It depends on whom you talk to. Some hairdressers love it for the way it tames and smooths frizzy and fuzzy hair. Others, however, can’t stand it because they say it builds up on hair, making it harder long-term to treat hair and to colour it successfully – they’ll tell you to instead use haircare that is rich in moisturisers and butters. Interestingly, some more environmentally-minded beauty people I have spoken to have decided against using silicone in their products because they don’t want the non-bio-degradable stuff washing down the drain. So in the end, it’s up to you. If you’re worried, limit using silicone to just a serum, as you can control usage. Make sure to apply sparingly; rub a drop in your palms, run them over the mid lengths and ends of hair, and then very lightly over the crown.
Another day, another can of hair magic. Batiste – they of the scrumptiously scented ‘Tropical’ dry shampoo - have just launched ‘Blush’, with its pretty fragrance of red hibiscus, orange, freesia, peony and musk. It’s the perfect two-in-one for the coming summer, when scalps get a little oily and traditional perfumes feel a bit too heavy. And let’s not forget the matter of the cute pink and floral can. Sold.
Details: $8.95 from selected pharmacies.
The Look: Super-straight, centre-parted, sleeked-back hair (also seen on Eva Mendes at the 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty launch party in Sydney).
The Low-Down: After smoothing a straightening cream through towel-blotted hair, blow-dry thoroughly, using a large barrel brush with mixed bristles to help tame hair into submission. Once dry, give the outer layers of hair a once-over with an iron for the sleekest finish. Pull the frontal layers back from your face, tucking them behind your ears and securing them out of sight with bobby pins. To calm down any frizzies, smear some of the straightening balm in your palms and run them over the surface of hair.
The Lust-After: Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom ($36, from Mecca Cosmetica stores).
This month, L’Oréal is relaunching Elnett in Australia, the famous 1960-born gold can of hairspray featuring that fabulously retro illustration. And even better, it’s as good inside as out. Hairdressers love it (and love the fact that they will no longer have to fork out huge excess baggage fees) for the way it can be so easily brushed out, no matter how much of the stuff is sprayed into hair. (more…)
