Hair today, gone tomorrow, top stylist, Gareth Bromell talks us through the horrors of home dyes as well as how to love and look after your hair during these trying times.
It will be a while until earth stabilises again and of course until we, the inhabitants find a new equilibrium. Throughout the last few months many of us have learned a lot about ourselves, and a lot of lessons; to find joy in simpler pleasures, to mend and make good, to ration, to make time to disconnect from technology, and of course to go without everyday luxuries that we previously took for granted. In fact, many of us have redefined what luxury means to us through these life changing times.
The importance of great haircare
One of the simple luxuries many of us previously took for granted was haircare. For men and women alike the rush to get an available appointment when infection levels allow for this simple grooming ritual and the unpredictability of the slamming of the salon doors has moved hair care into a new luxury category of its own. But hair has been of importance for eons. From as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, through the last millennium, to the stars of today hair has played, and continues to play a key role in supporting self-image.
Looking good, feeling good
It’s no secret that when we emerge from the salon we feel almost transformed with a feeling of renewal, and when you need a pick me up from time to time, grooming can really lift your mood, and there is relevant cause to back this up. In fact, Vivian Diller, Ph.D, author of ‘Face It’ states that “Styled, well-kept hair gives us the external appearance of being well managed and it can contribute to feeling that way internally. Some people say that a manicure or pedicure creates a similar sense of feeling in control.”
DIY Haircare
During these strange times many of us have found ourselves turning to more holistic haircare methods, whether this is convenient home trims, natural hair masks, whacky dye jobs or even experimenting with how long our hair will last between washes. But not all home hair care is successful, and some treatments are best left to the professionals such as celebrity hair stylist Gareth Bromell, who will soon be launching his salon in Harvey Nichols, Dublin - H by Gareth Bromell. Here, we speak with the hair legend about how to avoid unruly lockdown locks, embracing greys, and start planning our next salon trips.
Our hair has had a stressful and alien year of sorts with multiple missed appointments and some suffering the plight of home trims... Aside from a few wonky fringes, have you noticed any common issues that have sprung up in recent months with the on again/off again salon appointments?
Bad home dyes, my advice is not to do this at home.
What would you say are the best ways to prep your hair for autumn/winter after the long summer we’ve had?
I love to recommend my clients scalp treatments... to revive and soothe the scalp and nourish the hair with a moisturizing mask. I love all things Philip Kingsly.
With wet and wild weather about, what would you suggest for straight(ish) hair that is prone to frizz?
I say always prep hair before [a] blow dry with a nice smoothing cream and anti humidity spray .
For curly hair, how can you best keep your coils intact when it’s windy and rainy?
Wearing a stylish silk scarf to protect from moisture and frizz!
To diffuse or not to diffuse... For those of us with wavy and straight combination hair, how would you best style it?
It all depends on what you want to achieve. Diffusing the hair will add texture, movement and volume. If you don't want the volume, don't diffuse .
What hero hair products would you suggest for autumn/winter?
Kiehl's Silk Groom, Hersheson’s Almost Everything Cream and Evos Easy Tiger Straightening Balm.
What are your favourite women’s hair trends for autumn/winter 20?
The Shag, Miley Cirus mullet and the Bardot curtain bang.
And for men?
Skinhead military or grown out 70s, like Robert Redford.
Fringes are so popular at the moment, despite the threat of lockdowns, what’s your top tip for anyone wanting to commit to bangs this season?
ALWAYS leave it longer than shorter. Same rule [applies] if you're going to trim it yourself.
You are super talented at achieving an effortless bit of texture for a relaxed but chic look for men and women’s hair. Any tips on how to achieve this kind of look for mere mortals?
Thank you! I would say when coming to styling, less is more, don't think about it too much and don't over style.
What’s the most surreal hair styling moment you’ve had during the pandemic?
LOL, watching people at home, good and bad recreating their looks.
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