Texture Tonic

Jul 112018
By Lisa Haynes

Forget the traditional bouncy blow-dry. Our pro Ashleigh Hodges reveals how to simplify your styling for the party season.

Put down your extra-strong hold hairspray and backcombing brush for the upcoming party season. “When it comes to styling, polished simplicity continues to dominate in styling,” says Ashleigh Hodges, Matrix Artistic Director and lead stylist on our Lookbook Styling Edit.

Turns out, natural texture is where its at. Enhance your client’s hair and even the most simple styles can look fresh and modern, according to Ashleigh.

“Whether it’s textured or sleek, the overall mood of the looks we created on the shoot is chic – and wearable. Though each style is based on a current trend, individual looks were picked for each model because we knew they’d wear that style well,” she says.

THE STYLING LOWDOWN

Ashleigh’s styling team created 12 looks on four models in a shoot day that took eight hours in total. See every look here and find your favourite.

“The easiest look to style was Hannah’s quiff and slick sides – this is a look I’ve been asked to do a lot recently so I know how to create it with my eyes closed, plus it’s a style that’s super-strong on camera,” Ashleigh reveals.

“Edie’s pulled-back waved, fringe look was the trickiest look to style on the day. We had to get the angle just right during shooting to really show it off.”

PRO TIP: “Sometimes, it’s about remembering that less is more and achieving a seamless ﬁnish on something simple” – Ashleigh Hodges, lead stylist

MEET THE SUPER STYLERS

When it comes to this new wave of simplified styling, products and prep are key for maximising your style. “Sometimes, it’s about remembering that less is more and achieving a seamless ﬁnish on something simple,” says Ashleigh.

Working as a team of eight, these were the hero products in the stylists’ kitbags:

:: “Matrix Style Link Volume Fixer is everything when you’re styling,” Ashleigh says. “It’s light enough to use throughout the styling process so you can continue to brush the hair lightly to get it right. It’s also amazing for setting a style, so you can give the client hold and longevity when they walk out of the salon chair to their Christmas do.”

:: “Matrix Style Link Heat Buffer was a surprise hit on the day. I don’t use this all the time in the salon, but it’s amazing when you’re styling hair,” Ashleigh suggests. “It makes the hair more pliable and also helps with heat protection, too.”

:: “I like to use Matrix Style Link Volume Fixer during styling, and once it’s perfect, I finish with Matrix Style Link Style Fixer so I know I’ve got that hold and longevity for the client,” Ashleigh advises.

PRO STYLING TIPS

Stylist or client, Ashleigh gives the lowdown on mastering your seasonal styles:

:: Always try and enhance the client’s natural beauty, especially if it means working with natural textures like waves or curls.

:: Prep, prep and prep. Take the time to create the right foundation and you can create any style.

:: Getting the finish just right is key to a style so it looks super-polished.

:: Longevity is all down to styling products and prep work - finish and hold your style with a product like Matrix Style Link Style Fixer.

:: If you’re a client, come prepared with a few pictures or a Pinterest board. It’s a great starting point to work from so your stylist knows exactly what you like.

Forget the traditional bouncy blow-dry. Our pro Ashleigh Hodges reveals how to simplify your styling for the party season.
Put down your extra-strong hold hairspray and backcombing brush for the upcoming party season. “When it comes to styling, polished simplicity continues to dominate in styling,” says Ashleigh Hodges, Matrix Artistic Director and lead stylist on our Lookbook Styling Edit.

Turns out, natural texture is where its at. Enhance your client’s hair and even the most simple styles can look fresh and modern, according to Ashleigh.

“Whether it’s textured or sleek, the overall mood of the looks we created on the shoot is chic – and wearable. Though each style is based on a current trend, individual looks were picked for each model because we knew they’d wear that style well,” she says.

THE STYLING LOWDOWN

Ashleigh’s styling team created 12 looks on four models in a shoot day that took eight hours in total. See every look here and find your favourite.

“The easiest look to style was Hannah’s quiff and slick sides – this is a look I’ve been asked to do a lot recently so I know how to create it with my eyes closed, plus it’s a style that’s super-strong on camera,” Ashleigh reveals.

“Edie’s pulled-back waved, fringe look was the trickiest look to style on the day. We had to get the angle just right during shooting to really show it off.”

PRO TIP: “Sometimes, it’s about remembering that less is more and achieving a seamless ﬁnish on something simple” – Ashleigh Hodges, lead stylist

MEET THE SUPER STYLERS

When it comes to this new wave of simplified styling, products and prep are key for maximising your style. “Sometimes, it’s about remembering that less is more and achieving a seamless ﬁnish on something simple,” says Ashleigh.

Working as a team of eight, these were the hero products in the stylists’ kitbags:

:: “Matrix Style Link Volume Fixer is everything when you’re styling,” Ashleigh says. “It’s light enough to use throughout the styling process so you can continue to brush the hair lightly to get it right. It’s also amazing for setting a style, so you can give the client hold and longevity when they walk out of the salon chair to their Christmas do.”

:: “Matrix Style Link Heat Buffer was a surprise hit on the day. I don’t use this all the time in the salon, but it’s amazing when you’re styling hair,” Ashleigh suggests. “It makes the hair more pliable and also helps with heat protection, too.”

:: “I like to use Matrix Style Link Volume Fixer during styling, and once it’s perfect, I finish with Matrix Style Link Style Fixer so I know I’ve got that hold and longevity for the client,” Ashleigh advises.

PRO STYLING TIPS

Stylist or client, Ashleigh gives the lowdown on mastering your seasonal styles:

:: Always try and enhance the client’s natural beauty, especially if it means working with natural textures like waves or curls.

:: Prep, prep and prep. Take the time to create the right foundation and you can create any style.

:: Getting the finish just right is key to a style so it looks super-polished.

:: Longevity is all down to styling products and prep work - finish and hold your style with a product like Matrix Style Link Style Fixer.

:: If you’re a client, come prepared with a few pictures or a Pinterest board. It’s a great starting point to work from so your stylist knows exactly what you like.