Ah, spring. Everything’s coming back to life after our long, cold miserable winter (Queensland sarcasm alert), and we’re starting to look towards the lighter, brighter things in life.
We are also turning to Brisbane’s best hairdressers to pull us out of the big freeze when it comes to our tired, bedraggled follicles, and take us to the hairstyle hot-zone. Which is where we all want to be, fyi.
Hairstyles come and go don’chya know—and really damn quickly sometimes; without the proper guidance you’re likely to leave the salon looking like a llama with last year’s balayage, pastel, striped foils, *insert other hairstyle faux pas here* etc, etc.
So in the interest of keeping you up to the minute, and so you know why your hair always ends up being an obnoxious mess, we asked Brisbane’s best hairdressers why you are doing this season’s hairstyles all wrong.
Read on and school up, to avoid these mistakes like the hairstyle rockstar you are.
Trend 1: Texturised LOB
“It’s all about breaking free from the structure of last season’s LOB. This look is a great low maintenance version of the trend we know and love. By adding texture you free up movement creating a wash and wear hairstyle,” says Brett at Paddington’s Little Hair Nest.
Why You’re Doing It Wrong
You’re asking for ‘choppy layers’ “which means you’ll end up with disconnection. This look should have natural movement and be equally as wearable straight, curly or wavy,” he says. Brett also says this look should still be seamless and blended, so stay the heck away from choppiness.
Pro Tip
“Having the right tools. Even wash and wear hairstyles need to be groomed well. A simple tweak with a styling iron or a few layered products will go a long way when creating movement,” says Brett.
Trend 2: Bronde
What’s bronde, you ask? Let Shanais Parkinson (Technician from Toni and Guy The Valley) explain: “This look is basically brunette hair that's so sun kissed it leans towards blonde. It looks soft and natural and barely done; it has the lived in effortless look that so on point this season. Hello, warm weather and being bronzed all over," she says.
"Bronde is the new black," says Wendy at award-winning Newmarket salon Ink for Hair. "It's a more natural ‘sun-kissed’ look. It's not as damaging on the hair as a full colour, but is still a beautiful look, and we have the ability to offer variety to the client through different tones everytime."
Why You’re Doing It Wrong
1. Fronting up to the hairdresser with hair in bad condition i.e. Streaky, stripy, damaged and unhealthy, brassy, two-toned hair. (Shanais at Toni & Guy The Valley)
2. Having the wrong tone (brassy or orange is a no-no)! (Wendy, Ink for Hair)
“If you want this to look good you need to look after your hair: the healthier your hair is the better your colour will look—and last. Use good shampoos that don't strip the moisture and colour from your hair, and do a treatment at least once a week,” says Shanais.
Pro Tip
Don't chop and change your colour too frequently, and trust your hairdresser!
Trend 3: Root Stretch
Roots and re-growth have been enjoying quite the renaissance in hairdressing circles lately. No longer to be covered and reviled, a whole new generation of coiffeurs is highlighting and celebrating roots like rebels.
And the crazy kids at Epic Hair Designs (with salons in Newmarket, Mt Gravatt, Norman Park, Springfield Lakes and Kenmore) are introducing a new one to the Brisbane scene: root stretch.
“A root stretch is a colour we put on your re-growth area and then stretch out to blend into your other colour,” they said.
“Although people sometimes get root stretch mixed up with balayage, it’s actually the opposite process when it comes to application. It takes less time, is less taxing on your hair, and is less maintenance than balayage.”
Why You’re Doing It Wrong
You are asking for the root stretch application to be too short, and it looks like ‘bad’ regrowth.
“Be specific at how low you want it to go and use inspiration images to figure how out how long is long enough,” the Epic crew said.
Pro Tip
Make sure you are specific about what you want, and don’t be shy. This method works on all colour tones!
Trend 4: Long and Blonde
Linka Jenner at White Gold Boutique has called it: “For summer the upcoming trend is seriously long length and BLONDE strands. Start growing out those BOBS and LOBS because long hair is back!”
Why You’re Doing It Wrong
“An absolute no no, would be to skip frequent trims. Ironically, your hair will grow longer and faster by keeping the split ends off.”
Also having long frizzy, unhealthy hair is another reason you aren’t getting the most out of this look. Regular treatments will help keep in moisture and hydration,” Linka says.
Pro Tip
“Use Luxe Oil reconstructive elixir before blow-drying for shine and nourishment. And use conical irons (a type of curling iron) for movement and texture when styling.”
Trend 5: Bobs
“The bob paired with the tousled side part; any length, any hair type [except curly, sad face], this cut and style does justice for most hair types,” says Luke Reynolds (the man himself) at Luke Reynolds Hairdressing in New Farm.
Why You’re Doing It Wrong
If you have curly hair, you won’t suit this type of style, but if you aren’t using enough product, or the wrong product, chances are you’re messing this look up.
Pro Tip
“Work with your stylist and your hair to create your own version of the trend. If it’s something that doesn’t take too much time to style, chances are you will style it and love it,” Luke says.
Image credits: Heart Home Style, Cosmopolitan Uk, Pinterest, Jo Baz, Hair Advisor