You get the perfect haircut and step out of the salon feeling (and looking) like a supermodel. After washing it and attempting to style it for the first time, however, you soon realise that it’s much harder to replicate the same look you got the day you left the salon. Yup, the sad truth is that not all haircuts are wash-and-go.
However, not all chic hairstyles are time-intensive too. After all, we don’t all have the luxury of spending an hour in the bathroom straightening or curling our hair every morning to prepare it for the day ahead.
To help you make the most of your haircut, Daily Vanity consulted two top hairstylists in Singapore to round up the best low-maintenance haircuts that won’t add precious minutes to your morning routine. These styles will afford you minimal styling commitment, no matter your texture.
Low-maintenance haircuts: Beach mullet
Credit: Den Ng
If you’ve been keeping up with hair trends, you’ll know that the mullet has been topping the list since the start of the year. The style involves having your hair cut short on the top of your head and around the temples – preferably layered if you’re going the whole hog – and left long at the back, either straightened smooth or tousled.
“This is a versatile style that works with almost any hair type. You can choose to wear it straight, use your hot tools to style it, or let it fall with your natural wave pattern,” Den Ng, celebrity hairstylist and director of Prep Luxe says.
When it comes to styling this low-maintenance haircut, you can spritz on a sea salt spray to add texture and volume. “This haircut is all about freedom, so don’t worry about creating perfect lines,” Den advises. “Make multi-directional waves with a styler if you desire, but just remember to point it down to keep its length. Then, break it up with your fingers for an effortlessly cool look.”
Low-maintenance haircuts: Sleek lob
Credit: Issac Ng
The lob has held on as a favourite among celebrities for years now, and there’s a reason why it’s so popular. There’s a reason the cut, which Ranging from mid-neck to collarbone length, it’s universally flattering since it brings all the attention to your face and it looks great on all hair textures. Plus, it’s super versatile.
Issac Ng, Senior Director of Leekaja Beauty Salon, loves this classic cut for its polished shape and high shine. “[It] easily adapts to humidity and [it’s] the easiest to maintain with the right products, [which can] enhance [its] shape and texture,” he explains. Straight to the point, you can team your sleek lob with a centre part for a refined, modern edge too.
“Before blow-drying the hair, add one drop of Naturia Argan Oil and spread it out by combing through the hair strands. Add one more drop after blow-drying [for] a polished, shiny look,” Issac shares.
Low-maintenance haircuts: Cascading layers
Credit: Den Ng
A longer length with some very soft long layers for some shape and volume at the crown looks incredibly on most. “A literal classic, this style is also called the ‘Invisible Layers’, for a very good reason,” Den shares.
“The hair is cut while it’s dry, allowing the layers to seamlessly blend into one another in its natural flow and cascade, giving you a gorgeous plum of volume in your long locks without the weight. With minimal styling, you can transition this hairstyle from a cosy day at home to rocking the boardroom to a day out in the sun effortlessly,” he lets on.
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All you have to do is make sure your strands are well moisturised to protect them from our heat and humidity. “Use a non-oily serum to keep things light throughout the day. Don’t pull too hard when you’re applying your products as that can shorten the lifespan of your curves,” Den says. You’ll want to wear your hair down with this haircut.
Low-maintenance haircuts: Tousled waves
Credit: Issac Ng
Tousled waves look great on virtually everyone, since the effortless look flatters all face shapes, hair types, and ages. To give it a more modern feel, you can add some layers and texture to your ‘do for a slightly undone, bed-head feel.
To recreate a textured effect at home, Issac says, “Blow-dry the hair and spray Shiseido’s Powder Shake evenly all over the hair to maximise the volume. Using a product like Keune Power Paste [after] makes the hair easy to shape into any style you want and hold the style throughout the whole day.”
Low-maintenance haircuts: Chin-length textured bob
Credit: Den Ng
One of the easiest, most stylish cuts around has got to be the chin-length bob. If you prefer a breezy haircut that doesn’t hide your neck, this haircut will most definitely fit the bill.
“The best thing about this effortlessly edgy [haircut] is that it works with your natural texture,” Den shares. “It is easy to maintain and flattering as it can be customised for any face shape. Another wonderful thing about this cut is that it is suitable for all ages.”
Those who have natural texture can wear it sans styling products. You can also amp up the texture by “lightly going at it with a curling iron.” Den also recommends wearing braids to sleep. The next morning, all you have to do is take them out and run your fingers through them.
Low-maintenance haircuts: Bob with layered curls
Credit: Issac Ng
Short chops aren’t only widely popular this year, but they’re also very chic and very low maintenance. If a pixie cut is a tad too short for you, try a bob with layered curls. Its chic shape and natural movement make the haircut easy to maintain in between hair appointments.
Styling this hairdo is a breeze too. “Apply the Shiseido Stage Works Nuance Curl Cream on wet hair and let it naturally air dry. Allow the cream to work its magic, [enhancing] the texture and movement of the hair,” Issac advises. “Scrunch the hair when it is already dry to loosen [it] up to give more separation. Add the Naturia Argan Oil for a shiny finish.”
