Latest news with #Hershesons
Refinery29
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
I Got 'Moonlight' Hair — Winter's Answer To Balayage
In recent months, my long brunette hair has looked frazzled, lifeless and one-dimensional. This isn't surprising considering it's been over five years since my last balayage appointment and seven months since it was cut. It's fair to say that I was long overdue a refresh, and with the seasons changing, it seemed like the perfect time to trawl TikTok and Pinterest for inspiration. Among the abundance of bold copper shades and brooding cherry hues, one trending hair colour stood out to me — not least because of its unusual name. Enter: 'moonlighting'. The moonlight hair technique — a speedy spin on traditional highlights or balayage — has gone so viral on TikTok that it has amassed tens of millions of views and climbing. In those videos, colourists appear to brush the hair back and hand-paint specific areas (such as the front and side sections underneath the hair) with bleach. Essentially, anywhere the light catches. The result? Imagine your natural hair colour bathed in the incandescent glow of a super moon. @anilmermerofficial How did you like the moonlight technique we recommended for hair that has not been dyed before? ⭐️ . . . #hair #explore #balayage #brushlight #themoonlyhairpalace ♬ original sound - overlays To me, it's a brighter nod to the 'candlelit brunette' or ' expensive brunette ' shades that recently took over top London salons. Some liken it to 'glow lights', whereby bleach is applied strategically to illuminate very specific strands of hair. Asking around, I learned that colourists are also describing the technique as 'vibrant brushlights'. This appealed to me because it seemed to be an easy way to revive my lacklustre lengths while adding depth and shape in a natural way. What is the 'moonlighting' hair colour technique — and how does it differ from balayage? Keen to give the moonlight hair colour trend a go, I headed along to Hershesons in Fitzrovia, where I quickly learned that the trending technique is not all it seems. While the countless viral videos appear to show colourists mastering freehand balayage with a simple brushstroke here and there, Hershesons expert colourist John Alfred revealed that the moonlighting technique is likely all 'smoke and mirrors'. To my surprise, he branded it 'fake balayage'. On closer inspection, Alfred noted that the 'bleach' applied in the videos resembles hair mousse and suggested that genuine hand-painted balayage requires precise — rather than haphazard — application. This is time-consuming, unlike the rapid application demonstrated in the trending videos. Crucially, Alfred warned that bleaching the hair in this way (without foils or toner) would likely turn those dyed sections orange, particularly on dark hair like mine. It simply wouldn't lift the colour enough to achieve the bright, cool gradient that the videos lead viewers to believe. While the viral moonlight hair colour technique might all be for views, the lightened results are undeniably chic. Unlike the buttery balayage that has swayed so many of us lately, the moonlight hair colour trend is intended to be a brighter and low-maintenance shade that's suitable for all hair types, lengths and shades. That said, Alfred believes it's most effective on darker hair for a visible lift, and on layered lengths for extra dimension. It's so speedy that he has coined it the 'balayage lunch lift'. A previous full balayage session would last over five hours, but Alfred assured me that this lift would take a fraction of the time. He used FastFoils, which feature an endothermic coating that absorbs surrounding heat to activate dye quickly and evenly. This creates a brighter colour lift faster than traditional hand-painted balayage. I have a limited selection of hairstyles on rotation, which includes alternating between a centre and side parting, so achieving a seamless blend, regardless of my hairstyle, was key. Alfred applied bleach in a halo shape around the crown (under the top layer of my hair) as well as on the underside so that the moonlit segments would glimmer underneath and shine through my darker strands. This also meant that if I wanted to flip my hair over to the side, those dazzling strands would be front and centre. He targeted specific sections of hair on the top and within my fringe to create the face-framing element of the moonlight style, avoiding the roots to ensure that my hair remained low-maintenance as it grew out. What's more, keeping the roots the same adds extra dimension throughout the balayage, according to Alfred. The last step was a bespoke toner for my mid-lengths and ends. The benefit here was to draw out the various cool shades in my hair. How should you ask your colourist for moonlit hair? To achieve the moonlight hair colour, there are a few noteworthy buzzwords. Alfred suggested requesting 'partial balayage' or 'flash highlights' instead of a full head of balayage. Placement is crucial, too. He suggested asking for light accents and 'face-framing features' on the sides (and fringe if you have one), as well as in a 'halo shape' around the crown of your head — but avoiding the roots. Alfred also mentioned that 'closed balayage', which requires foils instead of freehand application like the videos, provides a higher level of lift — and is far better on darker hair. With all of this advice in mind, the moonlight finish is categorised by cool, bright and icy tones among more natural mocha and honey shades. After the revelation that the viral moonlight technique was, in fact, flawed, Alfred adjusted the approach to achieve the same luminescent effect. Alongside Hershesons hairstylist Samuel Broadbent, he considered the best cool tones for the highlights to achieve a moon-bathed finish, and to suit my complexion. Then we moved onto the placement and cut. What's the moonlight hair colour like IRL? Colour completed, it was time for Broadbent to work his haircutting magic. He advised combining the moonlight colour with a textured haircut for extra dimension, which aligned perfectly with my inspiration: Daisy Edgar-Jones' boho hairstyle. Broadbent trimmed my grown-out fringe to cheekbone length, cut soft layers throughout the body of my hair and feathered the front pieces. He then dried it using a blowdryer and loosely curled with a thin wand. He finished the look with a spritz of Living Proof Dry Volume and Texture Spray, $70, for an effortless, tousled wave. It's safe to say that the Hershesons team's rendition of the moonlight technique is versatile and quicker than other balayage methods I have experienced. The moonlit accents pop when light is shone onto my hair, and combined with the timeless soft layers, the highlights — or moonlights, as I'm now calling them — add volume and shape. How do you maintain the moonlighting hair colour trend? The beauty of moonlighting is that it's low maintenance. I was told that my hair will look naturally sun-kissed — or moon-bathed — as it grows out, and provided you're looking after it with sulphate-free shampoo, it could last for months. Alfred recommended refreshing the style with a toner every three to six months and stressed the importance of using nourishing haircare products like masks or deep conditioners. Besides this, it's always recommended to use a heat-protecting spray. My go-to is ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray, $45. For me, styling at home is equally fuss-free. Broadbent suggested letting my wavy hair air-dry and adding a texturising spray. For a more polished look, he recommended curling with tongs and gently brushing through the ringlets with a Tangle Teezer Brush, $30, for relaxed waves, followed by a hair oil for a sleek finish. I highly recommend K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil, $94.95. Like any new hairstyle, it took some adjusting to the cool, lighter and brighter tones of the moonlight hair colour, but I've received multiple compliments. I've been told the light accents brighten my complexion and make my blue eyes pop. If anything, my solid brunette tones washed me out. Moonlighting tends to suit curly hair and waves best as the movement allows those lifted tones to pop. I'm most interested to see how my moonlit hair will grow out over the coming weeks. Whether I will need a toner top-up, additional cooler tones or want to inject a little more sun-kissed warmth into my hair remains to be seen. But so far, I like what I see. When I first had a full head of balayage, I was so blonde I barely recognised myself; the moonlight technique is a more tame and totally bespoke version of a full head of balayage. I'd recommend moonlighting to those undecided about dyeing their hair or people who are considering highlights for the first time. Ultimately, though, my experience has taught me not to believe everything I see online. Alfred warned that some hairdressers are eager to please and wouldn't call out a presumably fake trend, so I'd encourage everyone to bring along numerous examples of the style and colour you want as inspiration, rather than put emphasis on one viral technique. Lastly, research your chosen colourist well and don't be afraid to ask about the methods they use. A pre-appointment consultation — usually free — is your best bet when it comes to achieving a hair colour that you love.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Italian Bob Is This Summer's Hottest Hair Trend
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The Italian bob is currently dominating summer hair moodboards. While 2025 has seen a resurgence of many bob hair iterations—from graduated bobs and '90s bobs to the longer 'lob' style—the Italian bob leans into the laidback vibe of the summer months. While the Italian bob has been around for a while, it made waves back in 2022 when actor Simona Tabasco graced our screens as Lucia in The White Lotus' second season. Her evenly-chopped bob with its flicked out ends and wispy bangs fast became the go-to haircuts for It Girls everywhere, including Gigi Hadid and Ana de Armas, who both put their own spin on it. 'The Italian bob is a jaw‑grazing haircut defined by its blunt ends, minimal layering, and a deep side or middle part that creates volume at the roots,' explains Elliot Bute, stylist at Hershesons, Fitzrovia. 'It can be styled super‑sleek or with gentle waves for a softer finish that has quiet luxury written all over it. It's low-maintenance and universally-flattering.' Bute cites Audrey Hepburn as one of the earlier muses for this hairstyle, popularizing the chin-length blunt cut back in the 1960s while Sophia Loren's side‑swept, wavy interpretation veers close to the more sophisticated Dolce Vita bob trend. This year's Italian bob maintains its clean-cut finish, but it looks a little more relaxed than the retro feel of last season's look. Think 'clean, almost architectural lines, very few layers, with ends ever so slightly frayed for movement,' says Bute. It's luxurious and polished, but far from prim and proper. This bob may bear close resemblance to the French bob at times, but it differs in terms of texture and finish. 'The French bob is more undone, with choppy, tousled ends and weightless layers,' Bute tells ELLE. Fine or thin hair: Use a root‑lifting mousse or add gentle waves to create body keep ends blunt to avoid thinning tips. Thick hair: Remove bulk by undercutting or internal layers, maintain blunt edges to showcase the shape without volume overload. Curly hair: Cut slightly past the jaw to let curls spring without hitting the chin abruptly, incorporate a few soft layers at the nape to prevent a triangular silhouette. Sleek and polished: Use a round brush and direct the ends inwards. Finish with a glossing spray. Soft waves: Use a barrel curling iron, alternating direction of the wraps. Finger comb the hair to break up the curls and spray a volumizing formula at the roots for added volume. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to hair, but the jaw-skimming length and face-framing silhouette of Italian bobs naturally enhances oval, heart and square-shaped faces. To keep the lines crisp and prevent the ends from looking over-grown, Bute recommends refreshing your chop every six to eight weeks. 'Condition religiously. A glossing or protein‑infused mask once a week preserves shine and strength at the tip, and always use a heat protectant spray or cream before styling to protect the blunt ends,' he says. You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Zara McDermott shows off darker 'new hair' for summer amid Louis Tomlinson romance
Love Island star Zara McDermott has showcased her 'new hair' after opting to go a darker shade for summer amid continued interest in her rumoured romance with Louis Tomlinson Presenter Zara McDermott has been met with compliments from fans after showcasing her "new hair". The Love Island star unveiled her latest look in a photo this weekend and revealed that she had opted for a change ahead of summer. Zara, 28 - who's pursued a career on TV as a documentary filmmaker since appearing on the ITV2 show in 2018 - gave a glimpse of her hairstyle on Instagram earlier this evening. She shared a photo of herself modelling her "new hair" whilst at a salon in London following the treatment. The reality TV star, who's typically sported a lighter hairstyle, revealed to her followers on the platform that she had chosen to go "dark caramel" at her latest appointment. She teased that her team had worked "magic" on her hair. Alongside the new selfie, Zara wrote in the caption: "Dark caramel for summer." She used several emojis, including one depicting sunshine and another representing a jar of honey, in the recent post, which already has more than 16,000 likes. She concluded the caption by expressing gratitude to hair stylist Grace and colour specialist Alexe, who work for brand Hershesons, over the transformation. Before tagging them, Zara said in the post: "Thank you for working your magic." The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant went on to promote her post on her Instagram Story. Teasing over the change to her appearance, she told her followers: "New hair." Zara put a series of heart emojis beside the caption. Her new look was met with compliments in the comments section of her initial post. One fan reacted: "I'm obsessed with your new hair colour Zara." Sharing their thoughts, another person told her: "This colour suits you so much." A third follower commented: "You look stunning Zara." Someone else wrote in their reply to the post: "Oh wow that's a fabulous colour on you." Whilst one person said on the platform earlier: "Omg! Your stylist works wonders." Others said that Zara looked "absolutely gorgeous" and "beautiful" in the newly-released photo. Someone else said: "Wow [Zara] you look so stunning with darker hair." Whilst another follower told the presenter: "I love your new hair." The update comes just days after Zara reflected on last month in a round-up post on the platform. It included photos of her from trips abroad that she enjoyed in recent weeks, with some of them having shown her out in the US. She didn't share any photos of herself and One Direction 's Louis Tomlinson, 33, whom she's thought to be dating, despite them having spent time together whilst she was in California. The rumoured couple, who have been romantically linked since March, were spotted sharing a kiss at one point. The post however attracted reaction from some of Louis' family though. His sister Lottie Tomlinson, 26, replied with a heart emoji, prompting Zara to share a kissing emoji back. Younger sibling Phoebe Tomlinson, 21, shared kissing emojis herself, with Zara responding with emojis of a heart and lips.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Get The Beauty Look: Holiday Mermaid Waves
VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 07: Sienna Miller attends the Closing Ceremony red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema on September 07, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Stefania D'Alessandro/WireImage) This season of The White Lotus has delivered more than just must-watch entertainment, it's also serving up major holiday fashion and hair inspiration. The new ensemble cast showcases easy breezy beachy, mermaid waves, as seen on Aimee Lou Wood's character, Chelsea, and Jaclyn, played by Michelle Monaghan. We've also seen this look on fashion sweethearts Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley, both longtime fans of boho-inspired mermaid waves. Celebrity hairstylist Luke Hersheson, who frequently works with both actresses, has perfected this effortlessly chic style, as seen on Sienna at the Venice Film Festival last year. Luke on why he loves the mermaid hair look, says, 'Mermaid waves are a chic way to style your hair in springtime and beyond. To create the mermaid look on shorter hair, like Kiera, prep the hair with Almost Everything Cream when it was wet – great for priming, moisturising and boosting shine, it's an essential in my kit. When blow-drying hair, work through the Zhoosh through roots and ends to give the hair more hold.' LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Keira Knightley attends the "Black Doves" Season One World Premiere at the BFI Southbank on December 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) He recommends starting with small sections, 'Take fairly small sections of the hair, using the mermaid waver attachment from our new Multi-Tasker tool to create undone bends. On Kiera's hair I worked from the bottom, upwards. When I got to the top of her hair, I started dragging it a little away from the root. I finished with a spritz of Air Dry Spray to give her hair some hold.' A look that's as popular as ever and perfectly timed for holiday season, Dale Herne, expert stylist at Hershesons, shares, 'As we enter the summer holiday season, everyone is craving hair that feels looser and relaxed. It's easy to work and style at home. Take the mermaid waver attachment of the Multi-Tasker long set, and take big sections of the hair, about two inches from the root. Depending on the length of your hair, you may need to do this just once or, if you have longer hair, move down towards the end of the hair and clamp again.' To recreate this look at home, Dale shares his step-by-step guide. VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 7: Sienna Miller attends the Closing Ceremony red carpet during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema on September 7, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by JB Lacroix/FilmMagic)
Telegraph
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
How Sarah Jessica Parker looks so good at 60, and the lessons all women can learn
Few high-profile women have left such an indelible mark on fashion as Sarah Jessica Parker, who turns 60 today. As Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Parker, together with legendary costume designer Patricia Field, created one of the most coveted on-screen wardrobes of all time. But just as influential as Carrie's collection of avant-garde gowns, Fendi Baguettes and Manhattan-ready Manolos is Parker's own sense of fashion – and refreshingly realistic approach to ageing. It's a combination that has seen her become a midlife style icon who is somehow always defiantly herself, known for luminous skin and chic hair as well as a playful, confident approach to dressing. 'She will forever be my most pinned style icon,' says style editor Erica Davies, who says she still looks to Parker for inspiration as she 'hurtles' towards her fifties. 'I love to see a woman in her midlife proving that age is nothing but a number, looking completely fabulous and totally at ease with both herself and her sense of style.' But how does SJP still look so good, especially as she famously avoids Botox? Let's delve into her skin, hair, make-up and style secrets to find out. Style For fashion psychologist Carolyn Mair, Parker's enduring style is reflective of her genuine love of clothes and accessories. 'Her ability to maintain her distinctive style throughout midlife portrays a combination of her authentic self-expression and her intrinsic enjoyment of fashion,' says Mair. 'Dressing up likely provides joy and creative stimulation, and this empowers her to navigate midlife with confidence and flair.' This confidence is infectious. 'Carrie gave me permission to have fun and play around with my clothes in a way that no one else had before,' says Davies. 'And while SJP may not be as bold as Carrie, there is a lot of overlap. I love her playfulness – she appreciates fashion, but doesn't take it, or herself, too seriously. She's happy mixing unusual colour combinations, trying out new clothing shapes or putting together pattern combinations in a unique way.' Hair Gina Gilbert has been the colourist behind Parker's flattering, lived-in blonde for 16 years. 'We like a lot of dimension,' she says. 'With Sarah Jessica's skin tone and beautiful crystal blue eyes, she chose to go with a softer golden blonde tone and then add a few brighter pieces to make it pop and give her that sun-kissed, surfer blonde. Her base colour is a semi-permanent natural brown.' As well as looking great, her hair colour has an anti-ageing effect, as Melanie Smith, senior colourist at Hari's salon group, explains. 'It disguises the grey and is pretty low maintenance too,' she says. 'The dimension can also make the hair appear thicker, which is great as we tend to lose hair, or at the very least see it become a bit finer, as we age.' Stylist Serge Normant is the brains behind the artfully undone waves that have become an SJP signature. To recreate it at home, Hershesons stylist Nataliia Bumford suggests curling random strands with a wand, pulling the hair down as you curl to keep things relaxed and alternating between curling away from the face and towards it. Skin Parker is known for her glowing skin, maintained with minimal intervention. She's shared that she's tried Sofwave, an ultrasound skin-tightening treatment, but avoids Botox. In 2023, she told The Telegraph: 'I'm an actor – I have to move my eyebrows. I'm meant to be sharing emotion and communicating with my face, which, for me, needs to move.' She's also shared details of her surprisingly simple skincare routine, which includes a penchant for E45 Face Foaming Cleanser, £8.99, and even a humble bar of soap. 'Parker lives by a slimline yet extremely efficacious routine that is said to involve cleansing, hydration and sun protection,' says aesthetic doctor and surgeon Dr Paris Acharya. 'She avoids neuromodulators like Botox, so alternative treatments that utilise radiofrequency to support ageing skin and boost collagen production are key. 'She's also known to dabble with superficial chemical peels, and while she hasn't stipulated having had skin boosters [like Profhilo], I would hedge a bet that these would be part of her aesthetic treatment plan.' Make-up 'SJP has always gone for really hyper-natural skin, where of course make-up is present but, crucially, doesn't look it,' explains beauty journalist and podcast host, Madeleine Spencer. Parker's longtime make-up artist Elaine Offers Woulard frequently shares which products she uses to achieve these subtly enhanced, youthfully glowing looks. Among her favourite brands are Charlotte Tilbury, Glossier and beauty insider favourite, Merit. Offers Woulard describes creating a 'warming halo' with Merit's Bronze Balm, £26, before applying Flush Balm, £26, in 'Cheeky' on the apples of the cheeks. 'Merit makes natural, glowing make-up easy,' says Spencer. 'I use the Flush Balm every day, just sliding it onto skin and blending with finger tips. It instantly perks up my complexion. I'm 40, but I would do this for someone who was 80 with the same results – it doesn't have an upper age limit.'
