Alexa Chung. Rachel Weisz. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Hair stylist George Northwood’s client list is just about as starry as can be.
But the look that sealed his status as the most in-demand stylist in the country was Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s undeniably chic bun, worn on the evening of her wedding. The low-key, gently twisted chignon encapsulated the perfectly imperfect style that has become Northwood’s signature.
Of course, few of us actually wake up with the gently mussed-up texture that would see us succeed on a fashion week runway – looking like you don’t care actually requires quite a lot of caring. Which is exactly why Northwood’s eponymous product line, Undone, is so exciting. The range of shampoos, conditioners and styling products (including a trio of tools) is designed to condition and smooth hair to allow it to look its best without an hour spent wielding the hair straighteners. It’s off-duty hair, made easy.
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These are products for women who skip the bouncy blow-dry post trim, and who prefer their hair on the second day, when gentle texture and movement emerges.
'The range is called Undone, because this reflects my signature style, but I also wanted to "undo" the maze of hair,' says Northwood. 'I was committed to ensuring that my range is formulated with the very best quality ingredients and I have worked hard to ensure my formulations are efficacious and able to challenge the very best products that are currently on the market.'
The line is split into four categories: Undirty is your everyday cleanse-and-condition duo, while Unparched is amped up with kale protein to hydrate dry hair. Undamaged contains creatine to strengthen damaged strands, and Unpolluted is a detox shampoo for your weekend deep-clean.
There are stand-outs to be found in the styling category, too. The Moisturising Cream is rich yet absorbs quickly, smoothing frizz and softening ends that are long overdue a trim. Impressively, it also delivers the kind of body and grip needed to maintain a loose wave or curl throughout the day. For firmer hold though, the Wave Holding Spray is a clear overachiever, setting those gentle bends and waves without veering into crunchy territory, as so many alternatives do.
The entire Undone line is vegan-friendly, and comes in recyclable aluminium packaging. What’s more, the prices are surprisingly pleasing, starting at just £12.
Undone by George Northwood is available now at Boots.
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Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder