Changing your hair and your make-up can change the entire way you think about yourself. International hairstylist, make-up artist and modelling teacher Maryna (May) Van Rensburg, has the skills to give you a makeover that will leave you looking and feeling fantastic.
After travelling the oceans and globe hopping for many years while learning and honing her skills, May’s strong desire to make women feel great and gain a new confidence in their beauty, inspired her to open Simply Flawless Hair and Beauty, a place where women can transform and leave feeling flawless.
With her expert knowledge, she is able to offer a variety of stunning looks for a successful makeover that will not only earn you compliments but will make you feel like a new person again.
Since 2010, May has worked on many different types of hair from challenging thick and curly hair to very thin hair to very straight hair. She has also mastered different styling methods and techniques from stylists across the world while working on an international cruise liner for five years, and combined these lessons to create her own brand for hair, make-up, nails, styling and modelling. ‘I can confidently say I am very diverse and every head for me is done differently, according to the clients wants and needs.’
Makeover must-knows
The first step to a makeover is a consultation – preferably in person, but phone consultations are also offered. ‘I listen and look at what the client wants. I look at the condition of their hair and ask about their lifestyle in order to advise whether the cut or colour will be suitable for their face shape, skin tone and way of life. I will always advise a different and better suited angle to ensure an optimal makeover. I also advise on what the process entails, discuss the treatment and time frame, especially if it’s a big colour change, and lastly the costing. Once we agree, I then take great joy in starting with the life-changing process.’
May says some makeovers may require more than one session for the desired colour to be perfected, depending on what’s already on the hair and the natural structure of the hair. ‘Not many people are comfortable with change and a makeover is all about change, so often a person may need time to adjust to their new look. A makeover with a huge colour transition from black to blonde hair is not an instant process if hair damage is to be avoided. The blonding process is damaging an unpredictable.’
May advises that it is not a good time to have a makeover when you are pregnant or going through hormonal changes, as your hair is fed by your blood and things may not always go to plan (orange hair or snapping). Nor after surgery or when harsh medication is used as it could also cause the hair to be too fragile for a colour change.
Autumn tips and trends
A good treatment to have at this time of year, especially in Durban with moisture in the air, is still the Brazilian Blow out. It has the potential to last longer, eliminates frizz and treats the hair.
Treatments are important and more so after the summer season when the sun and salty air has dried out your hair. All year round though, stay away from sulphate shampoos for longer lasting colour and smoother, more manageable hair.
‘Side swept bangs, curtain bangs, blunt bob cuts, two toned hair … yes the good old topdeck trend is coming back. Hair clips, headbands and scrunchies are big this season and, my very favourite (something I specialise in), is “Twilighting” – a mixture of baby lights and ombre.’
Autumn/Winter is a time for blondes to start adding low lights or go a darker shade. This year, it’s the mushroom blondes/browns trend. Red heads are starting to appear and the cooler season is also ideal for clients who want to wear full bangs.
Glam it up
Something different that Simply Flawless Hair and Beauty offers is Glam Parties where a full glam up is done; hair, make-up, outfit and a photoshoot. These parties are ideal for friends getting together, birthdays and hen parties where you can experience the full glam-up and receive hair and make-up workshop tips from May.
Make-up tip: Should you not have time for a full face, put on some lipstick with a blushed cheek and some subtle brown eye shadow. It’s a go-to trick when you want to look glam but with minimal effort. Lipstick makes everything pop.
Simply Flawless Hair and Beauty is an all-rounder salon and, while May specialises in colour transformation, corrections, bridal hair and make-up, her stylist Kita, is strong in hair tints and cuts while also ensuring everyone is made to feel at home at the salon. ‘Our salon is for women, and we also enjoy helping women-owned small businesses flourish with their products in our pop-up shop. Here you can currently find fabulous handmade hair accessories like the terrific Bee You Scrunchies from only R25 in a variety of colours and sizes, and unique handmade earings and pretty bows to add a special finishing touch.’
Spoiling mom!
Mother’s Day specials include a Mommy Makeover that includes a cut, treatment, colour, gel nails and an eye treatment (R1 200). Also on offer is Mum and Me – a hair-wash treat and style for mum and her daughter (R300).
For the month of May all new clients will also receive a R100 discount on a full colour or Brazillian blowout at Simply Flawless Hair and Beauty.
Details: 84 Old Main Road (exit 24), Kloof, 081 002 7669. IG: @sim.plyflawless
Bee You Scrunchies IIG: @bee_you_scrunchies
Photographer Lyle Simes @lylesimes
