Stuck in the Middle

For every beauty lie we’ve ever uttered, telling our hairdresser that we’ll be back in six to eight weeks’ time has got to be the biggest fib of all. Here’s how to deal with those awkward in-between days.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
For every beauty lie we’ve ever uttered, telling our hairdresser that we’ll be back in six to eight weeks’ time has got to be the biggest fib of all. Here’s how to deal with those awkward in-between days.
Corbis/Click Photos
Corbis/Click Photos

When you’re in between hair cuts

Everyone’s guilty of skipping a trimming appointment, but that’s no excuse for letting your oncepolished hair go to ruin. We asked Barney Martin, founder of Barney Martin Hairdressing in Australia, for tips on dealing with ends that are crying out for a good chop.

1 Keeping your hair in good condition is generally the best way to make sure your cut lasts as long as possible. Apply regular treatments to protect against split ends and frizz.

2 Stop straightening and opt for loose waves – especially if you’re growing out layers. The added movement will help mask any uneven lengths.

3 Rather than trying to trim split ends yourself, look out for products that are specially formulated to seal them. If you use regular scissors to snip your hair, chances are they might gnaw through your strands and cause even more split ends.

My Reading Room

When you’re in between perm sessions

Your permed locks are turning limp but you simply haven’t got the time to sit at the salon to touch up your curls. But don’t walk out of the house with limp, sad curls. Follow these tips to keep them fresh-looking till your next session at the salon.

1 As much as possible, use your fingers to comb through your hair instead of tugging at your hair with a brush to detangle. You should also avoid rubbing your hair dry – just pat it dry with a towel instead.

2 Avoid heat as much as possible. By now, your ends would be dry and damaged, and the heat may unravel your curls. If you must, pick the cold or lowest heat setting.

3 Products won’t bring your curls back to their original state, but a good curldefining product can refresh your curls. Just remember to add just a smidgen of it to prevent crunchy curls!

My Reading Room