During the COVID-19 pandemic we continue to want to have our own style, but the mask, respecting distances mean that we have to adopt a style in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols. There are new communication codes in the new reality, which clearly in social events such as Christmas and the celebration of holidays such as the end of the year, will also mark our way of presenting ourselves in society.
We spoke with Esther Vallès , co-founder and creative director of El Mirall Blau and head of the aesthetics and body care line at El Mirall Blau, a salon with 20 years of experience in hair styling, hairdressing, hair care and beauty. and body well-being based on using 100% organic products, products specially created by its founders Jose Cano and Esther Vallès.
Today Esther Vallès reflects with The Mimoke Magazine on how to take care of ourselves and continue enjoying these moments with a chic, natural and effortless style that makes us feel safe and comfortable.
1. How to achieve a chic, natural style...
A good study of our physique and way of expressing ourselves is the best basis for finding our own style and will help us get the most out of ourselves. I think it's about reaffirming ourselves and highlighting our personal virtues and characteristic details.
We have to be more authentic than ever, because if this situation is teaching us anything, it is to stay with what is important.
In times of crisis, fashion has overflowed with luxury. Today, the new luxury is simplicity and quality raw materials. Less is more.
In the image our model is wearing a natural style made by Esther from El Mirall Blau. María wears jewelry by Mimoke, solitaire rings and a Rivière bracelet , all in created diamonds and sustainable white gold.
2. How to take care of our hair, a clear distinctive of our presence and personality.
The best way to take care of our hair is by feeding it, inside and out, with natural, good quality foods and products.
In our daily diet we should include green and orange leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and proteins of high biological value (meat, fish, eggs). This will provide us with iron, vitamin A, C and B, magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Selenium and strong, internally nourished hair.
On the other hand, it is essential to use hair cosmetics made with natural ingredients, free of synthetic components that wash and condition our hair in a respectful and kind way. Some tips to do at home:
- Before washing your hair, apply cold-pressed first-pressure vegetable oil from the middle to the ends (olive, coconut, sweet almond...) and detangle with a natural bristle brush, starting at the ends to avoid breakage and pulling. This is already a wonderful pre-treatment.
- Stand upside down and brush your hair thoroughly from roots to ends for three minutes. You will notice how blood flow to the scalp is activated.
- Wash your hair with warm water, with a good natural and vegetable-based shampoo and take the opportunity to massage the roots with your fingertips. This is where you should be more rigorous with cleaning because it is on the scalp where oil is produced and it gets dirtier.
- Rinse very well with plenty of water, moving the hair in all directions and making sure not to tangle it too much.
- Next, apply a good hair mask, from the middle to the ends (not on the roots because they are already nourished by our sebaceous glands), to nourish your hair and prevent breakage.
- Rinse generously again
- Do not rub your hair to dry it, wring it out. You can leave it rolled in the towel for a few minutes and it will absorb the water effortlessly.
- Detangle your hair starting from the ends to avoid breakage
- Condition it if necessary with natural products that nourish it at the same time.
Investing in products formulated with quality raw materials, such as cold-pressed virgin oils, vegetable extracts, butters and essential oils, is a very good option. Hair is redensified, strengthened and looks healthy and vigorous.
Plants are a wonderful raw material to feed and nourish our hair, internally and externally.
Good professional advice will help us choose the right ones in each case.
3. How can I do a look in 10 minutes, is it possible?
For example, you can make a messy high bun. For a messy high bun:
Stand head down, sinking your fingers into the roots, gently tangle them in circular motions.
Gather all the hair in the crown area and roll it into a soft bun, securing it with a rubber band or bun pins.
Curly hair:
Gently dampen hair with a water spray and let it dry without touching it. If it is very frizzy or undone, you can apply a little serum or whatever product you use to define the curl. When it is completely dry, massage it carefully to loosen it a little and make it fluffy.
Short hair:
You can give a wet effect by applying a gel that gives you that effect and helps you mold and shape your style.
4. The Christmas holidays are approaching and I want an elegant look, what do you suggest?
Air dried and styled, very natural. To give a cooler detail we can strategically place clips
Apply gel to give a wet and sophisticated effect.
From a wet to a very casual updo. Simplicity and authenticity. Realism prevails, taking advantage and taking advantage of what you have. Remember now: less is more.
5. What hairstyles do you think are trending at the end of the year, what series are setting a style in our looks?
Medium hair or long bob, the length will depend on the features, oval shape. Stripe in the middle and cranial, without volume.
Air dried and if we want a more sophisticated look, completely cranial and with a wet effect.
XL hair, slightly layered and with contours drawn to soften the features.
Bangs, from short and defined in a short bob, type of Queen's Gambit , to longer and more pointed ones, easy to maintain.
Pixie cuts, textured and polished, so we can play and create various types of looks, versatile
Of course, natural, air dried, that do not look artificial or excessively worked. Give them an extra DIY look.
6. Comfort is in fashion, sports fashion has entered our wardrobe, this trend has been transferred to outfits: what are those styles like?
Yes, it is true that we are becoming more comfortable and practical, but I think that we are also increasingly looking for the best version of ourselves, with all that this implies. We want our own style, without imitations, and this is wonderful for everyone. It allows professionals to develop our creativity in a more authentic and conscious way. Much richer and fun, because each person is unique.
Current trends are based on this, on taking advantage of personal “raw material”, adapting cuts and styles to each individual.
7. Mirall Blau has been recognized for its quality and respect for the environment for 20 years now... What do you recommend to take care of our hair in a sustainable way?
The best investment is to bet on the quality of the products we use.
Products that the hair absorbs naturally and is nourished and nourished by them.
Without silicones, parabens and synthetics that disguise and drown the hair.
As a professional I have seen hair recover simply with a change of shampoo. Incredible.
In our salon, we use natural and honest cosmetics, formulated entirely with vegetable and organic products. So much so that a year ago we created our own line of natural cosmetics Blau del Mirall in which all our philosophy is expressed and in which we have put our experience and know-how.
" If one path is better than another, make sure it is that of nature. "
Aristotle.
At Mirall Blau Perruquers we believe in this phrase firmly and using natural products composed of quality natural raw materials is the basis for taking care of our hair. First cold pressed vegetable oils, butters, vegetable extracts, essential oils...
And use them in the right amount, because since they are so pure, a small amount is enough.
Seeking personalized advice from a good professional is essential.
Thank you Esther!