‘Treat it like your skin’: Hair care according to a celebrity stylist

Each fortnight, Stephanie Darling gets inside the head of an industry expert or media personality. Sydney hairdresser Renya Xydis has some of Australia’s biggest stars, including Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman, on speed dial. She chats all things beauty with Stephanie Darling.

What are you loving right now? Zoe Marshall’s podcast In the Deep, where she talks to some extraordinary people who have incredible life experiences.

What’s your favourite fragrance? I wear essential oils – I love mandarin and bergamot – on my hair and clothes.

Who are your icons? I come from a long line of strong women and my 86-year-old mum is a dynamo.

What is the rule you live by? If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.

Any beauty advice? I like my skin to look dewy and hydrated and not overdone, so it’s mascara, a great blush and a glossy lip, then I’m out the door

And hair tips? As you age, your hair becomes dehydrated, so treat your hair like your skin by moisturising and hydrating it with masks and treatments to keep it in top condition. Wella’s new in-salon treatment, Shinefinity, is a game-changer; the gloss it leaves is second to none.

What’s your favourite colour? Blue. Like the sky, it has endless possibilities.

Do you have a go-to exercise routine? Paddo Performance takes a holistic approach to training, focusing on strength and conditioning and weights to maintain bone density, which is so important as we age.

Who is your person for …
… hair? Anyone from my team at Valonz.
… skin? Cosmetic physician Dr Van Park. For facials, I see Madonna at Kaelon.
… brows? I do my own and Patrick Ta Major Brow Lamination Gel (from Sephora, $43) is my go-to.

Any Instagram favourites? Violette – I love how effortless she is with her make-up. And Pia Baroncini, an Italian with her hands in many fashion, food and media pots.

What is the last beauty product you bought? Dr Spiller Collagen Cream (from Amazon, $240).

What’s your favourite lip colour? I love a classic red such as Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop (from Mecca, $42).

What beauty products are you carrying in your bag right now? It Cosmetics Superhero Lengthening Mascara ($40) and Bye Bye Pores Bronzer ($56). Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Glamour (from Mecca, $59); Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Fruitjuice (from Mecca, $33).

Ask Steph

What is the best way to keep my long builder-gel nails clean? Keep a soft nail brush in the shower and use it daily, then apply cuticle oil afterwards to keep nails in peak condition. Try Manicare Nail Brush (from Chemist Warehouse, $5) and O.P.I Pro Spa Nail and Cuticle Oil To Go (from Myer, $18)

Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.

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