Hairdresser Michael Quinn and his team from the Royal Avenue based salon give NL WOMAN some top tips on perfecting your tresses for the most romantic night of the year
WHETHER it’s a first date, a romantic evening out with the husband or a quiet night in, we all want to look fabulous and fully embrace the loved up atmosphere of Valentine’s Day.
Creating beautifully styled hair is a key part of the overall look and will ensure you feel ultra-glamorous for that special someone.
Having styled for top celebrities such as The Saturdays, Mischa Barton, and our very own Christine Bleakley, celebrated hairdresser Michael Quinn and his crew of scissor sisters know all about creating unique and trend setting looks.
We caught up with Michael, the newly appointed educator for hair care brand JOICO, the first in Northern Ireland, in his newly revamped salon, to get a step-by-step guide to a quick, easy and on trend hairstyle that’s sure to achieve a gorgeous look to charm and impress this February 14.
These styles can be created in the comfort of your home and require just a few tools and products.
Michael shares some expert tips and techniques to ensure those ladies and gents who can’t make it to the salon can still achieve the most stylish hair in town.
Glamorous Curls for Girls
STEP 1
It is important to begin by washing and conditioning your hair, using the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Using a heated styler on washed hair will produce better curls and give a shinier, smoother finish.
Use JOICO K-Pak Colour Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, a great solution to preserve the hair colour and keep it lasting longer. It is a reconstructive formula that will improve the elasticity of the hair and prevent colour loss, leaving hair strong, shiny and full of life.
After washing, finger dry your hair by running your fingers through your hair like a comb and blow drying at the same time. Drying your hair is important to minimise heat damage from your styler.
STEP 2
Hold your Cloud 9 straightening iron vertically and take hair from the back of your head, close to the nape of your neck in equal sections. Clamp the iron shut on the hair, holding the ends of the section with your other hand. Rotate the styler by 180 degrees, and move it slowly down the length of hair. Upon reaching the end, unclamp the iron and release the newly formed curl. Continue this process with all sections of your hair, finishing with the section of the hair at the crown.
STEP 3
Shake the hair gently over the head and place your fingers through the ends to loosen the curls slightly. Apply JOICO Structure Finish Spray to the underneath sections and root area. It provides maximum hold for all hair types and styles to ensure your hair stays-in-place the whole night through.
STEP 4
Scrunch the finishing spray into the ends of the hair using your hands and finish the look by adding a little shine serum. JOICO K-Pak Protect and Shine Serum will give a glossy, polished finish and has a lovely, light texture. It will also tame flyaways, smooth the surface of the hair and provides instant lustre and shine for a full glamour finish.
Masculine Shape and Definition for Men
STEP 1
Prepare the hair by shampooing and conditioning with JOICO Structure Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo will cleanse the hair gently yet thoroughly while the conditioner helps to nourish and protect hair.
STEP 2
On towel dried hair apply a little JOICO Structure Control Gel to really hold the hair follicles together and blast the hair dry with fingers.
STEP 3
Use finger tips to twirl the ends of the hair into a trendy flick at the end, this look can be achieved on most hair lengths and gives a really defined finish. Add a touch of styling spray to finish.
If you would rather treat yourself to a little pampering prior to date night or for more information on the products mentioned, call the Michael Quinn Hairdressing Salon, Royal Avenue, Belfast on 028 9043 4003 to make an appointment.