As someone who writes a lot about hair, admittedly I don’t always follow my own advice. I know how to deal with post-workout hair sweat, give my friends styling tips and exerpt avide, am more up-to-date with the latest celebrity hair transformations than current affairs, and know the right way to protect my hair when heat styling. The problem is my own lack of commitment to good haircare, but that’s all about to change.
I caught up with Jay Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co. salons and hairstylist to some of Sydney’s best known beauty bloggers, to talk about what I can do to my locks to get the most out of my hair, and get first-hand proof that a simple cut can change everything.
Not wanting anything too drastic, I decided the best way to make my flat hair look fuller would be to add in some layers, but Jaye says this is a common mistake most women with thin hair make. “Cutting layers into fine hair only exacerbates the issue,” he says. Instead, Jaye suggested we add some depth by cutting into the hair around my face and give me a gringe or ‘grown out fringe‘ which would help elongate it, give more natural shape and enhance the overall appearance of thicker hair. The final result? Volume, and lots of it:
But Jaye says this isn’t the style for all faces. Before making the chop, it’s important to know your face shape. “The right fringe type can make your hair appear fuller, and give you a fresher appearance.” To find out whether a fringe will suit you, you need to know which styles are best for your face and hair type:
ROUND
Side-sweeping or face-framing bangs are best for rounder faces because they open up the face, and are less harsh, says Jaye.
OVAL
Oval shapes can work just about any style, though Jaye says the curtain (or Bardot bangs, if a little shorter) is both stylish and bold.
LONG
Long faces have more shape than round, so blunt cuts are an ideal choice to give more proportion.
SQUARE
Long, thin and layered is best as it helps to soften square-shaped features.
KNOW HOW TO STYLE
I should preface this by saying I am someone who prefers volume and body over silkiness and shine, so the below styling advice from Jaye applies to those with a similar hair type to me who are also looking for the same, dimensional look.
RELATED: Hair products you need for styling your fringe
Having only sported one-length hair for quite a few years, my knowledge on how best to style my new ‘do was a little rusty, but Jaye says for someone with hair like me, (thankfully) it’s really very simple.
To start, don’t use oil-based detanglers. “These are a nightmare for thinner hair because they have a tendency to make your hair knotty,” says Jaye. Instead, he says stick to powders and sprays that won’t tangle but add volume.
Secondly, he advises to blow-dry using your fingers, especially through the root area. “You can use a brush on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair, but only use your fingers at the root,” he says. This gives the hair more body and bounce, and stimulates circulation in the scalp, which is great for healthy hair growth. Jaye says it’s also a good idea to tip your head upside down and blast it from underneath to give your hair more volume at the roots. Blasting it with hot air from above just forces the hair to sit flat.
For an overall more voluminous appearance, Jaye says to focus on width, not height. Texture powders or styling powders are great for adding grit to hair that typically struggles to hold volume, and it doesn’t just have to be applied to the roots. “Using a styling powder on the mid-lengths allows you to manipulate your hair into a particular style quite easily,” he says. Just section the hair, apply a small amount and then use your hands to create more volume and style your hair into place.
bh recommends: Schwarzkopf Extra Care Instant Volume Powder, Fudge URBAN Powder Styler, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Volume Maker
But you don’t have to stop at styling powder. Dry shampoo, texturising sprays and light hairsprays are also ideal for giving thin hair a boost, without weighing it down, or going overboard with product. “Don’t just use dry shampoo to cover oily roots,” says Jaye, who uses dry shampoo to style hair, and give it a bit of grit.
bh recommends: R + Co. Death Valley Dry Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise EverStrong Mineral Salt Texturising Spray, VO5 give me texture dry texturising spray, TONI&GUY Hair Care Casual Rough Texturiser, JUSTICE Professional Dry Shampoo
THE UP-KEEP
Following my subtle – yet very effective – haircut, Jaye books me in for eight weeks time for a trim. “Your hair grows around two centimetres every six to eight weeks, so regular trims are a great way to promote healthy hair growth” and steer clear of split ends, he says. Anything else? “You should also change your shampoo and conditioner every three months” to avoid product build-up, to adapt to your environment (e.g. seasonal change) and to ensure you’re getting the most effective wash. Jaye highly recommends clarifying shampoos for those who frequently use styling products, plus a weekly at-home olaplex treatment and hair mask.
Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo, Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, Olaplex Perfector, Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Intensive Mask
Finally, always, always shampoo twice, and only condition from the mid-lengths of your hair down. “The first shampoo loosens the dirt, the second gets rid of it” he says, “and keep your conditioner far, far away from your roots!”
BOOST IT!
For longer term effects, follicle boosting products and supplements are a surefire way to get more volume. These products help promote hair growth by restoring existing damaged hair follicles and stimulating the scalp for thicker, heathier, stronger hair. If you’re thinking about trying one of these, always read the label and speak to your local GP if you have any concerns.
bh recommends: évolis Professional Boost Hair Growth Booster, Viviscal Maximum Strength Dietary Hair Growth Supplements, Head of Hair Follicle Boosting Serum
What do you think of my mini make-over? Do you have any styling advice for me? Share in the comments below!
