4 steps to great hair

Push the colour

‘Most haircuts can be enhanced with good colour,’ says Johannesburg-based hairstylist Shelene Shaer. She cautions women against falling into the trap of giving hair a ‘blanket colour’ to hide grey, as ‘the result is flat, dense-looking colour that’s hard and unflattering – especially on 30+ women’. Shelene suggests choosing warm, golden tones that give the skin a healthy glow.

‘Be wary of extreme colours like red and blue-black – these require serious commitment, are difficult to maintain and can seriously dent the pocket. Because hair has many tones, the best way to mimic multi-dimensional colour is with highlights,’ advises Shelene. ‘A tint followed by strategically placed highlights looks more natural. Opt for one or two shades lighter than your tint colour to give the hair movement and lift.’

To prevent visible regrowth, Shelene recommends keeping within two shades of your natural colour. A salon visit every four to six weeks is vital to ensure your hair looks great, but if you’re on a tight budget, Shelene recommends splitting your appointments into two; cut in one visit and colour or highlight in the next.

Condition and protect

It’s a fact that hair becomes drier with age, so keep it looking youthful with regular conditioning treatments. Look for quality products that suit your hair type: protein conditioners improve elasticity and shine and are best for flat, dull hair, while moisturising formulas work for dry and frizzy hair types.

Change your products every few months as the hair can develop resistance to some ingredients after a while.

‘If you’re using heated styling tools like hairdryers and flatirons, always use a heat protection product – if you don’t, your hair will end up looking like straw,’ cautions Shelene.

She explains that chemical processes like colouring, relaxing and perming affect the internal structure of the hair, thereby weakening the cuticle. ‘The result is dry, dull and lifeless hair. A weekly moisture mask or deep conditioning treatment will restore the hair.’

A lot of styling sprays contain alcohol, which can dull the hair – counteract this by mixing a styling cream with a serum to enhance shine.

Cut right

‘It’s important to take the texture and thickness of your hair as well as your lifestyle and face shape into consideration when deciding on a style,’ advises Shelene. ‘Think about your existing cut, what you like or don’t like about it, and discuss these points with your stylist. I advise my clients to play up their best feature – eyes, cheekbones, chiselled jaw or pretty ears. I’m a fan of layering the hair to give it more body and lift. Layers are getting longer, giving hair more structure overall so the look is chic and grownup,’ she explains.

‘Remember, hair grows back, so it’s fine to take a risk occasionally. Just do so in collaboration with your hairdresser, and let the style evolve.’ One of the most universally flattering cuts, according to Shelene, is the bob – a hairstyle that’s been around since the ’60s. ‘It’s really easy to style and can be adapted to suit anyone,’ she says

Work with your hair texture

‘When you find a good cut that’s suitable for your hair’s texture, everyday styling becomes effortless,’ says shelene.

‘Your hair texture can make or break your hairstyle, so it’s important to understand and work with it. The right cut and products are essential. If you have curly hair, ensure that you have some length to weigh your curls down. Towel-drying this hair type causes frizz, so rather squeeze out excess water with a towel, finger comb and rub in a curlenhancing cream.

Fine hair looks best with a blunt, shoulder-length cut. Avoid greasiness by washing the hair on a daily basis and apply conditioner only on the ends.

Thick, straight hair can do almost any cut and layering this hair type will make the look softer. Wash the hair every two to three days with a rich, conditioning shampoo and apply thick conditioner through the ends of the hair. Avoid blow-drying this hair type upside down – it will just add frizz. Also, be wary of razor cuts that can make the hair look messy and unkempt.’