Short cuts

All right ladies, I hear ya! For the past few months I have been receiving loads of e-mail from women who wanted to know who cuts my hair, and who styles the hair of celebrities and Manila’s who’s who? I guess more women are thinking of having their hair cut shorter to suit their lifestyle. Perhaps they are also just bored with their current hairstyle. When I had my hair cut shorter the first time, I went through this ritual of calling my girl friends to go with me to the salon, announcing to everyone I know, "Today’s the day am cutting my hair"–it was a big deal! I was afraid not of cutting my hair short but more on how the stylist will not able to meet my expectations of how I perceived I would look like with short hair.

Nevertheless, I have braved it and I have survived. My first attempt was not as successful as my current hairstyle–masterfully cut by Henri Calayag of H-Salon. I have fine, limp hair and ears that stick out, so Henri creates a shag (nope, not the ’80s Lioness kind) that lets my hair move loosely, can be styled easily and covers my ears. According to New York hair stylist, Garren in an Allure magazine interview, "The latest haircut of the season is the New Shag–shaggy in the front and on the sides, but has length at the back. The shag’s most appealing quality is the sneaky way it can be transformed. You can tuck it behind your ears, and it looks like it’s one length, wear a ponytail and the front layers will look boyish, or wear it down, and it’s easy, layered shag." And that’s exactly what Henri has been doing for women with my type of hair. Of course, a careful consideration of your face shape, your hair texture and lifestyle is a must.

Here are some tips from women with short hair, and advice from hair gurus.

(For more of your suggestions, e-mail me at jenniepperson@hotmail.com.)

Romina Urra, Editor-in-chief, Chalk magazine : "A good hair cut is important and women with short hair should get a trim at least every three weeks. And don’t think you can’t experiment with short hair, because you can, especially if you have long layers. And the best way to kill boredom with the look that you’ve always had is to color your hair or add highlights to it."

Hair stylist: Henri Calayag of H-Salon

Fave hair products: Material Texture Line, Bench Fix hair gel, L’Oreal Hair Color

Henri Calayag, Hair and makeup artist of H-Salon.

Clients: Angel Jacob, Tim Yap, Celine Lopez

Fave hair products: Daviness Curving Paste, Daviness Shine Pomade, Clinique Hair Gel

Tips:

• If you have long hair and would like to cut it short, have it cut gradually until your desired length.

• Talk to your hair stylist and discuss what hairstyle will suit your face. Because it is a big change, be sure that you really want it cut short.

• Hair color and highlights look great for short hair as they add depth and texture to your hair.

KC Concepcion. In her recent trip to Toulouse, France, KC picked up some hair products. She also has some local faves. She favors coconut-scented hair products and avoids shampooing twice a day as it washes out her hair’s natural protective coating. She also prefers wax over gel.

Hair stylist: Angelo of Franck Provost

Fave hair products: Camille Albane Styling Wax, Monoi Hair Shine, The Body Shop Freshen Up

Ginggay Joven, Editor- in-chief, Young Star magazine: "Women with short hair look more chic and modern." She prefers short hair because it suits her lifestyle.

Hair stylist: Louis Kee of Emphasis Salon

Fave hair products: Cristalli Liquido di Semi di Lino, Kerastase Baingommage shampoo, Twisted Taffy

Zsa Zsa Padilla. She had her hair cut short two years ago and now prefers it that way. She likes it because it can be styled easily and looks fresh and hip.

Hair stylist: Pin Antonio of Salon de Manila

Fave hair products: Kerastase shampoo and conditioner, L’Oreal Professional Digi.Gloss, L’Oreal Tech.ni.art Head Gum

Fanny Serrano, Hair and makeup stylist of Fanny Serrano Salon.

Clients: Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino, Elizabeth Oropesa, Amy Austria, Gina Alajar

Fave hair products: Sebastian Collection Moulding Mud, L’Oreal Pro Intense Repair, L’Oreal Power Dose, Kerastase Concrentre Vita Cimente, Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Tips:

• Short hair works best for working women whose heads are literally buried in work to avoid "pink eyes."

• Short hair is suited for pregnant women for a fresher look and feeling.

• When having your hair cut short, be sure you are in a good mood.

Your columnist’s fave products: L’Oreal Shine Contrast Moussin Wax and TIGI Bed Head Manipulator, available at leading salons.