Our beauty guru has a look at the options available to deal with a new hair regime
Beauty
Maggie Gibbons
The last time I had my highlights done was Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 2.30pm.
Little did Lynda McNally or myself realise at that time what lay around the corner but the pandemic has forced us all to re-examine an awful lot of things in life.
I had never considered going grey but lockdown helped hugely me making that decision, and while it wasn’t exactly a seismic shift, it required a fair bit of thinking about.
As time passed however, I had no choice in the matter. It was easy to grow out the blonde as I wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and no one was calling to the house, so I just let it rip.
The whole thing was a doddle really, my re-growth blended in with the blonde, so it all kind of blended together. Now, when I look at my salt and pepper locks I just can’t believe I finally did it!
I’m still getting used to it now, and would say that the encouragement from friends who decided to go down the same route was a major helping factor. Being blonde was never for me about looking younger, in fact I only ever wanted to do the best with what I’ve got. My hair had been highlighted since I was in my twenties, and that’s not today or yesterday!
As I said, Covid changed everything. I was ready for whatever shade of silver appeared under all that dye! Getting older and going grey is part of the aging process, that was what I kept telling myself!
The only downside so far is that colours that looked good with the blonde just don’t have the same wow factor with grey. A small price to pay though. After all, if Judy Dench and Helen Mirren can do it, why can’t you and I!
Maintenance
Grey hair can be quite coarse, so treat it with care and keep it maintained with a good shampoo. A purple shampoo really freshens the hair colour. When you’ve gone grey, white, or salt-and-pepper, your skin can look washed-out and dull.
Kevin Murphy is a master of all things hair. Having won numerous awards for his work within the industry, he set about developing his own range and they really are good. Each of his creations combine his in-depth knowledge with his effortless talent. Banish brassy tones with Blonde/Angel/Wash, a colour enhancing shampoo for all tones, from creamy to platinum, and greys. It has added optical brighteners to rescue dull colour. It helps to restore shine and brightness. It’s sulphate and paraben free and costs €26.
Kevin Murphy Body Mass treatment helps strengthen the hair and gives a beautiful body and bounce. Rich with Oleanolic Acid, this leave-in treatment helps fortify and strengthen at the roots to help prevent hair ageing and costs €34. Check out at kevinmurphystore.ie.
You can also treat your hair to the nourishing effects of Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Original Hair Oil, a leave-in hair oil that works to beautify the appearance of dull hair. The shine-enhancing oil can be used as a primer, finisher or refresher, sealing the look of split ends and smoothing the hair fibre for a sleek finish. Your hair will feels soft, silky and protected. Cost is €38.45, check out lookfantastic.ie.
Restore shine and vitality to damaged hair with L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Absolut Repair Gold Shampoo. The shampoo helps to create the appearance of a smoother hair surface, reducing split ends and flyaways while adding a glossy shine. This is for dry and damaged hair types. Cost is €11.95 at lookfantastic.ie.
Facial hair
This has become such a taboo subject, yet we all have them, facial hairs that is. When did I first notice the sprouting hairs from my chin, and the dreaded moustache? I honestly can’t remember, they’re there to stay now though so I just get on with dealing with them. I mean, have you ever seen anyone on Instagram with stray chin hairs poking out? No way!
So what are the solutions?
Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams are probably the most popular option for facial hair removal. The results can last a fair while and creams may be cheaper than waxing. The creams have chemicals that breakdown proteins in hair, so that it easily dissolves.
Although these ingredients are generally safe, there is a risk of allergic reaction. Do a patch test if it’s your first time.
Waxing
A great option, as over time, you may find that waxing causes the hair to thin and become less noticeable.
Shaving
Contrary to popular belief shaving doesn’t change the thickness, colour or rate of growth as the myth leads people to believe. I actually shaved during lockdown, and I can’t believe I’m admitting it!
Anyway I’d run out of my depilatory cream, so, out came the razor, and with one fell swoop the ‘tache had disappeared. So simple! And no, it didn’t grow back thicker or faster, so I may well be converted.
The added bonus of course is that all those facial contortions might be a good workout for the face.Electrolysis and Laser hair removal are the only permanent methods of removing hair.
Electrolysis involves the use of shortwave radio frequencies distributed through fine needles placed directly into your hair follicles … Ouch!
Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.