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Exclusive Q+A with Urban Retreat: Amazing Hair with Andrew Barton

Exclusive Q+A with Urban Retreat: Amazing Hair with Andrew Barton


Denise
Denise Updated:
8th of March 2023

In an exclusive interview, GfB talked to beauty expert Andrew Barton, Urban Retreat's Creative Director, about all things hair! Urban Retreat has an elite team of hair stylists who are ready to treat you to the best experience of your life: When it comes to getting bride ready, Andrew has all the answers for looking and feeling great! 

What are your 5 haircare commandments?

  1. Moisture moisture moisture. Use a deep conditioning treatment every week to boost the hair’s moisture. Moisture is really the secret weapon to enhances shine and hair’s vitality. The healthier the hair the longer lasting is any style.
  2. Make sure you rinse well any shampoo & conditioner residue.
  3. Sleep on silk pillowcases to avoid tangles.  These unwanted tangles can lead the hair breakage especially on sensitive tips. 
  4. Ask your hairdresser to recommend a hair care regime. Great haircare starts with a simple 3 steps hair care regime shampoo, conditioner and treatment conditioning mask. 
  5. Feed your hair by adding protein in your diet. Protein provides healthy blood supply to the hair follicle which will add shine and vitality to your locks

What’s your favourite styling trend for hair this year?

Beachy waves have made their way into bridal styling this season and give a soft feminine tousled effect. The secret is to ensure the hair looks groomed and shining with a sexy yet elegant finish.

What is your advice for brides to feel confident on their big day?

Our team at Urban Retreat work with the brides to plan every step of their beauty regime post and on their big event. For most brides their confidence comes from knowing all have been taken care of for them and organised. In terms of their individual style it’s important that they express who they want to be on their wedding day whether that be classic or contemporary bride. It’s our personalised consultation that helps us to design the right hair style to complement their lifestyle. If a bride is not used to wear her hair up and is a little nervous that she won’t feel like herself often a half up half down look like The Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day is a safe bet. 

Which styles will last the whole day?

Hair up rather than hair loose is probably the best option. With the hair fixed and secured the hair won’t move whatever the weather brings. Knowing your hair is secured and out of the way is often quite liberating as loose locks are prone to droop as the day goes by. 

How can you ensure that your hair stays in top condition throughout the day?

Mousse styling products is one of the best ways to add volume and shine to the hair and ensure your hair stay in top condition all day. It will also protect the hair from heat of your styling tools and the polymers within the product will keep the hair in place. 

Your favourite natural look?

One of my favourite bridal looks comes from many years ago when Jennifer Aniston married Brad Pitt. she wore her loose and simply blow-dries smooth with pretty braids at the front holding the hair off her face. 

Your favourite dramatic look?

Classic chignons can look very glamorous and expose the neck and jaw line and add height to a fuller face. Built up high these chignons can look very dramatic especially when you add ornate accessories. 

What hair colour should we be looking out for this year?

The sun kissed “ballyage" look is very popular and comes in all shades from subtle to more extreme. Opt for a look that looks like you’ve spent a few months in the sun. The finish look will stay fresh & natural.

What are your hair trend predictions for 2018?

Colour is one of the most exciting trends! Once upon a time hair colour was used as part of a beauty regime to get rid of grey hairs or maybe add a few highlights but hair colour is now all about transforming your look. Pretty pastel colours and shocking bursts of contrasting colours are bang on trend. Watch out for our new colour campaign from Urban Retreat this Autumn!

What should a bride take to their initial hair consultation?

Images are a good way to communicate with your hairstylist so he/she can understand what you are trying to achieve. Images of hair styles you like and an image of your dress or any accessories you may want will all help your stylist to work out the perfect look for you.

How can brides rain-proof their bridal look?

I am afraid there’s not much can be done, as my niece found out at her recent wedding. Make sure you have umbrella on the day!

Styling products have built with polymers so yes it will reduce the frizz in damp conditions but won’t rain-proof any looks.

The trick I use is to blow-dry the hair with a styling  mousse and then damp the hair again, add a second layer of mousse and then re blow-dry it. This double blow-dry effect gives a longer lasting result to any looks.

Where should brides look for hair inspiration?

It’s a good idea to look at by gone eras of Hollywood movie stars who were renowned for they styling hair. Red carpet events also have an array of amazing hair styling to use an inspiration or pinterest . 

Feeling inspired?

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Denise

About the author


Denise

With a previous career as a hairdresser, Denise is an expert in the bridal beauty category. She knows exactly how to find beauticians and hairdressers you can really trust to make you look amazing.

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