% of men will take this as a cue that you’re into them.
With this weekend heralding the winter season, it’s time to give your hair some extra attention because, when the weather changes, so too should your hair-care routine. So how can we ensure our tresses look their healthiest during winter? Celebrity hairdresser, Barney Martin, offers his top tips to ensure your locks look their best this chilly season:
Treat your hair: During the colder months it’s especially important to feed your hair moisture. “Treatments twice a week are my number one tip,” says Barney. “In winter, women tend to blow-dry their hair more often, but to keep hair healthy, aim for one heat-free day a week.”
Maintain appointments: It’s important to arrange regular trips to the salon to keep your hair in top condition. “In winter extra styling can encourage nasty split ends, so keep regular appointments at your salon.”
Consider the dark side: Yes, going darker in winter is a bit of a cliché, but for a good reason. “Going darker is believed to be better for your hair as it rules out the use of bleach, which can dry hair out further,” suggests Barney. And anything that preserves hair health during the harsher winter months has to be considered a good thing.
Protect your hair when it rains: With a higher chance of wet weather, it’s likely at some stage this winter your hair will absorb water and the inevitable frizz will happen. “Try applying a leave-in treatment before leaving the house or slick back into a ponytail or top knot,” suggests Barney.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your hair during winter is to look after it. After all, the vast majority of 18-44 year olds believe the way a person takes care of their hair is reflective of the way they take care of themselves. And besides, popping on a hair treatment is an excuse to stay under the warmth of the shower for longer, right?
