MICHAEL SHAUN CORBY

How to have effortless hair, with

Corby has been styling some of the most famous heads in California for 30 years and is the master of effortless, cool-girl hair. He is currently global creative director for hair brand Living Proof

‘Hair that’s undamaged and glossy is half the battle, but people work theirs too hard. They use too much heat, they wash too often and dry too often, all of which compromises their hair’s greatest asset – its health. The best approach is a minimal one: comb a mask through once a week, use a shampoo that’s as lightweight as your hair type can get away with, and as little heat as possible. From that point of view, the perfect style doesn’t start with a blow-dry, but with an overnight routine. Wash your hair, then tie it into two buns or two braids. Place them high up on your head if you want volume or at the side for softness. When you loosen them the next morning, do the minimum. That might be finger-combing a little serum through, or a brief once-over with a paddle brush. I always think of the woman who falls in love with a wedding dress she tried on when her hair was held up with a pencil she grabbed earlier, then wonders why, with her hair ‘done’ on The Big Day, the dress doesn’t look so good. Women often do what they think they’re supposed to do with their hair when in fact it’s about making your day-off looks into everyday (and even big-day) looks.’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Living Proof Full Shampoo, £22, keeps hair cleaner for longer; Living Proof Satin Hair Serum, £26, delivers frizz-free hair without the silicone. Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask, £57, smooths, softens and smells divine.