Desperately-seeking curls

The perfect hairstyle – who isn’t searching for it? Most of us spend a significant amount of money and time in the hairdressers, and on hair products trying to create it. But what exactly, is a perfect haircut?

Something that can be styled with a flick of a brush?
Something that compliments your eyes and makes your wide jaw seem slimmer? Something that makes you look ten years younger?
YES, YES, and definitely a YES!
Furthermore, the ideal hairstyle suits your tastes, age and schedule and is easily adaptable to a wide range of quick-change styling options.

What makes a good hairstyle?
I had only one criterion when it comes to having a great hairstyle … sex appeal. It didn’t matter what style I would try as long as the current style was hot, I wanted it.
It was always a struggle during my teen years to describe to a particular stylist the look you wanted to achieve. I even tried to have the “Material Girl” look of Madonna during the mid-80s, and boy oh boy, I was in for a shock when I had to be seated on that salon chair for more than six hours just to get those wave-like curls similar to that of a “telephone cord curl look”.
Yes, I even tried to have Julia Robert’s hairstyle! Talk about desperately-seeking curls!
I tried and searched far and wide to look for that stylist who can help me sport that great hairstyle.
And I did eventually – a graduate of the Vidal Sassoon Academy who now endorses the “Phyto” hair products from France.
He is the only one who can cut like magic and he’s teamed-up with a great colourist (Wella colour consultant and L’Oreal colour specialist) who will tell you if the colour suits your skin tone or not.

Living with your style
After living with the cut for a while, I would get frustrated. Believe me, I tried that bob which really is cute but I have to constantly blow dry it as my hair was dead straight and with a bob you need volume to make it look great.
I tried that Demi Moore-style hairstyle which she had in the movie Ghost – it was an absolute nightmare! Not because it did not look good but I had to work hard to give it that lift.
And they say the shorter the hair, the easier to maintain? Or a wash and wear thing? Oh no! Definitely not! It was really fun to do all these styles as long as you have the patience and time for it.
Most women put all their frustrations in their hair, particularly during break-ups, for wanting to have that change in their lives.
So, whether you want that latest look, or simply want to change, it is always important to tweak your look to keep it modern and to ward off boredom, but don’t have a radical change simply for the sake of change.
 If you’re happy with a cut and it works for you, why give it up?

Creating a ‘signature style’
A signature hairstyle is something that is “so you” that it becomes part of your overall look. Say for example Meg Ryan’s short crop, Goldie Hawn’s fringe and long layers, Julia Robert’s curly locks are all signature hairstyles.
Though the wearer may update her look by altering length, reigning in or adding fullness, changing a line, or playing with colour, she’s found a basic style that she likes, which works with her face shape and hair type, suits her personality and fits her lifestyle.

Working with your hair
You probably have an idea of what styles your hair can and can’t pull off. For instance if your hair is stringy-soft, there’s no way it will look kittenish worn halfway down your back. Likewise if your hair is incredibly thick, it won’t be sleek in a short, one length bob; instead you’ll look like has someone put a mushroom on your head.
You can attempt to overlook your hair type completely-if you find a stylist who will let you.
Most stylists, however, know that your hair type plays an integral role in determining which style will and won’t work for you.
We will have to continue next week as I might just take up all the paper! Anyway, ladies till then … happy hairstyles!