The word of (the) Lourd
Lourd Ramos has made quite a name for himself as a makeup artist and hairstylist. He heads several salons in town (Creations by Lourd Ramos is a favorite!) and is a style ambassador for Davines. Uptown/Downtown interviewed Lourd about hair color and conditioning concerns.
On hair coloring
“I encourage my clients to do research on their preferred hair color. By all means, they can come to the salon with magazine clippings, which can oftentimes help start a peg. All reputable salons would also have a color chart as a guide. As hairstylists, it is our job to discuss with the client what hair colors are possible and what would fit the overall look and personality of the individual.
“Generally, going from a dark to lighter hair color is more damaging than the reverse. However, at present there are organic colorants that lighten hair, while at the same time mitigating the damage that is normally caused by hair lighteners.”
On blow-drying, flat-ironing
“In my opinion, a woman can blow-dry and flat-iron her hair every day provided she uses a keratin and protein smooth spray on her hair to protect it from heat damage. I strongly recommend having a deep-conditioning treatment every month at the very least to revive and nourish heat and chemically treated hair.”
On Brazilian blow-dry treatments
“Keratin and Brazilian blow-dry treatments are in demand in my salons. These procedures are preferred by people who have frizzy and unruly hair. The procedures do not really straighten the hair. They de-frizz strands, which make the hair appear straighter but still maintain volume. If in a few days a client would like to temporarily sport curly hair for an evening, that would be possible. Undergoing a Brazilian blow-dry would not get in the way of exploring other temporary hairstyles.
“Some women have their Brazilian blow-dry for a second time (after the first treatment has worn off) and find that their hair no longer responds to the procedure. This happens sometimes because their hair is just too weak to take in more protein, or is too coarse to absorb the medicine.”
On coconut oil
“Coconut oil is a reliable, natural and organic oil that nourishes the hair. Our grandmothers had the right idea all along! Apply from the roots to the ends of the hair and wrap with a plastic cap or warm towel. After about 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly and condition. The coconut oil acts as a deep nourishing treatment!”
(For more information, visit Creations by Lourd Ramos at 2/F Cedar Executive Bldg. I, 1006 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City. Call 846-7500, 551-7491 or e-mail creationslr@gmail.com.)
