We’re hair to help …
Sunshine and warmth is lovely – but it doesn’t do much for our hair. Many of us struggle with flat hair in the summer, when heat and humidity can make hair go haywire, as well as frizz and general unruliness.
A new nationwide study of 1,000 Irish women by Perfectil beauty vitamins and minerals uncovers how women manage bad hair days, from slicked-back buns to dry shampoo hacks. Everyone handles bad hair days differently, it seems. The most popular disguise is the classic slicked-back bun, deployed by 39 per cent of women surveyed, with more than 56 per cent of Gen Z-ers opting for a slicked-back bun on a bad hair day.
A third opt for dry shampoo, six per cent keep their camera off during video calls, while 16 per cent admit they have no solution at all for a bad hair day. A hat, perhaps?
When it comes to hair-washing, over two-thirds (67 per cent) of Irish women surveyed wash their hair two or three times per week, with 22 per cent stretching it out to once a week and nine per cent doing a daily wash. High-frequency hair washing is highest among Gen Z-ers, with 81 per cent washing their hair multiple times per week.
1 Limp, Lacklustre Hair: Supplements brand Perfectil has been offering nutritional support for healthy hair, skin and nails for more than two decades. After a course of three months on Perfectil’s targeted Hair supplement, our tester saw a marked improvement in the volume and texture of her hair. At pharmacies and health stores nationwide. SMcD
2 Post-Work Droop: Dry shampoo has become better than ever – no more telltale white dust. K18’s Airwash Dry Shampoo is very expensive (€49), but I know beauty editors who swear by it. It’s a clear liquid rather than aerosol so works in a different way to freshen up hair; you only need a tiny amount. Bear in mind that alcohol is the main ingredient here, used to temporarily remove oil and grease, so don’t use it every day – keep it for emergencies.
We also love the sound of Aveda’s new Miraculous Oil, with camellia oil, for delivering high shine along with that beautiful signature Aveda scent (still the best smell in haircare). €39, launching next month.
3 Not So Fresh: Hair mists are a good way to refresh your hair, as well as being a lighter way to wear scent. For a sophisticated option, try the Diptyque Hair Fragrances Hair Mist – we love the Do Son fragrance, €60 (limited edition), at Brown Thomas. And Sam McKnight’s brilliant Modern Hairspray scents the hair (with a custom-made, garden-inspired fragrance created by perfumer Lyn Harris) while also holding, setting and heat-protecting (up to 230 degrees). From €14.
Top tip: With all hair types, it’s best to prevent damage before it occurs. Sisley’s super high-tech Hair Rituel Protective Shield Mist is designed to shield your hair from everything from pollution to sun rays, salt and chlorine (€84 at Space NK).
Nuxe Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair is a more affordable option, with that lovely Nuxe holiday scent. Currently €19.16 at www.cloud10beauty.com.
Invest in a gentle brush, too, such as this neat Pocket Brush (€74.70). At Brown Thomas.
4 Humidity Playing Havoc With Your Curls: Curls are far better catered for now, and there are entire brands dedicated to the fabulousness of curly hair. CurlyCo, founded by hairdresser Denise Walsh, is one such specialist brand for every kind of curl, from loose to coils. Curly Defining Shampoo (€19) is designed to “bring back your bounce”. At pharmacies nationwide; www.curlyco.ie
Photograph; Patrick Quinn Byrne
5 Stuck In A Rut: Not all of us love visiting the salon, but some salons cater really well for those who aren’t madly comfortable sitting for hours in an airless room breathing in hairspray in front of a giant mirror. We love Mark Byrne’s NHO (New Hair Order) in Dublin: Joanne has a lovely bedside manner and will give you a proper consultation on what you want to achieve (and what you want to avoid), which is a breath of fresh air, while David does a mean blowdry. Try L’Oreal Professionel’s Vitamino Colour Spectrum here, with its anti-frizz technology. They also use beautiful sustainable Italian haircare, Davines, and the whole vibe is relaxed and caring. We’ll be back … 26 South William Street, Dublin 2; www.nhodublin.com.
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