POST SUMMER STRANDS
You don’t need a cupboard full of products to revive and heal hair that’s been over-exposed to the elements
Matt Clements, Schwarzkopf Professional international colour ambassador, is here to help get those beach-loving locks back in the best condition for winter and share the lowdown on what’s trending in colour, cuts and shape for the chilly seasons ahead.
“Salvaging your precious locks after summer doesn’t need to be a hard task, nor will you need a cupboard full of products,” says Clements. But he does advise the importance of a professionally prescribed weekly treatment program specifically “aligned to the colour services you’ve had – including mechanical blow-drying and straightening, as these too can leave your hair heat-damaged and stressed”.
Most of us can attest to being diligent with sunscreen during the harsh Australian summer. But our hair is also exposed to the elements, quite often, without any protection. “Post-sun and surf care needs immediate attention. Make sure you rinse your hair thoroughly after leaving the beach or the pool. Applying a strengthening and moisturising mask is best. For blondes, try Schwarzkopf Professional’s Blondme twice weekly for 20 minutes or more if needed,” says Clements.
Once the condition is back on track, it’s time for a winter hair workout. “A winter hair-care routine is imperative to getting your hair back to optimum condition and shine during the colder months. Book a weekly salon treatment pamper session – this is great for your hair and great for you!” he says.
For home care, shampoo and gently towel dry. Apply a small amount of mask ( but enough to feel that your hair has absorbed the product). “Massage through your hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse and style as normal,” he says.
So what colours are trending? “Everything is really ‘in’. Blondes, brunettes, red and coppers as well as naturals … but what makes them different seasonally is hair is an accessory to the fashion trends coming and adapts accordingly,” claims Clements, adding that balayage and freestyle painting is still on trend, too. “Multi-tone blondes are causing a stir and faded pastel tones, particularly muted soft pinks, coral blondes and silver blue blushes.
“We will see, in the coming months, more striking metallic tones – bolder shades than we see at the moment. Gold, gold, gold will be on the hair of serious blondes, brighter bold colour blocking such as burnt coppers as well as intensely bright and striking bleached white blondes are on the way,” he notes.
As for his muse or celebrity hair crush, Clements can’t look passed Tilda Swinton. “She oozes confidence in whatever she’s wearing as well as steering her own direction. I always like the simplicity of Sienna Miller’s look, and so many others – model Kaia Gerber, and I still dig Madonna’s style...
I’ve always loved the classically styled hair referencing the looks from the ’50s and ’60s and the melding of braids. There’s also the influence of strong directional haircutting, such as short chopped fringes and bold solid shapes.”