Nursing your way to good hair days
Admit it. You, and the rest of womankind, dream of perfectly coiffed hair the moment you wake up in the morning. Who doesn’t want to step out of the house with just-blown-out hair à la Kim Kardashian every day? The type that is messy and sexy in just the right way, doesn’t fall flat no matter what the weather and bounces as you strut into the office, or sidewalk, confidently. No one can deny the power of gorgeous hair, if only it were that easy (and convenient) to accomplish it.
Well, according to Australian hair guru Barney Martin, whose magic hands have handled Drew Barrymore’s, Kate Moss’s and supermodel Lily Cole’s gorgeous locks, it’s as easy as pie given the right “ingredients.” A long-time hairstylist whose work has been showcased in both Australian and British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Martin believes that a little perseverance and patience goes a long way in achieving your dream hair. “Using conditioner really makes a difference, especially in the humid Manila weather,” he stated. Properly conditioned and clean hair is easier to style and holds the look longer, as seen on real-girl models, a set of Manila bloggers whose hair he styled for show night. It was an extensive display of the different looks that could be created with varying hair textures. He did smooth and straight with Camille Co, a 1960s retro puff with Laureen Uy, a modern braided crown with curls for Khrys Uy and a fresh take on waves on Patricia Prieto.
Each lady had unique hair textures and challenges, which Martin carefully tackled, creating looks that made the most of them. He used Pantene conditioner before styling, which made the hair dutifully “follow” what he wanted to do flawlessly, stressing that when the hair is properly prepped, it can pretty much do anything you want it to.
Martin explains that hair’s texture changes as women grow older. What was once lustrous and rich in your 20s can turn dull and less glossy in your 30s and beyond. “It’s best to grow your hair long, as long as you can, because as you get older, it isn’t the most flattering style when hair loses its luster.” When asked how to deal with humidity, he had a simple answer: hairspray. Spray on a generous helping after you’ve styled your hair to keep it in place, but not too much as this will make it heavy and fall flat. “Put a little hairspray on tissue and gently pat on hair to keep tangles in place and keep it sleek.”
As for the hottest trends in 2012, he had these to share: “Ponytails will be big. Wet, dry, side-swept, textured, low and high, it will be the year of the updo.” Runners up are structured hair (bobs and precision cuts) and bigger hair a.k.a The Perm.
