January is for surviving, February is for coming back to life - Hair To Go with Derry's Margaret Doherty & Co.
January is finally over and honestly, I think most of us are breathing a sigh of relief. The longest month in the year, dark mornings and darker evenings. Tired hair and even more tired heads. In the salon, January always feels like a reset month. Hair scraped into buns, no-makeup days, “I’ll sort myself out in February” energy. And that’s perfectly fine, January is for surviving, February is for coming back to life.
I love February. I always have. There’s something about that tiny stretch in the mornings and evenings that lifts the mood instantly. The light starts creeping back in, people stop hibernating, and there’s a definite shift in how we feel about ourselves. You see it in the mirror first, hair gets blow-dried again, curls come back, and the question changes from “what’s easy?” to “what suits me?”
Valentine’s Day also plays its part. Whether you’re heading out for a meal, staying in with the fire lit, or rolling your eyes at the whole thing, there’s something about mid-February that makes people want to feel good. Hair becomes softer, shinier, more intentional. I always say — you don’t need a partner to treat yourself. A good cut, or colour, or even just properly styling your hair can do wonders for your confidence.
February is also Confirmation season, which tends to sneak up on parents every year. It’s not as big or as intense as Holy Communion season, but it’s still a special day, especially for the girls. Most of them want something age-appropriate, nothing too grown-up, but still “nice.” This year, I’m seeing a big move toward wearing the hair down with soft curls, which I love. It photographs beautifully and still feels natural.
Half-up, half-down styles are always popular too, especially with plaits or twists in. They keep the hair out of the face without looking too styled or tight. Loose waves, soft plaits, maybe a little twist at the crown, simple, pretty and comfortable. The key is that the hair still looks like them. At that age, less really is more.
For mammy’s, my advice is always the same: Wash the hair the day before, make sure it’s in good condition, and avoid overloading it with products. Clean, well-prepped hair holds a style better than hair weighed down with sprays and serums. And please don’t leave hair decisions to the night before, I’ve seen more panic over curls than I care to admit!
From a seasonal perspective, February is also a great time to focus on hair health. The cold, the central heating, the hats, all of it takes its toll. A trim, a deep conditioning treatment, and being gentle with heat can make a huge difference heading into spring.
So here we are, January done, light returning, routines settling, and hair finally getting the attention it deserves again. February feels hopeful. It feels lighter. And sometimes, all it takes to feel better is a good hair day and the promise of brighter evenings ahead.
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Love Margaret.