When it comes to your tresses, the arrival of a new season can drive an overwhelming desire for a dramatic chop, a fresh hair colour or even a change in styling technique. One thing is for sure: opting for a dramatic haircut or colour change can go a long way in transforming your entire look. With the winter season approaching fast, it is time to revitalize our crowning glory and get an update on hair trends that are raging this winter.

So, in a bid to learn more about show-stopping hair trends, we got in touch with hairstylist and makeup artist Saman Nomani of Saman’s Salon. The expert also reveals how to take care of your hair during the dry, chilly season. Read on…

On-trend cuts

Nothing beats a great haircut; it can literally mak­e or break your look. Talking about haircuts that are trending these days, Saman says, “These days the clients we get go for very short, graduated, asymmetric bobs, also called lobs. Curtain bangs are also quite in fashion and women with longer or medium-length hair are opting for curtain bangs to bring about a change in their look. This trend is very popular and is here to stay.”

Winter-ready hair colour

As far as perfect hair shades for winter are concerned, Saman shares that she really likes warmer tones like chestnut, auburn, burgundy and more caramel tones. “Frankly speaking it all depends on the client’s preference. Sometimes they want to go for a lighter shade. It is their hair, their vibe and what they want to carry. You cannot force a trend on a client if they are not ready to accept it. So during cooler seasons I suggest my clients to add some warmer tones to their hair and the rest is up to them,” she adds.

Hairstyles that’ll rule…

According to the expert, updos are very popular, especially the messy ones that look kind of undone. “Those looks are more in vogue compared to hairstyles that are too stylised or over the top like too many curls and lots of backcombing. I don’t see that trending this season. It is more about a natural, undone kind of look,” explains Saman.

Speaking about hairstyles and hairdos for different hair textures, the hairstylist shares that nowadays the trend is to make your hair workable and altering the hair texture by opting for keratin or straightening treatments as well as getting blow-outs. “Any haircut and texture can be adapted to suit the hair. Obviously with straight or slightly wavy hair people tend to go more adventurous. They like to get more layers, they can go very short and even opt for pixie cuts. With curly hair, adding layers to the hair is a good option because you can’t have curly hair and keep it straight; it is going to look like a block and to break up the curls and make it look a little softer you need to add in the layers.”

Hottest hair accessory

In the summertime, it was all about hair barrettes that gave a fun twist to any hairstyle. In Saman’s opinion, scarves are definitely the hottest hair accessory this winter. Thick hair bands and head bands are all the rage.

Best hair products for winter

During winter your hair tends to become dry and brittle, as the cold weather wreaks havoc by stripping it of natural oil and moisture, causing tangles. “In my opinion using rich nourishing hair oil (like Argan and Mythic Oil) or leave-in protein conditioner while your hair is drying helps moisturise the hair and keeps it hydrated. It will also keep the hair cuticles smooth. All you need to do is take a couple of drops of the oil and apply it on your mid lengths and ends once your hair is dry. You can even use it on damp hair. For those who have very dry hair, what I do for my clients is take some leave-in conditioner and mix it with a hair serum or a few drops of hair oil and apply it to the hair’s lengths and ends. I then comb it through, which further hydrates the hair,” she explains.

Hair trends that are a
big no no…

“I feel hair trends that are definitely a big NO this season are the bouncy, flouncy blow dry and big voluminous hair. I think the way to go this season is either the loose tousled, beachy waves or the sleek straight hair that never goes out of style,” says Saman.

Oiling or protein treatment?

It is very important to take extra care of your locks especially during winter and many people resort to oiling their hair. We asked Saman whether oiling or protein treatments are better. Saman recommends both because in winters the weather becomes colder and drier, and obviously your scalp is going to get dry. “Oiling is recommended for the scalp and roots, but it won’t do anything for your hair length and ends. When you wash out the oil it actually leaves your hair rough and brittle because you rub the cuticles against each other. I would advise anyone with dry hair to go for protein treatments for their lengths and ends,” she elaborates.

The hairstylist went on to say that these days new, formulated, customized treatments are available that are great for hair lengths and help repair the hair. “In our salon we have treatments, including the L’Oreal Pro Longer treatment, Powermix treatment and Kerastase Fusio Dose treatment. These treatments are formulated keeping a client’s hair texture, length and hair problem in mind. I would recommend that you do oiling at home or salon for the scalp only and don’t apply it on the rest of the hair. However, make sure to get protein or customised hair treatments done from a reputable salon.”

Hair care tips by Saman

Keeping in mind the changing season and drier climate, Saman Nomani urges everyone to up their hydration game. “It starts from within so drink lots of water because sometimes in the winter you don’t feel thirsty and hence don’t drink that much water. Staying well hydrated is the key. Make sure to just oil your scalp and roots even if it is for an hour before you wash your hair,” she shares.

The expert advises women, especially those who find it difficult to handle their hair, to go to a reputable salon for a hair consultation and discuss the options they have for hair straightening and keratin treatments as well as blow-outs. “These treatments are very much in demand because of Karachi’s humidity and it becomes very hard to handle and maintain hair. There is no point in damaging the hair with blow drying because as soon as you go outside it won’t last. What really helps is keratin treatment or a blow-out which makes the hair more manageable, makes the blow dry last longer,” she stresses, adding that no doubt these are expensive treatments but once you spend that kind of money you’ll be able to manage your hair easily at home for the next five to six months.

On a parting note Saman says, “These treatments are worth investing in, provided that they are done by the right stylist and the right salon using authentic products.”