Now the winter has done its worst, it's time to take a hard look at the condition and style of your hair, ready for the first rays of pring sunshine, says Penny Oldham...
As the hats and scarves come off for the first time for what seems like years and ‘what lies beneath’ is revealed, you may wonder what can be done to revitalise your dull and straggly locks. Hairdressers KH, formerly Keith Hall, have plenty of tips and ideas to make sure you face the summer with a shiny new do. There are three elements to a good hairstyle – colour, texture and style.
Colour Although it’s technically possible these days to have any colour, or colours, you like, your skin tone will dictate what really works well for you. If you’re new to hair colour, start with a few highlights or lowlights, which lift and brighten without a drastic change. If possible always have a salon colour, although diy versions are getting better all the time. Expert colourists can blend several colours to give a naturally enhanced look that will suit skintone and add texture and interest. All hair colour products include an ingredient to enhance and promote shine.
This season cool nordic shades are giving way to warmer caramel and honey tones, although there’s always a place for the Hitchcock blonde. Both light and brunette hair can benefit from a hint of warmth.
Texture Unless you plan to spend a lot of time fighting with your hairdryer applying styling products it’s best to stick with a style that uses the hair you’ve been given. A good cut can tame any wayward curls, add volume to flat locks or take the weight from too-heavy hair. The aim is for healthy looking, shiny hair that frames the face and needs minimal upkeep. Layers, graduation or a blunt cut are all options that your stylist will consider, so if you’re planning a change have a consultation first to discuss how your hair behaves and the amount of time you have available to style it.
Style KH stylists believe that cut is all-important in minimising the effects of ageing. Generally speaking, they advise that a shorter, snappier style better complements a heading-south jawline than long hair, although that doesn’t imply a crop, great though that looks on Dame Judi. Neither is a short style inflexible; the flattering heavy fringe on the short, smooth cut right, below, can be encouraged left, right, up or down for a more funky look when required, while the longer bob, right, above, can be flicked out, tucked behind the ears or even curled if the mood strikes. The fringe is currently enjoying a revival and is a great way to soften the features or even cover a frown-ridden forehead.
The overwhelming advice is for a flattering colour, an expert cut and the healthiest hair possible – all of which are available at KH salons.
