Introducing hair powders and dry shampoo
Forget sprinkling everyday talc onto hair to absorb moisture and create texture, today's stylists are graced with numerous products, dry shampoos and powders that have taken this old-fashioned technique and moved it into the modern age.
Ingredients such as clay and silica enhance results, with some offering dry shampoo properties, sucking up grease and adding texture, while others contain a coloured pigment that can enhance the colour of the hair with a matte finish.
Hair powders also come in a variety of guises from those that can be cocktailed with other styling products to give a solid hold, to those that turn into a styling paste when rubbed through the hands.
Long Hair with Volume - Like Cheryl Cole
Although Cheryl uses extensions, volume can be created on longer hair with hair powders. Put a small amount of powder onto the palm of your hand and rub with your fingertips to warm it, then finger into the roots to thicken the hair. To create full volume, follow this by blow-drying and styling into shape.
Tina Williams, Tina Paterson Hair Designer, Bournemouth
Could use...
Aveda Pure Abundance
A powder that transforms into a light, absorbent lotion when in contact with the hair.
Price: £16.50.
Call 0870 034 2380 or visit www.aveda.co.uk
Clynol Powder Punch - once tipped into the hand it turns into a paste that can add a matte look and volume to roots.
Price: £10.60.
Call 01296 314000 or visit www.clynol.com
Short Hair - Like Pixie Geldof
For Pixie's look I'd use a powder rather than a powder spray as it works really well on a short style. Just shake into the hair and gently massage into the roots using finger pads to give height and a rock-chick texture.
Rae Palmer, Rae Palmer Hairdressing, Southsea
Could use...
Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Dust It - sprinkle into shorter styles for edgy movement and a matte finish.
Price: £11.20.
Call 01296 314000 or visit
www.schwarzkopf.co.uk
KMS Makeover Spray - perfect for festivals, the spray freshens up greasy hair and adds bulk and texture to limp locks.
Price: £13.11.
Call 01323 432100 or visit www.kmscalifornia.com
L'anza Powder Up - offers a lightweight texture that can be sprinkled into the hair for hold, separation and natural movement.
Price: £15.65.
Call 01296 612062 or visit www.lanza.com
Men's Textured Hair - Like Brad Pitt
The trick to creating Brad's look is to use a hair powder to create a textured, matte finish. Concentrate the powder in the areas that need volume and blast with a hairdryer at the roots for lift. The matte finish is much more masculine and modern than traditional styling products on men.
Darren Fowler, Clipso, London
Bumble and bumble Hair Powder - a modern classic that comes in five colours. Adds volume and extends the life of a blow-dry.
Price: £27.50.
Call 07799 824308
Davines Cement Powder for Wizards - mix with styling products to increase holding power. Comes in a salt shaker-style tub.
Price: £21.54.
Call 020 7663 8080 or visit www.davines.com
