Wednesday 21 February 2024

The versatile, short bob

 

My amazing hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, has a knack for instantly making my bob look fresh and up to the minute. He works with my hair and features to create the perfect style,

When he declared he was going to take it shorter, I did not bat an eyelid. From chin-grazing to skimming the jawbone, he gave me a classic, blunt bob cut complete with centre-parting and wispy fringe. Styled straight by Michael, it looked chic.

My hair has a natural kink. When the weather is damp and humid, it moves and shrinks up. Messy and tousled, with plenty of movement and body, I enter into French bob territory. (Usually cut skimming the cheek-bone with a full fringe.)

Learning to work with your hair’s natural texture makes life easier. My hair has a mind of its own. I have learnt to let it do its own thing.  It can go to from falling into waves and curls to the mushroom bob where the ends curl under and the overall shape looks like the top of a mushroom.

 

 


 

 

According to Michael, short hair is having a moment. You can understand why, it is easy to manage and can make the face look lifted. Longer hair, if it is not in good condition, especially on mature women, can drag the face down.

Cutting down on heat-styling helps keeps strands in better condition. Hair thins as you age and becomes drier. Products can make hair more manageable and make it look better. However, they will not get rid of damage. Going for the chop makes your strands look thicker and healthier.

You always know you have a good haircut by the compliments you receive. This cut gets me plenty from not just friends but from people I hardly know. It definitely has the wow factor!

 

By Daralyn Danns

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

Saturday 16 December 2023

Test before you buy your salon hair products

 


Warm and welcoming! Nyumba’s new temporary salon (54 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7JN, tel: +44 (0)20 7408 1489) reflects the personality of its owner, Michael Charalambous and his team.

My hair had grown a lot over the last few weeks so I was in need of a cut. Michael took off about one and a half inches (almost 4cm). Having worn my hair in a longer bob for almost a year, this chin-skimming version looked and felt sassier.

As he was working away, we got on to the subject of products. Salons, generally, encourage you to buy theirs. Michael does not.

Most of us have been there. You buy the shampoo, conditioner and styling aids the stylist used, thinking you will achieve the same result at home. Often, you are disappointed. If that is the case you are not alone. Michael says: “Some clients have said the products work in the salon but not at home.”

 

 


 

 

A hairdresser told me years ago that it did not matter what products I used, it is your blow-drying skills that make the difference between a good hair day and a bad one. In my case, this holds true.

Michael stresses not all styling aids work for all hair types. He also points out that while a range may have one or two great items, others may not be quite so impressive. What is important is to use the right ones for your hair type.

For the salon, Michael buys the best from each line, unlike many salons who only stock one or two brands. He will also source products that work for clients’ specific needs. He does not want them to buy something until they are sure that the conditioner, styling cream, etc really is making a difference.

Michael also has a word of caution about some of the new hairdryers and hot air stylers and brushes on the market. He finds that they get too hot and can damage the hair. He has seen too many clients come in with frazzled strands.

When he opens his new salon, he is thinking of taking a completely different approach to most salons. He does not intend to sell any products!

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

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

 

 

Saturday 21 October 2023

When women reach a certain age, should they cut their hair?

 

The bob has always been my favourite hairstyle. Throughout the years I have worn the style with different variations. I have had longer versions, I have worn it straight, curly, the ends flipped out and turned under.

I have also had long hair. However, I always go back to the bob. My wonderful hairdresser, the amazing Michael Charalambous is always adapting my cut to ensure that it flatters me, works with my hair as well being on-trend.

There is nothing that beats the feeling when I leave the salon with my hair looking incredible. (Michael has that magic touch that I have never found with anybody else.) 

I have found that, because I have such a great cut, it is easy to style. Michael’s take on the Italian bob lets me wear it sleek or with an edgy, lived-in look which works so well with my natural curl.

“Whether you cut your hair when you get older depends on several factors,” says Michael. “Texture plays an important part. As you get older hair tends to become thinner, frizzier and drier and harder to manage.

“Long hair, especially if it is not in good condition, worn straight or curly can be too harsh against an ageing face. You also have to take your face shape, your height and lifestyle into consideration.”





Cutting your locks shorter will make them appear more voluminous and make the face seem as if it has been lifted. Going for the chop can help conceal the visible signs of ageing hair. Fringes can be a great asset as they tend to hide lines and soften your overall appearance.

The hue of your hair is also important. Dark, long coloured hair can throw a shadow on to the face and can make it look haggard. Whereas silver grey hair can actually light up your skin and make it glow. You may find that you need less make-up as well.

Michael says you can use extensions to help make your hair more abundant but they have to be professionally cut and styled. You only have to turn on the TV to see women with extensions that totally overpower them.

Ultimately, it is your decision. You have to be confident with your hair. After all, it is your crowning glory.

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

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

Tuesday 10 October 2023

Review Alterna My Hair My Canvas, Texture & Curls collection

 


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 new Texture and Curls collection as I have found Aterna’s products to be good.

 

Positives

Silicone-free and vegan-friendly.

All products had a subtle fragrance.

Begin Again Curl Cleanser (£22.95, alternadirect.co.uk) produced a light lather and was gentle.

Begin Again Curl Conditioner (£22.95) did a good job of moisturising and leaving my hair tangle-free. It also worked well on my hair as a leave-in conditioner. Use a small amount, rub it into your hands, apply to the hair and then style.

More Butter Masque (£27.85) was rich and nourishing. It left my locks silky soft and helped to reduce frizz. This was my favourite product.

My Way Cool Defining Gel (£20.90) was ideal to calm flyaways.

 

 


 

 

Not so positive

Loosen Up Curl Elongator (£20.90) was not rich enough for my hair. I had to mix it with a small amount of the conditioner. I used a hairdryer and was left with loose curls and waves. Next day I reactivated it using water and added some more of the mixture.

 

By Daralyn Danns