Keeping Hair Healthy in 2020

I’m sure most of you will agree 2020 hasn't been on your side when it comes to keeping your hair in tip top shape. My last salon visit was in February to my trusty Aveda salon in Covent Garden, London. I can’t remember the last time I went a whole seven months without a cut and colour. For a brunette, my hair is pretty low maintenance, but I usually visit the hairdressers every 10 weeks. The moment salons closed with no reopen date in sight, it was time to limit heat usage, increase moisture and give my hair some at home attention.

For the past 6 months, I’ve been using Swedish brand Sachajuan - Minimalist, fresh, elegant, simple – but effective. Everything from the sleek packaging to the high-quality ingredients has been carefully selected to keep your haircare routine fuss-free. I first discovered the brand when staying in Hotel Grands Boulevards in Paris - one of the amenities was the Colour Protect conditioner. My hair had never felt so soft.

Detangle:

There are two tools I use on damp and dry hair. A large wooden comb, and the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush. Both don’t snag at my hair. I also spritz the Sachajuan Leave in Conditioner. When combing, always remember to hold you hair at the top to avoid pulling at the hair, and never rub your hair with the towel as this will create knots and breakages. Gently squeeze the access water into the towel working your way from root to tip.

For Moisture:

If there’s one product I couldn’t live without it’s the Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil. I use this on damp hair post wash. There’s something luxurious with all their products. Since using the oil, my hair has never felt more soft and shiny. And lets not forget the Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Treatment which I leave on my hair after conditioning for about 10 minutes once a week - it’s been on my bathroom shelf consistently for over 10 years.

For Scalp Health:

Dr Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum which includes Hyaluronic acid and Purslane - hydrates and protects against free radicals.

Fuss Free Styling:

Blowdrying has reduced these past few months. So on lazy days, I use the Schwarzkopf OSIS + Texture Craft Spray. It gives volume to your hair with a dry and tousled texture. The Spray also leaves no residue in your hair.

Now onto the colour... believe it or not I am naturally dark blonde, and the front of my hairline becomes a lot fairer especially with exposure to the sun. I am still trying to find a salon in Sydney, but in the interim I was introduced to BODA Hair Boutique in Melbourne. Yes, out of state - BUT, it doesn’t matter. With Melbourne in lockdown, I applaud the salon for thinking on their toes and finding an innovative way to keep Victorian clients happy, and hopefully other Australian states can experience the salon.

The BODA Home Colour Kit is designed to give hair an instant refresh during isolation and caters for all hair types including blonde, brunette, balayage or grey. Once purchased, a BODA stylist will compile the kit which includes a tailor-made colour for hair roots and ends, a bowl, brush and sectioning clip, just like the treatment experienced in-salon. 

For $119.00, the kit also includes a 30 minute virtual consultation with a BODA stylist, who will walk through the colour process step-by-step. New clients can also purchase a home colour kit and will be guided by a BODA stylist on the best colour treatment, based on their hair needs. 

I haven’t dyed my hair at home for over 10 years, but I think this is something I am comfortable doing again. I was assigned Prue, and she was so lovely and helpful. I think it’s also so nice to have that interaction with someone if you are struggling with being at home at the moment. Usually when I go to the salon I tend to switch off and enjoy the relaxing time. But this experience was more of a social one and it was actually quite fun!

The day after I coloured my hair, I booked a hair cut at Paloma Salon in Paddington. The trim was long overdue, and my hair is finally blunt and even again!

Shop the post below...

Images shot self-portrait

#Stylestructureselfportrait

The South Korean Brands to Know

I visited South Korea when I was just 18 years old, staying in a city called Busan. April - Cherry Blossom season, and with it comes a festival surrounding the falling of the flowers. I will never forget the blossom piled waist high on the side of the pavements. I must have walked at least 20k steps a day, the best way to see a new city. Back then I had just finished my full-time dance residency, moving onto university to study Sport and Exercise Science. I worked in a clothing store part-time, so had a fond interest in fashion; but not as strongly as the present day. I’d love to go back to South Korea in the next few years, but next time spending time in Seoul, soaking up the local fashion and appreciating the minimal style from a more mature perspective. 

For the past two years, I’ve been wearing more and more South Korean labels. Muted tones, structured lines and also trialling new skincare to add to my beauty cabinet that not only feels good but also looks appealing on the shelf. If you’re a minimalist and sport a capsule wardrobe, I think this post is for you. I find myself restyling my Korean pieces more than many other key wardrobe items. Plus, it’s easy to shop some of the brands in this post as they are stocked on Net-A-Porter and W Concept which ship Internationally.

Verso Seoul

Clean lines, breezy fabrics and neutral tones. Verso is more of a lifestyle store. I originally found them on Instagram for fashion, but they also stock ceramics, jewellery and scents for the home.

Gabriel Lee

I first wore Gabriel lee in May 2019 at MBFWA (Australian Fashion Week). There are never too many pieces in the collections, and I love a staple blazer makes an appearance each season. Usually with striking detail, whether it’s an asymmetrical button placement or split hems.

Recto.

My ruched crop top has to be my most worn piece this year. Versatility is key when selecting new pieces to implement into my closet. Style with high waisted linen trousers, or under a white shirt. 

Yuul Yie

I’ve been wearing Yuul Yie shoes for just over a year. Recognised for unique structured heel designs. Perfect shoes to elevate basic outfits. They have a lot of online stockists, so easy to shop worldwide.

Andersson Bell

Korean and Scandi fushion that launched in 2014. Andersson Bell reinterprets Scandinavian vibes to create new objects from a point of Korean’s view. I adore their tailoring and outerwear. I opted for my blazer pictured in a larger size.

Venn Skincare

Skincare streamlined to modern life without compromising on the efficacy. You've maybe heard of the 10 step Korean beauty routine - Venn simplifies that. My favourite products are the Moisture Balance All in One Cleanser and the Age Reversing All in One Concentrate. 

Numbering

My newest discovery. Jewellery that makes a statement. Chunky chains contrast with a minimal wardrobe. Also the brand which made me fall back in love with silver.

Gu-de

Bags with substance. Like many other Korean accessories, styled with a simple wardrobe will make them pop. I first discovered the brand the start of 2019. You can add extra accessories such as a different strap giving a bit of spice to the styles.

Hopefully when the world adapts to a new kind of normal, I’ll make it back to South Korea. If you have any recommendations from visiting yourself, I’d love to hear them. Hope these brands can inspire you to mix up your wardrobe.

Writing, photography and creative direction by Yours Truly
All images shot self-portrait 

Winter Scarf Styling

I’d definitely say the winter scarf is underrated as a styling accessory. This year I’ve been stocking up on my favourite styles to layer up my outfits. My best purchase has been the black Toteme scarf which I’ve honestly worn most days. It’s 100% virgin wool and so soft. I also opted for black over the cream alternative as I like to wrap my scarf up high on my face, and it made me nervous I’d get make-up on a cream style! I’ve also realised I am allergic to Angora, so checking materials is important to my choices now. 

There are other scarf styles which look really chic other than a long standard style scarf. Don’t shy away from capes and shawls, They are perfect for layering over blazers/coats and also means you can wear a chunky knit underneath and still feel warm. Growing up, my mother would never just wrap a scarf around her neck. She always opened it up, threw it over her shoulder and pinned with a brooch always looking so smart. I also remember all her scarves smelling of her perfume when I’d play dress up in them! 

Maybe a scarf is sentimental in someway, but it’s definitely my most used accessory this winter. Out of all my scarves, I’d say one is higher end, with the others ranging from £20 - £80. Now is a great time to purchase as some stores have up to 70% off which is a really great saving when you are paying for such a high percentage of wool. I feel it’s going to be cold until end of March like the past couple of years, plus a good scarf will last year on year. Just make sure you check washing instructions and add softener to your wash to keep it soft and fluffy. Natural fibres will keep you a lot warmer than synthetic. So I’ve complied some of my favourite styles below, and hope you’ve seen different ways on my Instagram to style this season…

Photography: Your Truly