Achieving the coveted "rich girl" hair aesthetic doesn't necessarily require a large budget, according to Australian hairstylists. Experts suggest that focusing on a great haircut, strategic salon services like gloss treatments, regular hair conditioning, proper styling techniques, and investing in quality heat tools can transform hair appearance.
The Power of a Good Cut
Mary Alamine, Co-Owner and Creative Director of Royals Hair in Sydney, emphasizes that a healthy, well-shaped haircut can make hair appear more luxurious than long, damaged lengths. She advocates for soft, invisible layers and subtle face-framing pieces that add movement and fullness without sacrificing thickness. Removing even a few centimeters can significantly improve the hair's appearance. "Healthy ends make the biggest difference," Alamine stated, noting that softer layers create movement while maintaining density for an effortless finish.
Strategic Salon Services
Instead of recommending drastic color changes or highlights, Alamine suggests a gloss treatment as a transformative and affordable salon service. This treatment refreshes color, adds shine, and makes hair look healthier instantly, lasting up to six weeks. It's presented as a way to maintain color between full appointments with maximum visual impact and less ongoing maintenance. The O&M's Clean Liquid High Gloss treatment, for example, ranges from $80 to $130.
The Importance of Treatments and Scalp Care
Regular in-salon treatments are crucial for achieving healthy hair that reflects light and feels softer. Alamine used the Kérastase's Chronologiste Caviar Ritual, a treatment that hydrates the hair and scalp while boosting shine. This emphasizes the importance of hair condition over color. Beyond salon treatments, consistent weekly conditioning and scalp care are highlighted. Certified trichologist Guy Parsons explains that scalp health is fundamental to healthy hair growth, comparing it to soil for flowers. Follicles can become clogged with oil, dead skin, or product buildup, affecting hair quality and potentially hindering growth altogether. Regular cleansing, brushing, and weekly exfoliation, such as using Type Bea's G0 Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, are essential for creating a healthier scalp environment.
Mastering Styling Techniques
Technique plays a vital role in achieving salon-quality hair. Using a round ceramic barrel brush to create a voluminous blow-dry, applying tension, and directing hair away from the face can maximize movement and polish. For quick touch-ups, a smoothing brush with a small amount of serum on the mid-lengths and ends, along with tidying the part line, can instantly make hair look more polished. Alamine has developed her own range of brushes designed to help clients recreate salon finishes at home.
Investing in Quality Heat Tools
While Alamine's philosophy emphasizes spending smarter, she believes investing in quality heat tools is genuinely worthwhile. Tools like the ghd Sculpt styler are designed to deliver sleek, glossy results without heat damage, unlike traditional straighteners that can compromise hair condition over time. This type of investment can pay for itself in the long run by preserving hair health while achieving a polished finish.
