Celebrating curls

“You were born with curly hair, not straight! You have to embrace it,” says my wonderful hairdresser, Michael Charalambous. 

Well, I am listening and I have. He approves of my curly look as he examines my hair before my regular trim. Working with my natural texture means I have more body and volume than when I wear it straight. I have the look of the moment without any effort. It is that lived-in look which French women are renowned for.

A sleek bob is always chic, but it can look too severe on mature faces unless you have plenty of volume. Letting my hair air-dry softens my appearance. Michael also says that my hair is in better condition as I am not constantly straightening it with a round brush and using lots of heat.

Straight with a little movement, blow-dried by Michael

Working with my natural texture means that I don’t have to worry about every  strand being in place when I walk down the street. Frizz and flyaways are more noticeable when you wear your hair sleek, especially in humid conditions. It also goes flat quickly.

As hair turns grey the texture changes. It becomes drier and coarser. Excessive blow-drying can exacerbate dryness and frizz. Forcing your hair straight needs more manipulation which is not good for its health. 

In the summer I tend to let it dry naturally. I have recently discovered Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Cream (£8.50, Boots). As it is hard to find a leave-in conditioning cream, I decided to try it. My hair seems to like it. It makes it so silky and soft. I use a little as my hair is fine.

Michael says apply product to wet hair and leave it. Do not touch your hair until it is dry and then break up clumps of curls with your fingers.

Dried naturally

When I want a more polished look, I use a dryer. I bend my head forward for the first couple of minutes, which Michael says helps with volume. When my hair is about 50 percent dry, I bring my head up and dry my hair the way it naturally falls. I keep some movement in the ends and also leave a bit of moisture in it so I'm not over-drying my strands.

You can also use your fingers to help style it. When your hair is almost dry, take large sections and wrap them loosely round your fingers (as if you were using a roller). Begin at the root. Once you reach the bottom, slide your finger out and release.

Michael dries my hair sleek so he can check the cut. I love it when he styles it because I get the look I love. However, since I want healthy hair, I will listen to what he tells me and work with my natural texture in-between salon visits.

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration, visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon

Silicones are back on the menu

As humidity strikes, so does the dreaded frizz. Like most women, I hate puffy hair and want to try and manage it as best I can.

Last time, I saw my sensational hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, he suggested trying silicone-based products again. Silicones create a barrier helping to seal moisture in the hair. “This will assist in taming frizz. They also add shine and make hair more manageable,” he said.

I played with oils, but found they sat on top of my fine hair and made it greasy.  Leave-in conditioners without silicones did not make any difference. The oil-based ones were too heavy and weighed my hair down.

As I happened to be in Boots, I noticed Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek 3 Minute Miracle Rich Conditioner for Frizzy, Dry Hair, which was on offer for £3.30. It contains bis-aminopropyl dimethicone which, reportedly, has good conditioning and smoothing properties. Also, I am using John Frieda Frizz Ease All-in-1 Lightweight Serum (£9.10). 

Did they work? Well, I got caught in the rain the other day and my hair was not as frizzy as usual. I am also trying to limit my use of humectants in high humidity. Ingredients such as glycerine and propylene glycol draw moisture from the air making the hair shaft swell. The cuticle lifts and you are left with an unruly mess. 

If you have the same problem, check the ingredients. If you find any humectants in the top five, look for something else.

Michael said my hair was in good condition. He said the chin-length bob is working well for me as I can wear it straight or curly. 

When I style it, I prefer to leave in movement. Constant straightening with a round brush is not good for the hair. 

Michael always makes it look amazing. However, when you do it yourself, it is hard to get the volume. Without it, my locks can look too severe. Having some waves and curls gives added softness and fullness and is more flattering against my face.

A great haircut is essential if you want low-maintenance hair.

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration, visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon

Is your hair ageing you?

 

As we age hair becomes thinner and drier. You may also find that the texture also changes.

“Long hair can be ageing,” says hair guru, Michael Charalambous. “If the ends are wispy and dry, they will not enhance your appearance. Choose a style that works with your face shape and natural texture.”

He also points out that the pigment in your skin lightens as you get older. “Colour that is too dark or too heavy, especially around your face, will wash you out.

“A small style tweak can make all the difference,” explains Michael. “Each time you go to your hairdresser, they need to evaluate your hair. Seasonal changes can affect your crowning glory. Hot and humid weather can cause frizz, while cold weather can make it dry and increase shedding.”

It is spring. and I have a lot of new hair coming through which is good. However, these small hairs can make it look fluffy. Michael suggests going shorter. “A chin-length bob, with a thicker fringe, will make it look fuller,” he says.

Fringes are great for highlighting cheekbones and bringing out your eyes, In addition, they can hide lines on your forehead.

He advises me not to have a weekly professional blow-dry. “It will damage your fragile hair,” he adds.

Michael goes on to say that regularly exposing hair to high heat, at any age, will result in brittle and frizzy locks. In my case, he suggests working with my natural texture (it has a natural kink) and air-drying my locks as much as possible or quickly rough-drying them with the hairdryer.

I am thrilled with my new look. Beautiful and sleek. As the humidity kicks in, my hair falls into waves. It is relaxed with a textured slightly tousled look, perfect for summer.

 

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

 

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The perfect bob

 

The classic bob has always been my favourite hair style. Trends may come and go.  This cut is highly versatile and can be customised to suit your hair type.

Over the last few months, I have been experimenting with the length. As my hair got longer, it lacked volume.

My amazing hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, took one look at my strands and said: “We need to go shorter!”

Hair tends to become thinner, frizzier and drier as you get older. This makes it harder to manage.

"Cutting your locks shorter will make them appear more voluminous and make the face seem as if it has been lifted," says Michael.

Since my hair is fine, a one-length bob keeps the ends chunky. “The best length is below the chin and above the shoulders,”  he says.

Michael does not believe in following hair trends. “It is important to have a cut you like and works with your hair type. You also have to take your face shape, your height and lifestyle into consideration. Your cut should be created with you in mind," he says.

There is a name for every kind of bob. It is not always the cut that makes it different, it is how you style it.

An easy refresh is to move your parting. It changes your look dramatically. Wearing it on the side gives me more lift at the roots and softens my features.

Michael blow-dried my bob with the ends slightly curled under. It was amazing!  Sleek, polished locks can be difficult to get at home. He suggests, when I style it myself, going for a more relaxed look.

“Enhancing your natural texture can help to give body and movement, making it ideal for those with fine hair,” he adds. “If yours doesn't look good air-dried, add a little texture through the ends using your hairdryer and fingers.”

I have the perfect bob.

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

Keeping haircare simple

Keeping haircare simple has worked for me. My strands are healthy and in good condition.

I am so glad I took the advice of my exceptionally talented hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, and did not use any heated appliances over the summer.

Giving up silicones and sulphates has definitely made a difference. I use Johnson’s kids range and am pleased with the results. I am experimenting with different leave-in conditioners as I am using a hairdryer again.

“This is the best I have seen your hair,” says Michael. “Length seems to be the answer to your frizz problem.  Let’s grow it over the winter and see what happens.”

He advises limiting the use of hot styling tools. He finds many of the new ones on the market can get too hot and can cause considerable damage.

On Michael’s advice, I am drying all my hair forward. “This will add volume and help straighten it,” he says.

To prevent frizz, I use the widest nozzle on my hair dryer and keep the speed and heat settings low. Once dry, I use my fingers to comb it into place and flatten any flyaways.

Considering hair extensions? Michael says you can use them to help make your hair more abundant but they have to be installed by a professional.

“They may not be right for everybody,” he adds. “Constant tension on your scalp can result in hair loss and breakage.”

They have to be cut and styled by an expert. You only have to turn on the TV to see women with extensions that totally overpower them. “You have to maintain them properly. All this can be costly,” he says. You need to do your research before you commit.

I left the salon, as usual, with a superb cut and blow-dry. My hair, thank goodness, is now doing full justice to his excellent work.

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

 

  

Fall for thick fringes

 

“It is autumn, I am going to give you a thick fringe,” my amazing hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, declared as I sat in the chair for our pre-cut consultation.

Not only do thick fringes make a statement, Michael explained, they also make fine hair look more luxuriant.

There are plenty of other advantages as well. They can also make you look younger as they cover up lines on your forehead. Working with your face shape, your stylist can cut your fringe so that it emphasises your eyes and cheekbones.

I am always amazed at how Michael constantly finds new ways of updating my look. This latest update to my bob is stunning. I know I am reaping the fringe benefits by the amount of comments I have had. Small change, big difference!

By Daralyn Danns

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

Spotlight on Alterna Moisture Intensive Ceramide Shots

 

 

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

 

My fine and fluffy curly hair was in need of a helping hand. I was keen to try the ALTERNA Moisture Intensive Ceramide Shots (£52.10) as I have found Alterna’s products to be good.

What are they?

“A potent dose of nourishing ceramides within a single-dose biodegradable capsule,” says Alterna. 

As well as providing a boost of hydration, the company also claims these shots reduce frizz and breakage.

(Ingredients list and instructions on how to use the product can be found on its website. Click on the link above.) 

 

 

 

Positives

Lightweight, not oily.

Made my hair smoother and helped to tame frizz.

Versatile. You can use this serum on dry or damp hair or mix it in with your conditioner or hair mask. I tried all three ways. I also used the Caviar Replenishing Moisture Leave-In Conditioning Milk (£35) before applying the serum. Subtle scent.

Convenient for travelling.

Helps to protect hair from heat.

 

 

Not so positive

Expensive. The jar contains 25 capsules. You may need to use two if you have long hair. However, using one weekly makes it affordable.

The products contain silicones. However, they do help smooth the hair. If you are concerned about build-up, you can limit your use.

 

 

By Daralyn Danns

Fixing dry, brittle grey hair

 

My dry, brittle grey hair has become softer and smoother. I am delighted!

Michael Charalambous, my brilliant hairdresser, advised me to air-dry my locks over the summer. The over-use of heated appliances can cause hair to lose moisture making it drier and frizzier.

Giving up silicones and sulphates has definitely made a difference.  My latest discovery is Johnson’s Kids Curl Defining Conditioner Spray, which I recently picked up at Boots. At £2.50 (on offer), it was worth trying. I was pleased with the results. It left my hair soft and silky. Most styling products and leave-in conditioners tend to leave it crunchy. 

As you age, your hair becomes drier and thinner. Having a healthy, balanced diet is imperative if you want good hair. I eat plenty of oily fish such as salmon or sardines. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that the body does not produce itself and are, reportedly, beneficial for your hair.  Drinking plenty of water, apparently, helps as well.

I was delighted when Michael noticed the change in my hair. Gone were the frizzy curls. Now I had soft waves with hardly any fluffiness.

“Since Covid, hairdressing has changed,” says Michael. “Clients got used to doing their own hair and now want relaxed styles which are easier for them to manage. Waves are the most requested look.” 

 

 

I was pleased to hear that my hair is on-trend. I was also relieved to hear that we did not need to go as short this time, as Michael said the condition of my hair was better.

As always, Michael likes to do a little tweak. This time, instead of curtain bangs, he added a soft, feathery fringe.

I loved the look, my favourite since I adopted my natural hair colour. I felt a spring in my step when I left the salon.

I got plenty of compliments from friends with the new look. What really made me rather chuffed was when a couple of complete strangers stopped me while I was shopping to say what lovely hair. An endorsement indeed!

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon 

 

 

Is a bob right for you?

 

The bob has always been my favourite hairstyle. Over the years I have countless versions. While trends come and go, this classic never seems to go out of fashion. In 2024, it is still one of the most popular cuts.

However, according to acclaimed hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, the bob is not right for everybody. “Some people do not suit short hair”, he says.

He goes on to say that choosing the right style, no matter your age, depends on your hair texture, face shape, height, personal style and, most importantly, maintenance. Will you be able to manage it yourself?

If you are considering a choppy bob, you have to take into account whether your hair is suited to layers. Not everybody’s is.

He cites me has a good example. I have a lot of fine hair with plenty of baby hairs. So I have natural layers. Adding more would result in uncontrollable frizz.

I remember a certain “celebrity” hairdresser convincing me to add layers to the bottom of my long hair to bring out the curl. Working with my natural texture would make it easier to manage, he told me. Famous last words.

It looked fine when I left the salon. The next day the hair at the back of my head resembled a bird’s nest. I had to go to another stylist and get it cut into a bob.

 

 

Classic and timeless

 

 

What works for one person might not work for another. Remember trends come and go. Opting for a look that is classic and timeless is the safest bet.

With Michael’s version of the French bob, I can wear it smooth or with movement. When I style it myself, I prefer to work with the natural kink and wave in my hair. It is much softer against my face.

Michael advises to let hair dry naturally in the summer so it gets a rest from heated appliances. To prevent curly hair expanding, Michael suggests when your hair is slightly damp to put on a wide hairband. This will help to keep it flatter and closer to your head.

When I want my hair smoother, I use a hairdryer. I tip my head forward to get volume. When it is almost dry, I push the hair back and shape it with my fingers. This brings out the natural movement. I use the round brush when I am going out.

I am so glad that I listened to Michael and embraced my natural colour and texture. The condition is so much better and it is shiny. Something I never achieved when I dyed my hair. Lighter hair is much more flattering as you get older. This style makes me feel sassy and edgy. 

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

For inspiration visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon