Like Google has become the international code-word for searching online, ghd has become the term everyone uses when straightening hair. So it’s no surprise that ghd is such a hot hair brand, but it’s also great to see them literally at the forefront of fashion.
Last night, my fabulous new contributor (who I will introduce to you officially next week) and I, attended the ghd Expert trade show in Durban. This show is held once a year and aims to empower hairdressers around the country (there are shows in Jo’burg and CapeTown too), grooming them into ghd hair styling experts.
The event was held at the very stylish DLI Hall in Durban – home of the Durban July official after-parties. The setup was sensational, complete with pink feathers, glitz and glam; you literally felt like you were at a high profile fashion show, combined with an uber trendy nightclub. The ambiance was delightful and the entertainment, models and food were all top notch. Inside the jam-packed venue were Durban’s finest hairstylists from every salon that mattered, and they were there to learn new ways to weave their ghd magic wand from leading local and international ghd hair experts.
Stylists Jean Witte (Synergy Hair) and Ezra Isaacs (Coiffure Ezra) played with various looks on their models and showed how easy it was to use a ghd styler on ethnic hair. During their demonstrations, they offered tips on how to prep the hair to keep it protected throughout the styling phase and showcased how to create some wild, African hairstyles using a ghd. I liked Ezra’s trick on on wrapping the hair with a knitting needle and then applying heat with the styler over it – the end result was great!
“The secret to any styling is to prep really well” says Jean. “Purifying Shampoo is a must for a first shampoo, then Nourish and Protect and when applying styling products, apply a little and comb it through really well, as this allows for even styling” she adds. Ezra’s favourite product and top tip “is to use the ghd Opulence Mask with 2 drops of Shining Serum, as fabulous treatment in the salon”. She also recommends Remedy Cream as a great “lifestyle” product.
Then it was time to introduce Honey Dorey – a stylist from Zappas hair salon in Workingham – UK. As an international stylist and very much in tune with fashion and trends, Honey says the trends are definitely getting more daring when it comes to hairstyles and people are trying wilder do’s. She suggests rouching curls instead of backcombing them, which helps add super volume to your locks and is easier to brush out at the end of the night.
Honey Dorey and her model
The highlight of the event had to have been when the super-stylist, Paul Merrit, also UK based, stepped out on stage. Quite the crowd pleaser, this guy really knew his stuff. While he snipped and styled one of the models on stage, two more hairstylists re-created looks from his URBAN COUTURE Signature Collection on the other models.
Paul Merritt and his models
Paul Meritt Urban Couture offers a contemporary approach to hairdressing, using precision skills. Now while this may shock some, Paul’s system of hair styling goes in this order; Iron hair first, cut hair next, wash hair, dry hair and then style it – quite unorthodox, but it works! He also likes to style the fringe first, and says its amazing how many styles you can achieve when you start by styling the fringe.
Now while all this hair stuff had my jaw on the floor and madly taking notes on how to recreate the looks myself, another thing that really had me in awe was the beautiful gowns, worn by the just-as-beautiful models on stage. The gowns were designed by Durban based fashion designer Kathrin Kidger (her label Reine) with the whole Urban Couture theme in mind.
Kathrin describes her own personal style as “glamorous, chick and feminine, without being too girly” and trust me girls, she pulls it off magnificently. “I enjoy mixing traditionally masculine lines with feminine undertones and visa versa” she adds. Luckily my contributor managed a quick interview with Katherin to discuss her inspiration behind the line, find out more about her brand and exhange business cards, which may lead to us featuring her on StyleScoop very soon.
And last, but certainly not least was the makeup. Now tell me you thought I missed that part?! The makeup was done by Lindsay Nixon, owner of Nixon Makeup and her team. Lindsay has worked on various local celebs including Vanessa Carreira, Tamara Dey, Tanit Phoenix and Hlubi Mboya – to mention a few. The makeup for the event was fit for a runway, with bold lips and super long lashes… Drama, drama, drama! Oh and she recommends Kryolan Stage EyeLashes as the best lashes and MAC Ample Pink Plush Gloss as the best lip colour.
Before I go and try out my ghd Replenish shampoo and conditioner and my Rejuvenation cream, I’d just like to offer a quick thanks to Craig, Kerry and the fabulous team at ghd for pulling off such a stylish event. You guys rock!