Textured hair is key trend for male clients

While fades will never disappear (no pun intended), there is a growing trend in men’s hair towards softer hairlines and more texture and length. Michael Francos, an award-winning stylist at D&J Ambrose in Pinner, Greater London has certainly noticed extra demand for texture amongst his male clients. Says Michael: "There’s been a big surge towards more length and texture in men's hair. This is partly down to the looks on the men's catwalks. As hairdressers, we look to catwalks when we need ideas and inspiration. Obviously in a salon situation these looks would be made more commercial but we’re pushing colours for men, lifting the hair right up to be toned. Textures are also achieved by using certain products - I like Wella Professionals Eimi Ocean Spritz for a rougher texture in longer lengths.” While men are demanding more texture, they are not always fully versed on how to achieve the looks once they leave the salon, something stylists can help them achieve through product education, believes Jonathan Andrew of Jamie Stevens, London. “I feel that there is still a lot men can learn when styling their hair with regards to product choice and appropriate use,” says Jonathan. “The biggest thing for me is that there are still a lot of guys who think that the only available products for men are gels and waxes. There are so many styling products that can help give so many different looks and will always benefit the overall style. When it comes to texture the key is building a good foundation when styling, I use a cocktail of products, including Matrix Style Link Mess Maker, Grip Definer and Matte Definer.” Continues Jonathan: “I am seeing a huge increase in guys wanting to have a more natural looking finish with texture and at the very least the opportunity to have more styling options. I'm being asked more and more to start helping guys grow their hair and produce more texture within their hair. We are also moving away from the aggressive military inspired skin fades and opting for a softer fade that blends more into the top of the hair avoiding any significant tone changes. Another thing I have been working on is opting for a more traditional scissor over comb and scissor cutting techniques working with the natural hair and head shape to create a softer more textured finish.” Leading barber and educator, Joseph Lanzante, who owns three barber shops in the North West has also witness the trend towards texture first-hand. “There is certainly a growing trend for more textured hair. Men’s hairstyles are getting much longer and have much more texture on the top. I have been doing a lot more scissor cuts which is interesting and it has been a refreshing change to the usual short back and sides. I am excited about this trend because as a barber it allows you to be more creative. “We have been using powders and pastes which are more suitable for longer and textured hair because they don’t leave behind a wet look like pomades do. Powders are great for supporting your chosen hair style and add volume and texture to the look. Pastes work well on longer hair which is mid-length and curly. It helps to hold and control whilst adding texture which isn’t too heavy.” Image credits: Hair: Uros Mikic, Kinky Curly Straight, Adelaide, Australia Grooming: Karen Burton Styling: Vass Arvanitis Photographs: Andrew O’Toole