Beauty expert Fekkai focuses on hair, body care
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
Renowned beauty- and style-authority Frederic Fekkai makes no secret that he admires Hawai'i women. Perhaps it's because so many are hapa like him: His mother is Vietnamese and his father is Egyptian.
Consultations with Frederic Fekkai • 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday • Frederic Fekkai Boutique, Level One, Neiman Marcus • Appointments required: 948-7390 or fax 951-3409
In any case, he comes to Honolulu as often as he can. However, because of Sept. 11 (he lives in New York City), he hasn't visited the Islands for a year, so he's particularly looking forward to a visit this week.
In a phone interview from his home to discuss his latest endeavors and ideas, Fekkai said there have been a lot of changes in his company this year. He has discontinued his line of makeup and handbags, but is expanding his hair- and body-care offerings.
Fekkai also has found more sources of shea butter (a popular moisturizing ingredient) in Africa and is raiding the kitchen for items such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar and cane sugar to help active women take better care of their hair and skin.
Because Fekkai swims nearly every day, he's a natural for tips on hair care for water sports enthusiasts. "Before going into the sun and water, put on a protective hair mask," he recommends. "It also helps to mix a half teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil with the mask to help it penetrate into the hair."
After the beach or pool, shampoo right away and condition with a rinse that contains apple cider vinegar, he said. "It will put the shine back in the hair and help remove residue and product build-up."
Fekkai said men and women are harder on their hair. Straightening, ironing, heavy product use and frequent hair coloring can result in chemical overdose and weakened, damaged hair. He recommends applying a hair mask once a week and leaving it on as long as possible — all day and overnight if possible.
For summer Fekkai, is setting a trend toward styles with short, layered bangs and more length at the nape. He said waves are in, and the look he's loving now is "a tousled cascade of curls with bounce — sexy and beautiful." The look is expected to be seen on the supermodels and movie stars he styles at his salons in New York and Beverly Hills.
