Now my hair is pretty long - even after a recent cut - but when it comes to doing anything remotely adventurous in terms of styling it I am at a loss. Every time I try to do something with it, recreate a style from a magazine for example, I fail miserably. I need professional help, which I why I recently headed to the award-winning Brooks + Brooks in Holborn to try their new 'Get a Grip' service, a one-to-one styling session with one of their hair experts, to see if I could learn where I was going wrong...
Brooks+Brooks long hair specialist Valerie Benavides, just back from the Milan and Paris shows, reveals that in just one 90 minute session she can teach a client a selection of styles, be it the perfect ponytail, a high fashion topknot and a classic chignon; “Success rests on getting to grips with certain skills such as how to backcomb properly and how to pin and grip to ensure your style lasts all day (or night!)”.
In my session with Sophia, she taught me how to create three easy styles that will see me through party season as well as imparting her expert knowledge and advice on what products to use to make the most of my mane. The first was a dramatic twist on the classic pony, ending in a slightly Winehouse-esque backcombed bouffant. The great thing about these sessions is that the stylist will talk you through and show you what she does with your hair, before handing you the tools to do part of it yourself so you really get the hang of it; half the problem with hair is when your stylist creates an amazing look but you have no idea how to do it yourself, so it's fantastic to really learn on the spot how to get it right while they are there to help!
The Pony: Step 1: Separate a section from temple to opposite temple and clip away the top. Tie the lower section in a ponytail using a bungee cord. Use a hairbrush to brush the sides underneath smooth. Step 2: Now working through the top section of the hair take approximately 2 inch sections across the head and backcomb lightly. Step 3: Pull the top section back into the ponytail, keeping the natural texture as much as possible and letting pieces drop out around the face for a more relaxed look. Tie in place with a bungee cord or elastic band. Take a small section from underneath the ponytail, wrap around the elastic to cover and secure in place with a kirby grip.
The second style was a faintly 40s look where the hair is simply twisted from the temples into a roll, going right around the back of the head before being secured together. The third style used brilliant Stay Hot Heated Rollers from Diva Professional Styling to create big and bouncy waves in about 20 minutes - a brilliant shortcut to tongs.
As an extra helping hand, clients will be emailed an 'Insiders Guide' full of step-by-step detail in case they forget everything when they walk out the door, plus as it's Christmas you will also be gifted a gorgeously scented Brooks + Brooks candle!f
A 90-minute appointment with Valerie or Sophia costs £100 and includes a list of your prescribed hair accessories so you know exactly what you need to create your chosen style. For more information visit www.brooksandbrooks.co.uk Brooks+Brooks is situated at 13 -17 Sicilian Avenue, London, WC1A 2QH Tel: 020 7405 8111
Love Laurel x
