Jason Counts Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller, Justin Timberlake, Sadie Frost and Laura Whitmore as clients.
Q. Which celebrities do you work with?
I’m very lucky to work with some incredible celebrities, and I love them all. Among my clients, I have the wonderful Victoria Beckham, and often her son Brooklyn too. I have also styled Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller, Laura Whitmore, Daisy Lowe, Helen McCrory and her husband Damian Lewis, Justin Timberlake, Jordan Barrett and many more.
Q. What’s your hottest hair tip for summer 2018?
Embrace your natural texture! Most of us (apart from the select few that have naturally super-straight hair) have natural texture, waves or curls to some extent, but trends have dictated that we spend hours each week blasting hair into submission, to create super-sleek, flat locks. But for summer this year, I am urging you all to embrace your natural look – be that beachy waves, spiral curls or afro hair – and celebrate your own natural beauty!
Q. Which style is a summer 2018 must-have?
I think it has to be Meghan Markle’s signature messy bun, it’s the perfect summer style that’s quick to achieve. Simply prep hair with a spritz of SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Texture Spray, £10.99, Boots, all over, separate into a middle parting (no need to be too precious with this) and pull back into a low knot at the nape of the neck. Use a tail comb to pull out a few loose strands and ruffle the texture slightly with fingertips. Perfect for the office, the bar, the beach, the pool – wherever!
Q. Are there any trends that are making a comeback for the second half of 2018?
Slicked-back hair is set to make a comeback, if the AW18 catwalks are anything to go by. Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake and many more all had models sporting various slicked-back ponytails, buns and knots on the runways, so I think we can assume this trend will be returning come September time. Luckily, SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea & Cupuaçu Frizz Defense Styling Gel Cream, £10.99, Boots is a great product to help slick hair back and keep it looking sleek and stylish while keeping humidity at bay.
Q. What’s the biggest hair myth you’d like to debunk?
That everyone should wash their hair daily. Different hair types all have different requirements, and hair doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Those with fine hair that’s prone to greasiness may prefer to wash their hair daily, but those with afro hair, dry hair or curly hair will likely find that daily washing makes styling a nightmare and can weigh hair down unnecessarily. Find your own rhythm for washing your hair and do what works for you and your hair.
Q. What would you say is the biggest hair faux pas women make?
I would say over-processing hair and not being kind to your locks; heat damage, environmental damage, colouring too often and chemical processes all leave their mark on hair and I think many women don’t pay full attention to the damage they are doing to their hair. Whatever you do to your hair, select the right products for your hair type, commit to at least one hair mask per week, limit your heat styling wherever possible and book in for a trim every six-eight weeks to keep your ends healthy and strong.
Q. How often should we really cut our hair?
The specifics depend on your hair and how quickly it grows, but most people will benefit from a trim every six to eight weeks. My top tip is to book your next appointment as you’re paying for your current haircut, so it’s confirmed, it’s in your diary and you can’t miss it. Your hair will thank you!
Q. Which celeb styles will be hot for 2018? Who should we look to for inspiration?
I’ve already spoken about Meghan Markle – she’s definitely 2018’s key style icon, especially when it comes to hair. I hope one day we’ll see Meghan embrace her natural curls again, but I also love the modern glossy blow-outs and messy buns she’s been sporting too. I also think Blake Lively’s glamorous waves will be popular again in 2018, as those romantic curls were all over the catwalks for spring/summer and autumn/winter. Margot Robbie’s chic, sharp chin-skimming bob is also a super-cool option, especially combined with her platinum colour and natural dark parting.
Q. Do you have any unique hair/ insider secrets you can share?
One of my favourite ways to get hair looking fresh and vibrant, without putting hair through the colouring process too frequently, is to apply a clear glossing treatment. For coloured hair, you can opt for a touch-up at the roots first, and then after the glossing treatment has been applied, you will unveil healthy-looking, glossy and gorgeous hair that looks freshly-coloured.
Q. What are your top picks for choosing the right range for your hair?
If you’re unsure about what your hair type is, ask your hairdresser. They’re professionals trained to assess hair and should be able to recommend the kind of regime you should adopt. Once you know what your hair type is, really think about how it behaves. Does it get greasy quickly, does it frizz up in humidity? Is it knotty, or does it lack volume? If you list out your hair’s general behavior and qualities, it should be easier to recognize a pattern in your hair and then be able to prescribe a haircare range or products to suit and bring out the best in your hair.
Q. What’s your go to 5 min style for women who have little time?
It seems like we’re all talking about her, but Meghan’s messy bun is the style of the moment! It’s a suits-all style that takes mere moments to create, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to look cool and modern.
Q. What are your top tips for hair that gets greasy quickly?
Make sure that you’re washing with an appropriate shampoo and conditioner combo – sometimes heavy shampoos and conditioners contribute to hair getting greasy quicker, so it’s better to use lightweight products, such as SheaMoisture’s Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless range, from £10.99, Boots, particularly the shampoo, crème rinse (a very light conditioner) and dry shampoo, to quickly combat oily roots and signs of greasiness. Try not to touch hair
