asiaone
Diva
updated 11 Jan 2012, 05:37
user id password
Fri, Dec 16, 2011
my paper
Email Print Decrease text size Increase text size
Prep your hair for the party season
by Joy Fang

 

THE party season is just round the corner and, with Christmas and Chinese New Year so close to each other, one is faced with this question: What does one do with one's hair?

Colour - a quick refresher that doesn't require drastic change - is one way to go.

Hairstylists my paper spoke to say that upcoming colour trends are subtle and natural, yet rich in tone. And radiance is the key word.

At Peter Som's recent spring/summer fashion show in New York, for example, warm hues like gold, peach, apricot and salmon showed up in highlights.

One thing's sure for Asian skin - you can't go wrong with colours such as mocha, sandy blonde and violet red.

"These colours aid in intensifying the radiance of the hair, providing a fashionable twist," said Mr Eddie Yan, a master stylist from Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon @ 313.

In line with the trend, global hair-care and hair-colour brand Matrix has come up with a new Desert Bloom collection of cool mocha shades with soft hints of violet rose, as well as colouring techniques inspired by the natural shapes, textures and colours of the desert.

Mr Jaron Chan, brand manager of Matrix ASEAN Zone, said that the brand saw a burgeoning trend in "naturalism" for the autumn/winter season. This refers to colours which have earthy hues, as well as richer tones of purple and ash.

Mr Yan said that such colours are "easily wearable", depending on the customer's mood and wardrobe this party season.

Similarly, at Aveda - the American hair-care and skincare brand whose products (yes, even its hair dyes) are largely made from plant extracts and which made its re-entry into Singapore last year - the palette is all about rich, intense, gem-inspired colours.

Under its Jewel Of The Earth line, colours from deep ruby reds to beautiful black hues with bold tones of blue and deliciously dark chocolate tones are featured.

And, at Toni & Guy, Mr Johnny Ng, technical art director at the salon's The Heeren outlet, said he sees a trend of people wanting warm, rich tones.

Often, clients want a base with "brownish nude tones paired with highlights of natural honey blonde or caramel".

It's not just colour that comes into play, though.

At Matrix, new techniques give hair dimension, with a mixture of both cool and warm shades. One technique, named "sand circles", gives you highlights that wind 360 degrees from the core of the head. A technique named "sand waves" has directional highlights moving from one side of the head to the other.

The former gives a "more balanced and soft look", while the latter produces a more wavy and patchy effect, said Mr Chan. Either way, hair shimmers in the light.

Mr Ng said that a more edgy, "panel work of creative shading" is used at Toni & Guy. Those who dare to be different can also pair the more subtle look with a more graphic haircut, such as straight-cut thick bangs, he added.

Moving into the new year, Mr Kuah Beng-Lee, creative consultant for hair-product companies KMS California and Goldwell, predicted that colour combinations will move into the truly dramatic, with shocking bright red and yellow hues.

But, until then, remember that rich colours are the way to go for that touch of class.

DIY hair care

 

L'oreal professional mythi oil ($42)

What: Get soft, manageable hair with this oil, which forms a protective film to lock in moisture.

It can also be used as a finishing oil to control frizz and give hair extra softness.

Consisting of grape-seed oil and avocado oil, this product is rich in fatty acids, Omega 3, 6
and 9, and comes with antioxidant properties.

Buy it:
At selected salons.

E-mail [email protected]

Hoyu's beautylabo whip hair colour ($16.90)

What: No time for a salon colour treatment? Try a product from this hair-colour collection from Japan - each comes in a cute milkshake-like container with a pink top. There are 10 hues, with appetising names such as French Chocolat, Peach Chocolat and Caramel Custard.

Buy it: At Watsons
Redken's allsoft supple touch ($40) and Argan-6 oil ($48)

What: The Allsoft range contains a formula that strengthens hair. Supple Touch is a cream-spray that is light and adds suppleness to your tresses.

But the star has got to be the Argan-6 Oil, which provides intense and concentrated deep conditioning to nourish dry and brittle hair.

Buy it: At salons such as Capello Loft Hair & Beauty Spa (Centrepoint Shopping Centre 03-24, tel: 6838-0780) or Kenaris (Wheelock Place 04-03,
tel: 6333-8209)

Phytolisse express smoothing mask and finishin serum ($58 EACH)

What: These products manage frustrating, frizzy flyaway hair by smoothening it in a fast and fuss-free manner. The mask is formulated with a pine-pulp derivative which works to relax and detangle hair, while the serum gives extra shine.

Buy it: From Robinsons, John Little, Watsons, Guardian and Metro stores

Matrix colour-caretherapie delicate care shampoo ($28) and organic certified oil ($30)

What: The shampoo uses mild detergents to cleanse coloured hair, without stripping it of its protective layer. It helps to make hair healthy, as well as improves colour lifespan. The oil smoothens damaged cuticles and makes hair look vibrant, shiny and soft.

Buy it: At salons such as Mazu By Hairplus (The Cathay 04-06, tel: 6276-8831) or Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon @ 313 (313@Somerset 03-26, tel: 6735-8246)

Irene gari cover your gray ($7.90)

What: If you've got grey hair showing, try this brush-in applicator which comes in four colours, such as light brown
and dark brown. It's a great temporary solution for touching up greying hair, roots and tips without damaging your hair. The colour blends in with existing hair colour and can be washed out with shampoo.

Buy it: At Watsons


For more my paper stories click here.

 

readers' comments

asiaone
Copyright © 2012 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn. No. 198402868E. All rights reserved.