There’s nothing wrong with having straight hair.
There’s nothing wrong with having straight hair. Those of us who have it appreciate how it detangles easily – and looks sleek. What we don’t like is how it’s prone to looking flat and volumeless, which happens often These looks show you how to get around those problems.
MODERN MAGGIE CHEUNG CURLS
Hairstylist Peter Lee says this tight, curly perm is a good way to add intense volume to straight hair. It’s a bold look, but maintenance is easy – air-dry the curls and let them fall naturally. What you should know: Don’t keep the curls looking too prim as “you’ll end up with a dated ’80s vibe”. To make it extra edgy, have a deep side parting.
THE STYLIST’S COMBING TRICK
It’s called backcombing, and the thing about the technique is this: If you’re doing it right, your hair will tangle. It gives tresses an intentionally messy texture while adding poofy volume. Some tips: If you have flat hair, backcomb the crown area. If you want intense volume, backcomb in small, focused sections and use a fine-toothed rat’s tail comb. Do it gently to prevent breakage and be sure to detangle thoroughly before bed.
BREEZY AND WINDSWEPT
Woke up to flat hair? Here’s how to make the few minutes you have to fix it in the morning count: Use a texturising spray. The mist won’t weigh hair down and it’s easy to use. Simply spray generously on the crown area to lift. The effect is a breezy, windswept look – like you rolled out of bed looking that great.
THE #THROWBACK CRIMP
The zigzag pattern adds subtle volume and arty texture to straight hair. It’s a fun, fashiony look that takes time and patience to achieve as it involves applying a crimper down the entire length of hair, section by section. “Go for gentler crimps to make the look more wearable,” says Lee. Pick a crimper iron with a zigzag mould that isn’t too close together to give you a looser, wider crimp.
OVERNIGHT BRAIDS
Leave your hair in braids while you snooze for the easiest and quickest way to get textured, beachy waves in the morning. The curls do straighten out as the day goes by – especially in humidity. Lee’s tip to making the curls last: Spritz on a sea salt spray before braiding, and only braid dry, detangled hair.
TEXT & BEAUTY DIRECTION CHELSEA TANG PHOTOGRAPHY MICKY WONG STYLING DARYLL ALEXIUS YEO, ASSISTED BY RIN LOW HAIR PETER LEE, USING WELLA PROFESSIONALS MAKEUP & SKINCARE ALEX T, USING HOURGLASS COSMETICS, DRUNK ELEPHANT & SUNDAY RILEY MODELS JUNYAN & RENEE/ MANNEQUIN
