The chunky-ends bob

 

 

You know that feeling when something is wrong with your hair but you are not sure what to do with it? Well, that is the benefit of having an amazing hairdresser.

Michael Charalambous knew instinctively what was wrong. “It looks like you have layers in your hair,” he says. “We need to cut it shorter so that the ends are chunky. Your hair will look thicker and be easier to style."

My hair had a lot of new growth coming through which had meant it was no longer one length. This new cut was the perfect remedy and would not require too much blow-drying.

According to Michael, heat is hair’s enemy, especially if it is fine. Think of your strands as a delicate fabric. Try to limit your use of hot tools.

Michael advised me to use a round brush and hairdryer to smooth out the hair rather than a hot brush or a hairdryer brush as these can heat up too much and damage fine locks. He also instructed me to use the medium setting on the dryer to help keep the hair healthy.

 

 

 

 

The cut is of paramount importance for a bob. Michael was so skilful in his technique that one of his experienced team members dubbed him the one and only after seeing his precision.

I loved it. But, what would it look like when I had to style it myself? Well, it was easy to get it straight. My hair has some curl in it, so when there is humidity in the air it will revert to its natural texture. However, with this cut when bits flick out or wave, it looks soft and pretty.

Another trick I learnt from Michael is to play with the parting. It not only changes your look but is better for the hair not to get used to it being in the same place all the time.

Forever updating my style, always impeccably cut and styled I agree, Michael is the one and only.

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

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

Tricks and tips for fighting fine, frizzy hair

 

 

If your hair is dry or/and damaged, you probably dread humidity as the outer layer of your strands suck in moisture from the air, causing them to swell up and frizz.

My locks are naturally prone to go fluffy. I have a lot of new hair coming through which produces even more fuzz.

As my strands were different lengths and thicker on top than at the bottom, my amazing hairdresser, Michael Charalambous at Nyumba in Chelsea, said we need to take my hair from skimming the collarbone to above the shoulder. I nodded in agreement and let him release his creative genius.

Having blunt ends helps to keep the hair weighed down and, in my case, makes it look denser. Michael advised me not to use too many products as my hair is fine. He suggested not rinsing out all of the conditioner. Leaving a light coating on my strands will provide a barrier between them and the heat from the dryer. 

 

 

 

All conditioners, be it a mask, deep conditioner or one that you instantly rinse out will make your hair feel softer as well as helping to reduce damage from brushing. Michael told me not to use oils as they can weigh the hair down too much and have the tendency to make it look greasy. He said I can add a drop of almond oil to my conditioner if I feel I need it. Choose what works for you.

Michael stressed the importance of reading the manufacturer’s instructions and following them implicitly. “This will give you the best results,” he said.

He also suggested leaving hair to air dry until it is approximately 70 per cent dry before picking up a brush. If your hair is curly you will want to leave in a bit more moisture than if you have straight locks.

Frequent colouring, over-styling with heated appliances and washing your hair too often can dry out the hair which only makes it frizzier.

In the winter, I rough-dry my hair with a hairdryer. I use my head as a giant roller to remove the kinks, always drying my strands from root to tip so I do not create the dreaded frizz. When it is almost dry, I pick up a brush to shape it.

Michael recommends using a round brush to smooth the hair. It is best to work in small sections. You want the cuticles to lie flat, so always blow-dry hair in the direction it lays.

I put the brush in as close to the root as possible and then wrap the hair once round the brush and pull it through to the ends as I follow it with the dryer.

You want to create enough tension to smooth your locks. You need to experiment to see what technique and type of brush works for your hair type.

My new cut has been easier to maintain during the continual damp weather we are experiencing. I feel sassy with it. Another success but what else would I expect from this great man?

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

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

 

Flipping out

 

 

Autumn is here and I have my much-needed appointment with my amazing hairdresser, Michael Charalambous.

Although my hair needs a good cut, the condition is remarkably good. No dry, brittle ends that I used to get when I coloured my hair. Michael’s tip of washing my grey hair in warm water rather than hot has definitely helped.

Blow-drying using heat protectants containing silicones left my hair feeling crunchy. I decided to experiment and use products that do not contain them. I also tried sulphate-free shampoos. My hair is much better for it.

Switching may not work for everyone. If your hair is like mine, fine, grey and dry, it may suit you. If you want to see if your tresses could benefit, without breaking the bank, start with baby shampoos which tend to be sulphate-free. You could also ask your hairdresser to wash your hair with a similar product on your next appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your hair is delicate, check out conditioners formulated for children. They can be gentler on the hair. Johnson's Shiny Drops Kids Conditioner (£3, Boots) was impressive. It left my hair soft and silky. It does not contain silicones. Before buying any product, I recommend checking the ingredients as they can change.

Michael advised me not to rinse out all of the conditioner. Leaving a little bit in the hair will help to protect it and prevent frizz.

Although a lot of people learned to embrace their natural texture during lockdown, I was not one of them. But given that my fluffy, fine hair has some curl in it, I am happy to wear the “hair flip”. My locks like to kick out naturally, especially when there is lots of humidity in the air.

Flicked-out ends were popular in the 60s and were given an edgy vibe back in the 90s. It seems now the flip has been once again been updated and is back on-trend.

Cut to sit on top of my shoulders, Michael parted my hair to the side. Yes, side-partings are back again. Blow-dried with lots of volume, the “midi-flick” with face-framing layers, which I seem to have naturally, is soft and flattering to the face. Best of all, it is low-maintenance.

I left the salon extremely happy with my new look.

 

By Daralyn Danns

 

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