So it looks like our hair and beauty needs are out ranking our desire to eat out and socialise post lockdown. Research carried out by Kantar media has confirmed beauty therapy is the number one activity costumers are looking forward to once Coronvirus lockdowns are lifted.
Hmm, why am I not surprised? Home hair colouring was fun for five minutes but I’m going to need upwards of five hours in John Frieda to sort my locks out. I’ve already messaged my colourist to warn her.
I can only go on conversations and Zoom calls I’ve had with friends BUT ‘hair’ and ‘when salons will reopen’ are definitely hot topics in my world right now.
Data insights firm Kantar scanned social media content around quarantine and identified beauty therapy is outranking eating out and socialising.
The questions is when you are finally settled back in the safety and sanctity of the hair dressers chair what are you going to have done? Apart from, in my case, covering the random greys?
The French fringe
Normal People’s Marianne (AKA Daisy Edgar-Jones) gave good fringe during this pandemic and we have that, and a few other things, to thank her for. Her hair has caused a lot of excitement over the past few months and even has it’s own Instagram account @marianees_bangs. Anyone struggling with DIY fringe trimming at home was no doubt inspired by her chic french look and tutorials aplenty on ‘how to recreate her look’ popped up all over Instagram.
For anyone debating whether to get a full fringe post lockdown this might just have persuaded you. I for one am tempted. So much cheaper than Botox for one. The nuance to this fringe is the slightly jagged undone element. Cut in a triangular shape that goes quite back this is not for novices. And it’s DEFINITELY one to get cut by a professional if you’re starting from scratch.
If you decide to take the plunge the upside to this look is it lends itself to poker straight hair, loose waves, messy buns and half up half down dos.
Consider your face shape first. The general rule is that fringes don’t work on longer faces. And a word of warning. Fringes require work. I remember a brief foray with a fringe 20 years ago and I remember investing a lot of time and money research hair products and I had to set my alarm 10 minutes earlier every morning to tackle it. On the positive side you will look like a sexy french goddess.
Chunky highlights
So if your bored of balayage and you’re looking for an alternative this might appeal to you. Chunky highlights are back but fear not, far from being fresh from the 90s (I’m not going to reference the All Saints) they’ve had a bit of a makeover.
This time around they are less harsh and more flattering having borrowed some face framing tips from more traditional high light techniques.
Apparently icy streaks are a thing (maybe one for the kidz) but there really are plenty of colour options to tempt you. Jennifer Lopez has been showcasing her new caramel tones which I recommend for any one past the age of forty.
The natural ‘beachy wave’ perm
OK so what if I were to tell you never need to tong your hair or mess around with rollers again? Well thanks to hair salon Taylor Taylor this is now a viable option. They’ve developed a new semi permanent treatment called Reform that adds texture and a natural blow dry effect to your hair.
The treatment involves two sessions (total time invested 3.5 hours). On the first visit your hair is wound around specially adapted rollers and the solution is applied. Chemicals are added similar to those used in a perm but they are much kinder than the harsh treatments of old. A neutraliser is added and then a protection treatment is applied.
You’re not allowed to wash your hair for 48 hours post treatment as the process still needs to set and activate. Then on the second session you are shown how to wash and dry your new hair and given staying advice and product tips to keep your hair in top condition.
The treatment lasts between 3 to 6 months and prices start at £250. taylortaylorlondon.com
The Bob
The reason this hair style remains popular and comes back into fashion time and time again is that it’s so stylish and works for everyone. There are so many variations of this style it can be tailored to suit all face shape.
And to be honest there’s nothing more chic than a chin length bob in my book. As a general rule round and heart shaped faces should opt for a long bob that goes past the chin while long oval faces work well with blunt bobs that enhance a strong jaw line.
For inspiration Saoirse Rona, Fearne Cotton and Lilly James are just a few of the celebs that have gone for the chop lately.
The Pixie
Before I go any further you really need to confident before making the decision to go for a drastic chop like this. It’s really fashionable right now and perfect for anyone looking to make a statement.
On the right person the Pixie can look amazing. If you have a round face then this could just make your face look rounder. But opting for a longer or side swept fringe can counter balance this.
Cara Delevingne, Zoe Kravitz and Charlize Theron are proof of just how incredible this style can look but then to be honest they are all so beautiful they would look good with any hair style. My advice, talk to your hairdresser, work out exactly how short, choppy or sleek to go and make sure you get the fringe just right.