THE BLOW-DRYING SECRETS OF KATE MIDDLETON’S MANE MAN
“Everything you see about her is absolutely how she is . . . And she’s a lot more low maintenance than you would imagine.’
It’s little wonder hairdresser to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Richard Ward, is all about a glossy, frizz-free finish. For more than 10 years Ward has looked after the locks of his royal client and shares these royal-approved tips for a Duchess worthy style:
1. Hair needs to be in its best condition possible before you even begin.
2. Don’t rough dry hair,which changes the structure of the hair – “It’s very hard to bring it back to being smooth again”.
3. Start blow-drying from 75% wet hair. Yes, it will take longer but when it’s something special you want it to look the best it can. Also, when rough-drying hair, instead of flinging the hairdryer all over the place, you need to rough-dry in a controlled manner so you are directing it with your hands in the way you want hair it to go.
4. An absolute must is a decent professional hairdryer – the best you can afford.
5. Always use the nozzle. It directs the heat and forces the cuticles to close, which makes hair look glossy.
6. Use a real bristle brush – not metal. It’s all about forcing the hair cuticles to lie flat and that’s what gets the shine. It will give the appearance of hair looking healthy.
7. Spend the most amount of time around the hairline because that’s the bit people see first. Get those hairs perfect and smooth.
8. When using serums and oils less is more. Always rub into your hands like a hand cream. Spritz bulking sprays into roots for lift and serum on mid-lengths to ends to give shine and remove frizz
Ward’s Words of Wisdom
Cutting: Really, you only need to cut hair 4 times a year that’s enough.
Damage: Hot tools WILL damage hair. “People rely on them far too much. They rough dry then rake through straighteners breaking and scorching the ends. If you do use them then make sure you blow-dry hair as smooth as you possibly can and then just finish off with a tool.
Long hair: A grown-out fringe, a ‘gringe” (like the one he cut for The Duchess) is flattering, anti-ageing and soft for women who have long hair and are used to tying it back. “Women do get attached to long hair and I get it but if you’re not careful it can work against you.”
