Amber speaks to some of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s renowned hairstylists Michael Beel, Verity Griffiths, Paula Tetzlaff and Olivia King about embracing your own style, taking a holistic approach to hair care, and choosing clean beauty products to create your best locks for spring and summer.
“The higher the hair, the closer to God! And I’m a big hair fan!!!”
Micheal’s favourite quote is from Dolly Parton
Embrace your personal style
Trends may come and go, but true confidence comes from wearing your hair in a way that feels authentically you. But what are some of the key looks for these upcoming warmer seasons.
Tips from the pros:
Paula Tetzlaff: This spring and summer is all about texture and movement, the return of the silhouetted bob, and plenty of modern layers and shaping. Beyond trends, a good haircut is about embracing who you are.
Verity Griffiths: “I think we will continue exploring different ways to reinvent the shag. There’s also a lot of asymmetry and stepping (circa mid-1980s) coming back in fresh ways. And I think curly will still be a mix of obvious weight lines with fab 70s square layering and fringing at varying lengths.”
Michael Beel: “Regardless of seasons and trends, hair should be about celebrating your one unique style. If you have curly hair, embrace the curls.”
Many women are cutting their hair above the shoulders and adding more layers for softness, but at its heart a haircut is about feeling beautiful, confident and sexy — and a good hairdresser is one who listens.
Taking a holistic approach to scalp health
What we see on the outside often reflects what’s happening with our overall wellbeing. From what we put on our skin to what we put in our bodies, it all plays a part. We asked the pros about scalp health.
Tips from the pros:
Michael Beel: “Scalp health has become a focus as it reflects our internal wellbeing and is part of our biggest detox system — the skin. It’s influenced by internal and external factors, so I recommend looking at what you’re eating and getting plenty of omega oils to balance the scalp.”
Verity Griffiths: “It’s worth removing all products from your routine with chemicals. Go with a good clean range like O&M, Kevin Murphy or Nak. Ideally use a moisture range but talk to the staff to make an accurate selection depending on your hair condition. Also invest in a high quality natural bristle brush (Kevin Murphy do a couple of good ones) to physically stimulate the natural oils.”
Olivia King: “When you brush your hair it’s completely normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day — it’s part of the natural growth cycle. Don’t worry about shedding; your hair is constantly renewing itself and making space for new, healthy growth.”
Paula Tetzlaff: “One of the secrets to healthy hair and a healthy scalp is to wash less frequently, allowing your hair to naturally cleanse and balance itself. Overwashing is a big no-no. In summer, make the most of the ocean and use a Davines OI Oil to protect the ends.”
Invest in silk – pillows, bonnets and hair ties
Our social media feed is full of adverts, it is obviously a trend, but is it worth the investment?
Michael Beel: “110% yes. These products make a difference, especially if you have fragile hair. They help prevent breakage and split ends. If you have curly or coily hair, sleeping in a silk bonnet or cap keeps the integrity of your curls and makes them last much longer.”
Verity Griffiths:: “They’re also gentle on the skin — and they feel great!”
Be creative with your hair care and style when it’s oily or dry
Our hair doesn’t behave the same way every day — sometimes it leans oily, other times it feels dry and brittle. The trick is learning how to work with what you’ve got and knowing a few smart hacks to keep your style looking fresh, whatever the condition.
Tips from the pros:
Paula Tetzlaff: “Dry shampoo while travelling saves time and gives you just a little longer between washes. Establish a routine where less is more.”
Olivia King: “Moisture is your best friend, especially in colder, drier months when hair feels brittle. Hydration makes all the difference. A little argan oil worked through the ends adds shine and protection.”
Working with Grey Hair
Grey hairs are of course a natural occurrence. We talk to the experts on how to transition softly.
Tips from the pros:
Verity Griffiths: “Assisted greying can be a showpiece rather than an ageing effect. Blending in a cool blonde or light brown highlight softens the look without harsh regrowth. Silver hair is glamorous — why shouldn’t you be glamorous at any age?”
Michael Beel: “Grey hair is beautiful — I always say it’s mother nature’s way of softening us out, and she’s rarely wrong. If you don’t love those ‘diamond lights’ coming through, work with the greys rather than against them, and speak to a stylist who knows what they’re doing.”
Finding the right hairdresser
We all know that feeling when our favourite hairdresser leaves or moves away. A good hairdresser is essential — in many ways they’re like therapists or besties.
Tips from the pros:
Verity Griffiths: “There is nothing more ageing than a style 10 years out of date. A true professional adapts current fashion to suit the individual. The best hairdresser will always have your hair in their heart.”
Michael Beel: “You just need to find the hairdresser that ‘gets you’. If you see someone with hair you love — similar texture or vibe — ask them who does it. A good consultation should always be at the heart of a salon’s service.” “There’s an amazing organisation called Sustainable Salons that recycles almost 95% of salon waste — foil, colour excess, tubes, packaging, even the hair we cut off. Many brands are now aligning with this vision.”
Best hair products to look out for
Michael’s picks: SANS [CEUTICALS] Perpetual Range – waterless, refillable high-tech skincare formulations and Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray – this is like a dry shampoo mixed with a hairspray to give finer hair hold and body at the same time. I adore it on set for that editorial feel and it contains small amounts of Argan Oil in it for shine and moisture.
Paula’s pick: Davines SOLU Sea Salt Scrub, OI Oil & All in One Milk – for cleansing, smoothing, and styling. Paula says: “Make room in your bag.”
Olivia’s pick: Moroccanoil Light Treatment – lightweight, nourishing, never greasy, with a signature scent.
Verity’s pick: O&M Dry Shampoo – effective, not too powdery, and backed by a company striving to minimise harmful chemicals.
Final words from the pros
Olivia King: “Always shampoo twice and use a silk scrunchie or clip.”
Verity Griffiths: “When you need inspiration, collaborate.”
Paula Tetzlaff: “Work with your natural texture and movement.”
Michael Beel: “Beauty comes from within.”
