Our hair, how we wear it and what we do with it, is a major component in personal style. Your hair says a lot about you- just like an outfit, it illustrates your personality, plays into your lifestyle, and is a defining feature that makes you unique from the person next to you.
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down over coffee at Starbucks with hairstylist Adam Donnelly to talk hair. Adam works out of Hairacy’s, a Platinum Redken Salon on the 3rd level of Brunswick Square. We chatted about hair trends, environmental vs. self-inflicted hair damage, and the debate between using drug store brands vs. salon products when it comes to proper hair care.
- Adam Donnelly- hairstylist at Hairacy’s
I wanted to pick Adam’s brain on what was popular and trending: what were his clients most commonly looking for in a haircut these days? Adam said it’s an “uncut”, texturized look that many people are looking for – gone are the days of pin straight, every-strand-the-same-length hair. Texture, waves, and curls are fairly popular because they tend to be flattering to most people, providing height and shape to your hair. We’re seeing an influx of urban chic in which people are trying to achieve a slightly messy and effortless look.
With summer upon us, the UV light isn’t just damaging to our skin, it also affects the condition of your hair. Just like there is sunscreen to protect us from getting fried, there are UV-shielding products for your hair too. Adam recommends Redken’s Colour Extend Sun, which not only provides protection to your hair colour under the golden sun, it also has as SPF of 12 to protect your hair and scalp from sun exposure.
Then there are those dangers that come from our hairstyling tools. Adam pointed out that many hair straighters will go up to 450 degrees (Celsius)- the same temperature you’d cook a roast at! (Scary when you put things into perspective.) Although we can dial that temperature up, doesn’t mean we should- the sun isn’t the only thing that will fry your hair. To protect your hair from the heat of styling tools, Adam recommends using Redken’s Heat Glide from the Smooth Down line.
Left: Color Extend Sun; Right: Smooth Down Heat Glide
So is it really beneficial to invest in a salon product over the cheaper drug store alternative? I asked Adam what the real difference is between salon products and drug store brands, aside from the sometimes staggering difference in cost. The products you pick up at the drug store or Walmart are lower in cost because they have much less of the actual product in the bottle or can. Instead, they fill the remainer with silicone- which actually leaves a build up in your hair (and eventually you can see the white residue and be able to scrape it off too)! Not only that, but your hair is at risk for not taking a perm or colour because of this slippery coat over your strands. Your hair may feel soft, but you won’t be able to achieve as much volume because they silicone residue will weigh your hair down. If you are a hair spray weilding feen like me, this news could be a bit of a frightening eye opener.
When it comes to haircare, it’s like investing in a pair of shoes- sometimes you have to spend a little more not only because the end result is nicer, but because it will also last a lot longer and keep shape better!
For more hairstyling tips from Adam Donelly, be sure to visit his newly launched hair blog, ADonis: http://adonisstyle.blogspot.com/
I recently switched from faithfully using Pantene for years to a professional shampoo and after about a week I got at least 3 comments from people asking if I’d coloured my hair or had something done because it just looked shinier and sleeker. The difference is amazing.
This actually answered my downside, thanks!