Relax. Relax. Relax. Whatever you do, make this your Spring mantra. Go the nude lips and nails, loosen the bun and pony or, better yet, let those locks tumble fancy-free in a cascade of laissez faire lusciousness (á la Bella Thorne):
It sounds delightfully simple but, ironically, the relaxed look does require some work. I’m guessing you know this full well, Primpers – perfecting ‘no makeup’ makeup requires oodles more skill than a full-on red lip or even a winged eye. Ditto for hair – your tumble of Bella-like-curls aren’t just a sea salt spritz away (that’s a casual curl of a different kind!). But there are ways to perfect relaxed hair without putting in a whole lotta hard yakka (just a couple-a-minutes is all it takes Primpers, I promise!). You’ll never look back. Here’s how:
Get yourself some velcro rollers. Pronto.
These are god’s gift to anyone lacking volume or wanting carefree curls without spending a Saturday morning cooped up inside with a curling iron. “Velcro rollers are an easy way to set your hair while you get ready,” says Phil Gallo, Salon Director and all-round hair guru at Gallo Hair. “Rollers help the style to last longer.” Sweet! Longevity is the aim of the game.
Grab a paddle brush.
A paddle brush is brilliant for a speedy dry-off when you’re not aiming for super straight – just brush hair in every which way while you blow dry, then get rolling. “Grab sections of hair as big as the roller and wrap it around the roller,” says Phil. Use different sized rollers to create the most natural look (the bigger the roller, the softer the curl and vice versa). Try Freestyle Home Salon Velcro Rollers Value Pack, $15.95, from thebeautyoffice.com.au, which has 18 rollers in 3 different sizes.
Be cool.
“Heat rollers with a hair dryer and then leave them to cool completely,” says Phil. And by completely Phil means completely. Totally stone cold. That’s what sets the hair in place. Lose patience here and your gorgeously relaxed Bella curls will likely morph into a Tina Turner-esque frizz ball (if you’re me) or just disappear into oblivion (if you’re luckier) by your first coffee break.
Let it all hang out.
“Pull and twist hair at the same time when pulling the rollers out,” says Phil (which is easier than it sounds Primpers!). “Tousle hair with your fingers for a natural look and spray with a light hairspray.” Hair experts always have a L’Oréal Elnett Satin Normal Strength Hair Spray, $9.95, from pharmacies, in their kit because it’s got light hold, which is just what you want for relaxed curls (no crunch, thank you!).
If you’re willing to go the extra mile…Am up the shine.
Do this and instant glamour is yours for the taking. I’m talking jaw-dropping, touch-me-now locks like Heidi Klum (braid optional!):
“Good shine is all about the product you use,” says Phil Gallo. “But remember that shine sprays and serums can be heavy so use a small amount at a time.” Just as you do with colour, build up shine bit by bit. Start with just a few drops of O&M Frizzy Logic Shine Serum, $31.95, from adorebeauty.com.au, and then add more as needed – this product is a brilliant hair-smoothing frizz tamer, but it also adds shine, so you solve two hair conundrums with one serum.
Eva-Maria x
So, tell me Primpers…
Do you love relaxed hair? Have you perfected the loose wave? Want more ways to cut down on styling time?!
