I cut my hair into a short, sharp bob in June this year. I felt I needed a change and wanted a style that made a statement. Because I cut a short, sharp fringe, I found the style to be limiting and very quickly tired of wearing my hair the same way day in and out.
In October, I chatted to my beloved hairstylist Shelene Shaer from Tanaz and we decided to try something new. Shelene cut into the style, giving my bob more of a choppy, disheveled look. We changed my path from the middle to the side (that alone made a big difference), thus giving the right side of my hair more bulk and volume. We also added a few babylights, just to lift the colour slightly.
With my bob, my regime was pretty simple; wash, condition, apply heat protectant, blow dry and flatiron. I was adamant that I wanted a style that required even less maintenance. The beauty of my new style is that I can either wash & go, or style it into what I think is a super cool, slightly edgy style.
Below are the products & tools I’m finding indispensable
L’Oreal Professionnel serie expert Vitamino Color Shampoo (R216) has been my favourite shampoo since I started colouring my hair years ago. I love its light yet creamy consistency that effectively removes dirt and oil, while keeping hair colour vibrant. The formula uses a double-locking technology that prolongs colour radiance intensity with a lightweight film that repels water. This helps lock in the colour and enhance shine. You only need a small amount to wash the hair and that it lathers well.
I’ve been using the L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Serie Color 10 in 1 (R283) as a replacement for my conditioner. It imparts protective and nourishing benefits to any colour treated hair and you only need to spritz a small amount onto damp hair to eliminate tangles. But it not only conditions. As the name suggests, it has 10 benefits that include:
- Reducing frizz & fly-aways
- Protecting against split ends
- Protecting hair from heat styling
- Adding dazzling shine
- Softening & nourishing hair
- Detangling and reducing knotting
- Smoothing hair
- Making blow-drying and straightening easier
- Preventing breakage
- Building up hair fibers
I kid you not when I tell you that I have a Tangle Teezer in the cubbyhole of my car, one in my bag, and one I leave in the shower. Simply put, I can’t live without it. The one in the above image is my newest addition to the family and is called the Tangle Teezer Elite (230) I’ve blogged about the Tangle Teezer before (here), but to recap; it has revolutionary teeth configured for dual action that ensures pain free detangling. It’s ideal to use on wet or dry hair, and is designed for a palm friendly, non-slip fit. Also, my daughter won’t brush her hair with any other hairbrush.
For days I can’t be bothered with styling my hair, I apply some Davines More Inside Curl Building Serum (R250 available at Carlton Hair nationwide) to damp hair. It’s ideal for enhancing curls in wavy hair like mine. I like how it defines curls without weighing them down, giving them a natural, glossy effect. It also fights frizz very effectively and is humidity resistant.
The Cloud Nine Curling Wand (R1995 available at everythinghair.co.za) is above and beyond any other curling wand I’ve tried before. No matter what your hair type, this baby will give you professional looking curls. I’ve been using a method that yields not quite a curl, but rather a flick. I loosely wrap a strand of hair around the wand, and then move the wand up and down. This finished result is the flicks you can see in the holding picture. This curling wand has three temperature settings that allow you to get glamorous loose curls, big and bouncy curls, or tight curls, all at the touch of a button. A handy heat resistant glove is also included. I was interested to learn that there is a unique ingredient within the barrel of the wand that gives the hair added shine and luster.
To give my hair extra volume and body, I apply a little Kérastase K Mousse Bouffante (R310) to damp hair and let it work its magic. It thickens strands by enveloping the hair’s fiber. I like how it adds fullness to my style, giving it flexible movement. It doesn’t leave the hair stiff or tacky and has UV protection. I apply it from roots to ends and comb through before styling.
