Cape Town - Summer is all about care-free days at the beach and natural-looking hairstyles. So get ready to shake your ponytail loose for that “I just rolled out of bed and ran my fingers through my hair” look, says hair care guru Steven Turpin.
“Spring and summer are made for playful and simple hairdos. It’s about pulling off that edgy and fun style, effortlessly,” he says.
Turpin, Morroccanoil’s educator and top stylist, is a regular feature at the world’s prestigious fashion weeks in London and New York. He is often called upon to style hair for runway shows for fashion houses such as Badgley Mischka, Paul Smith and Malandrino.
“I love the transformative quality of hair and beauty… how it can make people feel confident and at their most beautiful,” Turpin says.
He was in town last week to promote Morroccanoil’s latest product range and IOL sister publication the Cape Argus got to see the hair maestro in action. With a background in fine arts and theatre, Turpin is quite a showman. Just like a magician performing his favourite trick, he dramatically but gently, flicks and tugs at the hair – creating simple yet glamourous looks.
On the day I watched him transform three chic daytime looks into stunning red-carpet-ready creations within minutes, using just a cloud of hairspray and his finger tips.
“The trick for creating voluminous styles is to flip over your hair, upside down and gentle finger-comb from the tips,” says Turpin.
He swears by hairspray when it comes to creating big and fluffy hair. “I’m obsessed with hairspray, it’s great for creating soft full hair without the stickiness.
“Wild and fun looks are also big on the fashion runways right now. Especially the Marilyn Monroe look of big, soft and layered curls, but textured and with volume… the bigger the better.
“Wet looks are also great for the summer season, as well as gelled-down pony tails for a slick, clean look. The trick is to use a light gel. Greasy looking hair is a no-no.”
Turpin, born in Montreal, Canada, has been with the brand for the past seven years and says it’s great for ethnic hair and extensions.
“Our oil treatment and styling cream is perfect for giving braids that shine and getting rid of the fuzziness. Braids and plaits are also popular on runways, as you can play around with them and they are easier to maintain.”
Turpin’s work requires that he travel extensively and he describes his life as one big rush.
“I love working at fashion weeks the most. Working there is very rushy and there is a level of intensity there. Often you have to transform a model from one look to another in a matter of seconds.
“People think my work is glamorous, but it can be quite challenging at times. But I’m so passionate about what I do that the pressure is thrilling.”
He says protein is key in repairing damaged hair and recommends using a hair-hydrating mask at least once a week to protect your hair from the summer heat.
“A mask will also help in bringing back moisture that gets stripped away by heat styling, and by using blow dryers and curling irons.
“Think of your hair as a fabric that requires special care. It needs moisture, hydration to get to that healthy shine.”
Cape Argus