To celebrate the launch of their revolutionary new platinum+ styler (the first smart straightener to predict your hair’s needs) ghd’s Australian contingent hosted Vice President of Smart Devices Dr. Tim Moore at an exclusive forum inside Sydney’s Whitehouse Institute of Design. The event saw a host of ambassadors, stylists and media personnel gather for an evening of education, fashion and (of course) science. Emceed by The Journal’s own David Mannah, highlights included an illuminating panel discussion led by Dr. Tim Moore, Richard Kavanagh (ghd ANZ Creative Director), Natalie Anne and Elle Ferguson. Here are 6 of our key takeaways from the evening that was.
TOOL TEMPERATURE SHOULD NOT EXCEED 185°C
Did you know: the optimum temperature for all hot tools is a modest 185°C? Anything less will garner little hair movement.. anything more will fry your strands. The secret for hair thats particularly unruly? Time. Rather than upping heat levels (or over pulling your strands for that matter) blast problem regions for longer intervals. “For textured hair or very tight curls, its best to take your time with styling,” reveals Dr. Tim. “More time is needed for heat to be worked through these hair types”.
NEVER AIR-DRY YOUR HAIR
PSA: Ditch those ‘natural dry’ days. Contrary to popular thought, they aren’t doing you in favours. In fact, keeping hair in a damp state for prolonged periods leaves your strands prone to breakage, split ends and increased damage. “When hair is wet, it swells,” says Dr. Tim. “Wet hair is half the strength of dry hair.” Why? “Hair is comprised of a middle cortex with a cuticle surrounding it. When water is absorbed into hair, the cortex swells, putting pressure on the cuticle and leaving hair significantly weakened”. You heard it here folks.
ALL STRANDS WERE NOT CREATED EQUAL
…though all are equally respondent to heat manipulation. Which begs the question; do contrasting hair types respond differently to temperature variations? The answer may shock you. “The big difference between African, Asian and Caucasian hair types is their structure. Different hair structures have different mechanical behaviours however these do not affect hairs’ physical behaviour. Temperature is dictated by the bonds; which are constant across all human hair types”. While strands may differ mechanically, each may be styled using the same level of heat. So, don’t go changing your temp.
START ON THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE
…and increase tool heat gradually. As we now know, wet hair equals weakened hair, meaning damp strands are not equipped to handle high blasts of heat. Dr. Tim’s tip? Begin by towel drying hair to remove excess moisture. Start at the lowest blowdrying temperature before gradually increasing heat as locks become drier. Once water vapour has dissipated, hair fibre is prime for styling. Genius.
HEAT PROTECTION IS A MUST
Hairdressers are forever prescribing heat protectants prior to hair drying/styling/tonging. The reason? Heat protection sprays offer an additional barrier layer, safeguarding strands against damage during styling. Spritz from roots to tips and gently comb through to ensure product is evenly distributed. The added bonus? Prepped hair is not only less prone to damage, its also more likely to hold shape. Winning!
THE NEW PLATINUM+ IS A GAMECHANGER
The first smart straightener to predict your hair’s needs (using ultra-zone, infinity sensors and predictive technology), the new ghd Platinum+ culminates five years of research and the honing of cutting edge technology. “We’ve taken sensing and heating technology to the physical maximum with platinum +,” says Dr. Tim. “By having a sensor which covers the whole area of the heater, and algorithms which smartly predict what the heater needs to do next, this straightener can ensure definitive styling longevity and shine, without the damage. It is the ultimate hair styling tool”.
Visit: https://www.ghdhair.com/au