The Right Cut

THIS MONTH Andrew Mulvenna explains how to cut it this spring.

Trends always come in waves and like waves you will get some that look ever so promising from afar but as they reach the shore they mysteriously wither into nothing more than a splish at your toes.

Other waves however can be rogue waves, a freakish culmination of two or more small ones that meet from nowhere, join forces and become something greater than the sum of itself– these are the ones that will leave you washed up the beach.

You might be thinking I need a holiday by my analogy and you might be right but fashion and hair can best be described by this. Hair-stylists, make-up artists and fashion designers all push forward with a tidal force of new ideas and concepts that are designed to excite us and satisfy their creative minds; some end up nothing more than a splish - yesterday’s “not such a good idea” yet some trends can arise out of pure accident and end up saturating our very being.

Here are some definite ‘Tsunamis’ I’ve put together for Spring/Summer - they are a result of working [as a salon] on; London Fashion Week, L’Oreal spring/summer collections for men and women, Cosmopolitan and Vogue plus our own salon collections.

Men
Groomed hair with a flick of the sensitive rebel is a great new change - think early John Lennon, Morrissey and James Dean. Keep it tight at the sides, quiffed and messy on top - no more straightening irons and keep it manly. Great for nearly all face shapes except longer ones. It’s like a mini face lift for the over 30’s guys.

Shaggy rock hair is confined to skate boarders and under 18s. It’s still cool but if you are outside the age bracket just give it up along with the combats and flipflops.
The 60’s Presidential cut that has been about for a year or so can look a bit too controlled and up-tight, so be careful that you don’t end up looking 10 years older. George Clooney is the only man to consistently pull this off. Here’s a hint – loosen the tie and your forelock.

The Ron - named after the smooth re-mixer (of Amy Winehouse) Mark Ronson and flavour of the moment. Taper cut the sides and wear the fringe down, then sweep over to achieve that Beatnik cool. It looks great with wrap-around shades.

Top Male Hair Icon - Mark Ronson

Women
Short cuts – This one will grow and grow (pardon the pun) as a trend. Agnes D the über London model is a prime example of how short hair can be sexy and feminine on a woman. She is worth all the attention. There is no excuse not to go shorter.

Very long hair – only on the under 21s. This is gorgeous “Girlie chic” and only looks great on super healthy young hair so a lot of preening is necessary. Think prom queen meets Fame the movie.

Fringes – Kate Moss gave every girl who tried it bad eyesight with her “Kringe” so be careful you don’t trip up. Give the whole cut more layers and wear the fringe shorter. Don’t straighten, wear it sexy and fluffy.

The Kitchen Sink Do – Influenced by the gritty British 50’s films this up-style can be made to look sexy and glam as well as looking urban and edgy. Try giving it a little “bouffing” at the crown then pull back at the sides with a tight and low pony tail. Smokey eyes and nude lip colour finish it off to perfection.

Top Female Hair Icon – Agnes Dean




Andrew Mulvenna
16-18 Montgomery Street, Belfast. Tel: 028 9024 9191