As the pandemic’s grip finally starts to loosen, it’s time to swap that just-got-out-of-bed hair for sharp and chic styles that will see your confidence driving at full tilt
While the past year might have flown by in a haze of Zoom calls, social distancing and working from home, signs that the pandemic is slowly easing all across the world means life could soon be returning to normal. The first thing that needs to go? That just-woken-up bed hair might have fit conveniently with our lazy days locked inside, but now that real life looms once more, sharp, chic styles are back and waiting to fuel our full sense of power. Case in point? Recent catwalks have been full to the brim with razor-sharp ends, brow-skimming fringes, controlled curls and fierce pixie cuts that provide the perfect styling inspiration from summer and beyond.
“Getting a sharp haircut makes you feel so together and fresh,” Ava Holland, artistic director of the exclusive Gielly Green salon in London’s prestigious Marylebone district tells MOJEH. “You lift your head that little higher when you walk.” And she’s not wrong – not only does the right haircut make us appear years younger, give the impression of certain personality traits, such as creativity or rebelliousness, or lend an air of professionalism, it can also give the illusion of control and make us feel ready to take on almost anything. “You feel like you have your life on track,” she adds. “Most clients then feel inspired to update their wardrobe or experiment with a new makeup look after a haircut as it really does boast your mood.”
Providing the ultimate inspiration of the season, we saw everything from blunt bobs, curly shags and sharp afros at Chanel’s recent AW21 showcase, where stylist Damien Boissinot masterminded hair that felt modern and fresh but which took inspiration from the ’90s when it came to finishing touches. Elsewhere, more afros and sleek pixie cuts reigned supreme at Balmain SS21, while it was all about the fringe at Prada, which came in a number of different styles including eyelash-skimming, blocky and grown-out and worn in angular curtains around the face. Those worried about taming their curls into a sleek power cut need not fret – just see Louis Vuitton, where styles were shorter and in boxy shapes, resulting in a bouncy ’do with plenty of attitude. “Sharp bobs look great with curly hair,” explains Liene Mende, creative director at Aveda Salons, Dubai. “They add texture, volume and an edgy feel with a sharp outline. It is the most low maintenance styling wise, too – simply scrunch with a curl creme and let it air dry.”
Those concerned about having to make a drastic change after letting their locks go over the last 12 months need not worry – this is all about working with what you already have to improve your current style, rather than trialling a whole new dramatic look. “While a big chop might be needed for those who want to enter society with a change, most people can just embrace their lengthy locks now they have had time to grow, or make small changes that will add a whole new level of confidence,” explains Ava. Whether that’s simply trimming your split ends while adding a blunt fringe, or chopping off a few inches to sharpen your grown-out bob, there’s no denying that a put-together appearance is like armour. While having fabulous hair won’t make us bulletproof, it will make us feel like we’re bulletproof, and that’s good enough for us.
The Tools
The stylers you need to maintain that professional-looking ’do in the comfort of your own home.
The Salon
What better way to clean up your cut than quite literally going clean? The pioneer of holistic beauty and champion of environmental responsibility, the late Horst Rechelbacher founded Aveda in the 1970s and since then his salons and products have offered botanical products and experiences that are good for both its clients and the Earth. Head to the Profile Aveda Salon at Harvey Nichols Dubai for a sensory experience that begins with an all-natural aromatherapy massage using Stress-Fix Composition Oil with organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage, followed by a Nutriplenish Ultimate Hydration Hair Treatment that will infuse locks with renewed energy and radiance. Finally, hand your hair over to an Aveda expert who will sharpen-up your newly rejuvenated locks with a slight yet impactful cut. Whether you’re merely looking to clean up your fringe, offer oomph to unruly curls or add a razor-sharp edge to overgrown layers, consider this the salon of choice for a conscious and vegan-friendly experience. Book your appointment
