Who doesn't fondly remember the "Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest..." phrase uttered in Snow White? If nothing else it brings back memories of a simpler time before worries about split ends, dry hair, and faded color took over our lives. A time when we might even believe a mirror could talk and answer a question like that.
But what if it was true? What if your bathroom mirror could offer you personalized beauty advice? What would your mirror tell you about your mane and how you are caring for it? The results might surprise you. Let's quickly explore a few questions inquiring minds might put to your very own magic mirror and see what it might reveal.
Mirror Mirror On the Wall - What's the best shampoo of them all?
Without naming names your mirror might share with you that the best bottle for the job is one that leaves your locks feeling fabulously clean and looking smooth and sleek. Yes, any more your suds can do more than just get your hair clean. This is also why some find it best to use the same brand of shampoo and conditioner in tandem, since they are often designed to complement each other. And if your mane goal is dazzling shine look for silicones or any words ending with - icone on the label. Silicones also work to give you hair that is smoother and frizz free.
Oh and while the price of your fav grime fighter matters, it may not matter as much as you think. Drug store brands count of selling massive quantities to keep prices down. This spreads the cost of their never ending research over more units to keep the price low. Salon brands focus on gentle cleansing with high concentrations of the good stuff inside - meaning you'll need less to do the job. Either way a great shampoo is one that works for your hair. With the amount of product used usually making the cost per shampoo about the same - if you bother to follow the directions on the label.
Mirror Mirror On the Wall - How can I be frizz free forever and all?
Who wouldn't want that? A wise mirror would look at your hair type before answering. And then answer carefully. But in general you want to start sleek by using the right shampoo and conditioner. Then you want to dry right using your hair dryer of choice in a way that works with your hair type. Finally, and only if need be, hot iron out the frizz limiting the width of the section of hair treated to no more than two inches. That's because we both know running too much hair through the iron at once leads to uneven heating which can leave open the door to frizziness later. And for heaven's sakes, don't forget the heat protectant!
Mirror Mirror On the Wall - How can I add body and volume to these finest locks of them all?
Don't look now, but your mirror weeps inside when it sees your limp, lifeless, fine tresses. It's aching to tell you to use a volumizing mousse or spray. Suggesting you get one of each that is heat activated so you are pumping up the volume while blow drying. And sure, you want to use a generous amount. Just don't get carried away. Yes, mousse is incredibly forgiving and it hard to go overboard with it. Still the idea is bouncy, flexible volume not a sticky, brittle, stiff mess that looks like it would break off if touched.
Mirror Mirror On the Wall - How can I have mega body, boundless bounce and endless movement and all?
Your all seeing mirror knows you are referring to the cut with this question, rather than using product to achieve those outcomes. Which is a good thing too. Because there's a secret your beauty mirror knows that you apparently do not. It comes down to one word. Layers. This is an understated way to instill the beautifying movement you seek. Layers can frame your face in a flattering way. They can eliminate extra weight that may be weighing your hair down. Done right, layers can create the illusion of volume where none exists. They can give your look a whole new vib and vitality. What more could you want?
In the end, does the mirror know best? Could be. As these are some proven ways to refresh your look and give a sexier edge to a tired style. So fear not the mirror. Embrace it's advice. And you too can have hair that reflects a 10 when held up to the critical, all knowing eye of mirror.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
How About a Dramatic Change to a Pixie Haircut?
If you were planning to change your look and do so rather dramatically but are getting cold feet maybe you should ask, "What would Halle Berry do?"
Well, a quick glance through the photo archives would reveal that she's gone pixie short before, looked stunning, and took everyone's breath away. If that's the affect you want to achieve then by all means go for it.
Or maybe you should ask "What would Rihanna do?" While I don't feel she's a relationship role model she too does look so cute in a pixie. So she might be another hair style role model to turn to.
Then too, Winona Ryder has been known to turn heads with this face framing cut too, if awhile back.
These celebs used the ultra short pixie cut to accentuate the fine features of their faces. Which shows how you can do the same.
Guess you could trace the popularity of this cropped style back to when Twiggy exploded on the scene back in the '60s. The now classic super short 'do she wore went perfectly with the sense of style she conveyed. Who can forget those eyes which were so prominent peering out from under those short side swept blonde locks in those iconic images.
This look has come and gone uncountable times ever since. With many models and stars gracing the covers of People, Vogue, and Cosmo with that stylish and easy on the day to day upkeep cut.
Still you shouldn't assume this is a style for every face shape. And you shouldn't use your enthusiasm for the look as an excuse for your brain to blink out here either. That can lead to bad decisions and waiting for your hair to grow out. In fact a little Q&A with your stylist might be a real good idea.
So if you are unsure if this is the look for you, here are some questions to help you make the right choice.
Asking will a pixie cut work for any type of hair is good. More importantly asking will it work with YOUR type of hair is better still.
Along the same lines ask, "Can I easily carry it off if I have very fine hair?"
Would any shape of face go well with a pixie cut? This would be good to find out. But again more to the point, "Will it help flatter the features of my face?" would be better to know.
You'll want to find out how short do you have to go with a pixie cut? Some want to know how short is short with this type of style?
"Are there certain styling techniques I will need to follow or products to use when working with a pixie hair cut?" is certainly a good question to ask. While considered low maintenance, you still might want to style it a bit at times.
Make no mistake, deciding on a new hairstyle isn't something easily done. No matter who you ask. Or what you ask. Nor should a short cut like this be done in haste. Especially if you're going very short because your hair will be short or shorter for some time. Still if you asked What would Halle do?" she might advise you go for a cut you can wear with flare. So if you think you can pull that off, then go for it.
Well, a quick glance through the photo archives would reveal that she's gone pixie short before, looked stunning, and took everyone's breath away. If that's the affect you want to achieve then by all means go for it.
Or maybe you should ask "What would Rihanna do?" While I don't feel she's a relationship role model she too does look so cute in a pixie. So she might be another hair style role model to turn to.
Then too, Winona Ryder has been known to turn heads with this face framing cut too, if awhile back.
These celebs used the ultra short pixie cut to accentuate the fine features of their faces. Which shows how you can do the same.
Guess you could trace the popularity of this cropped style back to when Twiggy exploded on the scene back in the '60s. The now classic super short 'do she wore went perfectly with the sense of style she conveyed. Who can forget those eyes which were so prominent peering out from under those short side swept blonde locks in those iconic images.
This look has come and gone uncountable times ever since. With many models and stars gracing the covers of People, Vogue, and Cosmo with that stylish and easy on the day to day upkeep cut.
Still you shouldn't assume this is a style for every face shape. And you shouldn't use your enthusiasm for the look as an excuse for your brain to blink out here either. That can lead to bad decisions and waiting for your hair to grow out. In fact a little Q&A with your stylist might be a real good idea.
So if you are unsure if this is the look for you, here are some questions to help you make the right choice.
Asking will a pixie cut work for any type of hair is good. More importantly asking will it work with YOUR type of hair is better still.
Along the same lines ask, "Can I easily carry it off if I have very fine hair?"
Would any shape of face go well with a pixie cut? This would be good to find out. But again more to the point, "Will it help flatter the features of my face?" would be better to know.
You'll want to find out how short do you have to go with a pixie cut? Some want to know how short is short with this type of style?
"Are there certain styling techniques I will need to follow or products to use when working with a pixie hair cut?" is certainly a good question to ask. While considered low maintenance, you still might want to style it a bit at times.
Make no mistake, deciding on a new hairstyle isn't something easily done. No matter who you ask. Or what you ask. Nor should a short cut like this be done in haste. Especially if you're going very short because your hair will be short or shorter for some time. Still if you asked What would Halle do?" she might advise you go for a cut you can wear with flare. So if you think you can pull that off, then go for it.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Color Ideas If You Asked the Experts
Are you desperately seeking sexy, sultry color ideas to spice up your drab looking locks?
Sure coloring your hair sounds good and all. Fun even. But you're not quite sure you're ready to proceed, what with being the near total color virgin that you are? It's okay if it's true. There's no shame in admitting that. But you've kept your secret long enough.
Besides we all have to start somewhere and once you do (start coloring) it's doubtful you'll give up the habit. As today more women than ever are coloring their hair in some form or fashion.
So it would seem to be good you've got the itch too. Yet like many color virgins, I'll bet the thought of coloring your hair has crossed your mind plenty of times before. But you're chicken. Or at least have been. You've agonized over the decision, afraid to take the plunge not knowing what awaits on the other side of the bottle.
That's cool. It's sometimes takes longer for it to dawn on some that change can be good. Even if you're going to go from a mousy brown to bombshell blonde. C'mon. Live a little.
But the title of this post promised color ideas from the lips of the experts. Not wanting to cheat you let's get to them.
First, were you to ask a colorist about your plans, wondering if you might be able to do this at home, you'd likely hear a resounding NO! Which might not be bad advice. Sure I know home coloring kits have come a long way in recent years. But this is a complicated change, going blonde that is. For one you have to remove pigment which is always risky. And certainly not something I'd recommend for a first timer.
First timers are wise to take it slow. Selecting ammonia free, non permanent products that are close to your natural color are a good way to do just that. So called demi permanent dyes use just enough peroxide to help the color to take. Being non permanent means you can expect it to last 25-30 shampoos as the color fades back to your natural shade. This is a good way to ease into the whole hair coloring thing without making a big commitment. Plus you avoid all that root touch up stuff too.
Also anyone contemplating a less radical change of color might do well to visit their local beauty supply store. Sally beauty supply comes to mind as a good place to start. Places like that give you a better shot at getting the help you may need as opposed to the local Dollar Store, Walmart, or big box drug chain outlet. There you'd be on your own completely more or less. With no one who can reliably answer your questions.
Did you know some colors retain their vibrancy longer than others? The ones that have "fade resistant" on the label at least suggest they can. Just a little tip.
Extending the color can be helped along immensely if you use products formulated for color treated hair. These may have ingredients that block UV rays. They may contain gentle cleansing agents. Some may deposit a bit of color with each usage to offset any fade.
In any case, coloring your hair for the first time can be a bit of an emotional experience. To make sure you remember it fondly, be sure to do enough research so you know what you're doing, think ahead, and don't be in a rush. Above all else, follow the directions on the box exactly and for as long as instructed.
Sure coloring your hair sounds good and all. Fun even. But you're not quite sure you're ready to proceed, what with being the near total color virgin that you are? It's okay if it's true. There's no shame in admitting that. But you've kept your secret long enough.
Besides we all have to start somewhere and once you do (start coloring) it's doubtful you'll give up the habit. As today more women than ever are coloring their hair in some form or fashion.
So it would seem to be good you've got the itch too. Yet like many color virgins, I'll bet the thought of coloring your hair has crossed your mind plenty of times before. But you're chicken. Or at least have been. You've agonized over the decision, afraid to take the plunge not knowing what awaits on the other side of the bottle.
That's cool. It's sometimes takes longer for it to dawn on some that change can be good. Even if you're going to go from a mousy brown to bombshell blonde. C'mon. Live a little.
But the title of this post promised color ideas from the lips of the experts. Not wanting to cheat you let's get to them.
First, were you to ask a colorist about your plans, wondering if you might be able to do this at home, you'd likely hear a resounding NO! Which might not be bad advice. Sure I know home coloring kits have come a long way in recent years. But this is a complicated change, going blonde that is. For one you have to remove pigment which is always risky. And certainly not something I'd recommend for a first timer.
First timers are wise to take it slow. Selecting ammonia free, non permanent products that are close to your natural color are a good way to do just that. So called demi permanent dyes use just enough peroxide to help the color to take. Being non permanent means you can expect it to last 25-30 shampoos as the color fades back to your natural shade. This is a good way to ease into the whole hair coloring thing without making a big commitment. Plus you avoid all that root touch up stuff too.
Also anyone contemplating a less radical change of color might do well to visit their local beauty supply store. Sally beauty supply comes to mind as a good place to start. Places like that give you a better shot at getting the help you may need as opposed to the local Dollar Store, Walmart, or big box drug chain outlet. There you'd be on your own completely more or less. With no one who can reliably answer your questions.
Did you know some colors retain their vibrancy longer than others? The ones that have "fade resistant" on the label at least suggest they can. Just a little tip.
Extending the color can be helped along immensely if you use products formulated for color treated hair. These may have ingredients that block UV rays. They may contain gentle cleansing agents. Some may deposit a bit of color with each usage to offset any fade.
In any case, coloring your hair for the first time can be a bit of an emotional experience. To make sure you remember it fondly, be sure to do enough research so you know what you're doing, think ahead, and don't be in a rush. Above all else, follow the directions on the box exactly and for as long as instructed.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Know What You're Putting On Your Hair?
The colorful bottles standing at attention on the shelves in the hair care aisle bristle with promise, don't they? In that they all promise you something if you'll but give them a chance. Some promise cleaner hair. Others shinier hair. Others still say they'll make your crowing glory more manageable in one way or another.
Still, given many of these bottles contain mostly water how likely is it they can seriously enhance the look of your flowing locks? Not to mention the effect the mysterious sounding ingredients listed on the label can have on your hair - good or bad.
Those selling these products, and that would include your neighborhood stylist, insist that today's hair care products are better than they ever have been. They work more reliably, do so with fewer harsh chemicals plus most do what they say they will.
Salon chatter aside, you can still get caught up in the upsell hype and pay too much for a salon product when there's a perfectly good equivalent waiting for you at the drug store. How do you avoid that costly mistake? And how can you really know for sure what you're putting on your hair?
Well, instead of downing ice cream by the quart worrying about it, let's see if we can't shed some light on the subject.
Basically you can pigeon hole most hair care products into three broad categories. There are cleansers. There are conditioners. And there are the so called after care or finishing products.
The number of products in each category has exploded over the years. In part because we've gone from washing our hair maybe once a week back in your parents' day to where most guys lather up daily. And the typical gal will shampoo her hair roughly every other day.
Combine this more frequent washing will all the coloring, perming and straightening going on and you can see why there has been a proliferation of products to counteract all the damage being inflicted on our hair. Not to mention the effect flat irons, curling irons and hair dryers are having on your mane.
Yet when you get right down to it, all conditioners and shampoos pretty much follow the same witches brew. Were you to check out the recipes, errrrr I mean formulations, you'd basically see all have got your cleaners, your lathering agents, fragrances and preservatives all mixed together in varying amounts.
Yet do you really need to be adding things like cyclopentasiloxane, glycerol stearate, cocamidopropyl, ethylparaben to your tresses?
Well the first one allegedly smoothes your hair.
The second is an emulsifier that keeps all the ingredients mixed together.
The third is a detergent.
And the fourth chemical is a preservative that deters the growth of bacteria.
Now don't you wish you had paid more attention during high school chemistry class? Suffice it to say some ingredients are critical to great looking hair and others not so much. But they do help with the marketing of the product.
Yet all this may not matter. You simply want results. You want the product to do what it promises. And to be honest I really can't help you there with specifics or recommendations. At least not in a brief overview of what hair care products do or do not contain. Besides it would be kinda silly not knowing your tresses the way you know then.
Okay so these products may not improve your love life as the ads suggest but you still want to know that others are watching. Casting admiring glances. Some envious ones too. All the while wondering what they can do to have hair that looks as great as yours. And if you can pull that off, it may not really matter what you're putting on your hair. Am I right? Of course I am.
Still, given many of these bottles contain mostly water how likely is it they can seriously enhance the look of your flowing locks? Not to mention the effect the mysterious sounding ingredients listed on the label can have on your hair - good or bad.
Those selling these products, and that would include your neighborhood stylist, insist that today's hair care products are better than they ever have been. They work more reliably, do so with fewer harsh chemicals plus most do what they say they will.
Salon chatter aside, you can still get caught up in the upsell hype and pay too much for a salon product when there's a perfectly good equivalent waiting for you at the drug store. How do you avoid that costly mistake? And how can you really know for sure what you're putting on your hair?
Well, instead of downing ice cream by the quart worrying about it, let's see if we can't shed some light on the subject.
Basically you can pigeon hole most hair care products into three broad categories. There are cleansers. There are conditioners. And there are the so called after care or finishing products.
The number of products in each category has exploded over the years. In part because we've gone from washing our hair maybe once a week back in your parents' day to where most guys lather up daily. And the typical gal will shampoo her hair roughly every other day.
Combine this more frequent washing will all the coloring, perming and straightening going on and you can see why there has been a proliferation of products to counteract all the damage being inflicted on our hair. Not to mention the effect flat irons, curling irons and hair dryers are having on your mane.
Yet when you get right down to it, all conditioners and shampoos pretty much follow the same witches brew. Were you to check out the recipes, errrrr I mean formulations, you'd basically see all have got your cleaners, your lathering agents, fragrances and preservatives all mixed together in varying amounts.
Yet do you really need to be adding things like cyclopentasiloxane, glycerol stearate, cocamidopropyl, ethylparaben to your tresses?
Well the first one allegedly smoothes your hair.
The second is an emulsifier that keeps all the ingredients mixed together.
The third is a detergent.
And the fourth chemical is a preservative that deters the growth of bacteria.
Now don't you wish you had paid more attention during high school chemistry class? Suffice it to say some ingredients are critical to great looking hair and others not so much. But they do help with the marketing of the product.
Yet all this may not matter. You simply want results. You want the product to do what it promises. And to be honest I really can't help you there with specifics or recommendations. At least not in a brief overview of what hair care products do or do not contain. Besides it would be kinda silly not knowing your tresses the way you know then.
Okay so these products may not improve your love life as the ads suggest but you still want to know that others are watching. Casting admiring glances. Some envious ones too. All the while wondering what they can do to have hair that looks as great as yours. And if you can pull that off, it may not really matter what you're putting on your hair. Am I right? Of course I am.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Proven Hair Color Ideas for Sexy, Flirty, Luscious Curls
Oh no. Not again! Your curly locks are displaying a mind of their own, are they? Willfully disobeying your most fervent wish that they'd settle down and just look pretty. When was the last time that rebellious streak struck? Oh yeah right. Yesterday.
Okay so you can't tame your wild and crazy curls. Same old song sung many times before I'm afraid. And this despite all the chemical straightening and blow drying 'til your arms fall off and what naught? Frustrating, isn't it?
Unfortunately this is the sad reality for some mop tops. No matter what they do they are stuck with free spirited to downright unruly curls with a mind of their own. And come what may they choose to live life without the inconvenience of a safety net. A tendency which really comes to life when the humidity spikes.
Of course maybe you are putting your emphasis on the wrong place. Perhaps you'd be better off to embrace the curls for who they are. And focus instead on something you have more control over. What's that, you ask? Why the color of your tresses naturally.
It really is true that you can put an end to this unending dispute with your hair if you'll but surrender and focus on something you can control. Again I'm suggesting it be the color. Which puts looking stunning once again within your grasp.
Assuming this sounds appealing for anyone weary of fighting the curl wars, here's a home coloring tip or two to keep in mind should you decide to go that route.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: First and much like Dorothy, you don't want to start from just anywhere and end up anywhere. That, in the end, will get you nowhere. Successful home hair coloring requires following a bit of a road map, or a plan, with a starting point nearest the scalp and a destination down at the ends. Keeping in mind the oldest hair, the ends, has suffered the most environmental damage. That likely makes them more porous and receptive to hair dye molecules. Which is why you want to end up there rather than start there. Otherwise you could end up with darker ends when compared to the roots.
A Section At a Time: Oh and without a map you risk missing swaths of hair. For that problem sectioning is the answer. This way you can thoroughly work the product into each section insuring equal opportunity coloring, if you will. Or avoiding ending up with the dreaded hit and miss dye job.
Be Peroxide Free: It's most advisable that home hair colorers with curly hair avoid anything with peroxide. Not only are such products harder on your hair, they are riskier too. Meaning you could mess up and end up with more problems than just unruly curls. Knowing as we do that curly hair tends to be dryer hair anyway.
What Color, Please? Finally, if you want gorgeous curls oozing with confidence you might pick up a box that is a shade darker than the color you seek. Just another idea some have found helpful. And that's just a shade of difference, rather than a lot shades.
Okay so I can't guarantee that wedding color with a more relaxed attitude towards your curls will get you on the cover of People magazine. But it might make them easier to live with regardless.
Okay so you can't tame your wild and crazy curls. Same old song sung many times before I'm afraid. And this despite all the chemical straightening and blow drying 'til your arms fall off and what naught? Frustrating, isn't it?
Unfortunately this is the sad reality for some mop tops. No matter what they do they are stuck with free spirited to downright unruly curls with a mind of their own. And come what may they choose to live life without the inconvenience of a safety net. A tendency which really comes to life when the humidity spikes.
Of course maybe you are putting your emphasis on the wrong place. Perhaps you'd be better off to embrace the curls for who they are. And focus instead on something you have more control over. What's that, you ask? Why the color of your tresses naturally.
It really is true that you can put an end to this unending dispute with your hair if you'll but surrender and focus on something you can control. Again I'm suggesting it be the color. Which puts looking stunning once again within your grasp.
Assuming this sounds appealing for anyone weary of fighting the curl wars, here's a home coloring tip or two to keep in mind should you decide to go that route.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: First and much like Dorothy, you don't want to start from just anywhere and end up anywhere. That, in the end, will get you nowhere. Successful home hair coloring requires following a bit of a road map, or a plan, with a starting point nearest the scalp and a destination down at the ends. Keeping in mind the oldest hair, the ends, has suffered the most environmental damage. That likely makes them more porous and receptive to hair dye molecules. Which is why you want to end up there rather than start there. Otherwise you could end up with darker ends when compared to the roots.
A Section At a Time: Oh and without a map you risk missing swaths of hair. For that problem sectioning is the answer. This way you can thoroughly work the product into each section insuring equal opportunity coloring, if you will. Or avoiding ending up with the dreaded hit and miss dye job.
Be Peroxide Free: It's most advisable that home hair colorers with curly hair avoid anything with peroxide. Not only are such products harder on your hair, they are riskier too. Meaning you could mess up and end up with more problems than just unruly curls. Knowing as we do that curly hair tends to be dryer hair anyway.
What Color, Please? Finally, if you want gorgeous curls oozing with confidence you might pick up a box that is a shade darker than the color you seek. Just another idea some have found helpful. And that's just a shade of difference, rather than a lot shades.
Okay so I can't guarantee that wedding color with a more relaxed attitude towards your curls will get you on the cover of People magazine. But it might make them easier to live with regardless.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Short Cuts Savvy: Exploring Hair Adventures On the Shorter Side
Styles come and styles go.
Today it's a chic bob.
Tomorrow it's loads of luxurious hair.
Next week it might be a puckish pixie.
All it takes just one celeb to show up at the right place at the right time with a new look to set off a stampede for the very same look. Because when today's "it girl" shows off a new 'do, the "bored with my hair" masses eagerly follow.
Okay but when the cut de jour goes long on shortness, what should the soon shorn-to-be know?
What should they consider before unleashing their stylist's scissors on their locks?
What should you be aware of when looking to grab the sexy sizzle of the lopped off look?
The Upside Of Shortness
Well first any newly minted short hair addicts should know that cuts of this length are easy care. You can bank on that. They tend to be neat, presentable and professional looking at all times which is great for today's on the go working woman. Yet they leave you perfectly coiffed for the casual after work gatherings too.
Those setting appointments for an ultra-cropped look should realize too that quality counts. A bad short hair cut is just as undesirable as a bad longer cut.
If you're a workout devotee, what's not to love? What amounts to wash and wear is great for workout sessions. No hair in the eyes or other bothersome problems fitness freaks with longer locks have to cope with.
And if your makeup routine plays up your eyes and lips normally, shorter 'dos go perfect with that.
And don't forget short hair lets you showcase any and all cute earrings you've got in your jewelry box.
Stylist tip: If you're having trouble teasing sufficient body out of your sheered tresses, it might help to remember to use the appropriate shampoo and cut back on conditioner unless you have color treated hair.
Exploring the Downside
Still all is not peaches and cream in the land of smart looking yet stylishly shorn locks. Yes, they are short on everyday upkeep which means bathroom time will be kept to a minimum. Freeing you to hit the snooze button without guilt a time or two sans any worries about arriving stylishly late which your boss may not appreciate.
But you will have to pencil in time for more frequent trims.
Which also means you will need to budget $20, $30 or more every four to six weeks to keep the look fresh and not raggedy.
And if you're hair isn't in peak condition, that could be another problem.
Then too this isn't a cut that can be enthusiastically embraced by one and all. If you don't have the facial features for it you'd be better off sticking with something better suited for camouflaging any short comings you've got in the face shape department.
Still if the bug to go short has bit and bit hard go with it with eyes wide open and you may just love the new you seen looking back in the mirror.
Today it's a chic bob.
Tomorrow it's loads of luxurious hair.
Next week it might be a puckish pixie.
All it takes just one celeb to show up at the right place at the right time with a new look to set off a stampede for the very same look. Because when today's "it girl" shows off a new 'do, the "bored with my hair" masses eagerly follow.
Okay but when the cut de jour goes long on shortness, what should the soon shorn-to-be know?
What should they consider before unleashing their stylist's scissors on their locks?
What should you be aware of when looking to grab the sexy sizzle of the lopped off look?
The Upside Of Shortness
Well first any newly minted short hair addicts should know that cuts of this length are easy care. You can bank on that. They tend to be neat, presentable and professional looking at all times which is great for today's on the go working woman. Yet they leave you perfectly coiffed for the casual after work gatherings too.
Those setting appointments for an ultra-cropped look should realize too that quality counts. A bad short hair cut is just as undesirable as a bad longer cut.
If you're a workout devotee, what's not to love? What amounts to wash and wear is great for workout sessions. No hair in the eyes or other bothersome problems fitness freaks with longer locks have to cope with.
And if your makeup routine plays up your eyes and lips normally, shorter 'dos go perfect with that.
And don't forget short hair lets you showcase any and all cute earrings you've got in your jewelry box.
Stylist tip: If you're having trouble teasing sufficient body out of your sheered tresses, it might help to remember to use the appropriate shampoo and cut back on conditioner unless you have color treated hair.
Exploring the Downside
Still all is not peaches and cream in the land of smart looking yet stylishly shorn locks. Yes, they are short on everyday upkeep which means bathroom time will be kept to a minimum. Freeing you to hit the snooze button without guilt a time or two sans any worries about arriving stylishly late which your boss may not appreciate.
But you will have to pencil in time for more frequent trims.
Which also means you will need to budget $20, $30 or more every four to six weeks to keep the look fresh and not raggedy.
And if you're hair isn't in peak condition, that could be another problem.
Then too this isn't a cut that can be enthusiastically embraced by one and all. If you don't have the facial features for it you'd be better off sticking with something better suited for camouflaging any short comings you've got in the face shape department.
Still if the bug to go short has bit and bit hard go with it with eyes wide open and you may just love the new you seen looking back in the mirror.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Mousse to Die For
Okay I admit it. I love my mousse. Don't know what I'd do without it in fact as it does amazing things for my hair that no other styling product can. Having learned a long time ago that smoke and mirrors (read styling products) can help give your hair what nature forgot to.
Yet whenever contemplating styling products you want to seriously consider the finished effect you are shooting for. That way you'll pick the right product to do the job. With mousse that should be sticky-less hold and volume out the ying yang. If the product of choice adds to the shine quotient and gives you added manageability, so much the better.
Unlike the nasty stuff that was used in the 80's, today's mousses (is "mousses" right?) tend to add volume and shape effortlessly while leaving your tresses touchably soft and natural looking.
Mousse Defined: Mousse is usually a light weight foamy product. Stylists use it to add volume to your locks. It can help with curls too. Given it is so light weight it shouldn't weigh your hair down as other products, think gels, might.
Still it's important not to overdo it. Much like the iconic Brylcreem ad of my father's generation, a little dab (of mousse) will do you - most of the time.
Plus the fact remains that with such products you want to apply them correctly. In the case of foamy mousse that usually means as close to your scalp as you can and not much lower down the strand. That's where it will be most effective when it comes to adding oomph to the volume seen in public.
That overview aside, there are a bunch of finer points that can separate winners from losers in the mousse product section of the hair care aisle. Some things to consider might include….
But while you’re here, this two minute video gives you ways to use mousse to style your hair.
From watching this you should have noticed these highlights.
The idea is to run the mousse through your damp hair. Actually it’s best to get it mostly dry before applying a volumizing product like this.
Application of hair mousse can be done either by putting it on both hands and then using your fingers to rake the product through your hair. Or by putting it directly on your hair brush and running that through your mane.
Then tousle your locks to insure you get mousse on all your strands.
Finally if you want a curly effect, just wrap strands of hair around your index finger and give it a blast with your hair dryer. Do this all around your head and you’ll end up with cute, beachy waves. Which will last all day if you then lock in the look with some holding hairspray.
And if you want to know more about using mousse to give your hair some extra oomph, this helpful article from NaturallyCurly.com sheds more light on when you would want to use gel and when you would want to reach for the mousse. (I'm just full of helpfulness today, aren't I?)
Obviously no one can predict how your hair will react here. But hair mousse is worth a try if volume eludes you. As in measured doses the transformation can be breathtaking. The idea is to add body to fine hair and some lift to limp locks. Usually without having to slather on five-gallon buckets of the stuff.
So regardless of whether you have an ongoing love affair with a hair care product like I do with mousse, rest assured that the best tressed, like Catherine Zeta Jones and J-Lo rely on beauty secrets like these to produce hair that is red carpet ready at the drop of a hat.
Yet whenever contemplating styling products you want to seriously consider the finished effect you are shooting for. That way you'll pick the right product to do the job. With mousse that should be sticky-less hold and volume out the ying yang. If the product of choice adds to the shine quotient and gives you added manageability, so much the better.
Unlike the nasty stuff that was used in the 80's, today's mousses (is "mousses" right?) tend to add volume and shape effortlessly while leaving your tresses touchably soft and natural looking.
Mousse Defined: Mousse is usually a light weight foamy product. Stylists use it to add volume to your locks. It can help with curls too. Given it is so light weight it shouldn't weigh your hair down as other products, think gels, might.
Still it's important not to overdo it. Much like the iconic Brylcreem ad of my father's generation, a little dab (of mousse) will do you - most of the time.
Plus the fact remains that with such products you want to apply them correctly. In the case of foamy mousse that usually means as close to your scalp as you can and not much lower down the strand. That's where it will be most effective when it comes to adding oomph to the volume seen in public.
That overview aside, there are a bunch of finer points that can separate winners from losers in the mousse product section of the hair care aisle. Some things to consider might include….
- Does it work in easily into your hair?
- How do things look after a few hours? Or a few more? Are things holding up or is your crowning glory left limp and greasy looking?
- Do you get the desired effect without stickiness or heaviness? You want a mousse that works it's magic sans greasiness, stickiness or any unwanted chemical coating left behind.
- How the product smells is important. No one wants to walk around with skunk head that rivals a bug repellent.
- Got dry hair? You might want to run your peepers down the label looking for where alcohol is in the list of ingredients. Knowing as we do it's far from anything resembling a moisturizing agent. And as such won't do one's parched locks any favors.
But while you’re here, this two minute video gives you ways to use mousse to style your hair.
Curly Stying With Mousse
From watching this you should have noticed these highlights.
The idea is to run the mousse through your damp hair. Actually it’s best to get it mostly dry before applying a volumizing product like this.
Application of hair mousse can be done either by putting it on both hands and then using your fingers to rake the product through your hair. Or by putting it directly on your hair brush and running that through your mane.
Then tousle your locks to insure you get mousse on all your strands.
Finally if you want a curly effect, just wrap strands of hair around your index finger and give it a blast with your hair dryer. Do this all around your head and you’ll end up with cute, beachy waves. Which will last all day if you then lock in the look with some holding hairspray.
And if you want to know more about using mousse to give your hair some extra oomph, this helpful article from NaturallyCurly.com sheds more light on when you would want to use gel and when you would want to reach for the mousse. (I'm just full of helpfulness today, aren't I?)
Obviously no one can predict how your hair will react here. But hair mousse is worth a try if volume eludes you. As in measured doses the transformation can be breathtaking. The idea is to add body to fine hair and some lift to limp locks. Usually without having to slather on five-gallon buckets of the stuff.
So regardless of whether you have an ongoing love affair with a hair care product like I do with mousse, rest assured that the best tressed, like Catherine Zeta Jones and J-Lo rely on beauty secrets like these to produce hair that is red carpet ready at the drop of a hat.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
You Don't Have to Suffer From Do-It-Yourself Hair
Don't you just hate those friends of yours who seem to look effortlessly hot and sexy?
There's nothing do-it-yourself looking about them.
Hair perfect.
Makeup flawless.
Teeth blindingly white.
What's up with that? Surely there must be more to looking coolly chic and looking like there's nothing to it?
There is actually. And if you'd like to achieve the "hey, check me out" look effortlessly too, maybe some hair care secrets for doing so might be helpful so keep reading. Some very useful tips that can help you declare your independence from do-it-yourself hair are coming right up.
Tips For Hair That Is Sophisticated, Smart And Downright Gorgeous
First things first. Believe it or not, oh-so-stylish hair begins when you're sitting in the stylist's chair. No it's not what you think. There really are tips you can pick up that you can do yourself. So you want to pay attention to what's being done when and with what.
Yeah I hear you. While it can be oh so relaxing to have someone else in charge of styling your hair you won't learn much if you zone out and don't watch they are doing. You can actually learn quite a lot if you like watch which brush is used, knowing that a round brush produces a different outcome than a flat one. Or when hair spray is used as opposed to styling gel. Tidbits like this becomes all the more important when you are feverishly, or is that desperately?, working to replicate that salon look at home.
Next you'll want to see if salon quality shampoos work better with your hair than drug store brands. Some may. Some may not. Regardless, the trick here is not to be in a hurry when sudsing away. You got it. You want to lather up for a couple two three minutes just like your stylist does for you. (Or at the very least 30 seconds. Surely you aren't in THAT big of a hurry!) Taking care to massage the cleanser through your hair thoroughly. Especially the hair nearest your scalp while taking pains to attend to every strand.
Second, be sure to rinse your hair completely. 100%. Or no suds left behind. Because there is nothing worse than left over shampoo residue weighing your hair down. Robbing it of volume and oomph.
Third, water temp is key. Sure you may love to luxuriate in a hot steamy shower. But guess what? Your hair doesn't care for it so much. Let's assume that asking YOU to give up the hot shower routine is asking too much. Got it. Then you want to wash your hair in the sink using lukewarm water.
Here's why.
Hot water raises the cuticles and expands the hair shaft. This in turn aids in the escape of hair dye. Plus it doesn't do much for the shine factor either. You avoid all that unpleasantness by washing your locks in water that would be at best described as baby bottle warm.
Another point about water temp. Go cooler still when conditioning only. And keep a wide toothed comb handy for when conditioning too. The idea is to comb the conditioner through your tresses after you've toweled most of the water out. And much like the shampoo routine, you don't want to rush the product. Give it a good two or three minutes to do its job before you completely get it out of your hair.
A fifth pointer to tattoo to your forehead is that shampooing too often can dry your mane. Yet it seems like shampooing every day is in our DNA, doesn't it? It's a right we have and we do all we can to exercise it. Problem is your hair pays the price when all that sudsing up leads to dry, damaged hair.
Granted how often is not quite as simple as some simple rule you learn then apply. The bigger idea is less often is better. And whatever the frequency is that works best for you you'll likely find it holds more often than not that less is more.
Salon Pointer: Don't get lazy when it comes to maintaining your style. Fact is there is nothing worse than trying to control hair that has grown out somewhat, lost its shape, and is borderline wild and crazy. Let's be honest. It's doubtful you're up to the challenge. Besides challenging hair is the last thing we need. To avoid all this grief make regular appointments as the challenge of styling a cut that has outgrown its style is more than most of us can manage. This holds regardless if you tend to wear your hair up, down, straight or curly.
How to Use Your Blow Dryer To Get A Little Oomph
Okay now no overview of how to get the look you want would be complete without talking about your blow dryer. Sadly many of us experience an epic fail here and so our locks are doomed from the start. That might be because again we're in too big of a hurry to click on the blow dryer taking aim at our wet locks before they have been properly prepped? (I hope you're getting this that being in too much of a hurry is seldom good for our mane.)
Prepped? What does that mean? Glad you asked.
You never want to blow dry hair that hasn't been towel dried from top to bottom. Clicking on and pointing the blow dryer at hair that is still drippy wet isn't smart. Once you've accomplished that towel dry stuff, you want to focus the dryer on the roots FIRST. Yet jumping into styling too soon is another "hurry up" mistake too many make. Instead take aim at the roots and lift your hair with a round brush at the same time to blow in the volume.
You see, here's the problem with directing the hot air on the lower part of your strands first and then getting around to the roots later. You'll have a hard time avoiding flatness near the scalp. And flat roots don't do much for any style no matter how great it looks on the celeb in the photo you saw.
For even more body, shoot to dry your locks in the opposite direction you will wear them. For example if you normally wear your bangs from left to right, initially dry them going the other direction. Then flip them when the moisture is about blown away.
Also avoid the maximum power setting. You want to use only enough heated air to do the job. And if you towel off your hair first, the required setting will be well below the blast to the max setting.
Granted, to get the most from your blow drying takes practice. No doubt about it. But the results of that practice (practice makes perfect?) can be most gratifying.
And while it seems to many the magic only happens in the salon, you can make the magic happen at home if you'll but follow tips like these.
Anyway, the next time you find yourself staring at the mirror, your fingers sticky with foamy mousse, arms weary from blow drying remember what you read here. Hair freedom is possible. You don't have to be stuck with a terminal case of do-it-yourself hair. In many cases all you need do is take your time and take care with your hair to get the hot look you want.
There's nothing do-it-yourself looking about them.
Hair perfect.
Makeup flawless.
Teeth blindingly white.
What's up with that? Surely there must be more to looking coolly chic and looking like there's nothing to it?
There is actually. And if you'd like to achieve the "hey, check me out" look effortlessly too, maybe some hair care secrets for doing so might be helpful so keep reading. Some very useful tips that can help you declare your independence from do-it-yourself hair are coming right up.
Tips For Hair That Is Sophisticated, Smart And Downright Gorgeous
First things first. Believe it or not, oh-so-stylish hair begins when you're sitting in the stylist's chair. No it's not what you think. There really are tips you can pick up that you can do yourself. So you want to pay attention to what's being done when and with what.
Yeah I hear you. While it can be oh so relaxing to have someone else in charge of styling your hair you won't learn much if you zone out and don't watch they are doing. You can actually learn quite a lot if you like watch which brush is used, knowing that a round brush produces a different outcome than a flat one. Or when hair spray is used as opposed to styling gel. Tidbits like this becomes all the more important when you are feverishly, or is that desperately?, working to replicate that salon look at home.
Next you'll want to see if salon quality shampoos work better with your hair than drug store brands. Some may. Some may not. Regardless, the trick here is not to be in a hurry when sudsing away. You got it. You want to lather up for a couple two three minutes just like your stylist does for you. (Or at the very least 30 seconds. Surely you aren't in THAT big of a hurry!) Taking care to massage the cleanser through your hair thoroughly. Especially the hair nearest your scalp while taking pains to attend to every strand.
Second, be sure to rinse your hair completely. 100%. Or no suds left behind. Because there is nothing worse than left over shampoo residue weighing your hair down. Robbing it of volume and oomph.
Third, water temp is key. Sure you may love to luxuriate in a hot steamy shower. But guess what? Your hair doesn't care for it so much. Let's assume that asking YOU to give up the hot shower routine is asking too much. Got it. Then you want to wash your hair in the sink using lukewarm water.
Here's why.
Hot water raises the cuticles and expands the hair shaft. This in turn aids in the escape of hair dye. Plus it doesn't do much for the shine factor either. You avoid all that unpleasantness by washing your locks in water that would be at best described as baby bottle warm.
Another point about water temp. Go cooler still when conditioning only. And keep a wide toothed comb handy for when conditioning too. The idea is to comb the conditioner through your tresses after you've toweled most of the water out. And much like the shampoo routine, you don't want to rush the product. Give it a good two or three minutes to do its job before you completely get it out of your hair.
A fifth pointer to tattoo to your forehead is that shampooing too often can dry your mane. Yet it seems like shampooing every day is in our DNA, doesn't it? It's a right we have and we do all we can to exercise it. Problem is your hair pays the price when all that sudsing up leads to dry, damaged hair.
Granted how often is not quite as simple as some simple rule you learn then apply. The bigger idea is less often is better. And whatever the frequency is that works best for you you'll likely find it holds more often than not that less is more.
Salon Pointer: Don't get lazy when it comes to maintaining your style. Fact is there is nothing worse than trying to control hair that has grown out somewhat, lost its shape, and is borderline wild and crazy. Let's be honest. It's doubtful you're up to the challenge. Besides challenging hair is the last thing we need. To avoid all this grief make regular appointments as the challenge of styling a cut that has outgrown its style is more than most of us can manage. This holds regardless if you tend to wear your hair up, down, straight or curly.
How to Use Your Blow Dryer To Get A Little Oomph
Okay now no overview of how to get the look you want would be complete without talking about your blow dryer. Sadly many of us experience an epic fail here and so our locks are doomed from the start. That might be because again we're in too big of a hurry to click on the blow dryer taking aim at our wet locks before they have been properly prepped? (I hope you're getting this that being in too much of a hurry is seldom good for our mane.)
Prepped? What does that mean? Glad you asked.
You never want to blow dry hair that hasn't been towel dried from top to bottom. Clicking on and pointing the blow dryer at hair that is still drippy wet isn't smart. Once you've accomplished that towel dry stuff, you want to focus the dryer on the roots FIRST. Yet jumping into styling too soon is another "hurry up" mistake too many make. Instead take aim at the roots and lift your hair with a round brush at the same time to blow in the volume.
You see, here's the problem with directing the hot air on the lower part of your strands first and then getting around to the roots later. You'll have a hard time avoiding flatness near the scalp. And flat roots don't do much for any style no matter how great it looks on the celeb in the photo you saw.
For even more body, shoot to dry your locks in the opposite direction you will wear them. For example if you normally wear your bangs from left to right, initially dry them going the other direction. Then flip them when the moisture is about blown away.
Also avoid the maximum power setting. You want to use only enough heated air to do the job. And if you towel off your hair first, the required setting will be well below the blast to the max setting.
Granted, to get the most from your blow drying takes practice. No doubt about it. But the results of that practice (practice makes perfect?) can be most gratifying.
And while it seems to many the magic only happens in the salon, you can make the magic happen at home if you'll but follow tips like these.
Anyway, the next time you find yourself staring at the mirror, your fingers sticky with foamy mousse, arms weary from blow drying remember what you read here. Hair freedom is possible. You don't have to be stuck with a terminal case of do-it-yourself hair. In many cases all you need do is take your time and take care with your hair to get the hot look you want.
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