Ahead of the curve
Salon G’s Shelley Pullar brings a fresh perspective this spring, with soft layers, natural texture and colour that enhances every angle.
Salon G’s Shelley Pullar brings a fresh perspective this spring, with soft layers, natural texture and colour that enhances every angle.
PHOTOS Deborah De Graaf | MAKE-UP ARTIST Sophie Garth | SUNGLASSES Secret Optics | STYLIST Robyne Dowdall
Spring 2025 is here, and this season is all about the cut. Bold pixie cuts, cowgirl layers and even bobs are getting a makeover with curved edges and feathered insides that feel fresh and not too fussy.
The best part is that haircuts are finally working with your natural texture, not against it. It’s all about enhancing what you already have and tailoring it to your face shape. Here at Salon G, we’ve been focusing on helping clients understand how their face shape plays into not just their cut, but their colour too. Think of it like contouring, where bright pieces (like baby lights around the hairline) highlight and add width, while deeper tones (like a soft root smudge or mid-lights near the cheekbones) create depth and really make your features pop.
Colour-wise, we’re steering away from bold, chunky blocks. Instead, we’re loving softer, more lived-in colour, with panelled ribbons, blurred roots and those sun-kissed, low-maintenance tones. Warm shades are big right now: think cherry cola, spiced ginger, rich caramels, espresso browns, and our forever-fave, teddy bear blonde.
Thinking of brightening things up for summer? Book a blow dry and mention this article to get a free Tailored Pre-Spring Hair Treatment, courtesy of Wella at Salon G. You’ll leave feeling totally refreshed and ready for the season.
A cut above the rest
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions.
Words Hayley Barnett | Photos Salina Galvan
Sam Henry knows a thing or two about hair. She’s been in the hairdressing biz for more than 25 years, owns Shine Hair Co in Maungatapu and has just recently opened her gorgeous new salon, Studio May, in Ōmokoroa.
Aimed at the discerning client who likes to keep on top of their hair game when it comes to style and care, Sam says Studio May aims to provide cutting-edge service in a relaxed, modern environment.
Here, Sam sits down with UNO to provide the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask.
UNO: What’s the best way to restore damaged hair?
Sam: Our hair gets a constant beating from the sun’s UV rays, as well as combing and brushing daily, not to mention colouring and the use of heated tools. It’s no wonder 91 percent of Kiwi women have damaged hair! Unlike skin, our hair cannot repair itself. When the outside layer loses its lipids (the natural protective layer) the cuticle (inside the hair) becomes more exposed, resulting in flyaways and fragile locks. This is sometimes why your colour/toner fades quickly. There's nothing left for the colour to hold on to. You need a product that rebuilds the bonds inside the cortex, along with Omega-9 on the outside, to recreate a protective barrier for the cuticle. This is where you see that healthy shine. Ultimate Repair by Wella Professional smoothes hair and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours.
Do you really need to shampoo twice?
Have you ever shampooed your hair and wondered why it’s not lathering
up much? The first shampoo removes surface dust, dirt, styling product
and sweat. The second shampoo gets right into your hair shaft and deeply cleanses, now that all the build-up has been removed. Always follow through with a conditioner. Squeeze out excess water and apply your conditioner to the length only. For best results, leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse. Remember, shampooing without conditioning is like cleansing your face without moisturising. It’s a no from me!
Why is it so important to use heat protection?
In a nutshell, if heat protection is not used, your colour can “shift”, meaning blonde hair will go brassy and grey hair will go yellow. The cuticle becomes damaged and any weak spots in your hair shaft will break. It doesn’t matter if you’re drying your hair straight from the shower or you’re just doing a touch-up with the straightener – heat protection should be used every time. Wella Luxe Oil Serum is great for medium to thick hair and can be used both to protect it and give it shine. For finer hair, Wella Thermal Image is a light spray, protecting hair from up to 220°C heat. For our blonde babes, the Wella Luxblonde Bi-Phase is
a violet-coloured spray which prevents brassiness, as violet counteracts yellow tones.
Does a cold water rinse really make your hair shinier?
Yes and no. The cold water will smooth down the cuticle of your hair, giving it a glossy, sleek look as opposed to a frizzy, flyaway, dull look. However, your hair has no living cells and doesn’t react to cold or heat. Use serums to hydrate and smooth the cuticle and be sure to gently dry hair with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it.