Making the transition from office to evening chic after a long day at work can be super tough. With this in mind Celebrity Hairdresser Andrew Barton offers his top tips for party-ready hair that will have you looking glamorous for those after work drinks and evening events in no time.
1. If your hair has a tendency to look limp and lifeless by 5pm, try giving you hair an extra blow-dry. Flip your hair upside down and spray a little hairspray, into the roots and give a quick once over with a hair dryer – though if you are going out straight from work a Styler (or even handryer) can also be a good alternative for root lift!
2. Be conscious not to overload you hair with product early in the morning before work as it can look a bit greasy on fine hair by lunch time. Try a plait for work and then un-plait in the evening adding texture spray for an Alexa Chung look. Wrap hair lightly around a tong for longer lasting curls.
3.Heated rollers are a girl’s best friend and perfect for achieving body and bounce in a matter of minutes. Put into dry hair and leave for 10 minutes until they cool (this is essential as once cool the curls are ‘set’ and last a longer), then either rake through the hair with your fingers or a bristle brush. Also try wrapping a pony tail in just one heated roller for an extra bounce.
4.Loose waves can really make you feel glamorous for a night out. Why not bring a curling tong in with you to the office and keep them it your desk drawer – within 10 minutes you could have salon looking hair and a new look for the night time. Just remember – the bigger the section the bigger the curl, the smaller the section the smaller the curl.
5.We all know that a clutch or pair of earrings can change a whole look – it is the same with hair accessories; decorative hairbands, jewelled clips and oversized bows are bang on trend and an instant way of glamming up your hair from the office to the party.
6.Heading out for drinks and your hair is looking limp? Try switching your parting to the other side to give your hair instant volume, and try using a comb and a little back combing to give a bit of fullness!
7. If you have curly or wavy hair, why not loosely twist sections hair and pin curls up with long Kirby grips to the nape of the neck leaving a few strands down to give a relaxed evening look.
8.Want to get that slick back ponytail nailed? Instead of using your hands, spray a small amount of hairspray onto some tissue paper, then smooth over the wispy stray hairs. This will give you a smooth finish and make sure your hair doesn’t look greasy or over work – which can happen if you use your hands.
9. With the winter weather almost with us and many using lots of styling tools and products, make sure you keep your hair in top tip condition throughout the party season with a weekly deep conditioning treatment – your hair will thank you for it. Also add heat protection styling products like Andrew Barton Straight Answer Heat Protection spray to make sure you are protected and minimise any damage.
10.Go for a salon quickie after work. Many of us do leave things till last minute, but remember to book your hair appointment well in advance to make sure you get the slot you want.