How To Prevent Tangles

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Are your stands unwilling to part ways? Here’s a look at what causes hair tangling, how to deal with it and ultimately how to prevent it.

The Causes of Tangles

1. Lack Of Hydration

When your hair lacks moisture, the outer layers of your hair shaft break, resulting in rough and damaged stands that catch each other more easily.

2. Sleeping With Your Hair Down

Sleeping without braiding or tying your hair up can lead to some serious tangles. Another major no-no is going to bed with wet hair. Hair is most fragile when it is wet and as the tangles dry they shrink and tighten, making them a nightmare to remove.

3. Untrimmed Dry Ends

Going long periods without trimming your hair results in dry and split ends. Dry ends also tend to break easily. And once your hair splits, it cannot be repaired. Dry, frizzy strands and split ends tangle much more easily than healthy hair.

5. Damaged Cuticles

Regular heat styling without heat protection can damage your hair’s outer cuticle, leaving the inner hair shaft exposed, unprotected and vulnerable to tangles.

How To Untangle Hair

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1. Apply a moisturising product like Eleven’s Miracle Hair Cream to smoothen the hair cuticle. This stuff really is a game changer when dealing with dry, knotty hair!
2. Allow the detangling product to soak into the hair for a few minutes before you start detangling.
3. Divide your hair into manageable sections.
4. Use your fingers to detach the knots before using a wide-toothed comb. This can reduce the size of the knots substantially and make detangling less painful.
5. Use your comb to detangle the ends first, working your way up to the roots.

How To Prevent Tangles

1. Condition

Always use a moisture-locking conditioner after washing your hair. Conditioner smooths the hair shaft and softens dry strands. For dry or damaged hair let the product sit in your tresses for a couple of minutes before rinsing.

2. Use A Wide-Toothed Comb on Wet Hair

Wet hair is much more fragile. Brushes and fine combs can tear open the shafts of wet hair. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove knots.

3. Apply Hair Masks

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Applying a hair mask once a week can improve your hair texture drastically. Treatments like Eleven’s Three Minute Repair, hydrate and smooth your dry cuticles, leaving your locks silky and soft.

4. Rinse With Cold Water

This is a simple yet effective step. Rinse your locks with cold water at the end of your shower to close your cuticles and prevent any breakage. Doing so also keeps rough and dry strands at bay.

5. Always Use a Heat Protectant

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Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can take a toll on your delicate locks. To avoid damage always apply a heat protectant like KEVIN MURPHY’s new Heated.Defense before styling and use the tools on low to medium heat settings.

6. Go Easy With The Towel

Twisting and rubbing your hair with a towel immediately after a shower can cause damage. Instead, gently squeeze your hair with a towel and let it air dry. Microfibre towels are a great way to dry hair quickly and gently.

7. Invest in a Silk Pillowcase

If you wake up ever morning with knots, try investing in a silk pillowcase. Silk doesn’t cause friction and can prevent tangles. If tangles are a problem avoid cotton pillowcases – their rough texture can dry out and break your hair.

8. Avoid Products Containing Sulphates and Alcohol

Although there is a wide range of products that claim to be natural, it is vital to look for the ones that are true to their claim. Look for products that are free of sulphates and alcohols that dry out and damage the hair cuticle, leading to tangling and breakage.

 

 

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How Megan Keeps Her Hair Super Smooth

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Meghan Markle has worn her hair straight for the past twenty years, so many people don’t realise that it’s naturally very curly. Able to withstand even Wellington’s blustery weather, many of her former stylists have credited her super smooth locks to in-salon Keratin treatments.

So what exactly is a keratin treatment? Simply, the hair is saturated with a keratin formula to restore the keratin levels in your the hair. This creates a silky, frizz-free, shiny look.

THE PROCESS

The first step is applying a Clarifying Shampoo which removes oil and buildup to prime the hair for treatment.

Your hair is dried, then the Keratin Smoothing Treatment is applied with a brush to small sections at a time and left on for 30 minutes.

After half an hour the treatment is rinsed out, then hair is blow dried again, and flat ironed meticulously.

It can feel like a long process (allow three hours), but the results are worth the wait.

Thinking of getting a treatment? Here is what you need to consider:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Cheaper keratin treatments can contain chemicals which may be very harmful, so it’s very important to do your research when choosing a salon, stylist and which kind of keratin treatment you are getting. If you aren’t willing to pay for a professional treatment, it might not be worth the risk of damaging your hair and scalp with a cheaper form of keratin treatment. Everyone’s hair needs are different, so going to a reputable salon will make all the difference.

Reds Hairdressing uses Cezanne Perfect Finish Smoothing Keratin Treatment. Compared to other chemical hair smoothing processes, the Cezanne keratin treatment does not contain formaldehyde and can improve hair from the inside out, by delivering a unique blend of keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins into the hair.

 

IT’S ACTUALLY A BETTER OPTION THAN STRAIGHTENING YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY.

Straightening your hair every day can be one the most damaging things you can do to your hair. So, if you are someone who is a day to day hair straightener, considering a keratin treatment might be the more healthy option for you.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

If you use the right sulfate-free hair care and avoid washing daily, Cezanne can last up to three months, wearing out gradually.

 

How To Tame Those Pesky Baby Hairs

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Are baby hairs the bane of your existence? Especially when you’ve been carefully blow-drying your freshly-washed hair only to see those fine, feathery wisps suddenly showing themselves.

Don’t worry, it’s not just you. These thin ‘baby’ hairs are notoriously tricky to control. Here are some dos and don’ts for taming your misbehaving baby hairs…

DON’T shave or wax your baby hairs

We’re only human, and frustration can sometimes lead to drastic measures. But no matter how much your baby hairs are annoying you, waxing or shaving should be out of the question. Some women do opt for threading, but remember all of these methods aren’t permanent and you will have to deal with the hairs growing back. And unless you can commit to serious and costly laser hair removal – there aren’t any realistic, long-term solutions.

DO try this hairspray trick

Your best bet at taming those baby flyaways is hairspray and knowing how to use it.

We recommend sticking them down with KEVIN.MURPHY’s Session Spray anytime you’re trying for a sleek ponytail or updo.

And the secret to taming those baby hairs? Spray a spoolie (eyebrow brush) or unused toothbrush with hairspray and then gently run it over your baby hairs to smooth them down. The thickly clustered bristles will ensure not one tiny hair escapes.

DO go for relaxed styles and updos

If sticking your baby hairs down just DOES NOT work, go for more relaxed and casual styles instead. Work with what you’ve got by trying a messy bun or half up-half down style.

DO consider a pixie cut or fringe

You could also consider disguising your baby hairs within your cut. Soft fringes are great as they hide most things (an alternative to botox too, some say) as well as pixie cuts.

Got Roots? Slay the grey with Kevin Murphy

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Never worry about your roots again – KEVIN.MURPHY has got us covered! One of the newest additions to the KEVIN.MURPHY family, Retouch Me is a luxury root touch-up spray that conceals your greys no matter where you are, with an instant spritz.

Created with hair-loving ingredients including Orange Peel Oil, Tangerine Peel Oil and Vitamin E, Retouch Me cares for your hair while creating a natural shine. Available in black, dark brown, light brown and auburn, the root touch-up spray disperses micro-fine pigments for a dry, satin finish that blends seamlessly with your hair colour to naturally conceal your greys.

The Retouch me can is compact, allowing you to take it with you on-the-go, and features a nozzle that makes the experience splatter free, with a fast-drying formula that allows accuracy with no residue. This temporary cover-up is not designed to last more than one wash, but will keep your hair looking fresh and covered from all angles throughout the day. RETOUCH.ME is suitable for all hair types and textures. We love it as a back up in between colour services to discreetly conceal roots and greys.

And staying true to their commitment to the environment, a financial contribution is made to The Climate Reality Project for every can sold, which helps to reduce global carbon emissions. The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit global organisation dedicated to educating the public about the science and impact of climate change, and works towards solutions at a grassroots level worldwide.

Why Brassy Hair Happens – And How To Fix It!

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Brassy hair happens to almost everyone with lightened hair, but the good news is, there are ways to reduce brass when it appears, and to avoid unwanted warmth in the first place.

So why does it happen?

Everyone’s hair has warmth lurking within – you may not see it, but it’s there. When your natural colour is removed by lightening, the underlying brassy tones of your hair are revealed. Colourists manage this by mixing colour and toning formulas that contain blue and purple tones to cancel out the unwanted reds and yellows that lightening exposes.

Once you leave the salon there are many other factors which can contribute to your strands becoming yellow over time.

Exposure to the elements

Oxidising is defined simply as the addition of oxygen. When hair colour is exposed to oxygen it begins to oxidise and fade. UV rays also contribute by damaging our hair and drying it out. When strands are damaged like this they become more porous, making your colour fade faster. When colour fades, it tends to reveal the underlying warm pigment in your hair.

The pool

Pools are infused with chlorine to kill nasty bacteria, however the chlorine solution used in pool is also a form of bleach. Bleach removes colour, and unfortunately that includes your hair. And when your hair lightens, those warm tones start peeping through.

Your shower

You may not realise it, but the water coming out of the shower head in your bathroom could be making your hair brassy! That is, if it has a high level of mineral deposits. This type of water can cause build-up in your hair, which then dries it out and makes it prone to damage. Hard water not only leaves mineral deposits in the hair, but it also prevents the penetration and absorption of moisture.

Your hair products
Your shampoo could be helping to turn those strands brassy. Some shampoos strip your hair colour and contain parabens and sulphates that actually damage your hair and contribute to brassiness.

How to fight brassy tones

First and foremost, if you should leave lightening to the professionals. Our colourists are professionally trained to understand how your hair will respond to lightening and how to lighten your hair without exposing your hair’s warm tones.

Once you leave the salon, the best way to maintain your blonde is with a special shampoo and conditioner designed for lightened hair. These violet-toned shampoos and conditioners counteract brassiness by cancelling out golds and reds with blues and purples. And don’t be alarmed by its purple shade – it is not going to do any damage to your mane, or dye your hair lavender!

We love KEVIN.MURPHY’s Blonde Angel Wash and Rinse, and Eleven’s Keep My Colour blonde shampoo and conditioner. Both ranges nourish your hair with naturally-derived ingredients and are paraben and sulphate free. And as an added bonus both are also certified cruelty free!

 

Reds Guide to Thick Hair

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Thick hair is often viewed as the ideal hair type, but those who were born with a full head of thick, luscious locks are definitely familiar with the struggle of managing their mane. If you’re struggling with the upkeep of thick hair, not to worry, here’s our Reds guide for everything you need to know.

Add Layers

Adding layers is one of the easiest ways to make thick-hair more manageable. Adding layers gives the hair natural body and movement and also thins out the hair to help tame it and give it shape.

Use Hydrating Products

Thick hair tends to be dryer, so it’s important to use products that keep your hair hydrated and avoid frizz.

Look out for products and treatments that are specifically designed for dry hair. We love KEVIN.MURPHY’s HYDRATE-ME range, which uses premium-quality, natural ingredients to naturally hydrate, smooth and moisturise your hair while also adding elasticity and shine.

And adding an at home masque to your routine once a week, like KEVIN.MURPHY’s HYDRATE-ME. MASQUE or Eleven’s Three Minute Repair Rinse, will help you to avoid stubborn flyaways and frizz.

Invest in Your Heat Stylers

Ever wonder why professional heat styling tools cost so much more than your run of the mill department store brand or why your hair always looks that much smoother and shinier when you leave the salon? It’s because your hair stylist has invested in higher grade heat styling tools, which you should too! Reds stocks a range of premium heat styling tools which will take your style to the next level, without damaging your hair in the process.

The Best Hair Accessory

One of the biggest struggles for women with thick hair is having the right hair accessories to be able to successfully and beautifully style it. If you struggle with achieving a high bun or ponytail because of your heavy, thick hair, try out the Invisibobble hair ties. These hair ties are made with a telephone cord like spiral, which give the band extreme hold but maximum comfort—perfect for thick hair!

 

 

 

Move over Ombré! Mid-lights are Trending

 

image via Instagram_elevenaustralia 

Perfect for all hair tones, mid-lights are all about creating luscious texture and depth that works in harmony with your natural colour.

Instead of changing your natural base colour, mid-lights add a balance of neutral, warm and cool tones to enhance your natural hair colour. Basically, it’s recreating the multidimensional hair colour you had when you were a child.

Because they work in harmony with your natural colour, mid-lights are perfect for the transition between seasons. And unlike global colours, mid-lights are low-maintenance. There’s no need for constant touch-ups due to there being no clear demarcation line or regrowth – making it an economical option, too.

Our top hair product heroes to make your hair INCREDIBLE

The beauty market is saturated with hair styling options. Be it serums or hair mousses, it’s often difficult to know where to start.

We’ve broken it down by picking our hair heroes. Take a look at our favourites below for your ultimate hair inspo.

Hero Hairspray

KEVIN.MURPHY Session Spray. This aerosol provides a firm, brush-able, and weightless lasting hold with natural fragrance oils and a UV shield for colour protection.

 

Hero Treatment

Eleven Australia Miracle Hair treatment. Suited to all hair types, this lightweight leave-in treatment delivers ELEVEN benefits your hair will LOVE.

 

Hero Dry Shampoo

KEVIN.MURPHY Fresh Hair. A dry shampoo that removes odours, excess oil, and all your sins from the night before.

 

Hero Heat Protectant

KEVIN.MURPHY Young Again. A weightless leave-in treatment oil infused with Immortelle to counteract the oxidisation and ageing process. Offers heat protection up to 200°F/93°C.

 

Hero Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Eleven Australia Deep Clean shampoo. A deeply cleansing shampoo that removes stubborn excess oil from the hair and scalp. For all hair types.

 

Hero Styling Paste

KEVIN.MURPHY Free Hold. A flexible hold styling paste with a natural shine and a thickening effect on hair. Contains essence of Bergamot, suitable for all hair types.

 

Hero Blonde Shampoo

KEVIN.MURPHY Blonde Angel Wash. Refresh Blonde tones with this Lavender infused, colour enhancing shampoo. Optical brighteners rescue dulled colour and restore shine. For blonde or grey hair.

 

Hero Conditioner

KEVIN.MURPHY Hydrate Me. A super smoothing and hydrating conditioner for hair that just cannot be repaired or hair that is naturally dry or hair that lives in a very dry climate. It will nourish dry hair and make split ends unrecognisable. This formulation is still packed with antioxidants as this gives the hair a healthy glow and stops the hair from losing any more moisture.

Six Hacks to Painlessly Break In Your New Shoes

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Here’s some tricks of the trade that actually work when you need to break in your new shoes.

1. LITTLE AND OFTEN

It’s a good idea to buy shoes well in advance of the event they’re for. That way you can break them in gradually. Try slipping them on when you’re at home in the evenings or pop them on for your lunch time stroll.

2. SANDPAPER YOUR SOLES

New shoes can be very slippy – especially heels – and trying to keep yourself from going flying on their debut outing can mean your feet are doing a lot more work than they need to. To avoid getting blisters from ever-scrunched toes, buff some sandpaper on the sole of your shoes to give them a bit more grip.

3. CRANK UP THE HEAT

Using heat on new shoes is a great way to soften and stretch the material. Put on some thick socks, slip on your shoes and gently add heat with a hairdryer. Make sure the heat is evenly distributed by moving the shoe around to avoid melting the material and then walk around in the shoes. The heat will loosen the fabric, while the socks will stretch it out.

4. ICE, ICE BABY

If heat doesn’t work, try the other end of the temperature scale. Fill freezer bags with water (remove all air from them before sealing) and stuff them into your shoes. Stick them in the freezer and leave them for approx. 4-8 hours. Water expands as it freezes, stretching your shoes at the same time.

5. SOAK IT UP

If your new shoes are leather, spray some rubbing alcohol on the inside of your shoes, put them on and walk around in them for at least 20 minutes. The alcohol will soften the leather and help the shoes mould to the size and shape of your feet.

6. TAPE YOUR TOES

If all else fails, tape your third and fourth toe together. Sounds weird, but it works. There’s a nerve split between the two toes which hurts when pressure is put on it. By taping the two together you’re perfectly aligning your muscles to avoid pressure on that nerve.

Four ways to reuse your beauty packaging

According to research conducted for the recent Zero Waste week, the cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging per year. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be up to 12 billion tonnes of plastic in landfill generated by the beauty industry alone.

The good news is it’s easy to research products before you buy. Plenty of beauty brands – including our very own KEVIN.MURPHY and ELEVEN hair care ranges – are taking big steps towards sustainability. And sustainably-sourced doesn’t just mean minimal impact on the environment, it also means high-quality ingredients.

Here are a few simple ways to take an environmentally responsible approach to your own beauty habits.

Reuse your candle glasses
Candles are perfect for reuse – from the charming labels, to textured finishes. Wash the finished candle glass by adding boiling water – this will soften the remaining wax and raise it into an easily removable disk – then wash as you would any other glass. Candle glasses also double up as perfectly sized tumblers.
Use old make-up compacts and product containers for storage

Clear out any remaining powder from your finished compacts. Wash and dry thoroughly and use as a secure storage container for small fiddly items like paper clips, safety pins, buttons and hair ties.

Be a smart shopper
Seek out brands with viable, environmentally-friendly initiatives. For instance, at MAC you get a complimentary lipstick for six empties. Dior has dropped all cellophane and excessive paper from its packaging, while KEVIN.MURPHY makes every effort to use packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable.

Turn perfume bottles into diffusers

Beautiful perfume bottles are hard to part with – and there’s no need to when you can reuse them as room diffusers. Just place reeds into the bottle and the scent will fill the room for weeks to come.