HAIR & NOW

Director of Auckland salon Una and winner of the 2022 L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy, Kelly Manu has her finger on the pulse — who better to ask for insider advice?

How did you get into hair styling, Kelly?

I actually just kind of fell into it. I originally trained as a make-up artist, but after a few years of freelance work, the TV/film industry I was working in hit a bit of a slump, so I decided to do a hair apprenticeship so I’d have that under my belt as well. I realised pretty quickly that I loved all the different paths you could take, and I’ve been enjoying it for 10 years now.

What was your hair like as a kid?

I was obsessed with colouring my hair from a young age. I remember sneaking some blue wash-out colour into the shopping trolley when I was about seven and getting in so much trouble! I had medium-brown hair with natural sun-kissed highlights that would pick up any fun colours I tried. I consistently had some sort of pink in my hair from age 11.

What is it about hair styling that attracts you the most?

As someone who’s always suffered from self-esteem issues, nothing makes my day more than creating beautiful hair for my clients and seeing their smiles when they walk out the door. Hair is such a major part of anyone’s image and a good hair day is such a confidence booster. I’m also so grateful for the wonderful connections

I get to make with my clients — that’s another thing that will always keep me in this industry.

How did it feel to win the prestigious

New Zealand L’Oréal Professionnel

Style & Colour Trophy?

The feeling was indescribable. It was something I’d always dreamed about but never actually thought would happen; I still have to pinch myself now, because it doesn’t feel real. It felt like I only had a moment to breathe before the news came through that I’d made it into the global finale with five other finalists, so it’s been an absolute whirlwind. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Paris and compete with the most amazing, lovely and talented stylists. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a competition 22,000 people entered, so to even make it to the top six was an incredible feat.

Tell us about the ‘salted caramel’ colour you created for your entry?

I wanted to create a beautiful French balayage for my model Britta that really suited her skin tone and brought out her features, and the salted caramel colour looked so luxe against her lovely olive skin. I used a combination of colours from L’Oréal’s Professionnel, Inoa Glow and Dia Light ranges to create the multidimensional look of the caramel tones — they give the most glossy and luminescent result that looks as if each hair strand is shimmering. Lived-in colour has been on trend for years now and it’s easy to see why: you get all the fun of an impactful colour in a blend that grows out seamlessly over time.

You paired your colour with a smooth, voluminous blow-dry. What’s the best way to recreate that style at home?

There are very few people who have mastered the round brush blow-wave on their own hair at home, and that’s okay! It’s not the easiest to do yourself and there a lots of alternatives. My favourite way to create this look at home is by using good old hot rollers — they’re perfect to pop in before you do your make-up, then when you’ve finished getting ready, you have this fab hair all ready to go. There are also lots of hairdryer brush gadgets coming out that would be great, or try using largebarrelled tongs to curl your hair, clipping each section up as it cools down.

What are five insider secrets you think everyone should know?

1. You need to double shampoo. Just like you double cleanse your face — well, if you don’t, you should! — you have to double shampoo your hair. It’s not until the second shampoo that all the dirt is removed and the technology of your shampoo can really work its magic.

2. Always use a heat protectant. If you’re drying your hair with a hairdryer or using another type of hot tool, please always apply protection first. I love the L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color 10-in-1 spray as it’s a multi-benefit product that not only gives you heat protection but also reduces the appearance of frizz, helps with split ends and is a great detangler.

3. Sleep on a silk pillow. The reduced friction will maintain the health of your hair — plus, it’ll help keep your skin youthful.

4. See a colour expert. Your hair colour can brighten your skin’s appearance or wash you out, so I recommend consulting a pro.

5. Use L’Oréal Metal Detox. Particularly if you lighten your hair, it’ll become your best friend. A L’Oréal Professionnel in-salon treatment with home haircare, it prevents breakage and makes your colour last longer. It really is the gold standard of treatments.