Walking by the Vogue Shopping team’s desk, you might catch me asking a colleague if they need “The Toothbrush” before their event. You might raise an eyebrow at the unconventional term, but let me clarify: it’s not just any toothbrush. We’re talking about a hair grooming essential from Larry King—a tool that’s transformed my hair game. As someone with a bob haircut, I can testify that maintaining a chic look, rather than veering into the chaotic territory of untamed hair, is no easy feat. Bobs demand care; believing they’re low-maintenance is a myth. My secret weapon? The slicked-back bun, which gives me that polished appearance even on days when I feel anything but.
After trying countless gels, sprays, and waxes that left my hair looking more like a messy art project than a stylish statement, I finally discovered Larry King’s Flyaway Kit. This versatile product includes a dual-ended bamboo brush and a lightweight finishing cream called Social Life for Your Hair. This cream holds the hair without stickiness or residue, making it the ideal solution for taming little hairs and flyaways. Thanks to this kit, I can effortlessly create a sleek ponytail or bun and achieve that chic look I strive for.
The inspiration behind the Flyaway Kit is grounded in a moment from a London Fashion Week backstage scene. According to Laura King, the brand’s director, she witnessed Larry King creating stunning, polished ponytails using a toothbrush to control flyaways. This seemingly simple act sparked her creativity—she saw it as a genius hack, not just a stylist’s trick. This led her to procure 100 toothbrushes, customize them, and place them around the office as a casual test. To her surprise, they flew off the shelves, and more than 10,000 were sold! The toothbrush, it turns out, became the ultimate must-have in everyone’s handbag.
Historically, small brushes like these have played a crucial role for women with Afro and textured hair, serving as effective tools for styling and fine-tuning edges. Creative stylists have long used them for their precision, enabling intricate designs and styles, especially for slicking down baby hairs. This necessity paved the way for brands like Larry King to introduce edge brushes, designed to cater to the stylistic needs of a broader audience.
Now, I never leave home without my Flyaway Kit; it’s as vital as my phone. Whether I’m at a work dinner, a wedding, or traveling long distances, it’s my trusty companion for those unexpected touch-ups. I’ve even found myself in line at a fashion show, casually aiding a fellow editor by using my hair toothbrush to smooth out their flyaways. It’s become a symbol of my preparedness and an integral part of my beauty arsenal.
In a world where sometimes a glamorous appearance can feel out of reach, having dependable tools like the Flyaway Kit in your corner can be genuinely empowering. Small gestures, like lending a helping hand with hair, highlight the beauty of camaraderie and confidence in the fashion industry. After all, not every hero wears a cape; sometimes, they simply show up with the right toolkit, ready to uplift those around them.