I went to a lunch yesterday, as you do at this time of year. It was a casual catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in way too long.
As I was getting ready and contemplating what I was going to wear, thinking about what to do with my hair, on auto-pilot, I reached for my straightening irons. As you do for a quick run through in a vain attempt to look vaguely presentable. Something other than pulling my hair back in a pony. Again.
Something stopped me in my hair ironing tracks. And by “something”, I mean laziness. In my defence, it was Sunday. Really, did I want to be getting all hot and sweaty de-frizzing my hair only to have it frizz up the moment I left the house.
No, I did not.
This is what I opted for instead:
I’d love to tell you that this was a tricky creative, achieved after much curling, setting, teasing to create just the right amount of curl and body. But I’d be telling you a big fat porky.
The origins of this style started the day before at the beach. I actually went in the water, got my hair wet and was forced to do a quick shampoo and condition straight after. With no time for drying (blow dry or naturally) before an appointment, I simply twisted it up in a bun. And let it stay that way all day and night.
The upshot yesterday morning when I took out the hair tie was some passable curly/wave-like action. That’s when the (blonde) lightbulb went off and I reached for this:
O&M needs to change its name to OMG. I threw my head upside down, did a little spritzing and scrunching of Surf Bomb, flipped my hair back, pinned a couple of sections up off my face and, voila, I was ready to roll.
I’ve used sea salt sprays before but this one left my hair less crunchy than others, which is way preferable should the desire to swish or flick your hair like a rockstar suddenly overcome you. Swishing crunchy hair can cause injury. Just ask any ageing ’80s pop star.
Thanks O&M, this product really is the bomb. This style has just gone straight to the top of my summer party hair shortcuts list.
Here are some other tips that your hair will thank me for this season (you’re welcome in advance):
1. If you haven’t booked your pre-Christmas style cut and colour, stop reading this post now and pick up the phone. Those appointments disappear thick and fast. If your roots are done, greys covered and cut working for you, then most of your party hair work is done.
2. If you have a special occasion, you know … like your partner’s uber-swish office Christmas party extravaganza where you know NO-ONE, then make sure you have that styling appointment booked too. There’s no way I’m turning up looking anything less than polished for that party.
3. Give your hair a weekly hair mask/treatment. My current favourites are O&M Seven Day Miracle Moisture Masque, below left, ($31.95) and the new Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Lightweight Nourishing Treatment, below right,($9.99).
4. Add a leave-in hair oil (that is choc full of vitamins and antioxidants) after washing and towel drying. L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil, left, ($38) and Dove Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-Oil Serum, right, ($9.99) have been on high rotation in my bathroom
5. Use a shampoo and conditioner that helps to nourish during those weeks of product/beach abuse. To protect your colour try Sebastian Professional Color Ignite Multi Shampoo and Conditioner, left ($34 and $36). To fight the seasonal frizzies, try L’Oreal Paris Elvive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, right ($6.95 each).
6. Find some celebrity style inspiration: Kam Huckins, of Sydney’s Gallo Hair says: I’m quite partial to the textured braided looks that Miss Blake Lively wears on screen and off. Whether it’s all the hair in a mussed fishtail braid, or just a section of hair braided and incorporated into a softly waved style, it really is a simple and summery look to achieve.
How’s your hair looking? Happy with your current look? Could it do with a little TLC in the lead up to Christmas?
*Some of the products mentioned above were sent to me for editorial consideration as per my disclosure policy.
Comments 31
Noice, very noice pic of you!
Sweet xx
Author
Oh thanks x
Gorgeous!
I might have to give this one a go. I use another beach hair kinda product, but yes…my hair ends up a little crunchy, too.
I love Blake – she’s gorgeous – but easy does it on the spray tan there, girlfriend! She’s lookin’ a little orange, non?
Love ya work, hon. 😉 x
Author
It is a bit … or maybe the late afternoon light? Or am I being too kind?! x
Those braided styles are so useful this time of year – if my outfit says ‘fancy party’ I like to do something a little more casual like this with my hair. Conversely, if I’ve gone for a more low-key ensemble, I’ll throw in some hot rollers and hedge my bets with posher hair.
– Catherine @ The Spring (in Brisbane)
http://www.thespringblog.com/
Author
Love your style, Catherine!
I just spent a long time looking at your beautiful face.
True story.
xx
Author
Oh, do you know how beautiful YOU are! xx
I tried looking at your hair but all I notice in that photo is your stunning blue eyes! Gorgeous!
Author
Oh, you are gorgeous, Megan x
My new best thing is the VS Sassoon Wave Magic. A WAVING wand, not a CURLING wand. Much longer lasting, much more natural result, much faster. I’m so in love with it, and it’s only been 3 days. Magic indeed!
Author
Oh, Eva … that does sound, well, magical. Can see why it would be love!
My summer hair is the thing I hate most about summer. Fuzzy-pumper humidity boofy world-of-wrongness hair is my typical summer look. Every year I swear to grow it long enough to put up, and every year I get to mid December and give up and cut it so short I could be mistaken for an oxford street door bitch. Summer identity crisis here I come. Hat anyone?
Author
Hi Jacki, you don’t need to resort to a hat – investigate a Brazillian blowout to get you through summer without the frizzies. https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2011/02/i-got-a-brazilian-on-my-head/
Love Blakes hair here! Going to give that one a try, thanks!
Author
I’m going to take the cheat’s way out and send the photo to my hairdresser!
I tried it today! Easy & cute! Thanks for the idea x
Author
Have you posted a photo? Would love to see x
Ahh, you have discovered my secret of the bun in the hair (and not the oven) doing wonders for nice waves.
Has been my method for years, only in my case it’s not to give straight hair nice body, it’s to give super, dooper, curly, crazy hair a gentler wave.
Have not tried the spray though, may give it a whirl.
Author
You’re so clever Cate, talk about harnessing your curls!!
I have an appointment this week, but by the time Christmas rocks around I’ll probably need another! I used to use salt spray in my curls all the time, when my hair was long 🙁 Oh, no, I have long hair envy! Wah!
Author
No crying!! Your hair is beautiful. My colour is due next week then I’m having a very quick touch up the week before Christmas.
Thanks Nikki. I might book in a touch up too when I’m there this week. Good idea – as always 😉
Oh Nikki, wait until you see my party hair from last month!
I have a sea salt spray in my bathroom cupboard. I’m not a fan. Like you said your hair seems to go toffee like, and it’s just…gross. Great if you want to create faux dreadlocks, but otherwise…yuck.
Moroccan oil is an ESSENTIAL here. Although it doesn’t tame the frizz for me 🙁
Author
I’m a big fan of the oils I mentioned above, Miss Pink!
Its funny, ‘beach hair’ used to be an occupational hazard for me, and I used to spend my time trying to undo the harsh conditions. If it is in a bottle, perfect! Perfect for thoses lazy days when we can just pretend we have been to the beach!x
Author
Haha Karla, I know. The irony of washing my hair to then add salt spray is not lost on me!
My hair is in such desperate need of a colour I’m trying to pass my regrowth off for balayage (it’s not working). I’m using the O&M Hydrate and Conquer shampoo and conditioner at the moment and I absolutely love it. No nasties in it, either. I’ve been eying off the sea salt spray and after seeing your pic I’m sold. LOVE the soft curls. Will be purchasing some today. xx
Author
I haven’t met an O&M product I haven’t loved!
Not so fast but I recently found a video tute on Pinterest where you roll all your hair in a headband overnight, and voila – gorgeous, beautiful curls the next day! Fairly quick to do but you have to sleep in it or leave it in during the day, I will be doing it for Xmas this year!
Also, if you plait your hair then use a straighter over the top of the plaits you get gorgeous waves/crimps! The thicker the plaits the wavier it goes, the thinner the plait the more crimp like it ends up! Again easy and fast!!!!
Author
Oh I love the sound of that!