Back to Josh Wood Atelier Lansdowne

When heat and humidity strike, it can only mean one four-letter word: frizz. Unless you are lucky enough to have been born with naturally straight hair which can be washed and is ready to go in any weather, you will know that this word is the downside of hot, summer days.

Trying to keep my hair looking good in this weather is a nightmare. When I am travelling and want to look respectable, at least, is a virtual impossibility.

So I decided go and get professional help from the rather special coiffeur Alessandro Jottini at the renowned Josh Wood Atelier Lansdowne. With Josh’s reputation as colour supremo extraordinaire spanning the globe, you know that anybody he employs would have to meet the highest of standards. After all this is where the elite go.

At this salon it is all about glamour with a modern day twist. Never rushed, you know you are going to have a great experience and that you are going to come out looking a million dollars. 

I explained to Alessandro that I was going away and wanted my hair to last as I had a couple of important dinners to attend.

“Oribe hair products are going to help you,” said Alessandro. Could they really be the answer to my prayers? I have to admit I was dubious. I have heard all the claims in my time working in the beauty industry. Some may help, a lot don’t make a blind bit of difference.

However, this is Oribe’s range we are talking about. The fabled editorial and celebrity hairdresser, who hails from Cuba and has been 30 plus years in the business, should know a thing or two about dealing with the “f” problem.

Alessandro first prepped my hair with a cocktail of Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream (£47), the perfect drink for my dry, porous hair and a dash of Split End Seal (£42). He then used the Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray (£41).

If you have long, curly hair, Alex, as he is called for short, suggests tying it back during the day and running a product such as the Supershine Moisturizing Cream or the Curl Control Silkening Crème (£36) through the ends and wear it down in the evening. When washing curly manes, his advice is to just add some product such as the ones mentioned above and then let it dry naturally.

When you are travelling and your tresses are looking worse for wear from too much sun and sea, try the Josh Wood Glossing Mask (available in three colours: black, brown and blonde, £12.50, Josh Wood Atlier and selected M&S stores). You will notice the difference.

Another product that has made my life easier is Josh’s “The Guardian of Colour” Blending Wand. This non-permanent instant colour, which comes out of what looks like a marker pen, hides those dreadful greys that seem to pop up unannounced as well as any regrowth. It lasts for up to three washes which is another plus so it is ideal for in-between salon visits. (Comes in a variety of colours, £12.50, from Josh Wood Atlier and selected M&S stores.)

Alex styled my hair with plenty of movement. I was really pleased as it did not look like I had spent the past hour in a stylist’s chair.

Yes, I did wear a sunhat as temperatures were rising to the giddy heights of 35C but in the evening, I just put my hands through my locks and hey presto, they returned to how they looked when I left Alex. Four days later, they still looked amazing and not one piece of frizz in sight. I could just start to believe in miracles! 

By Daralyn Danns

For more information visit joshwoodcolour.com

 

 

Hair treats

With all the rain around, it is hard keeping your hair frizz free, so here are a few goodies that will arm you in the battle.

Lenor Greyl Sérum de Soie Sublimateur, £24.50, Selfridges
Suitable for all hair types. This light serum can be used on damp or dry hair to keep your locks silky smooth. Ideal for fine hair as it does not weigh it down. A superb product that delivers.

Lee Stafford Arganoil from Morocco Moisture Injection Dry Conditioner, £8.99
I first tried this when I had been out in the damp and the ends of my hair resembled candyfloss. One spray and my hair was instantly transformed into healthy shining tresses. I am hooked!

Lee Stafford Arganoil from Morocco Anti Frizz Serum Spray, £9.99
A squirt of this once you have blow-dried your hair will help keep your hair sleek. You can also use it as a quick fix when you are out and about. Keep a can in your desk draw for emergencies.

Pantene Pro V Expert Collection Advanced Keratin Repair Shampoo, £5.99 and Conditioner, £5.99
In my books, Pantene produces some of the best conditioners on the market. This range is great for caring for damaged hair leaving it silky smooth without leaving any residue. Use the Split End Fuser (£6.99) to temporarily improve the appearance of ragged ends. 

By Daralyn Danns

Fighting frizz

I love the heat. The only downside is having to cope with hair that goes puffy and resembles straw rather than silk.

Hair that tends to frizz often is dry. The more damaged your hair, the worse the attack will be. If you leave it to dry naturally, in humid conditions, the hair’s cuticles absorb moisture from the air causing your locks to reshape resulting in, you guessed, the “F” word.

Having the right cut will help. Longer, one length hair has more weight (though due to hair growth it will never be all exactly one length) and helps hold the hair down.

Use moisturising shampoos and conditioners as well as a masque a couple of times a week. Kérastase or Wella Professionals are good. 

Pat your locks with a towel when you come out of the shower. Don’t rub as this will only rough up the cuticle. Comb your hair through with your fingers before drying for a few minutes with your hairdryer to remove any excess water. Use your fingers to lift it up at the roots. Keep moving the dryer in the direction that your hair grows. Don’t move your hair around as this will only make it fluffier.

Apply a product such as Moroccanoil Oil Treatment (£30.45) to the ends of the hair and start styling. Conditioners that contain silicone tend to tame your tresses as they aid them from absorbing moisture. Don’t use volumising formulas as they can make matters worse. 

You need to create tension to smooth the cuticle. Use a round bristle brush and work section by section, directing the heat down the hair shaft. Remember to adjust the heat setting on your dryer and switch to a lower heat when styling. Don’t hold the dryer directly on the hair, keep it a few centimetres away. Also, ensure that you constantly move the dryer so that you are not putting too much heat on one spot. 

I recommend the Parlux 385 PowerLight 385 (£135, hairtools.co.uk). This dryer is amazing. It is so light, you can concentrate on working that round brush. Worth every penny!

Always make sure that your hair is dried properly. If it is damp, it will only puff up.  Avoid over drying it. Work with your hair. If you have wavy or curly hair, don’t fight it. Once you have finished styling, use your cool air shot to seal your style.

Try not to use straighteners and curling irons as they will only make your locks drier.

If you get a frizz attack, you can pour a little conditioner or hair oil into your hand and dab it on to your tresses. Too much can make your hair oily, so be careful.

Tying your hair back, if it is long enough, until you reach your destination will help keep it smooth.

By Daralyn Danns

Turn up the volume

As we all know, this season’s hair is about working with what you were born with. As mine has got movement and texture, I am right on trend – albeit with a little work.

“We will finally get rid of your layers and keep it all one length, except for a side-sweeping fringe,” said hair supremo, Michael Charalambous. “Block cutting your hair will make it easier to manage and help keep the frizz at bay. Simple hair always looks chic and expensive.”

And, I couldn’t agree more. My hair is so much easier to style as the weight holds it down. even though it has been cut at the ends to maximise movement.

The key to keeping it looking good is to keep it well-conditioned. You don’t always have to spend a fortune on products for good results. The Dove hair therapy is a superb range. I am a fan of the Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner (£3.39) and the 60 second treatment shot (£1.49).

Chic hair

When it comes to fighting frizz, especially if you are going on holiday, one of the many hair oils on the market is a must. If you are not sure which one is right for you, ask your hairdresser.

I have recently tried Liz Earle’s new Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil (£15) which helps to smooth the hair and tame those frizzes.

The great thing about one length hair is that you also have plenty of style options. Wear it up, down, straight or curly or with a slight bend in the ends, which creates a contemporary look. “Hair is the mirror of the economy,” says Michael. “When times are tough women want to be able to style it themselves, they don’t want to be running up huge bills at the hairdressers.”

If you fancy a bit of 1980s-inspired glamour and want to turn up the volume, after you have blow-dried your hair, Michael recommends putting in some Velcro rollers, or sponge ones if you want to ensure that you don’t damage your hair, for a few hours and then running your hands through your hair to avoid the set look. “It makes your hair appear thicker, creates movement and it is a style that is easy to do yourself.”

By Daralyn Danns

For appointments with Michael Charalambous visit www.nyumbasalon.com