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The Dictator: on style, she rules

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea that maybe hair doesn’t actually need to be washed at all. So what’s this I’m hearing about a “non-shampoo shampoo”?
Heads Up, Stanley

The Dictator rules: What else are you hearing? Because if it’s demon voices telling you to do something sinister, then we’re done here. Not wash your hair? Haven’t you ever been assaulted by the stomachturning stench of a greasy pate in the inescapable crush of a crowded lift or train? Blech! Here’s what you’re really asking about: Bumble and Bumble founder Michael Gordon is heralding the end of lathering, detergent-based shampoo as we know it with the launch of his Purely Perfect brand. He likes to say Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme (HK$310; www.purelyperfect.com) doesn’t “f*** up your hair”, with the “f***” standing for “foam”. It’s made with aloe vera, essential oils and other ingredients and, apparently, doesn’t need to be followed by a conditioner. He’s not the first, either. Remember how crazy it seemed when Shu Uemura asked you to clean your face with an oil? Well, as of a year ago, it’s been doing the same for your tresses with lowfoaming Art of Hair oils (HK$552 to HK$865; www.strawberrynet.com). We do see the benefit in reducing our exposure to chemicals. That’s why we’ve given you tips for natural and organic products over the years, not that you were listening, apparently. A smart place to start is sulfate-free shampoos, including the Coconut and Hibiscus Sulfate-Free Keratin Shampoo by EO (HK$99; Jasons, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, tel: 2776 1090).

 

I’m feeling all summery and need something new to show it, but am not about to go out and buy new clothes! I thought I’d be clever and get some fab flower-print shoes with different colours so they’ll match everything in my wardrobe. Are there any in particular you’d recommend?
Darling Buds, Seymour Road

The Dictator: Hello! Have you seen the price of shoes lately? If you had, you’d have realised that this might not be a way to economise. Moreover, prints make anything and everything more recognisable, especially after repeated use. Your friends might initially ooze, “Ooh! What fun shoes!” But compliments would swiftly deteriorate into whispers of, “She’s wearing those flower shoes again?” Note that it’s not floral-print shoes I object to; it’s your styling. So, if you’re going to wear them correctly, then go for it! Givenchy has gorgeous flats, sandals and pumps in a pink, green and black rose print (HK$3,490 to HK$8,690). Have you discovered the whimsical shoes of Paul Andrew yet? He mixes print and colour beautifully in high-heeled mules, sandals, pumps and flats (HK$5,500 to HK$8,300; Lane Crawford). We were quite taken with (and taken aback by the low price of) Aldo’s Cadaudda highheeled, ankle-strap sandals in a balanced mix of multicoloured floral print and black and white stripes (HK$1,090; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2623 0353).

 

 

Got a question for The Dictator? E-mail her with your name, or alias, and address at: [email protected]

 

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: The Dictator
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