Trick for great hair is a trim
Grand Central Shopping Centre’s Price Attack’s stylist offers her tips to make sure your hair is looking fabulous
LET’S be real.
There are so many things on our mind when it comes to getting formal fresh and fierce - the dress or suit, the shoes, the tan, the make-up and of course, the hair.
Formal season is just around the corner (and so are the stress levels) but The Chronicle spoke to Grand Central Shopping Centre Price Attack stylist Ali Barber to find out some tips and tricks to help you look glam before, during and after the big night.
PRE-FORMAL
Whether you are planning on having a fancy up-do or an elegant locks-out style, Ms Barber said the best step to prepare your hair for a styling was by getting a trim. “Yes, a trim,” she said. “It is recommended to get a trim every four to six weeks to prevent split ends and even encourage growth. Shocker, we know.
“So a few weeks before the event, book into get a trim so you can have the best and healthiest version of your hair ready for your styling session.
“While you’re there, why not consult with your stylist about what style you’re wanting and what they can do for you.”
In addition to helping your hair be strong and ready for your formal style, Ms Barber said finding a shampoo and conditioner that was perfect for your hair type could make a massive difference to the health of your precious tresses.
“If you have dry, oily, curly straight or blonde hair, there is a product dedicated to training and taming your magnificent mane,” she said.
“If you are addicted to straightening, curling and blow drying your hair (like the many of us), another great way to help try and prevent those nasty split ends is by using a heat protection spray before styling your hair.
“By applying a little spray prior to putting that 200 degree iron on your hair can make the world of difference to the strength and split ends.”
THE BIG DAY
Ms Barber said your first task for the day is to wash your hair.
“Make sure you hair is washed before your hair appointment to save time and improve the outcome of your up do,” she said.
“Arrive early to your appointment and with images of your dress, make-up and preferred style.
“Maybe have some photos for ‘inspo’ so you can guide your stylist in making you look perfect (your stylist should have helped you pick when you got a trim).”
Ms Barber said on your way home from your appointment, stay on the “safe side of life” and stop flyaways by keeping your windows up for the drive home or the air-conditioning fan on low, so your style doesn’t get blown away.
“And finally, always take an umbrella. You never know what will happen.”
POST-FORMAL
“So the night of nights has passed, but your hair care can’t end there,” Ms Barber said.
“You’ve worked so hard to keep your mane in top shape, there’s no point in going back on it now.
“Remember the amount of hairspray you put on your head to keep that do in check?
“The next step is to repair and refresh and the perfect way to do that is with a hair mask. A good mask can reconstruct dry, damaged or chemically treated hair and restore your hair’s elasticity.”
She said another product that helped daily hair care is Moroccanoil.
She said it made hair silky and smooth and could completely transform your hair by infusing it with antioxidant-rich argan oil.
“It is hydrating, moisturising, nourishing, repairing and will boost the shine in your hair,” she said.
Ms Barber suggested after all the fun celebrations, why not get a fresh new cut?
“You’ve probably been growing your hair out for the last year so you can have long gorgeous locks for your special day,” she said.
“Nothing says ‘new me’ like a fresh cut.
“Take the plunge and do something new.”