How To Make Your Curls Last Longer

image via KEVIN.MURPHY

We love beautiful, flawless, bouncy curls. But you know what’s even better? Beautiful, flawless, curled hair that lasts all day. Find out how to make your curls last longer with our five tips below.

1. Get Your Curls To Stay: Cool Them Down

One of the most effective tricks on how to get your curls to stay is to let the curl cool down and set before letting it go. Take each fresh curl (still keeping the curl shape) and secure it with a clip or a bobby pin. Wait till your curls have cooled before unpinning and brushing them out. Letting your curls cool allows the hair cuticle to close, making your curls last much longer.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to wait 10-15 minutes for the curls to set, pin them all to your scalp and use your blow drier to blow cold air on them from a distance.

2. Use the right hair products

Products designed specifically to enhance curls will amplify your hair’s natural texture and prolong the lifespan of your curls. We love KEVIN.MURPHY’s Motion Lotion which enhances curls while taming frizz. A light mist of hairspray after you’ve heat styled – we love KEVIN.MURPHY’s Bedroom Hair – will help to lock in your style for longer lasting waves and curls.

 

Hint: Don’t hold the hairspray too close to your hair. A light mist will provide a flexible, natural looking hold.

3. Invest in good heat styling tools

Yes, good tools may be more expensive, but they heat up better (so you will apply heat for a shorter period of time), use technology to protect your hair while heat styling, and last much longer than cheaper tools. We recommend to set your tools at a heat temperature of 300-350 F to achieve an optimal curl.

4. Use the right barrel size

When using a barrel wand to create curls, many people think that a large barrel will give you those sexy Victoria Secret Curls. We find, however, that most of the time, a smaller barrel will do the magic. Depending on your hair, try using a 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1-1.5 Inch) barrel, and see what difference it can make! Not only will the curls look better, but they will also last longer.

5. Your hair still doesn’t curl?

This may be a sign that your hair is damaged. Overly damaged hair (including split ends) doesn’t curl well, as the cuticle is too damaged and can’t hold a shape. If you suspect this could be you it’s time to give your hair some love and get a trim! If you are worried about cutting your hair, let your Reds stylist know. Our stylists can offer treatments to repair damaged hair and are trained to work with you to achieve your perfect look.

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Trending: Curtain Fringes

 

The Bridget Bardot inspired fringe is trending. Worn by it-girls like Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller, their eye-grazing fringes sit somewhere between a classic fringe and a sweeping side fringe.

 

 

 

The secret to the curtain fringe is that they have to flutter way below the eyebrows, giving them a flirtatious feel. If the curtain is cut too short, it’s going to look too 30’s inspired and it will fail in giving that sexy curtain look.

To achieve this look ask your stylist to take the fringe section quite deep and wide, which gives impact and emphasises the sexiness of this look. Also ask that they make the middle of the fringe shorter, angling longer towards the outside of the face. This gives that beautiful sweeping motion.

But be warned, this is a look the requires maintenance, as keeping your curtain fringe the right length will mean visiting your stylist every few weeks.

For those with a strong cowlick in the front, you can still maintain this look by using a small, round brush and blow-drying the cowlick in the complete opposite direction, so that it sits more flat on the face. Another way of maintaining the look is to make the hair appear soft and ethereal, not thick – so go easy on the hair product. Only use light-hold product or powder to give that light airiness to it.

Time for a chop? Book online here or call us on (04) 2399 479 to make an appointment.

How To: Caring For Your Luxury Candles

image via Instagram/annacatherinejohnstone

They say that of the five senses, our sense of smell is the one that evokes the most emotional response, and is most tied up with memory. From freshly-baked bread to the smell of the sea, or just one whiff of a certain cologne, there’s no question that scent is a powerful thing.

For many of us, scented candles are a go-to when creating a relaxing ambiance to relax unwind. While often you get what you pay for – the luxe ones contain 10 to 15 per cent perfume oil, while the cheaper ones can be as low as one to two per cent – whether or not you love the scent is more important than the price tag.

To extend your burn time and get the best fragrance ‘throw’, here’s our tips for caring for your scented candle.

1. To ensure an even and smoke-free burn, the wick should be trimmed to a length of 5mm each time before lighting and discontinue when 10mm of wax remains.
2.  In order to get the most out of your candle, burn it until the entire surface of the candle melts. Wax has ‘memory’ so it will follow the first burn so make sure not to extinguish the candle until the whole surface has melted.
3. To preserve the fragrance, do not burn your candle for more than six hours at a time and turn the wick into the wax to extinguish so that there is no smoke created.
4. Do not leave candle burning unattended. Keep away from children, curtains and pets. Always protect the table or surface on which the candle rests.
5. Ignore people who say scented candles make for a rubbish present – they couldn’t be more wrong 🙂

How To Prepare Your Hair & Skin for a Big Event

image via Instagram/factory4pr

 

Here’s our easy guide to looking your best for a big event.

 

One – Two Months Before

Ensure your hair, skin and makeup will look great by booking in your hair, makeup and skin care appointments early.

Reds Hairdressing offers great styling options for events, ranging from a standard blow wave to a comprehensive wedding hair service.

 

One – Two Weeks Before

You might think it’s better to cut and color your hair right before the event, but do it a week or so prior to give yourself time to fit in your other prep and get comfortable with styling your new look.

For your skin, try to exfoliate two to three times a week, looking for products that contain enzymes to promote natural exfoliation.

 

Three – Four Days Before The Event

It’s time to pamper your skin. You want to look glowing and fresh the day of your event, and that takes more than just 24 hours. Enjoy a soothing and hydrating facial, and avoid any procedure that includes extractions or chemical peels.

Hydrated, glowing skin is the best accessory for the red carpet, so make sure you drink plenty of water

 

 

The Day Before The Event

If you’ve taken care of your hair and skin ahead of time, you shouldn’t have the stress of leaving everything until the last minute, so relax and pamper yourself with a mani/pedi. Consider a gel polish to help avoid chips and cracks.

To boost brightness and plump your skin use a gentle hydrating mask.

Use a hydrating at home hair masque to keep your hair looking healthy and your colour vibrant.

Treat extra-dry, tough spots like heels and elbows with a body scrub in your evening shower, then moisturize with shea butter while skin is still damp, and cover the spot in a cotton glove or sock overnight.

 

On The Day Of The Event

Today is the day to reap the rewards of your preparation. Enjoy your pamper time with your makeup artist and hair stylist.

To avoid last minute skin irritation, don’t add a new skincare product – stick to normal routine and leave the rest up to the professionals.

 

 

How To Perfectly Style Your Fringe

image via Love Kevin Murphy

While a fringe can lift your style from plain to chic, our clients often have trouble styling their fringe after they leave the salon. To avoid the most common fringe complaints, here’s our top tips for keeping your fringe perfectly styled.

Styling After Washing your hair

Hairsprays on fringes can make the hair look too stiff and unnatural. For a lighter finish, use volumising powder like POWDER.PUFF. For something with a bit more shine and control EASY.RIDER is a winner as it is a light weight anti-frizz cream.

Styling The Second Day After Washing

Dry Shampoo is always a hair saver for flat second day fringes. A few sprays at the roots will work wonders to bring back volume and texture. If your fringe tends to be on the more frizzy side, try a light leave-in treatment like STAYING.ALIVE. Spray your fringe lightly and blow dry in to replenish moisture and reduce static.

If Your Growing Out Your Fringe

Growing out a fringe requires patience and time. Hair accessories and embellishments can help to smooth out the process. Find a sparkly clip to twist and pin your growing fringe out of your face while you wait for your desired length.

Still Confused?

Still having trouble styling you fringe? Your friendly Reds stylist is happy to help. All products are available through Reds. Book Now

 

Micellar Water: French Women’s Favourite Cleanser

image via instagram.com/radiantskinsentientbeing

This product may be the secret to French women’s hydrated-but-never-oily complexions. Micellar sounds just like the gentle, hydrating cleanser we’ve been searching for our entire lives—and lucky for us, a trip to France is no longer required to stock up on them.

What exactly is micellar water?

Micellar water contains small particles called micelles. These work like a miniature sponges, mopping up dirt and makeup while hydrating your skin. Micelles have an oil-loving ‘tail’ that traps dirt, oil, and makeup and a water-loving ‘head’ that allows the micelles to dissolve impurities so they can easily be wiped away.

French women’s obsession may stem from the notoriously hard water in Paris, which can be extremely harsh on skin. On the other hand, the oil droplets in micellar water are hydrating to dry skin and don’t disrupt the natural pH of skin like foaming cleansers. All skin types can benefit from micellar water, but it is especially recommended for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.

How do I use micellar water?

To use micellar water, simply pour it into a cotton pad and rub it over your face, like a toner. Then carry one with your skincare routine as normal—no need to rinse afterward.

Where do I get it?

Bioderma’s much-loved CréalineH Micelle Solution (a model favourite) is available at strawberry.net, and brands like Avène, Nivea, Simple and Garnier have come out with their own versions you can pick up at your local department store or supermarket.

Ten Reasons to Love COLOR.ME

What goes in the tube of your hair colour is just as important to the health of your hair as it is to the environment. The Reds team and our clients are becoming more and more conscious about the products that come in contact with our skin and hair. KEVIN.MURPHY’s range of colours, COLOR.ME, offers a moisturising and rejuvenating experience with natural, gentle ingredients that are suitable for all hair types. This compact colour line stays committed to the integrity of the hair while imparting superior colour performance and natural-looking results. Read on to find out why it’s time for you to try COLOR.ME.

1.     Naturally Derived Ingredients

Just like your body, your hair needs the best nutrition in order to thrive. COLOR.ME uses naturally derived ingredients such as Shea Butter, Honey and Aloe Vera to smooth and condition the hair shaft and scalp. Together, these ingredients act as a power team to moisturise, nourish, restructure and protect hair from roots to ends. These highly effective, natural ingredients soothe and soften the scalp and hair while boosting shine and strength.

2.      Rich in Antioxidants

Infused with antioxidant-rich Pomegranate and Rose Hip, COLOR.ME utilises the powerful effects of these superfoods to provide both UV protection and long-lasting colour results. These invigorating ingredients protect against environmental influences like heat and mechanical strain, while repairing and restructuring the hair from within.

3.     Ammonia-free and PPD-free

Many scalp irritations result from an allergic reaction to harsh chemicals used during the colouring process. COLOR.ME is composed without damaging chemicals that can aggravate the scalp and hair follicle. Instead, COLOR.ME is formulated without ammonia and PPD, and uses gentle ingredients to ensure the healthiest colour possible.

4.     Full Grey Coverage

COLOR.ME offers full coverage for un-pigmented, grey hair. The multi-tonal characteristics of each shade ensure maximum colour coverage and longevity, even on the most resistant hair. This high performance line delivers natural looking results to balance and maintain colour with unsurpassed shine, replacing unwanted greys with beautiful multi-dimensional colour.

5.     Environmentally Responsible

Always conscious of their environmental impacts, the water used to clean the production machines and colour tanks for the COLOR.ME formulation is treated by the manufacturers’ in-house water treatment plants. It is then returned to the water source where it was initially taken, even cleaner than when it was harvested.

6.     Cruelty-Free Colour

With the launch of COLOR.ME, PETA has expanded its designation of KEVIN.MURPHY’s cruelty-free hair care to include the colour range in its Beauty Without Bunnies program. COLOR.ME offers cruelty-free colour, and reflects the brand’s heritage and values in its initiative to bring awareness to protecting the environment and its inhabitants, including animals.

7.     Molecular Couple Guarantee

COLOR.ME uses the latest technology to ensure that every pigment molecule remains in a secure bond when applied to the hair follicle. This means fewer skin irritations and allergic reactions, and less harm to our environment. Additionally, COLOR.ME uses a specialised method to delay the oxidation process to ensure even application and optimum colour coverage. Our special micro pigments penetrate deep in to the hair shaft with minimal cuticle swelling, resulting in shinier, healthier hair.

8.     Multi-Tonal Results

Every COLOR.ME shade has been carefully hand-selected to deliver a unique and natural multi-tonal finish. COLOR.ME respects the natural colour pattern of virgin hair and creates multi-dimensional colour on every hair strand, resulting in balanced hair with exceptional tone and unsurpassed shine.

9.     Intermixable Shades

With a flexible range of multi-tonal colours, COLOR.ME lets the stylist be an artist by allowing them the room to create unique colour formulations. With endless colour possibilities, this compact colour line allows the colourist freedom to create formulations that are all their own, specialised for each individual client. COLOR.ME offers a fashion-forward portfolio of intermixable shades, allowing maximum freedom and creativity.

10.     Hair Care Meets Technology

To ensure ultimate at-home colour care, KEVIN.MURPHY offers ALL.ABOUT.YOU their online product matchmaker. ALL.ABOUT.YOU helps you to find your perfect product combination, based on your hair type and your desired results, in just four easy steps.

How to Use Flat Irons Like a Pro

The flat iron is an essential hair styling tool. From straight, to wavy, to even natural looks, this tool can handle it all. While we all think we know how to straighten hair, we could all do with a refresher. And while this tool can be a lifesaver, by using it incorrectly you are causing more trouble in the long run. To avoid inadvertently damaging your hair, check out our three simple tips for using flat irons like a pro.

Protect Your Hair

Always start by prepping hair with a heat protectant like Eleven Miracle Hair Treatment. This will make sure hair stays healthy and easy to style.

Use Even Sections

The key for polished flat iron styles is even sectioning. When styling hair, keep sections the same size for a consistent and balanced hairstyle. Generally six even sections, illustrated in the image below, is sufficient. If you have very thick hair you may need to create more, smaller sections to keep things manageable.

Get Your Temperature Right

Finally, make sure you know what flat iron temperatures suit your hair and style. If your flat iron doesn’t have temperature settings, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

• 80°C          Smooth frizz and flyaways
• 105°C        Styling damaged hair
• 130°C        Styling fine hair
• 160°C        Styling loose waves or natural styles
• 185°C        Standard styling and straightening
• 210°C        Coarse, unruly hair

The Two Try-Ons Rule: When To Return Your Online Purchase

Are you a big online impulse buyer? Does your closet consist of 10 things you wear all the time and an embarrassing amount of unworn clothing you’ve never left the house in? Nearly all of us buy things online that we like the idea of wearing, but many online purchases end up sitting in the closet, waiting for our next frustrating trip to the op shop.

To avoid the horrible feeling that comes with a closet full of nothing you want to wear, use The Two Try-Ons rule. Here’s how it works: If you try on something twice and don’t leave the house in it, you must return it. This method requires you to be VERY honest with yourself (do these shoes pinch my feet, etc?), but most of us know by the first time we try something on, and nearly all of us know by the second try, if something isn’t quite right.

This rule is perfect for online purchases, especially once you realise how easy returns are. Most online retailers include a free return label in the original shipment. If you decide that you need to return the item, just peel the return label, stick it back on the package, and drop it at the post shop.

How To: Clean Your False Lashes

image via Instagram/ebernezereyelash

Stop throwing your false lashes away after just one use! If you struggle with justifying the cost of false eyelashes given their lack of longevity, consider this easy cleaning process.

What You’ll Need:

• Tweezers
• Two round cotton pads
• A cotton swab
• An oil-free makeup remover 
  

  How To:

  1. Carefully remove any visible dried glue with tweezers

  2. Lay each lash on a round cotton pad soaked in oil-free makeup remover.

  3. Press the two cotton pads together for 30 seconds.

  4. Wipe away any remaining makeup using a solution-soaked end of the cotton swab.

  5. Lastly, go over your newly cleaned lashes with the dry end of your cotton swab bud.

 

This easy trick can make your falsies last for up to six uses. Give it a go and let us know how it works for you.