Celebrity hairdresser and OGX hairstylist Michael Douglas reveals how to have happier hair days by dropping negative hair terminology
This article is sponsored by OGX Haircare
What sort of hair concerns do you think are most common & why?
We know from research that many women crave hair that's hydrated, shiny and full of volume. But what I find surprising is that most women think their hair is a lot worse than it is. They only see the negatives, not the positives.
The OGX #LifeAffirmingHair campaign is shining a light on the negative language regularly used to describe hair; the words that make us feel bad about our strands. Our mission is to ban these words to help women feel happier about the hair they’ve been naturally blessed with. For example, “mousy” isn’t boring brown, it’s light, bright brunette. Wiry hair tends to be full of volume and lifeless hair is often naturally super-smooth and shiny.
Do you think we should be embracing our natural hair more?
Yes! It’s fine to change it up once in a while, but straightening curly hair every day or using tongs to volumise fine hair can cause long-lasting damage and compromise hair health and shine. I’d much rather help women embrace their natural curls or give women with fine hair tips and tricks for adding volume without using heated styling tools.
The right cut and care can make all the difference. It’s about seeing the positives and making the most of what you've been given. The words we use are important for our self-esteem, so we're flipping the script to help women have happier hair days.
What advice & tips do you have for people who consider their hair to be wiry?
I hate the use of the word “wiry” to describe very curly hair – it has really negative connotations when, in actual fact, this hair type is often free spirited, wild and full of volume.
The texture can be improved by adding hydration and shine with the OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99 (385ml), and OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk pH Balanced Conditioner, £6.99 (385ml), which wash and care without stripping moisture. My advice would be rather than minimising curls, find a way to make them bigger, bolder and a real statement.
What advice & tips do you have for people who consider their hair "mousy"?
The term mousy is very derogatory, suggesting shy, quiet and a boring brown! I prefer to call it “brilliant brunette” as this light, bright brown hair colour can look gorgeous when it catches the light. I’d focus on keeping this hair type in great condition by washing regularly with high-quality haircare that's sulphate free and pH balanced, such as the OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99 (385ml).
What advice & tips do you have for people who describe their hair as lifeless?
Lifeless – I mean, what an awful way to describe someone’s hair! In actual fact, women with fine hair tend to have hair that's enviably shiny and smooth. And it can be dried and styled really quickly. So why not make the most of this?
There are ways to easily add volume through cut, styling and care. For example, well-placed layers will help give lift. Blow-drying the hair upside down and only adding in your parting afterwards will help, too. The OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99 (385ml), and OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen pH Balanced Conditioner, £6.99 (385ml), are firm favourites with my clients as they really make a difference.
DISCOVER THE OGX RANGE
Try: OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99
• Size: 385ml
Infused with coconut milk, whipped egg proteins and coconut oils, this shampoo isn't only as gorgeous as it sounds, but can help strengthen and hydrate hair, so is a great one for those with fine hair. It'll leave locks looking shiny and smooth.
Try: OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk pH Balanced Conditioner, £6.99
• Size: 385ml
• Sulphate-free
• Paraben-free
This formula is infused with coconut milk, whipped egg proteins and coconut oils to help add strength, elasticity and hydration to your hair. Hair is left feeling strengthened and looking perfectly silky.
Try: OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99
• Size: 385ml
Blended with argan oil, this sulphate and paraben-free shampoo helps penetrate the hair shaft to help better moisturise hair and create softness and strength. It’s great for those of us looking to keep our hair in the best possible condition.
Try: OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen pH Balanced Shampoo, £6.99
• Size: 385ml
• Sulphate-free
• Paraben-free
Formulated with vitamin B7 biotin, collagen and hydrolysed wheat proteins to help support hair growth and create the appearance of thicker, fuller-looking hair, this shampoo is perfect for those looking for a bit of oomph (not to mention shine) – a fine hair must-have.
Try: OGX Thick & Full+ Biotin & Collagen pH Balanced Conditioner, £6.99
• Size: 385ml
• Sulphate-free
• Paraben-free
This conditioner can help give you stronger hair with more shine, less frizz and long-lasting smoothness. The volumising blend helps thicken and texturise fine hair, creating the appearance of thicker, fuller hair with added volume.
