How to look younger instantly

The bob is the cut of the moment. It might also be the quickest way to look younger.  From highly-polished and sleek to textured and sliced, there are countless versions.

According to acclaimed hairdresser Michael Charalambous, the right style for your face shape and hair texture can instantly make you look younger.

“When a bob is cut well, it frames the face, adds volume and makes hair look thicker. As well as drawing the eye upwards, emphasising cheekbones and defining the jawline, it can also soften fine lines,” says Michael. “Long hair can drag the features down, a short cut makes you look rejuvenated. It may even work better than Botox and fillers.”

Michael points out that too much filler and Botox can lead to puffiness that looks unnatural. While these treatments are intended to create a more youthful appearance, overdoing them can sometimes have the opposite effect.

“As we age, our faces naturally lose volume,” he explains. “Many people try to compensate by using more filler and Botox, but this can alter the face’s natural proportions and make it appear distorted. Instead of creating a fresher, younger look, excessive treatments can actually make someone appear older.”

He also says you can have the most amazing haircut but if what you are wearing does not complement it, you may still look older. 

“Pay a nod to a trend and incorporate it into your overall style,” Michael advises. “It is also important to update your make-up as well. Less is more.”

Before taking the plunge with a bob, make sure your stylist sees your hair in its natural state. This cut demands precision and any mistakes will show – especially when you're blow-drying at home. Whichever bob you choose it has to be personalised to you.

Michael looked at my bob which was past my chin. “We are going jaw-length with a side fringe. A shorter blunt cut makes fine hair look thicker. Tucking one side behind the ear will give it a modern vibe,” he adds.

My friends say it looks both classy and edgy. Looking younger instantly might be as simple as booking a hair appointment. 

By Daralyn Danns

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

The Lunar Hair Lift: A Small Tweak Can Make a Big Difference

“Out with the old” is a key Chinese New Year tradition. Cutting your hair is believed to clear bad luck from the previous year and refresh your energy for the next 12 months.

Whether you are celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse (starting February 17) or not, a new hairstyle is a powerful reset. It can instantly lift your mood and make you feel like a new person. But, you do not always need to do something drastic. A small tweak can be all it takes to make a big difference.

My hairdresser, Michael Charalambous, understood this instantly. I knew I needed a change, but didn’t know what. Before I could speak, he suggested going from a chin-length bob to a jaw-length cut.

The result was amazing. My hair looked thicker, was easier to manage, and I felt edgier and more sassy. A jaw-length cut frames the face and highlights bone structure, drawing attention upward to the eyes. Sharp, intentional lines create a bold, striking look.

Last year, Michael changed my parting from side to middle and added a full fringe. With grey hair, a centre parting balances the face and colour. A deep side parting can highlight uneven thickness. Bangs can hide forehead lines and create symmetry, giving a lifted appearance. They can also make you look years younger – and cheaper than Botox!

Side fringes can be beautiful. But depending on the angle and length, they may draw attention to lines or sagging eyelids.

“Movement and shine are signs of youthful hair,” says Michael. Sometimes a new blow-dry technique or a better conditioner can feel like a whole new haircut.  

 By Daralyn Danns

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

The secret to great hair days

When your hair looks good, you feel good. According to renowned hairstylist, Michael Charalambous, the secret to great hair days is simple. “The less you do, the better,” he says. 

A flattering cut is where it starts. It should suit your face shape and work with your hair texture. “You need to be able to manage it at home,” says Michael. “ A consultation is essential. Your stylist needs to understand your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend styling your hair.”

Each time you see your hairdresser you should have a discussion about your hair. “A small tweak can make all the difference. For example, a fringe can highlight your eyes and cheekbones as well as cover wrinkles,” says Michael. “The right hairstyle can make you look younger.”

How often you wash your hair depends on its texture. Fine hair that tends to go oily quickly will need to be shampooed more frequently than dry or curly hair. “Hair looks best when it is clean. It looks smoother, shinier and has more volume,” says Michael. “It revitalises you.”

As for products, he believes you can use the same shampoos and conditioners indefinitely. “You only need to switch if your hair texture changes. For example, your hair becomes drier, it will need a richer formulation,” he says. 

A trick I picked up from Michael is not to rinse out all the conditioner. Leaving a little in the ends keeps hair moisturised without weighing it down.

You should not over blow-dry your hair or use too many products. “Avoid straighteners, hot brushes and tongs,” says Michael. “They can leave hair dry, dull and damaged. You have more control using a round brush and dryer. I never use straighteners in the salon. A competent stylist should be able to blow-dry hair smooth and straight.”

Climate also plays a role in how your hair behaves. You need to know how your crowing glory reacts in different conditions so that you can alter your styling regime accordingly.

Another of Michael’s golden rules: avoid tight clips and bands. “Using them repeated in the same place can cause breakage,” he warns.

A small change can have a rejuvenating effect. “Not everybody suits long hair,”  says Michael. “Long hair can drag your face down, shorter hair tends to lift it.”

He also advises against sticking to the same hair colour you had in your youth. Dark hair can be too harsh and heavy on an ageing face.

Before you think about cosmetic surgery or tweakments, take Michael’s advice and change your hair first.

By Daralyn Danns

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

How to choose the right hairdresser

Over the years, I have been to the best of the best hairdressers, including Trevor Sorbie, Antoinette Beenders, Richard Ward, James Galvin, countless top stylists at John Frieda, Nicky Clarke, Michaeljohn and Neville Hair and Beauty, as well as visits to Hershesons, Josh Wood, and Michael Van Clarke.

I have been going to my current hairdresser, Michael Charalambous at Nyumba, for several years. When we first met, I knew there was an immediate connection between us. He just got my hair. “Layers will not work on your fine hair,” he declared. He studied my face shape and features, my overall style, and my height. We went for a one-length lob.

As time has moved on, so has my hair. Michael is always changing it, keeping me looking contemporary. I have had countless styles. It has gone from long to short. My side-parting moved to off-centre, before, finally, settling in the middle. 

My tresses have been black-brown and blonde as well as many shades in between. I have had highlights and lowlights. Michael persuaded me to stop colouring my hair. My locks did not like the chemicals, and the condition deteriorated. The Covid lockdowns provided the ideal opportunity to grow out the dye. I am so glad I did.

He also persuaded me to have a fringe. We started with small, wispy bangs and ended up with a full fringe, which I am loving as it works well with my new short, flipped-out bob. That is a recent change. Michael said that the flipped-out ends create width and prevent the hair from looking flat. Short draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. 

A good hairdresser should really know your hair and be honest about what it can and cannot do. You need to have a bond with your stylist. You should tell them about your hair’s quirks. They can alter from season to season. Your texture can change as you get older, so you may need to update your style. It is important to have a conversation every time you have your hair cut, as a small tweak can make all the difference to your look. Your cut should flatter your best features.

Ask friends with similar hair to yours for recommendations or stop somebody in the street or in a shop and ask them. They will be flattered. A salon may get a lot of press coverage, but that does not mean they will have the stylist for you. It is not where you go but who you go to that counts.

You can research styles on Instagram and see whose name and pictures of their work come up. You can pop into your local salon and ask them if they have a senior stylist who specialises in the type of cut you want, for example, pixie cuts. If you have fine locks, you want somebody who is an expert with this type of hair.

Take pictures to show what you like and what you do not like. Do not say I want 10 cms taken off the length. Your idea and their idea of 10 cms may not be the same.  Tell them how much you want off the length by showing them. For example, if you do not want your hair shorter than your chin, point to where you want it. 

You should have a conversation about what you like and did not like about previous cuts. If you do not want to spend a lot of time styling your hair, tell them.  If you do not want to be going every few weeks for a trim, say so. You should always go for a few consultations before you pick the one.

Before booking your appointment, go away and think about it. Putting in the effort should ensure you end up with a cut that suits you and makes you feel good.

By Daralyn Danns

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

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