It's time for New Year's resolutions, so like many this time of year, you are probably spending more time at the gym.
But in a world where time is our most precious and finite resource, finding the opportunity to workout and look lovely can be a challenge. John Frieda’s Canadian creative consultant, Alain Larivee shows us the latest workout hairstyles and products that will have you looking and feeling great post-workout.
Always start in the shower with the right shampoo and conditioner. To prep the hair a smooth start shampoo is a good choice to smooth and flatten the cuticle, especially if you have frizzy hair. Larivee suggests a new term “cocktailing” that refers to mixing or blending two products together before applying it to your hair. The John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir is the perfect choice to be cocktailed with another gel, mousse or crème.
Blow dry your hair upside down, with a paddle brush if desired, creating volume on the roots. There’s a new appliance you can use that combines the hair brush and blow dryer in one. It significantly speeds up the process and is one of my all time favourite styling tools. No time to dry your hair? Comb in some styling foam, braid it in and when you take it out you have beautiful waves, ready for a night out.
The top knot, the messy bun, and the side fish tail are three great looks that will take you from the gym, to the office, then out on the town, Larivee suggests. Each look is comfortable, glamourous, fast and easy to achieve.
Top Knot: Gather your hair into a high ponytail. Use a comb to brush down and through your hair, teasing it. Twist your hair around your hand and ponytail base. Pull the end of your hair through, putting the knot in at the top. Tease, style and finish with hairspray.
Messy Bun: Scoop your hair into a ponytail. Grip the ponytail with one hand. Pull the hair halfway through the elastic to create a loop. Adjust the bun just how you like it. There’s a trick for a messy bun that Larivee has discovered over the years. “Instead of pulling the hair in one ponytail and wrapping it around itself with a hair elastic, take two or four sections and tie a series of knots, depending on the length,” he says. Another option take two sections, tie a knot and slide it down to the crown. This is a super easy and simple option if you are pressed for time and need to look good fast.
Side Fish Tail: Start with two sections and take a little piece from the outer section and bring it in to two. Take a little piece from the other outer section and bring it over the next. Using very small sections will create the fish bone effect. The fish tail is a great choice to tuck under a bathing cap, if you’re a swimmer for example. The best part about the fish tail is that once your hair is dry, take it out and you have instant waves, no heat required. Takes you from the gym to that holiday party in no time.
Throw some dry shampoo in to your gym bag and spray a little in after a hard workout. It will add volume, texture, refresh your hair without having to shampoo and lasts all night long.
Another great tip is to get out those old nylons, cut them in to strands and use them to tie in to a headband wrapping all the hair around the headband. This will create a nice, easy and simple accessory to dress up your look after the gym or if you need to hide those roots. Take it out and you have created Victoria’s Secret waves.
