Is the term coined by stylists and barbers alike and it’s looking promising! Plans are in place and stylists will hopefully all be back tending to the nations heads from July 4th 2020. Here’s some tips and what to expect from Benjamin Ryan Creative Director Nancy Mae
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The New Normal
If, like me, you cannot wait to get back to the salon or barbershop, get the ball rolling now…
Many salons have their own app which is a great way to get a direct booking as phone lines are likely to be extremely busy. Alternatively, another way to get on a salons priority list is by signing up on their website, such as leading city-centre salon Benjamin Ryan who are taking priority bookings – you can sign up HERE
Once you’ve secured your appointment, please try not to be late for it, or…too early. Under new government guidelines, it’s highly unlikely salons will be able to provide you with a waiting area or refreshments. Expect to see protective screens, sanitisers and social distancing measures in place to keep you safe. I would also encourage you to bring your own drinks, books/magazines and facemasks.
The New Haircut/Colour
I imagine it’s been at least three months since most of us have been in a professional’s hands (unless you live with one: you’re welcome boyfriend!).
Here are a few tips for nailing that appointment with your stylist who’s missed you so much:
If you’ve booked in for a colour correction, and you’ve coloured it yourself during lockdown – please be honest with your technician. The chemicals in at-home colour and non-professional application can sometimes limit what your hairdresser can do in one sitting. Letting us know will simply ensure that your stylist can allocate enough time for your appointment and ensure the discussed result which equals a happy you.
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Alongside haircuts and colour – braids, weaves, extensions and wigs are high on the priority list. If you’ve had your hair in a protective style for longer than 10 weeks due to lockdown, get to your hairstylist ASAP. Whilst beneficial, protective styles can cause stress and tension at the roots. I would advise a trim, deep conditioning treatment and a few weeks break if you can before getting it re-done.
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Plan ahead- make sure you really can get to your appointment on time. Appointments in the beauty industry will be like gold dust for the first couple of months and it could be a while until you can get another booking.
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Looking for big change? It will be helpful for stylists if you have some inspiration at hand. As hairdressers we are highly visual beings – show us hair you love, and even hair you don’t love. This will give us more action time to give you an amazing new look!
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Be open to new ideas. That full head of highlights that have been growing out for three months could be transformed into a beautiful balayage. Transition your hair into your natural coils. Try a short cut. Get a cute fringe. Keep it long. Buzz it off. Think of this as a fresh start.
The New Mobile Hairstylist
With new PPE guidelines for salons to keep you safe, these will also be implemented for mobile hairstylists.
If you feel more comfortable having your hair done from home, the talented team at Achevee have over 20 years’ experience, are skilled in every shade and texture and should be your go-to. Team member @yarnzb is currently offering a free wig installation with any custom-made wig purchase (new summer 2020 look?). Read more about their promotions including box braid installations, cuts and colours HERE
The New Low Maintenance
Reflecting on the last few months, many of us may have really embraced ‘lockdown-low maintenance’. With that in mind, I have selected my favourite products to keep your hair healthy and stylish with that same ethos.
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BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA: Clay Effect Style Spray
This is a personal favourite of mine to use on my male clients if their hair is mid-length to long. This spray can be used in damp or dry hair and encourages movement but still gives a lived-in look with a matte finish. (Also available to purchase at @BenjaminRyanHair)
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PATTERN BEAUTY: Leave- in Conditioner
If you didn’t already know, style icon and legend Tracee Ellis Ross launched Pattern in 2019 for all you curly, coily and textured beauties and it does not disappoint! The formulation is super hydrating, yet lightweight and packed full of heavenly oils and honey which is a natural humectant. My best friend is a 3c/4a curly girl and it’s her personal favourite.
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A formulation boasting rice protein and coconut water for extra hydration and nourishment. This wave spray encourages volume, movement, and texture on fine to medium hair types without leaving any crunchiness behind. I personally use this for myself and on shoots when beachy waves are required.
That’s all from me, stay safe & sanitised.
Love & Happy Trim-dependence Day!
You can follow Nancy Mae on Instagram: @nancymae_
