Under The Dryer joined the clients of Dee’s Hair Care as they raised Valentine’s Day toasts with NUVO sparkling liqueur, nibbled on heavenly treats from Chocolate Dreams and prepared for Valentine’s Day with romantic ‘dos. On our arrival the ladies quickly informed us that we were watching ‘the master of formal hairstyles’ – Zelpha ‘Dee’ Peynado at work. Read on to see the stylish looks she crafted.

Simply Elegant – Kerisha Coleman

Kerisha tells our team that she is “a simple person”, and prefers to keep her hairstyles on the more conservative side. For special occasions, however, she might just step outside her comfort zone a little bit. Luckily for her, Zelpha is always on hand to assist.

Zelpha’s Vision:

“I know Kerisha is very laid-back, and she usually prefers to wear her hair in a ponytail, so I’m simply going to let her hair down and create a few romantic curls to suit her style.”

The Routine:

Kerisha’s hair is first shampooed with Motions shampoo and conditioner and then blow-dried for easier manageability. A dollop of King Professional Beeswax is then worked through the tresses for added shine, which is followed by flat-ironing with a barrel-heated Marcel iron. A 2″ barrel-heated curling iron is then used to create curls towards the sides, after which a styling comb is worked through, creating a feathered effect.

Kerisha’s Take:

“I really like it, it suits my personality.”

Here Comes The Bride – Shamilia Wright

Not one to shy away from a new ‘do, Shamilia pops into the salon announcing that she wants something romantic enough to guarantee her a husband immediately. After sharing a few laughs and flipping through a hair magazine, she finds a look that she wants personalised to suit her features. Zelpha instantly gets to work.

Zelpha’s Vision:

“I know exactly the look Shamilia is going for… she wants something elegant and romantic, but at the same time, versatile enough for a party or a nice dinner date.”

The Routine:

Motions shampoo and conditioner are used after which Motions Blow-drying Lotion is applied liberally followed by 15 minutes under the dryer. When hair is dry, Zelda separates a section of her hair at the front for a fringe effect, then gathers the rest of her hair into a mid-level ponytail, using Nice ‘n’ Fresh Protein Conditioning Gel for a firm hold. She is then placed under the dryer for 30 minutes to allow the gel to dry, and when it is finished, a few rows of extensions are glued in towards the front to create tendrils. Extensions are also added to the ponytail for fuller volume, after which Shamilia’s hair is straightened with a flat iron. Zelpha then mists her hair with Pump It Up! Spritz and uses a barrel-heated curling iron to create Pantene curls for a bridal look, securing them with pins as she goes along. To complete the new ‘do, Flex Light & Free Oil Sheen Spray is misted onto her hair for added shine.

Shamilia’s Take:

“I love it! This hairstyle makes me want to get married right away!”

Beauty-full Hair – Suzie Walsh

Suzie suffers from scalp problems and alopecia, so she visits her knowledgeable stylist Zelpha Peynado regularly who ensures that she has a trendy ‘do to conceal her thinning hair. Today a more elegant look is in the cards for her as she has a formal occasion to attend in the evening.

Zelpha’s Vision:

“What I’m going to do for Suzie is give her a nice day-to-evening look – a three-piece layered ponytail with a sweeping fringe in the front that can be worn for various occasions. I think she will love it too, because it conceals her hair problems very nicely.”

The Routine:

Suzie’s hair is first relaxed with Motions, then shampooed and deep-conditioned with the Critical Protection and Repair Treatment from the same brand for strengthening purposes. She is then placed under the dryer for 20 minutes to allow the treatment to set in, and when it is finished, her hair is rinsed and blow-dried. A section of her hair is separated in the front to create a sweeping fringe, and the remaining section is gathered into a ponytail with Soft ‘N’ silky Aloe Vera Styling Gel. She is placed under the dryer for another 15 minutes to allow the gel to dry, after which the front of her hair is braided and hair extensions are sewn onto the braids to create a fringe. When this is finished, a clip-on ponytail is added to the back of her hair to complete the look. Meanwhile the stylist advises our team that the use of an oil sheen spray is not required, as the styling gel used already has a built-in shine enhancer.

Suzie’s Take:

“I love it! It’s great!”

Formal Fuss – Marcia Richards

Marcia is a lover of formal hairdos, and she was quick to reveal this to our Under The Dryer team. For her, a special occasion is not absolutely necessary but a recent birthday celebration has certainly put her in the mood for something special.

Zelpha’s Vision:

“Marcia likes to go out and she likes to entertain. She is also very fond of elegant formal hairstyles, particularly updos, so I have just the look in mind for her.”

The Routine:

Marcia’s hair is first shampooed with Motions shampoo and conditioner, then a dollop of blow-drying lotion from the same brand and Creme of Nature Thermal Sheen Booster Kisii leave-in conditioner are worked through her hair strands ahead of blow-drying. The blow-drying lotion protects the hair from thermal damage, while the leave-in conditioner is used to strengthen her hair. When her hair is dry, Zelpha sections it into two ponytails with Nice ‘n’ Fresh Protein Conditioning Gel for a firm hold. She is then placed under the dryer for 20 minutes to allow the gel to dry, after which Rosebody by FreeTress hair extensions are added to each ponytail for fuller volume. Ampro Prostyle Gel is then applied to the extensions before Zelpha finger-styles Marcia’s hair, creating ringlets which she secures with pearl-strewn bobby pins. Another 15-minute stint under the dryer ensues, after which her hair is misted with Pump It Up! Spritz and African Pride Oil Sheen Spray to complete the look.

Marcia’s Take:

“I like it very much, and I have always been a fan of classy hairstyles, so this suits me just fine.”

Swept Away – Daniela McLean

Mom-to-be Daniela McLean is always a little bit apprehensive about her appearance, so she ensures that her hairstyles are spectacular as a way to boost her confidence and keep the ‘fabulosity’ going. She requests a romantic yet simple look for an upcoming engagement, and Zelpha instantly sets to work crafting the ‘do. An excited Daniela cannot wait to see the results, but tells our Under The Dryer team that she has complete faith in her stylist, and is happy that she never has to dictate to her.

Zelpha’s Vision:

“Something very romantic, feminine, versatile and pretty will definitely do the trick for Daniela.”

The Routine:

Daniela’s hair is first cleansed with Motions shampoo and conditioner, after which a dollop of Motions Blow-drying Lotion is liberally applied to her hair. This is followed by a 15-minute blow-drying session, then Zelpha gathers her hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, which she slants to one side. She uses Nice ‘n’ Fresh Protein Conditioning Gel for a firm hold and then places her under the dryer for 20 minutes to allow the gel to dry. When this is finished, extensions are added to the ponytail for fuller volume, and a barrel-heated Marcel iron is used to create Pantene curls to one side, some of which are secured with pearl-strewn bobby pins. The remaining strands are teased with the fingers and left loosely brushing her shoulder for an effortlessly romantic appeal. Daniela’s hair is then misted with Pump It Up! Spritz to seal in the flyaway hairs and African Pride Oil Sheen Spray for added shine.

Daniela’s Take:

“I definitely do like it! Zelpha always pleases me because after many years of being a customer she knows exactly what I like, and executes accordingly so I don’t have to give her any instructions.”

Chocolates courtesy of: Chocolate Dreams, Devon House, 26 Hope Road, Kingston 10.

Tel: 927-9574

All hair extensions and products provided by Cherry’s Hair & More, 1 Balmoral Avenue, Kingston 10.

Tel: 929.0863/929.0860/929.0866

Contact Dee’s Hair Care for an elegant formal ‘do at:

1 Balmoral Avenue, Kingston 10. Tel: 908-2511.