Dynamic duo Chinney Yeap, colour director and owner of Salute Salon & Day Spa and creative director Michael Beel are trend experts. Editor Trudi Brewer shares their vision for new hair looks this spring.
Images Instagram from Michael Beel & Chinney Yeap
Behind every great duo is a rock and the fizz, which aptly describes this creative couple from Saulte Salon and Day Spa. Owner and colour director Chinney Yeap, her wingman, and creative director Micheal Beel are sharing a lot lately. Together, they’re in the running for top awards at November’s most converted Australian Hair Fashion Awards in Sydney. Beel and Yeap are up for NZ Hairdresser of the Year, while Beel is up for Hair Shot of the Year and Editorial Stylist of the Year. Day to day, they can be found in the luxe-y salon meeting the hair needs of their clients. Here, they share hot hair looks for spring with editor Trudi Brewer.
Chinney Yeap and Micahel Beel.
Michael Beel has always been one of Wellington’s go-to guys for beautiful layering and a banging blowdry. Known as the king of big hair, he has recently returned from Australia, working with Rita Ora as her stylist on Channel 7’s The Voice. Back in the capital, this creative genius shares the latest hair trends for spring.
What inspiration did you bring back to the salon from working offshore?
Don’t be afraid to mix it up; it’s only hair, and it’s great to experiment and change up your look if the outfit requires it. Also, I want New Zealand women to start treating themselves to a regular blowdry and styling; women worldwide get their hair professionally styled for events. I’ve been to black tie events, where it looks like that wash-and-go style will work with a sequin ball gown… trust me, it won’t.
What cuts are hot this spring?
For me, a strong, sharp haircut is making a comeback. Whether it’s a precision box bob or a layered haircut, ensure it’s not sliced out (layered) too much so that the structure and integrity of the cut are still there.
How about colour to complement a cut?
For spring, think of warmth and brightness with your new colour; ash or cool tones don’t suit everyone.
Are you a fringe fan? What's the hot look with fringes right now?
The curtain bang is still huge, but this season, it’s shorter, think Bridget Bardot or much longer like Kim Kardashian’s. Ensure the fringe you have frames your face correctly to accentuate the eyes, cheekbones or lips.
What products are always in your hair kit?
For me, there’s a multitude of products. For backstage styling, it’s L’Oréal Elnett (yes, the $12 hairspray from the chemist); it brushes out without residue, and everyone around the world uses it backstage at fashion weeks. And KY Jelly for those wet hair looks; the shine is incredible. In the salon, for me, it’s Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label The Mousse. It’s a beautiful volumising mousse that isn’t sticky.
What is your best spring hair tip?
Invest in hair treatments, such as Schwarzkopf Professional Fibre Clinix Vibrancy Treatment. this in-salon treatment will improve the hair's health and add shine. Also, it prepares your hair for the damage that summer can always bring.
With a colour brush in her hand, Chinney Yeap, is a creative genius. Known as the queen of freehand colour, her balayage skills are legendary, with meticulous care taken on every head of hair, the end result is always seamless and luxurious. Here she shares her trend vision for spring.
What are women asking for regarding new colour for spring?
Bolder and brighter colours and bangs are huge which I am all about. Spring is such a fabulous time to embrace a colour change - which is as good as a vacation they say.
What about colour? What's hot for spring/summer?
It’s time to dust off those winter blues and move away from those muted winter tones to vibrant colour pops instead. Whether it’s a brighter, lighter blonde or bronde (blonde-brown) to bolder and brighter peach or strawberry. Right now I am obsessed with a vanilla bean blonde and apricot tones.
WhaT ABOUT trends?
Anyone can wear the JOB (jaw length bob), that look is hot right now. Also, a mullet hybrid, called a (schullet), which is a cross between a mullet and a shag (think the wolf cut). These styles suit most people and can be tailored to suit any face shape. Its all about how you wear it when you rock something with confidence you will always look fierce.
What products do you reach for every day?
My absolute favourites is also the Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label The Mousse., as well as the new Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Volume Up - Instant Textured Volume. For those no-wash hair days, dry shampoo is essential - I love the Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Blonde Wonders Dry Shampoo Foam.
What is your best hair tip for spring?
Heat protection spray, Schwarzkopf Osis+ Flatliner - Heat Protection Spray. We protect and nourish our skin every day, we need to do the same for our hair. Also the new, Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Upload Volume Lightweight Cream, for blowdrying. It boosts body and natural shine.
The team’s styling go-to’s
The latest rosy designer scent.