With a new year comes the chance to revamp your haircare regime, give your frazzled ends a much-needed detox and maybe even trial a bold new hairstyle or hair colour. If you need some inspo on 2020’s hottest hair trends and treatments, we’ve called on our columnist Jen Atkin to share her haircare hacks and heroes for the coming year.
What are the 3 key hair trends for 2020?
Blunt hair cuts are coming back with a vengeance, and here to stay. Even a blunt long cut is really out there right now, which is unbelievably chic and a total throwback to the 80s and 90s.
Hair accessories are huge, and aren’t going anywhere. Pearl clips, barrettes, bows, head bands, even scrunchies as hair ties are all having a huge moment and people are having more fun than ever with accessories.
Short bobs are also big news. If you have the courage to pull it off, which I strongly encourage, then do it. They’re unbelievably chic and cool, and how fun will it be to look back on pictures of yourself with this bad-ass style that you’ll probably only do once in your life.
What effect does the festive season have on hair?
From all the party-hopping in the cold to more than usual booze and bad (but good) food, our whole bodies might suffer a little bit. It’s just the nature of the holidays – more partying, less self-care. I imagine some of us were so busy going from one thing to the next that dry shampoo will become our best friend fast to cut down on time to get ready. Overall, the hair shouldn’t suffer too much, just be sure to really invest in those treatment masques when you have the time in between all the fun. A little OUAI Hair Oil can keep ends from splitting so it’s always a good idea to look in hydration with a little spritz after the shower. Be mindful of going from hot to cold, hot to cold all the time because that combo can be super drying. Lots of water, sleep when you can, and your favourite hydration treatments will be the way to go.
What is a 6-step hair detox regime?
Sounds simple, but brush your hair. If hair has a ton of tangles, be sure to start from mid-shaft to ends first. If you have a lot of hair, try sectioning to ensure all hair follicles are brushed and for the most part, going in the same direction.
Use two hands to massage the scalp, just for a minute or two. Brushing and massaging help to prepare the hair and scalp for exfoliation.
In the shower, wet hair with warm water. Take a quarter size amount of OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub, it’s the most fun product to use, too. Apply directly on the scalp, don’t forget the back of your head, behind your ears, your hairline, back of your neck – all the spots. Our scalp is like a garden, we need to rake, water, and nourish it so our hair follicles have a healthy environment to grow and thrive.
Using a wide-tooth comb WHILE in the shower, apply the OUAI Treatment Masque from mid to ends, skip the scalp because it can get you greasy quick and by combing the product into the hair, some will naturally get to the roots anyway.. Squeeze excess moisture out of the hair. Leave the Masque in overnight – wear a towel or satin sleeping cap to protect your hair and those precious linens. If you don’t have time or patience (I get it..) to leave in overnight, keep the Masque in for 5 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Comb hair with wide-tooth comb. Take a break from heat styling that day and let your locks air dry. Use hair oil from mid to ends and then try the Air Dry Foam if you have curl or wave textures. Removing some or all heat from your hair routine for a few days is a great way to detox your hair.
Use a bit of gentle hair oil or leave-in conditioner to keep things smooth, silky, hydrated, and then just let the air drying do the rest. Try not to put your hair up too much because tight hair ties can cause breakage sometimes, so if you can just use a gentle scrunchie or leave it alone..
What 3 products do you swear by for a hair detox?
I absolutely love the OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub, I always feel super detoxed after but not squeaky clean. The sugar blend really gets in there and is great for all hair types, and then you have some nourishing coconut oil to calm things down and keep it all soft. The probiotic blend helps to balance the scalp and skin’s microbiome.
It’s not always the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, but a satin sleeping turban prevents friction throughout the night, and friction can cause breakage.
A wide-tooth comb is our secret weapon. When hair is wet, it’s the most vulnerable to breakage and most of us have a tendency to want to just get the job done quickly right out of the shower so we pull the hair, which then breaks and can cause damage. The comb allows for easy detangling and helps with distributing evenly whatever go-to product you use post-wash. Remember to always work tangles from mid shaft to ends.
How do you banish winter frizz from air con?
Avoid blowdrying hair in the bathroom after a shower – the lingering steam and moisture will make it harder for your hair to dry and lock out frizz. Find a cooler, dryer area, like your bedroom.
Don’t wash hair with super hot water, which can be really stripping to the hair. Use lukewarm water and even on the cooler side if you can stand it. At the very least, do a cold water shot at the end of your shower to close the hair cuticle to lock in hydration and shine.
Get a trim! Seeing your stylist for a regular trim (every 3 months) will help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. Split ends make hair feel very dry and brittle. Hair oil helps to seal split ends when you don’t have time for a cut. It also prevents frizz by providing hydration and locking it in.
Go easy on rough drying with a towel and instead opt for OUAI anti frizz sheets, duh.. They are purse-portable, super convenient frizz defying sheets. With a few swipes, your hair is left shiny, smooth, and free from flyaways. I never travel without them.
How do you add shine and gloss to lacklustre hair?
If you’re using a lot of dry shampoo (who doesn’t) because you’re on the go pretty often, brushing your hair after you use dry shampoo can help seal the hair cuticle, creating shine. Use a boar bristle brush for this.. The tried and true trick is doing a cold shot of water in the shower post shampoo and conditioner. It always makes hair shiny and smooth. Always ask your stylist to do this at the salon if they don’t already.