Top Hair Tips From Hair Guru Jessica Barr

We chat to Jessica Barr, owner and director of The Blowdry Boutique about all things winter hair care and her career journey.

Give us a rundown on your hair journey?

I started as a salon assistant at the age of 14 as a Saturday job, then at 16 I started as an apprentice working at Joh Bailey for 5 years. I qualified as a hairdresser and then decided to have a break from hair. During this break I realised there was a gap in the market for a fast and fabulous blowdry without the other services you receive in a salon, and so The Blowdry Boutique was born in 2008! I have two salons operating in Double Bay and Mosman.

What are the most common hair care problems during winter?

In winter I find people tend to struggle most with dandruff, split ends and limp hair. (ways to overcome in section 5!)

What is the number one hair no no?

I believe there are a few but my two biggest hair no no’s would be straightening/curling your hair every day, and cutting your own hair. Spend your money and time getting a great cut every 6-8 weeks and get a weekly blowdry instead.

Hot hair trends for 2013?

In terms of haircuts I think the long bob with long chopped into layers is cool at the moment – very Nicole Richie. It’s especially great for women with fine hair as it gives your hair texture and gives the illusion of thickness.

When talking styling and blowdrying – Braids and buns are hot at the moment and great for women on the run. Anything loose, wavy and bohemic is always on trend, as is a fabulous big and bouncy blowdry!

Your top five hair care tips for Winter?

– Use a nourishing treatment/mask to add moisture to your hair.

– Keep split ends away and spoil yourself with a great new haircut.

– Invest in a blowdry once a week. Not only will it make you feel amazing, your hair will only need to be touched up by you occasionally or not at all.

– For limp hair add some volumizer to the roots before blow drying.

– Keep a blowdry longer by showering with a shower cap to avoid steam and frizz.

Who is your personal hair-speration?

I am LOVING Emma Stone for her fearlessness with her hair. She does fringes, buns and ponies in different colours and shades. She’s not afraid to experiment and any hairstyle she has always marries well with her outfit. I also love Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen’s relaxed feel to their hair.

Finally if you could have breakfast with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Coco Chanel: She is an icon who left behind an amazing legacy. I love her philosophy of understated elegance and luxury – and her ability to influence fashion and beauty industry even today.