The blow dry has undergone a dramatic revolution throughout the decades. From the perfectly preened forties and chic chignons of the sixties, to the nineties signature supermodel bounce and the mussed up, messy noughties. With a new season brings a new look, and for Fall 2017 it is softer and less-done, yet no less game changing.
It can seem a shame to create something perfect and then go about deconstructing it. But that’s exactly what the style of the season, the ‘undone blow-dry’ asks. There’s texture and a slightly dishevelled finish to this perennially popular catwalk look, so think hair that has been ‘done’ and then slightly tousled. Add texture and movement, and the more fresh and modern the result.
Here is How-To:
Prepare
A good blow-dry relies on excellent preparation. We recommend starting with an intensive wash-out mask followed by a good spritz of leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. There are also plenty of thickening hair preparations that can be used to create volume and styling creams that will give lasting hold.
Gloss
A hair oil can really add gloss and gleam to the hair, especially any dried-out or brittle ends. With such a loose, low-maintenance look, it really is essential to have healthy-looking hair. Hair oil is a multi-tasker, as it will also protect against heat styling damage too.
Blow-dry
Begin by towel drying, to remove the bulk of the moisture. Your choice of hairdryer and brush are the key tools here, so ensure you choose a dryer that is at least 1800 watts and roughly use it with your hands until it is 50 percent dry.
Section
Work around the head, attending to the underneath layers first and pinning the top ones away. It’s far easier to get a good result if you divide your locks into sections, rather than trying to dry all your hair at once. Go for a brush that encourages better air flow, and roll sections around it, directing the air downwards.
Top Layers
For more lift at the top, take smaller sections and really focus on the root, pulling the hair taut as you focus the nozzle of the dryer on the root area of the hair. For extra oomph at the roots, try tipping your head upside down and blast them, allowing the hair to cool. When all your hair is dry, use the cool button to close the hair follicle and add a shot of shine.
Finish
It takes some practice to achieve a good blow-dry. But the beauty of the ‘undone’ version is that it doesn’t need to be quite as perfect as the groomed and sleek traditional do. Finish by using your fingertips and a little spray to create texture. The desired finish is ‘blow-dry on day three’, thick, healthy locks, with a hint of bedhead.
Anatomy of a Beauty Look
Inspired by all things intergalactic, for Chanel Fall 2017 Ready-to-Wear it was a space-themed affair, where Tom Pecheux transformed models with splashes of silver shadow and 60s-inspired floating liner, both perfectly complementing the season’s collection. Hair stylist Sam McKnight created Barbarella-inspired back-combed hair to complete the retro look. Here is how to achieve the look, and the best part is that you can go as bold or subtle depending on your mood.
This look was all about dewy and glowing skin, and to achieve the flawless finish ‘Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation’ was applied using the ‘Retractable Foundation Brush’. Imperfections and dark circles were concealed with the ‘Correcteur Perfection Long Lasting Concealer’, and a hint of powder blush ‘Elégance’ was dusted across the cheekbones.
Begin your eye look by apply a touch of the ‘Multi-Use Illuminating Base’ to prime your eyes, before sweeping the ‘Ombre Première’ eyeshadow in Titane across your lids, ensuring you also apply it to the inner corners of your eyes.
The thing that really sets this look apart is the 60s-esque liner used to define the eye crease. Use the ‘Calligraphie de Chanel’ liner and its angled brush to draw a thin line along your crease, starting just before your nose bone and ending just after your eyes. Finish with a slick of ‘Le Volume de Chanel’, adding extra layers on the bottom lashes.
To complete the look, brush and set the brows with the ‘Le Gel Sourcils’ brow gel, keeping them looking full and natural. Then apply a subtle slick of ‘Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur’ in Rose Violine on the lips for a natural finish.
Chanel Fall Winter 2017
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