tête-à-tête
The hairstylist and ghd creative director knows the power of a beautiful woman – and a good sea-salt spray
Hairstylist Richard Kavanagh gives us a curling-tong masterclass.
THE BEST HAIR IS EFFORTLESS.
Nine out of 10 shoots or shows I do right now call for easy, effortless hair with a ’90s vibe – shine, but not overloaded with product, a soft bend to it and still luxurious. That’s the hair every woman wants.
YOU MIGHT NOT BE USING YOUR TONG THE RIGHT WAY.
The best bend comes from holding the tong horizontally to your head and twisting as you wrap. Start a little away from the scalp – that gives a narrower silhouette. And leave an inch or two out of the tong at the end to elongate the curl. This will create perfect “I woke up like this” waves.
I’VE HAD SOME PRODUCTS IN MY KIT FOR A DECADE.
I’ve carted around a ghd styler forever. ghd makes tools that work and give a predictable result. I make my own sea-salt spray, too. I once did a shoot in Egypt where my bags went missing in transit and I had to make do. I made it out of pool water, salt from the table in the restaurant and a squeeze of lemon. It gave the best lived-in, gritty vibe.
I HAVE A MARTIAL ARTS BACKGROUND,
which probably influences my work. It means I value technical discipline even if I’m creating a hairstyle that looks easy.
BARDOT HAIR SUITS EVERYONE.
The classic half-up, half-down style looks so sexy because it shows off a woman’s face, and it takes about 20 seconds to do. First, a little backcombing at the crown for volume. Put your thumbs to your temples, then run them diagonally up to your crown. Twist that hair and pin it in place with a big bobby pin. Use salt spray or hair powder to create texture. Then get the palms of your hands and rub them in a circular motion on the hair to pull some fine pieces loose.
YOU CAN FAKE HEALTHY ENDS IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR A CUT.
Apply oil to your ends and tap them with your straightener. If that’s too straight on your hair type, go an inch or two up from the ends and clamp the straightener shut like you’re revving a motorcycle. It gives a great soft bend.
I LOVE PIA MILLER’S HAIR.
She naturally has the dream hair we otherwise spend hours trying to get. I also love Rooney Mara. Her hair doesn’t represent classic celebrity beauty. She’s got a punk edge and always looks strong.