Pantene Q&A….with Barney Martin – Expert Hair Stylist

Q: What is your all time favourite styling tip?
A: To get rid of frizz after blow-drying your hair straight, spray Pantene Always Smooth hairspray onto a tissue and use it to smooth down the hair. This will give your hair a smooth, sleek finish and keep flyaways at bay. It will also make sure you don’t over apply product and end up with greasy hair by the end of the day. Another favourite of mine is to wash your hair, apply a volumising product such as Pantene Sheer Volume Mousse and then tip your head upside down and blast hair with the blow dryer. Once the hair is dry, spray a little Pantene Sheer Volume hairspray onto the roots and run your fingers through roughly - then fling your head back. This will give you a great hairstyle with lots of volume and movement. Here are some others: If you have long hair - you can’t go past the quiff! Blow dry hair smooth and secure into a pony tail leaving the fringe out. Back comb the fringe and spray with Pantene Always Smooth hairspray, then use bobby pins to secure. This is a quick and easy style that’s always in fashion. When blow drying smooth, point the hairdryer down the hair shaft as it closes the cuticle and appears smoother and shinier. Make sure you apply a heat protecting treatment such as Pantene Always Smooth Weightless Smoothing Serum. When blow drying your hair always finish with a cool blast of air as it will set and lock in your style.

Q: What products do you most recommend to your clients?
A: To start with I always recommend my clients have regular treatments whether it’s in the salon or at home. A weekly treatment can really improve the look and feel of your hair and protect it from further damage. If you can’t get into the salon, I recommend you try the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Weekly treatment. Also, I like products that will leave the hair looking naturally shiny, such as finishing products that are light and can be reworked into the hair.

Q: What is the hottest look this winter? Cut, colour, style........
A: It definitely has to be the grown out bob cut, just above the shoulder length with ragged ends to create softness. All those who followed the ‘Posh’ bob last year and are now over it should be at this stage by now. This look is best styled using texturising products, followed by a blast with the blow dryer and a run over the ends with a straighter, to give the look definition.

Q: Which celebrity look do your clients ask for most?
A: The most popular styles I get asked for are: 1. Gisele, for her tousled sexy hair 2. Gwyneth, the grown out bob 3. Sarah Murdoch, the textured bob

Q: How often should you use a treatment on your hair?
A: It is essential to apply a treatment to your hair at least once a week. Treatments put back in lost moisture caused by heat styling, day to day torture and the elements. If you can’t get into the salon for regular treatments make sure you give yourself one at home. There are many at-home treatment options available, I recommend the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle for damage repair, it’s quick and easy to apply.

Q: Which celebrities do you think have beautiful, natural hair?
A: I have to say it’s quite hard to think of any celebrities that have beautiful, natural hair. This is due to the fact that most of them torture it so much with regular, dramatic colour changes using bleaching products along with day to day heat styling. If I had to pick one it would be Gisele. And funnily enough she’s recently been signed to Pantene...

Q: What are your client’s greatest hair concerns?
A: In winter dry, dehydrated hair is the main concern and in summer sun damage and colour fade. To combat the drying effects of winter where you hair is left with little moisture, I suggest regular conditioning treatments. These will help restore the lost moisture that is drained from the hair during the harsh cold months. It will also help close the cuticle and make the hair more shiny and manageable, rather than brittle and susceptible to breakage. During summer a more relaxed approach to hair is good. Ease up on the blonde and opt for a more natural look. Soft waves are great for a beachier look. These can be created by using large curling tongs on dry hair and creating a loose wave through the mid length to the ends of the hair. Otherwise why not try a soft, messy ponytail or bun to give your hair that effortless, relaxed summer feel. But before putting up your hair work some UV protectant hair products through the hair to maintain the condition.

Q: What is the one thing your clients want most out of their hair?
A: There are actually two things...shine or natural looking volume. To achieve both of these is really about finding the products that work for your individual hair type and sticking to them. Regular treatments will keep your hair looking healthy and shiny while volume boosting products will help to give you natural looking lift.