ROCK THE LOCKS
Long hair is trending. Bazaar tells you how to show off those FLOWING TRESSES By Jhelum Biswas Bose and Aarti Jhurani
STRAND SERVICE Just getting a personal consultation from one of Delhi’s most-wanted hair artists, Rod Anker is probably the best thing you can do for your hair. And now Anker collaborates with The Claridges, Surajkund, to offer you a luxurious hair service that includes a pickup from your doorstep, a one-night stay at the Presidential Suite of the hotel with private chef serving unlimited food and drinks, and an afternoon session with Anker to completely transform your look.
Aren’t we happy this season? After two years of short crops and chic bobs, long, flowing hair is back. We saw it at Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, DKNY, and Salvatore Ferragamo, among several others, in all possible textures and hues. You can wear yours in cascading waves, voluminous curls, or silky straight, but ensure it looks healthy, luxurious, and rich. Also, do keep in mind that long hair is neither for the super tall (as it tends to drag you down and make you look taller) nor for those with a round face (it adds weight to the face). Consult a stylist and arm yourself with our smart tips before you decide to opt for trailing tresses.
STYLE WISE “Long hair is always in fashion provided it’s styled correctly. And a good cut ensures it doesn’t look boring,” says hair guru Rod Anker. If you have straight hair, Anker suggests that after shampooing and toweldrying, style with a large, round brush. Tip: finish with a blast of cool air to close the cuticles and enhance shine. If you’ve got wavy hair, divide your hair into five sections and braid from roots to ends, spraying each section with a setting spray. Wait until it dries overnight, and open up the sections in the morning. “It’s important to pick the right products to keep your hair happy,” says Anker. He recommends the following products as must-haves for gorgeous tresses—shampoo, conditioner, and watersoluble serum by Alfa Parf (an Italian brand now available in India); a leave-in conditioner, a boar bristle brush, and an ionic hairdryer. “The best way to show off your long locks is by leaving them as they are. You can also try a loose fishtail braid. Or twirl your hair in vertical sections and pin these up to give that messy, loose, and casual look,” says hair expert Shimsha Shetty from b:blunt salons, Mumbai. “If you want to be a little edgy, tie your hair in a high ponytail and twist it in to create a cylindrical shape,” she adds. Tip: tame any stray strands with a hair spray or smoothing serum.
LIGHT AND SHADE Hair colour can make or break your style. The shades you choose and the way they are placed in your hair help accentuate your hair cut, and add depth and movement to your mane. You can either opt for streaks or go for global (overall) colour. As global hues, we like warm, chocolate shades. “Play it up. Get a mix of two to three hues to get a unique look,” suggests Delhi’s most-wanted colourist Sumit Israni. “And if you’re opting for streaks, make sure you don’t get them on top of your crown. Once the hair starts growing, the roots will be of a different colour, and that looks really shabby,” advises Israni. “Get highlights done in the lower layers of your hair instead. And ensure you don’t go more than three shades lighter than your natural colour. If a contrast is what you want, then opt for streaks in fuchsia, magenta, or red. These flaming hues are hot this season.”
LOVE AND CARE Long hair needs extra attention and care. Apart from regular cleansing and conditioning, use a hair mask at least once a week to keep your tresses stress-free. Try Kérastase NutriThermique Intense Treatment Mask (`2,400), Schwarzkopf Professional Repair Rescue System (`650) or Sunsilk Keratinology Advance Reconstruction Program Hair Spa Mask (`400). Bollywood’s favourite hair specialist Dilshad Pastakia recommends spinach, lentils, paneer, eggs, and protein-rich foods as an essential part of your diet for gorgeous hair. Though Vitamin E supplements promote hair health, consult a doctor for the right dosage before starting on them. Every fortnight, book yourself for a hair spa or deep-conditioning treatment at your salon for extra care and nourishment. We love Kérastase Chronologiste treatments. The good old hot-oil champi is something that you can always rely on. Oil conditions the strands, and a good scalp massage improves blood circulation and promotes scalp health. Try Forest Essentials Bhringraj Head Massage Oil—it promises to promote hair growth.
FAKE IT
Hair extensions are a fabulous solution for those who want long tresses, and want them real quick. But do remember that extensions are available in different varieties and techniques, need a lot of care, and are not really suitable for those with very fine hair as this type of hair wouldn’t be able to carry the weight of the extensions. So consult a stylist before you opt for them. “Opt for real hair extensions, and take care of them as you would care for your natural hair,” says Pastakia. We recommend Balmain hair extensions from b:blunt salons. “Use shampoo, conditioner, and a hairbrush to maintain your extensions,” recommends Shetty. “The Sunsilk Keratin Advanced Range also works great for extensions,” adds Pastakia.