Hair Perfection!
Fact of the Day: Your hair, just like your eyebrows, can make or break your overall look. That being said, it is something worth investing your time and hard-earned money on for a splurge.
Case in point?
Pretty much the majority of the rich-bitches in attendance at William and Kate’s wedding. If there was one thing that was a constant – besides lots of beautiful (and some whacky) fascinators – was that there was some really good looking hair at Westminster Abbey. And not just in the bridal party.
So, how do you get the luscious locks look? Below are some secrets to princess-perfect tresses and other grooming tricks of the “glossy posse”:
Rule #1: Regular Visits to a Good Hairdresser
According to Richard Ward, who owns the salon that Kate and her family have frequented for years (and whose services were provided on the wedding day), one of the most important secrets to great hair is to visit a hairdresser regularly for frequent trims.
In an interview with The Mail he said, “The best way to keep your hair in top condition is to visit your hairdresser regularly. If you like your style and its working for you, then a trim every six weeks will keep it looking fresh and easy to maintain at home. Removing dry, split ends will help the condition of the hair too.”
Lady Kitty Spencer
He added, “However, if you want to grow your hair then visit every nine to 12 weeks otherwise it’ll never grow – but don’t make the mistake of never visiting the salon, you need it to be in great condition, split end free, and cut into a definite style, even if you’re growing it. Leaving any cut any longer than 12 weeks will result in dry, scraggy ends with no style definition that just gets harder and harder to look good.”
Rule #2: Use Heat Sparingly & Wisely
We all know that heat is a must for many of us to obtain our daily styles, but excessive use of heated styling tools can really do a number on your mane.
Mr. Ward explained, “Avoid excessive heat damage. Don’t use the straighteners every day, and when you do use a heat protective product such as my Richard Ward Couture Hair Energiser Styling Spray (£19), richardward.com.”
In addition, “Get in the habit of holding your dryer at least 5 inches away from your hair. If you hold it any closer it will damage your hair – test it on your hand and see how fast you pull away when holding it close to your skin!”
Rule #3: Deep Condition Regularly
Your hair is no different than your skin in that it needs regular treatment for the environmental lashing it takes on a daily basis. According to an article in Elle magazine, a source says that Kate receives deep-conditioning heat treatments every time she visits the salon to add moisture.
According to the source, she asks her stylist (presumably James Pryce) for Keratase Rituals, which is a product used by professionals. “At home she uses Kerastase shampoo and conditioner for dry hair,” the magazine quoted an unnamed insider as saying.
While washing your own hair, use the flats of your fingers (the spongy pads) not your fingertips or nails, which is more beneficial for scalp and blood flow stimulation. Hair will also shine more if rinsed really well. Rinse your hair for 2 minutes – time yourself – nobody said you were here to save water…just don’t wash hair daily, which will also dry it out.
And for a “do-it-yourself” at-home deep conditioning treatment, try a Keratase masque.
Rule #4: Improve Your Diet
As any nutritionist would tell you – you are what you eat.
Saudi Princess Ameerah
Now, we gals at UKate love us some fast-food from time-to-time (hey, we’re Americans; it’s what we do) but regular consumption of the junk can really wreak havoc on your locks.
According to Richard Ward, “Healthy hair needs a healthy diet, and as strong, new healthy hair growth relies on getting a good blood supply through the follicle, eating the right foods can really impact hair health dramatically.”
“Blood-producing foods like nuts, seeds (linseed is particularly good) and dark berries (such as blueberries) are excellent. Zinc, Omega 3, 6 and 9, are also crucial ingredients as well as plenty of protein.”
Among the foods he suggested were curly kale or other dark leafy vegetables, and oily fish, such as salmon. Ward also noted chicken soup made from chicken bones for stock as another hair diet essential as “the bones provide vital nutrients unavailable as a normal part of the diet”.
Sounds like a lot of work huh? Well, nobody said being a beauty was easy business! We bet that even incorporating a few of these suggestions will make you look like you’re part of the aristocracy in no time!
