The long-awaited Easter weekend is here, and for most people, the plan is either to head out-of-town for a relaxing weekend visiting friends and family, or down to Ocho Rios for the exciting parties. Naturally, for the fabellas, looking beach-ready while keeping the hair and skin healthy and fabulous is always high on the to-do list. Our Under The Dryer team has consulted six style mavens who now share their own go-to haircare and beauty regimes, as well as tried-and-proven tips to ensure that you stay fab this weekend.

Blonde & Lovin’ It

Racquel Jenkins Moss-Solomon – managing director, Permanent Cosmetics Studio & Boutique

(photo: Garfield Robinson)

When our Under The Dryer team spotted the always-fab aesthetician rocking a vibrant new ‘do at the Scotia Private Client Group Jamaica Open’s polo finals, we just had to reel her in for the deets. Luckily for us, she was happy to oblige, and tells our team that her new look was inspired by a need to switch up her look a bit. “I’m not afraid of making drastic changes, and Roxanne (Shields) did a great job on my new look,” she explained.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

1 Paul in Florida (who owns a Paul Mitchell Salon in the Gables) – “Having a stylist in Florida is very important because I’m always going to different events while there,” Moss-Solomon tells our team.

2 Lisa Aris – known to many in and around Kingston for chic, sharp cuts. This hairstylist has long been one of Moss-Solomon’s faves.

3 Roxanne Shields – “She has the remedy for making my hair look great, feel silky and light with the great products and flat irons that she uses.” Of course we couldn’t agree more.

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

Paul Mitchell: “The shampoo, conditioner and colour treatment help to prevent breakage.”

MorrocanOil Protein treatment: “It’s the bomb! It leaves my hair really well conditioned.”

Moss-Solomon also favours the Lanza treatment, which she finds effective for colour-treated hair as it “keeps it strong.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

The stylist always moisturises her hair and more often than not dons a silk wrap before bed to ensure her strands are adequately protected and maintained. And for skincare, she cleanses her face with galvanic spa treatment, or a mild astringent, ahead of applying a night moisturising cream and an eye cream. She also uses a mild exfoliating body wash and the non-alcoholic Nuskin soy bath wash to shower, which removes build-up and allows for deep-cleaning, after which she applies “lots of lotion” for smooth, supple skin.

Her go-to hair look:

“Short, chic and sexy. For me, it’s very low-maintenance.” But she does admit that she is not one to keep a hairstyle for extended periods.

Easter weekend recommendations:

“For haircare, I would suggest a good protein treatment… that will help if you will be at the beach a lot for the Easter weekend, and in terms of skincare, definitely sunblock and drink lots of water.”

Some Like It Short

Sara Lawrence – Miss Jamaica World 2006-cum-medical student

Sara, on realising that long hair is not only “overrated”, but can also be a tad “boring”, accepted that most of the ladies who grab her attention are “the edgy, funky ones who sport shorter hairdos”, so she decided to take the plunge. She did her research and found the name Lisa Hutchinson coming up quite a lot, so she gave her a call, and in no time, her new look was born. Sara admits, however, that though it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, she absolutely loves it. After all, why worry when it can grow back?

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

“Pauline Facey-Blake (My Aunty P) does my hair and she is AWESOME because in my experience there is no other like her. I have never met anyone who takes the hair on my head more seriously than I do. She ensures I eat properly, that I am getting rest and when needs be, she even prays for me. She is like a second mother and going to her is not just simply getting my hair done – it is a wholesome, wonderful experience of hair, belly and soul! (laughs) I love her!”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“For hair, CHI silk infusion; I think it gives your hair that extra oomph it needs throughout the week as it gets a little dull without weighing it down. And my favourite beauty product is Clinique, a dramatically different moisturising lotion. It is the best moisturiser in life! I have extremely sensitive skin, and this moisturiser feels like heaven to me… it’s not scented, not oily… a dream. All it would need is some SPF protection to make it perfect.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“My new haircut is pretty low-maintenance; I just ensure the sides are smooth (no kinks) and I’m off to bed. For skin I am a huge ‘moisture person’, I have to ensure that every square inch is clean and my body fully moisturised with my favourite – shea butter and, of course, my Clinique facial moisturiser. I feel like taking care of your skin is an investment, and I am looking forward to it glowing and looking even better as the years go by.”

Her go-to hair look:

“Simple and sophisticated. A lot of times I am told I play it a little too safe, but I think it works for me… even now when I got the urge to be ‘edgy’ and get a nice cut, I chose what I did because there is always the option of a neatly slicked back look if needs be.”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“Sunblock, sunblock and more sunblock! You only have one skin, so take care of it! Sunblock should actually be a part of your daily routine unless you reside and work in a dungeon. (laughs) But especially on a weekend such as this when there are day parties and lots of frolicking in the sun, don’t leave your hotel room without it! Your skin will thank you later!”

Georgette ‘GiGi’ Smith

Make-up artist and stylist – Factory 79

As a make-up artist, stylist and image consultant for nearly ten years, Georgette knows the importance of always looking and feeling fab. She strongly believes that image is everything, and as it influences the general perception of not just you, but your well-being, she is certainly big on practising what she preaches. Here are a few of her professional tricks and tips that she also uses every day.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

“Simone off Windward Road – she’s a people person and she’s wicked. She always encourages her clients to lead healthy lifestyles because stress shows a lot in your hair, and she’s big on maintenance and styling too.”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“For hair, Motions pomade gel, without a doubt. It’s perfect for cropped hair and heat-resistant, plus it gives you boost, shine and it helps to form your curls without being sticky. It works wonders for my thick hair. For skin, I would have to say the Aveeno micro bead scrub. I love to use scrubs before applying make-up as it removes dead skin and helps to clear my pores, so I don’t get breakouts due to the make-up residue. And this one is not abrasive, so I can use it every day.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“I tie my hair with a satin head wrap every night before bed to retain moisture and shine, then remove my make-up, cleanse and moisturise my skin… no matter how tired I am. Night-time moisturisers are way more intense, so that’s a must-do for me.”

Her go-to hair look:

“Cropped, definitely. Either slicked back or with a side part. I just find that it’s so much easier.”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“For persons with wavy hair or colour-treated hair, if you’re going to the beach, place a bit of conditioner or leave-in treatment in your hair to protect it from the salt water and sand. If your hair is processed, it is best to keep it covered… turbans and scarves are hot right now. If that’s not for you, apply a hair polisher to maintain sheen and protect your hair from UV rays. And for beach j’ouvert, go with enough conditioner in your hair. It helps the paint to come out much more easily. And if you have a shaved head… rub on a little oil sheen or moisturising hair cream and you’re good to go.”

Aisha Morgan

Managing director – Nettle & Moss

Nettle & Moss proprietor Aisha Morgan is certainly serious about beauty and haircare. For her, not only is it a passion, or even a business, it is also a regime, which she enjoys executing. She shares her tips and tricks with our Under The Dryer team.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

“I go to Lisa Hutchinson or Vonessa to cut, and maintain my own hair in-between. I can depend on them both for the perfect cut. They have been doing my hair for years and know exactly what suits me.”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“For hair, Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo – super moisturising, gentle and sulphate and sodium chloride free. LOVE it! And my favourite beauty product is Naniki Naturals Jojoba Facial Moisturiser. This is a very lightweight product with a jojoba base, and a blend of essential oils and shea butter. It is not at all greasy, and absorbs into the skin really well. It also has a great fresh scent and can be used day or night.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“For my face, I cleanse with Naniki Naturals Black Soap facial wash, then apply the Naniki Naturals Jojoba Facial Moisturiser while my face is still damp. And for my skin, I apply my favourite lotion – Nubian Heritage Mango Butter immediately after showering. Sometimes I mix it with a little raw shea butter or massage oil just for a little extra pampering. Also, for my hair, I apply a little Jane Carter Nourish and Shine or olive oil to my hair every night before bed.”

Her go-to hair look:

“Short and sleek. It’s super-easy to maintain.”

Keneea Linton-George

Fashion designer-cum-Mission Catwalk executive producer and TV host

When it comes to haircare, for Keneea, simpler is better. She enjoys rocking elegant, timeless ‘dos because they not only flatter her immensely, but are guaranteed to suit whatever engagement may arise. Here are a few of her fab beauty secrets and haircare tips.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

“Lesma Frith is my hairdresser and Kenya Henry is my hairstylist. Lesma takes good care of my hair and Kenya is just fierce (smiles).”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“I LOVE Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Finishing mist & liquid, Softsheen Oil Therapy Shine Booster and MoroccanOil treatment. They all make my hair feel silky, and the Sheen Booster gives me brilliant shine, but most importantly, both Alfaparf and MoroccanOil smell absolutely luxurious.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“I try to wrap my hair for bed nightly but 80 per cent of the time I sleep with my hair in a ponytail, and I also cleanse and moisturise my skin before bed.”

Her go-to hair look:

“My favourite and easiest look is to simply let my hair down with the natural side part.”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“I think the most important hair product to have for the Easter weekend would be a good leave-in-conditioner and pre-heat treatment. This is essential for any long weekend that may include lots of swimming and blow-drying.”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“Keep your hair frizz-free, and the curls well defined, especially if you are doing wash and wear looks this Easter weekend. Also, keep a good leave-in conditioner and/or curl cream on hand. Kinky Curly Knot Today leave-in conditioner and Curl Junkie Coffee Cocoa Curl Cream would be my choices. You also need to keep your hair and skin moisturised and protected if you will be spending a lot of time in the sun. I would suggest Jane Carter Nourish and Shine for the hair. And Naniki Sun Oil is great for skin — use before, during and after sun exposure. It’s made with a blend of shea and cocoa butters to moisturise the skin while providing moderate protection from the sun.”

Lengthy Locks

Tricia Anderson – part-owner/hairstylist Chic Lines

Not only is Tricia Anderson a good hairstylist, (she spearheads Chic Lines salon alongside mum Melody Aarons), she also has great hair, and she was happy to share her cherished haircare and beauty secrets with our readers. Here are a few that she swears by.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

“(Laughs) “Melody Aarons or myself, the fact that she’s my mum that’s what makes her awesome. She’s just the best!”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“My favourite hair products are Design Essentials Moisture Retention Shampoo, Design Essentials Stimulations Conditioner, Design Essentials Compositions Foaming Lotion and Smooth ‘N Shine Hair Polisher. These products are revitalising, hydrating, and the fact that I love to go swimming makes them work perfectly for me. And my favourite facial product is Clean & Clear Morning Glow. It seems to work, and I love the way it feels on my skin. The basic essentials for me are a cleanser, scrub, toner and moisturiser.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“It’s pretty simple for me. I wash my face before bed, especially when I’m wearing make-up. I also cleanse, tone and moisturise my face before bed. For my hair it’s easy if I’m wearing my hair straight, which I do most times, I just wrap it and put on my head wrap. And if I’m sporting curls, I just slip on my satin cap and it’s bedtime.”

Her go-to hair look:

“Straight and sleek, it just works!”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“In terms of haircare, if you’re going swimming, always wet your hair under the shower first, because if your hair has already absorbed the tap water, it won’t be absorbing the chlorine and salt water from the pool and the beach. Also use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and a light hair polisher. And don’t fry your hair with excess blow-drying and curling. As for your skin, do NOT go without your sunblock!”

Russet Rocks!

Melody Aarons – Chic Lines part-owner/hairstylist and educator, HEART School of Cosmetology

Hairstylist extraordinaire, salon owner and educator of scores of practising hairstylist Melody Aarons is always looking fab and her latest hair colour change to an on-trend russet tone is certainly among the season’s hottest, thanks to her daughter and business partner, Tricia Anderson. Naturally, she has all the best haircare and beauty tricks up her sleeve, so we just had to seek counsel with her.

Trusty Hairstylist/s:

Tricia Anderson (smiles).

On Her New Look:

“Well, you know as stylists we have to look hot for ourselves. You can’t promote something you do not know (laughs) and red is hot right now.”

Favourite haircare/beauty products:

“I have found that the Design Essentials and Affirm lines are excellent for black hair, so I use them on my clients and I also use them myself. For skincare I have to say I’m old school… so it’s Oil of Olay products all the way.”

Bedtime haircare and beauty regime:

“I brush and wrap my hair every night before bed, and of course for skincare, it’s all about cleansing, toning and moisturising. I have to add, though, that I deep-condition twice a month, that is a must!”

Her go-to hair look:

“Short and sizzling, I have never been a fan of length. Short looks work very well for me, plus it’s so much easier to maintain.”

Easter weekend recommendations:

“Well, if you’re going to the beach, wet your hair first and apply a leave-in conditioner. This helps to protect your hair a lot from the salt water, sand and long periods in the sun. Persons with colour-treated hair definitely need to do this. For your face and body, get a moisturising sunblock with a high SPF level… like about 80.”

…………………………………………………………………………………

Hair Doctor 5

Our hair consultant this week is Tricia Anderson of Chic Lines, who addresses the issue of thinning hair in females.

Q: If someone has really thin or thinning hair, what can they do to prevent, maintain and conceal this problem?

A: Clip-in extensions would be a great way to conceal it as they not only add volume, but also give the client the option of changing their look at a whim. If you want volume, length, colour, highlights… clip-in extensions is the way to go. And they are especially good for whimsical persons because they go in and come out just as easily. They don’t pull the hair out, and you can wear them for as long as three weeks without them falling out. They would also need to get to the root of the matter: it could be chemical damage, general mistreatment, regular manipulation or even ageing, because the hair gets thinner as we get older. What we as stylists can do for such a person is to coat the hair with volumising products or enhance it with extensions, wigs, etc, while we nurse the person’s hair back to health. There is absolutely no reason for women to worry about thinning hair these days, or wearing extensions. It’s popular around the world. Everyone is doing it.

Chic Lines, 37 Windsor Avenue, Kingston 5. Tel: 927-6592