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

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 

 

 

  

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