Q&A Time with our Fab Celebrity Stylist

Giving you answers!
We’ve caught up with our very own celebrity stylist Martyn Gayle this month to ask him a few hair questions on your behalf and here are his suggestions!

I’m thinking of getting a fringe cut in, what should I consider before doing this? If you are thinking of a fringe, make sure you have an honest consultation with your stylist, especially with regards to suitability and consider if you have time to ''drop'' into your regular salon in between your haircut visits to maintain it, if so then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, bear in mind that once you have committed to a fringe it is a definite statement and it's not something you can change over night.

My hair always gets so much lighter when I go on holiday and becomes really thin and damaged, how can I prevent this and repair my hair?
Try Kevin Murphy Body.Guard, it's a leave in hydrating cream that soothes dry ends and adds lustre to damaged hair. It's non greasy, weightless and gives added protection whilst in the sun. Also try Kerastase Noctogenist for fine hair, as this treatment provides nourishment whilst protecting the hair fibre against damage.

Getting a full head of highlights costs a lot of money, what can I do in-between salon visits to maintain my highlights and reduce the noticeability of my root re-growth? I think the concept of a complete head of highlights is pretty old fashioned. You should really be incorporating more of your natural colour to break up the highlight look to give your hair more depth and tone. This way you will not end up with the M25 running through your head, and it's a much softer way of not having a dramatic re-growth situation.

I really want to have more volume and people always tell me to back-comb, but I don’t find it easy and it always looks a mess. How can I do it at home so that it looks salon styled?
For salon styled volume finish try Alterna Hemp Seed Thickening Compound. This is a creamy gel that delivers volume and control during styling. Hemp Seed Thickening Compound increases the diameter of the hair, and increases shine. When styling your hair combine this with a medium to large round bristle brush (I would recommend Kent Brushes), and you’ll achieve fabulous volume without the need to backcomb your hair.

Martyn

Two regular guys: one master class in shaving. We challenged our grooming guinea-pigs, Tom and Andy to two months of the men-u shave treatment to see if this new men’s grooming range did exactly what it said on the tin. They dropped their high-street shaving products and habits and adopted the men-u regime paving the way for their smoothest shave yet...

Here's what the guys had to say about their men-u experience.

Andy:

"I've never been concerned too much about my male grooming routine; for some reason I've just never integrated it into my daily routine. When it comes to shaving I've certainly been "Mr. Average", buying middle-of-the-road products straight off the supermarket shelves. I never expected that by using some of the more niche products my shaving experience could be enhanced, and certainly did not expect the status of this daily ritual to be elevated above the level of anything but a chore. Since the men-u range and its 3-step regimen of a brush with shaving crème, cleanser and moisturiser was introduced to me, I honestly believe I will never go back to using the more famous mass market brands I had previously. To my astonishment, I actually now enjoy shaving! My skin often used to be left irritated and dry, but since I have started using men-u my skin feels smooth, taut and well moisturised whenever I shave.

The other bonus of the men-u range is that it actually works out cheaper than shaving with inferior products; previously I was going through a can of shaving gel every few weeks. The men-u Shaving Crème has lasted me over two months! All you need is an incredibly small amount of the stuff – about the size of a pea size is enough for one whole shave! The men-u range has opened my eyes to a whole new world of male grooming, and I’m grateful I've had my head turned!"

Tom: "I too have never been a huge fan of shaving and I haven’t ever found the process particularly enjoyable. That was until I stumbled across men-u, and the transformation was complete. I am now hooked on their products, and it’s not only down to the smooth, clean results, but the whole shaving process has become easier thus removing that ingrained burden of the daily shave! The thing I really love about men-u is not just their unique take on men’s grooming and their great range of simple but highly effective products, but the fact that the quick and easy 3-step process is such a doddle! For instance, I start by lathering my brush with a pea-sized amount of the heavenly smelling Shave Crème, packed with lubricants including silicone and moisturisers; which I then follow by applying their Tea Tree Oil Cleanser which gets to work in a matter of seconds; and follow this with the final stage of the process, by applying their Non-Greasy Moisturiser with its aromatic refreshing mint & menthol fragrance which tightens the skin and makes your face feel alive.

After this unbeatable experience, under no circumstances will I ever return to my old sub-standard products! I have introduced a number of friends to the men-u range, who at first were sceptical but are now converts to this fantastic range too.

All I can say to all shavers, male or female, is that there is no better way to introduce your self to quality grooming than with the men-u range – even if your legs are in need of some streamlining, its definitely worth a go!"

Need I say anymore! These accounts are testament to the effectiveness of the men-u grooming regime. So why not give it a try and smooth the way for your closest shave ever!

View Men-u products on lookfantastic.com

Your afro hair takes a lot of looking after but the result can be incredible, so make sure you use the right products to achieve the look you want.

For fabulous results on afro hair, I would recommend the Mizani Haircare range.

Prepare your hair with MIzani PuripHying Shampoo which will give you instant moisture.
Followed by the MIzani Moisture fuse Moisturizing Conditioner, for a silky soft feel, and leaves your hair shiny and luxurious.

For styling use the Mizani Therma Strength Style Serum. This product is heat activated, and is perfect to protect your hair whilst blow drying or straightening.

Hair Do's and Don'ts

Here are a few tips to ensure your hair remains happy and healthy...

• Do not wash your hair everyday, as it reduces the natural oils in your hair and may encourage dryness.

• Do wash your hair every other day if you need to or less if it suits.

• Do not leave your next haircut until 3-4 months, as this will create dry /split ends.

• Do have a regular hair cutting regime. Every 6-8 weeks is a good idea.

• Brushing your hair one hundred times for healthy hair is a myth, but brushing your hair regularly is good. Make sure you use a pure bristle brush to avoid damage and split ends.

• Kent Brushes produce a fabulous range of bristle brushes for all budgets.
  
  

  Fringe Benefits If you feel like having a fringe cut in to your hairstyle think carefully, and take advice from your expert hairstylist. If you have a low hairline, cow lick, extremely fine hair or wavy/curly hair you may find it’s too high maintenance for you to keep straight! Most of all when you do finally make the choice enjoy it, and remember style is timeless, fashion is fickle! Shine On Currently, I’m really liking the combination of Redken’s Satin Wear product (minimum hold but great for blow drying), and also Redken’s Outshine Anti Frizz Polishing Milk. For chemically treated hair and dry hair use Redken’s all soft range for moisture and shine.

  
  
  

With awards season in full swing it was time to get glammed up for the hottest music event of the year. Yep, that’s right, it’s Brit Award time, we’ve seen the nominations, now it’s time to announce the winners (and losers) from music’s hottest ticket in town hosted by none other than rock royalty themselves, The Osborne’s. Queue a string of impromptu swearing, in-audible speeches nestled in amongst some of the best performances and duets of the year…with the question on everyone’s lips ‘will Amy Winehouse show up?’ Well, yes she did, looking healthier than she has in months and performing in a spectacular Mark Ronson montage.

And the winners are... British Male Solo Artist: Mark Ronson British Female Solo Artist: Kate Nash British Group: Arctic Monkeys British Album: Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare British Breakthrough Act: Mika British Live Act: Take That International Male Solo Artist: Kanye West International Female Solo Artist: Kylie Minogue International Group: Foo Fighters International Album: Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace British Single: Take That – Shine Outstanding Contribution: Paul McCartney.

The glam stage featured golden drapes and a curtain of lights, with a ripped Union Jack on the punk stage, with both centrepieces of a mansion-style set, designed to look partly like the Addams Family's mansion and partly to reflect David and Victoria Beckham's home, dubbed ‘Beckingham Palace’. With thrones for the Osborne’s to match their overtly eccentric style, the evening certainly went off with a bang!

The usual London fashion pack waltzed down the carpet in an array of designer and vintage dresses, looking polished and preened to perfection, but with The Oscars just around the corner, lets see if the Brits can hold their own against the glamour of Hollywood.

My Top Tips for a Fab February

Groomed to Perfection
For that perfectly smooth shave, I’d recommend Dermalogica’s Shaving Oil. It’s great for preventing razor burn and really calms the skin. Also after shaving, use Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Moisturiser, to re-charge your skin and maintain moisture and suppleness.

Mane Event Modern, Romantic, Retro? you decide. Firstly it is important to have an in-depth consultation with your stylist. This way your hairstylist can identify your likes and dislikes. Take visuals with you, so that your hairstylist has an idea of your expectations, and they will be able to advise you correctly, with regards to your expectations make sure you keep them realistic and achievable! Tip… keep it simple, but beautiful, and make sure that you are wearing the hairstyle and the hairstyle does not wear you.

Great Lengths
If you are the type of person that likes to change your hairstyle often i.e. heat styling, rollers, hair straightening, curling, etc, then clip on extensions are perfect for you, why not try Balmain extensions or our Funky Diva range.
If your hair is quite fine, and needs ‘plumping’ up then I would recommend individually glued (with glue gun) extensions. This is a costly way of achieving your desired look, but they look fantastic if they're applied well. You must be prepared to keep to a very strict aftercare regime, with regards to washing, conditioning and styling though, these are a big commitment! Your hairstylist should explain this to you during your initial consultation, and once they have, be prepared to sign a form acknowledging the fact that this has been explained to you clearly.

Colour Me Happy

Keeping freshness in your colour obviously depends on how often you visit your hairstylist, but a great way of maintaining that freshness is to use a shampoo and conditioner which extends your colour. I’d recommend Redken’s Colour Extend shampoo and conditioner. It protects and nourishes your hair whilst protecting your colour. From blondes to brunettes , and reds to mahogany‘s, it gives your hair a fabulous shine and brightness!

Face Facts
When choosing a hairstyle you can utilise our lookfantastic style gallery, and see if you are ready to be BOLD for your next haircut. Or why not take some visuals along when you visit your hairstylist. They are the expert! Trust in them to give you the correct advice and guidance, for a stunning new look!

Martyn

The latest research in to organic farming is throwing up some un-deniably brilliant results. The richer nutritional benefits of organically farmed products benefit your skin and hair with more potent and effective ingredients, as organic farming does not deplete the soil's natural minerals, unlike modern farming methods.

The term 'organic' refers to the method by which an ingredient has been farmed. However 'organic skincare' does not mean that harmful chemicals haven’t been added to the skincare product in formulation. So you need to swat up on some chemical names to avoid confusion.

Modern Organic Products offer a sophisticated hair care range that doesn’t compromise on luxury while striving for purity. MOP products maintain the highest standard with their range of hair care products while respecting the earth, with the result being beauty in balance with nature.


Research shows that more and more people are developing allergies to certain ingredients, so there’s been massive growth within the organic and natural health & beauty sector. Ranges like REN, Aveda and Korres lead the way ensuring that their products are free from the following ingredients:

Parabens
Mineral oils
Propolyne Glycol
Sulfate detergents
Synthetic colours
Petrochemicals
Formaldehyde



‘Green ingredients’ at Aveda reflects their commitment to high performing plant-based products. By advancing existing research and development practices in the beauty industry through the use of renewable, sustainable, organic, plant-based ingredients and non-petroleum mineral ingredients. They are leading the way with ‘green ingredients’ and processes. Aveda ensures ethical and traceable soil to bottle™ ingredients and plant-based alternatives to synthetic chemistry innovations in responsible packaging. This alternative way of thinking is more than just a step in the right direction, it’s leading the way for the future of the beauty industry.

So next time you think about buying a foundation, moisturiser or shampoo, make sure your clued up on what your putting on your skin and in your hair, especially if you’re a sensitive soul!

Has your hair had a hectic party season, or perhaps it’s been ravaged by the winter elements? Whatever the situation everybody’s tresses will be in great need of some tender loving care, so below are my top tips to get your hair back to full-health, tame those rebellious tresses and calm your curls...

Highlight Healing

A great way to get highlighted hair back in shape after the party season, is to use a combination of Redken's: Extreme Shampoo and Extreme Rescue Force (leave Redken’s Rescue Force in your hair for 5 minutes and then rinse), it will create silky results! Also use Redken Extreme Anti Snap leave in treatment; this will strengthen your hair.

Finally, to style use Redken's Thickening Lotion, this fantastic weightless product creates body when blow-drying , and then for that final finishing touch use Redken Outshine to create polished shiny hair that won’t feel heavy.

Curl Conditioning To get your curls in tip top condition or to control that unruly frizz use a combo' of Redken's Fresh Curls Shampoo and Conditioner, followed by Redken Curl Boost, this will define and separate your hair for gorgeous looking curls! Finish your look with Redken's Fresh Curls Anti-Frizz Shiner, for that beautiful tousled look.

Distressed Hair Detox

Finally for a mini hair detox, why not try the Kevin Murphy range, with its natural plant based ingredients? Check out the Maxi Wash Shampoo, which removes any excess product build-up from your hair, follow this with Born Again Treatment Conditioner which you should leave in for at least 15 minutes before rinsing to get the full effects of this great product.

To style use Body Guard, which protects your hair from heat styling, work this product evenly through your hair, and then to create volume when blow drying use Anti Gravity, this volumiser will also control any flyaway hairs’ for a fabulous finish!

As we are still in the winter season the looks continue to be varied. If you are influenced by Amy Winehouse's 'nod' to the beehive, or Kate Moss's 'sexy' fringe, or Ditta von Teese's 40's glamour, or just beautiful movement in your hair, these are still fresh and modern looks.

Martyn