Hot Tools To Achieve Cool-Girl Style (Win!)

While we’re still feeling the heat this summer, we asked Chris Weber-Mirlach, one of Vancouver’s most highly sought-after stylists (he’s been recognized internationally by publications including Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, Allure, Marie Claire and People, and is constantly setting and forecasting industry trends and refining his mastery of dimension and placements) and co-founder of Vanilla Loft, to fill us in on how to achieve the coolest hair styles at home while the season is still sizzling. —Noa Nichol

Hi Chris! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I am a Vancouver-based colourist, stylist and educator, who was born and raised in Germany. I moved from Frankfurt to Vancouver when I was 19 years young. My husband and I own and actively operate a private hair studio, called Vanilla Loft, in North Vancouver, which has been established in 2017. We also run a curated eCommerce store where we carry our favourite and finest haircare selection as well as other lifestyle retail and beauty care, such as hair accessories, fragrances and jewelry. I love creating colours and styles that feel and look effortless and luxurious. When I am not behind the chair taking care of my wonderful clientele, I travel all over Canada to teach my signature techniques. Further, I am signed with Redken as their ambassador for Canada.

Today, we’re talking current, cool-girl hair trends, and how to achieve them. What’s on your radar for late summer, in terms of hot hair styles?

When it comes to hair colour, one big trend is utilizing warmer tones. We used to see a lot of cooler and ashier tones in the past years. Now it’s all about the warmth, like golden honey blondes or caramel chestnut brunettes. In addition, we also see more dimensional colours and high contrast, with, for example, strong money pieces. When it comes to haircuts, I love seeing all the ’90s-inspired layers and different shapes of bangs. For hairstyles I am delighted to see the 1990s-inspired blow outs as well as the sleek back look!

Are any of these styles achievable at home? Could you walk us through how to do so?

Definitely! The ’90s blow-out look can be easily achieved with a Dyson Airwrap or in a more affordable way with hot rollers. I would prep the hair with a mouse or structure spray (love the Oribe Très Set Structure Spray). For the sleek back look I suggest utilizing a gel in damp hair (highly recommend the Hard Rock Gel by Oribe) and for finishing touches a hairspray (for example the Kevin Murphy Session Spray).

Any general tips on styling cool-girl summer hair, especially when it’s hot hot hot out?

Create a sleek back bun or air-dry hair to play with your natural texture. For styling longer hair I love the claw clips; they are much easier on the hair and prevent breakage. I am also a huge fan of braids; such an easy way to get the hair out of your face.

What’s your advice when it comes to finding a style that can transition from summer to fall without much fuss and muss?

The easiest and most-impactful would be a big chop. If you are not ready for a big chop you could play around with hair accessories like headbands as well as a low ponytail!

Speaking of fall, looking ahead, what do you see as being some of the top hair trends as the weather cools down?

When it comes to fall hair trends we will see lots of copper and ginger hair colours. Further, I believe there will be darker-red shades. A huge haircut trend will be the ’90s-inspired shaggy pixie, chin-length bob and more layers in general. For hairstyles we are seeing the side part making a comeback. Celebrities like Megan Fox and Zendaya have shown us how hot it will be!

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Win! A $300 Vanilla Loft Prize Pack!

Congrats Kimberley C. of Sherwood Park, AB, who will receive a $300 Vanilla Loft Prize Pack, including specially selected haircare products by Chris! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.