The “bandeau look” and headbands are now common in TT, US and the UK. The style, complete with polka-dot dresses and matching bandeaux is now on the hot list of styles that is sweeping the country. Shoulder length hair is popular but those who have shorter hair can look for the ideal bandeau or headband that will complement their look.
Three years ago, wigs became the hottest trend where people can change their look everyday by putting on different hair-pieces. In TT these hairpieces are very popular among teenagers and young women who have joined the work force. While the wigs and hairpieces are still in style, here come stylish headbands, bandeaux and headbands.
According to a San Fernando hairstylist, Rachel Maharaj, styling one’s hair is no longer a day-long affair. With new hair accessories flooding the local market, finding stylish ways to tie hair back or to the side, is no longer a difficult task. She noted that with the coming of new equipment and chemicals, hairstyles stay for a longer period of time and can be done in quick time.
Hair accessories that are very popular are the diamond-cut pony holders. These are now trendy with celebrities of the USA and India. Wearing jewel adorned accessories to complement hairstyles is now also common in Hollywood and Bollywood.
Maharaj says, “Celebrity hairstyles and fashion have a huge influence on our culture. They influence what is in and what is out.”
She outlined that hairstyles are changing as we speak. A trendy hairstyle that is in right now is the short hair style for 2007. Today’s trendy short hairstyles are simply ideal for our 21st century, fast-paced lifestyle.
Short hairstyles worn by women are a fairly new style trend when compared with women’s hairstyles in general. As more women are in the spotlight, have careers and become mothers on the go, hairstyles tend to get shorter and shorter.
However, she emphasised, “If you’re like most contemporary women, you’re probably looking to switch your do on a regular basis. Any woman can instantly change her look, it doesn’t matter what age they are, they can have the highly fashionable hairstyles inspired by the world’s most recognised celebrity hairstyles. Women from all around the world choose hairstyles to suit their personality or to suit the shape of their faces.”
Maharaj believes that most fashion trends are set by celebrities and the same is true when it comes to celebrity hairstyles.
Of all the hairstyles in the world, celebrity hairstyles are always the ones we try to mimic.
She agrees that fashion and hairstyles go hand in hand. Fashion trends towards a more casual look are perhaps the best choice to make in 2007. When it comes to the current fashion trends, you can’t just observe the apparel and accessories, the hairstyle is also very much in focus.
Beauty consultant of Marabella, Petal Edwards, says that hair extensions can add fullness and length and give a totally different look. But she is quick to note, “Short hairstyles are coming back into fashion and many feel that it gives a young sophisticated look.”
Edwards gave these tips for hair care for the new year: Try to avoid daily washing. The sebaceous glands are overstimulated, secreting more grease onto the hair. This creates a vicious circle where the more you wash the greasier it becomes. The problem with regular washing is that although the roots are greasy the rest of your hair is stripped of oil and the ends become dry and brittle. She advises people to use a mild ph-balanced shampoo and wash hair without rubbing the scalp too much. Only apply conditioner to the middle and ends rather than at the roots.
Watch your diet. Oily and fatty foods can contribute to greasy skin and scalp. Best of all, use those days when you’re at home to give your hair a rest from daily washing. Try using shampoos for children as these are often mild enough for greasy hair.
Dry, coarse and brittle hair needs to be nourished from within; a conditioner that just rinses out won’t do the job. Use an intensive moisturising shampoo which will cleanse without excessive rubbing (which will damage the hair more) and follow with a hot oil conditioner.
Heat opens up the hair cuticles allowing the moisturiser to penetrate the hair shaft giving it suppleness, bounce and movement. Mousse on dry hair will make it look dull, use a blow dryer or thickening lotion instead.
Keep your hair well conditioned with a rich moisturising product. The hairstyle is also important. If your hair is very frizzy you don’t want too many layers. Have a few longish ones that will allow your hair to flow. Always use a diffuser when blow-drying which will help control the frizz but will not remove all the body.
If you only have a little grey, a semi-permanent colour wash (stays for six to eight washes) will cover it. For more than 30 percent grey a quasi colour covers it whilst keeping a natural look.
When your hair turns grey in patches, a permanent tint or a foil and tone technique — where highlights are woven around the top and crown and a semi-permanent colour is used for the rest of the hair — is the only way to cover up.
This creates warmth and depth throughout the hair.
New mums often find their hair thins out quite a lot, particularly around the crown area, after the birth. This is quite normal and don’t worry about it. Stress can cause hair loss as well. Eventually your hair will return to normal.
