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In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Helen

June 17, 2021

In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Helen

A regular comment from new clients is, “I’ve just got bad hair!”

Usually, these clients' life experiences are of badly chosen or badly executed hairstyles. In reality, there isn’t good or bad hair. Some hair will work across many styles with less effort, and some hair may have less stylistic range and need more targeted help. But generally speaking, everyone can have great looking hair.

When someone has fine or broken hair, they may often choose to keep more length to make up for the lack of thickness. This fear of having even the most miniscule trim usually leads to the hair looking much thinner and flatter. More hair yes, but it actually looks like much less.

1. The haircut

Helen had a basic one length haircut with a few shorter steps at the back. It had a lot of over processed colouring which had led to significant breakage once regular heat styling and old product had been applied. It was clear to me that cutting it back to a healthier weight and length would make the hair look revitalised and thicker, not to mention being much more flattering for Helen.

Using our signature Diamond Dry Cut™ method, I took a slightly graduated outline and layered the back a little to push hair towards the weaker front. This gave a better effect even without blowdrying. We then moved onto colour.

2. Colour

Diana used a combination of lights in foil to create a warm yet bright textured effect, giving dimension and contrast to the colour. This play on tonal juxtaposition, also helps enhance a sense of movement in the hair making it visually thicker.

3. Condition

A key product for Helen’s hair is LifeSaver Prewash Treatment. Most people with finer hair avoid treatments, as their experience is of a product that weighs the hair down. This is true of most treatments and masks out there which use silicones or too heavy oils to cosmetically disguise rough or frizzy hair yet do not create lasting health. But fine hair is often fragile and most in need of strength and rehydration.

LifeSaver® is not a not an oil-based treatment and you cannot overuse it. LifeSaver feeds, hydrates and strengthens hair without weighing it down and gives vibrancy to all hair types.

Used with Cashmere Protein Volumising Shampoo and UV Protective Conditioner, the hair is nourished and protected. In fact, nothing we’ve come across keeps colour better than these hero products.

4. Styling

 

 

Using a little Thicker Quicker and Volumising Mousse, we blowdried the hair to maximise root lift and bend but keep the tips straighter.

 

 


Helen with looser natural styling at home

 

"Before my visit I was excited but a little apprehensive. My hair had snapped at the back, it looked thin, very fine and was extremely dry, flat and lacked any bounce, and if that wasn’t enough it was a mixture of blond, dark roots and grey hair - Not a good look.

I liked the fact that Michael and the colourist - Diana, gave advice on what they thought was needed but also listened to how I felt. Diana has done an amazing job, I now have warm tones through my hair, which has only enhanced my own natural colouring, even covering the grey hairs.

I was apprehensive about having my hair cut short, I thought it would look even flatter but I needn’t have been worried. Michael has worked his magic on my hair, I never thought that my hair would have this much volume and bounce. Not only does it look healthy but it feels so much thicker and gives the impression of having more hair.

I have washed and styled this at home – it’s so easy to maintain and I too can create the volume that I had when I left the salon. A beautiful experience- wonderful salon and a great team of people. You‘ve shown me that I too can have hair that looks stunning and feels amazing. I will certainly be back - I can’t thank you enough Michael, for showing we that we can all have “model” hairstyles given the right haircut!” - Helen x

Prep

For Helen's hair we used LifeSaver Pre-wash Treatment to rehydrate, then Cashmere Protein Volumising Shampoo and UV Protective Conditioner.

Styling

A little Thicker Quicker blowdry spray and Volumising Mousse helped give body and control. We used the Medium and Large Round Brush to give body and style. Then finally a little Ten Second Transformation to feed and smooth the ends of the hair giving a little shine and texture too.

 Michael Van Clarke

 

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