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How to keep your hair in check with Jen Atkin

Words: Grace Gargini

Ask any woman (or man) what they’re missing in lockdown and we bet a lot of them would say a professional haircut. From fading bleached roots to trimming over-grown fringes, fond memories of fuss-free trips to the salon are fading quicker than our highlights.

So how to keep your hair in check for those daily video calls while the salon’s doors are closed?

We’ve called on the brilliant hairstylist and brand owner of OUAI, Jen Atkin, to share her tips on at-home hair upkeep – from how to trim your own fringe and maintain your blonde, to styling chic top knots for conference calls. Plus, how to get that perfect fade sans barber (as modelled by Jen’s husband, Mike).

How can you maintain coloured hair and stop blonde going brassy?

I would avoid trying to touch up the bleach regrowth and just keep your blonde toned by using purple or blue shampoos – they keep the coolness of your blonde intact and avoid the roots getting brassy. Use it once or twice a week, and you should see your hair sustain its blonde a little longer. Also, we’re all in this together, so go easy on yourself if you’re not feeling like your best blonde self right now!

Any recommendations for helping with hair growth?

I’ve been taking the OUAI supplements on and off for years, but I’ve taken them every day since our time at home started, and I absolutely see the difference. My hair feels thicker and fuller than ever before, which complements the sweat suits I’ve been wearing for approximately 30 days straight.

 

 

The good news is that on a Zoom call, nobody gets the 3D version of you, so you really can show the team only what you want them to see. Hit your roots with a little OUAI Super Dry Shampoo and put a few quick bends in your hair right around your face with the Dyson Corrale to polish up your bedhead!

Jen’s at-home hair essentials

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How can I master a chic top knot for Zoom calls (and avoid a messy ‘pineapple’)?

Hair grips will be your best friend for this one. If you’re going for a messy bun, you’ll want to pull some pieces out to frame your face, but don’t over-do it; they’ll fall naturally throughout the day, so let them come undone organically. For a sleek bun – one of my favourite looks – try using a hair oil or pomade to give your hair a bit of a wet look and keep flyaways as tame as possible.

How do you create an easy ‘undone’ look that doesn’t look like you’ve just got out of bed?

The good news is that on a video call, nobody gets the 3D version of you, so you really can show the team only what you want them to see. Hit your roots with a little OUAI Super Dry Shampoo and put a few quick bends in your hair right around your face with the Dyson Corrale to polish up your bedhead! A little texturising spray never hurt either.

Any tips on products to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy?

When your hair is a little dirty, coat it in OUAI Hair Oil and slick it back in a bun. This will look great for your Zoom meetings and also condition your hair, so it’s a win-win.

Let’s hear it for the boys

Find yourself looking across the dinner table at your partner and seeing Tom Hanks in Castaway staring back? Get his hair under control with Jen’s top tips.

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