Schwarzkopf Professional finds the sweet spot between catwalk and commercial – so you can easily look like you’ve just stepped out of the salon every morning.
Schwarzkopf Professional finds the sweet spot between catwalk and commercial – so you can easily look like you’ve just stepped out of the salon every morning.
SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL SPECIAL
Runway hairstyles look fantastic –and fantastically glamorous – but aren’t always practical in real life. And that’s what we’d consider before embracing any new style. Because let’s face it, no one has two hours every morning to set the ’do.
That’s also why we tend to slide back into the “basics”, the looks we’re familiar with, that we know won’t give us added styling stress. Think: the lob, beachy waves, chestnut browns… repetitive and predictable.
But what if we could elevate our usual hairdos with an avant garde spin from the runways? German hair cosmetics brand Schwarzkopf Professional says it’s possible. And easy. The trick is to find the right balance between catwalk and commercial.
The brand has identified three essential looks inspired by this year’s runway trends, and transformed them into salon- and home-friendly styles. Jenny Lee, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador from Monsoon, shares tips on how to get and maintain these looks.
ESSENTIAL LOOK #1: LUCID NOCTURNE
The Lucid Nocturne colours were co-created by Schwarzkopf Professional North American Color Director Rossa Jurenas, and Californian colour trendsetter Linh Phan. This is the second instalment of the brand’s IGORA #RoyalTakeOver series, where they create exclusive shades with creative influencers.
Lucid Nocturne is a modern take on the goth punk trend. It features sultry “midnight” shades of berry, jade and navy. Take the rebel route with an intentionally choppy fringe, ear-length cut, and dual-coloured hair.
For a softer approach, pair the same choppy fringe with a long mane. “This balances out the harshness of the fringe for a more wearable everyday look,” says Jenny. Deep jewel tones are also used here. It may look scary at first glance, she adds, but the Lucid Nocturne series is actually more subtle than blonde.
“Under some lights, the tones look black; in others, the colours reveal themselves. Since they’re all cool-toned, they complement the typical warm undertones of Asian complexions,” she says.
How to get the look:
These deep shades are for those who love unusual hair colours, Jenny says. Start with safer maroon hues, then transition into blue and purple.
How to maintain the look:
Jenny Lee from Monsoon, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador.
ESSENTIAL LOOK #2: NEW FORMAL
An ode to precision cutting and bright colours is the New Formal, or “power bob”. With this look, more is more – use deep but glossy electric shades of indigo, blue and emerald.
For the not-so-bold, the power bob is made everyday-accessible as a longer version of the classic bob. The effect is still sleek, chic and minimalist, but in an eye-catching glossy platinum blonde. For an extra bit of fun, throw in a muted light pastel pink.
How to get the look:
“The trick to nailing a power bob is a confident, strong cut for that sleek, sharp look,” says Jenny. A smooth, glossy finish, too, is a must for a strong statement look.
How to maintain the look:
Bobs look best with lighter hair colours, which require bleaching. To keep your shade of blonde looking its best, nourish it with a damage-repair conditioner nightly. Finish the look with plenty of mousse at the roots for texture and hold.
ESSENTIAL LOOK #3: GLOBAL TRIBE
Inspired by the whimsy of folk tales, this key F/W ’18 trend is a boho chic look, characterised by a strong permed bob with a softer, shorter-than-usual fringe. “It’s a surprisingly edgy yet romantic look for those who want to take a step out of their comfort zone,” says Jenny.
Colour-wise, a cool-toned brown is recommended. Jenny says this colour is perfect for balancing the yellow undertones in Asian skin tones, brightening your complexion.
How to get the look:
“The hairstyle works best on people with longer faces as the curls help to balance out your face proportions,” says Jenny.
How to maintain the look:
The most essential step in keeping curls voluminous is to blow-dry hair every night after washing. Keep your mane hydrated by using a moisturising treatment before blowdrying. Keep it looking its best with a curl cream to give the waves body. Use a lightweight powder mist for a midday root lift.
