Monday, October 29, 2012

Outside the Box Bob Hair Care Ideas

You will never have a bad hair day again if you opt for one of the modern bob haircuts. Having great hair is not only about looking good but is also about a sense of seductive style, a sense of bewitching attractiveness plus an increased sense of self confidence. That when it all comes together can give you a striking, eye catching cut that leaves you feeling like hot stuff. 

Besides enchanting bob cuts are so versatile and the length can vary all over the board and still be considered in the bob neighborhood.  You could have them at a length at ear level or a graceful cut that lets the tips of your hair flow down so they graze your shoulders. 

Regardless of the length and style of your bob, your hair would still really appreciate some extra love and care from you.

The first trick is to moisturize your hair.  The more moisture it gets the better.  Going so far as to massage your scalp even if you don't wash your hair to give your locks that bounce, shine and vitality.  Or in other words a healthy yet chic appearance.

Want to add more volume?  Use a volumizing shampoo for a fuller look.  Extra tip: Use this type of shampoo with a light conditioner so it won't come off looking too heavy.

Got thin hair?  Well, steer clear of greasy pomades.  While those with thicker tresses, well, you might want to avoid dry mud and wax pomades.

If you think a perm and a bob don't mix well that's where you're wrong.  In fact, combining both can give you a look that will surely blow the guys away.  A chic bob can easily handle a couple of nice waves and curls.  Or you can take it all the way to curly bob which is another fun change of pace.  Yet you're not stuck with the curls all the time as you can just straighten them anytime if you want to vary your style.

Color?  Did you know that coloring your hair can be just as fun as getting a new haircut?  So if you feel like you're getting kinda tired with your bob cut at present, you can always change the color for a whole new you.   Go as bold as you dare but don't go all crazy.   The trick for keeping things natural looking is to only go at most two shades lighter or darker. Anything beyond that could be disastrous.  As the clash of color with your skin tones can make you look washed out which if we're keeping it real, isn't exactly the look you are going for, now is it? 

Yes the cut counts.  It can affect the success of failure of the bob look on you.  Yet regardless of what kind of bob you and your stylists settle on, your hair would still require all the attention and tender loving care it you can give it to insure it looks perky and healthy.  So don't ignore this.  Because it's you who's going to reap the benefits anyway - shiny, stylish, and flirty hair.

So if you're used to a laid back kind of hairstyle, why not add a little sizzle to your look and get a bit bolder?  Have that bob layered or razor cut and get yourself an over the top look.  Great cure for the boredom we all feel with our hairstyles from time to time.  Great way to change your look as the seasons change too.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Poll Any Fashionistas About Hair and Here's What You'll Find

It's a fact.  Some fashionistas just seem to like to endlessly debate the merits of this or that, don't they?  Like hairstyles.  Here the popular debate would be around length.  And despite all the winds of change blowing from Hollywood, long hairstyles maintain their popularity through thick or thin.  But that doesn't stop some from insisting a cute shorter cut would be preferred.  Which doesn't stop others from sticking by their guns and claiming nothing but longer locks will do. 

Yet if you bothered to poll stylists and those in the know in the fashion industry, they'd knowingly tell you the reason for the enduring popularity of the longer look.  That would be the same reason for all the change.  Hollywood.  And as long as actresses and celebs and the mover and shakers in the fashion world come on the stage and red carpet with long tresses styled one way or the other the look will endure. 

Not to mention the starlets and like just look great with cascading tresses.  Face framing long luscious locks just set off their faces in a way no other cut can.  The long look is part and parcel of the overall glitz and glam package being sold by Hollywood, isn't it? 

And guess what else?  When you constantly see a look you want to be seen in the look.  It's only natural.  And we certainly see long often.  All the time even.  Which only encourages us to wear our hair the same way. 

But there's more to it than that.  When you've got more hair you've got more ways to wear it.  That's right, there are more ways to present it either classical or trendy playful.  Gone are the days when long hair has to be plain and boring.  The mere act of cutting in some layers effortlessly adds body and fullness that fine hair particularly often lacks.  Layering is an effective yet simple technique that will allow your hair stylist to create shape and texture and add in additional volume for that sexy, bouncy look we all love to flaunt.

Yet look at what else you get.  If you don't want stick straight for whatever reason, no problem.  Dig out the curling or flat iron, some hair protectant and add curls with sexy sizzle.  Try doing that with a pixie haircut

Which is another reason for the popularity of this style.  Versatility.  Again, you don't have to be stuck with just one hairstyle until you grow so very bored with it.  Longer strands give you the opportunity to curl it, wear it straight down or up in an elegant updo.  All giving you a sexy, classic and sophisticated 'do any time and every time.  What's not to like? 

This is why it's said if you poll members of the beauty industry you may find that long styles are perpetually "in". Because they are striking yet versatile. With nearly endless possibilities that let you change your hair with the weather.  But only if you wish.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Hair Brush Crush?

Can the right hair brush really leave your hair smooth and soft after your blow dry?  Maybe even leaving you with hair that looks better than what your beautician can produce?  Boy that would be something now wouldn't it?

Can the right brush really hold but yet not pull your hair?  Making for easy breezy styling that leaves you feeling good about your hair. 

Can the right hair brush leave you gushing, Love, love, just love this brush!  No, I didn't think so.  But it's possible thought, right?  All because the brush is designed not to tangle but instead glides through your hair while adding a level of fullness and shine like no other one can. 

I know.  Hair brushes. For most an afterthought or impulse purchase, right?  Not something you would think you can't live without.  Not something you would think would matter but as it turns out it does.  Especially since there is often a brush designed for the specific job, specific hair type, specific outcome.

Yes, that''s both a blessing and a curse.  You see our brush choices expand every year.  And with more choices, so does our confusion.  Expand that is.  Leaving us bewildered when it comes to the best brush for our hair, style and choice of styling tools. 

Tip: If you want silky smooth styling, dry your hair in sections taking care to point the nozzle of your dryer of choice towards the end of the shaft not your scalp. 

Then too, the right tool for the job can slash your styling time down to size.  Not only will it work better and faster, it can help your hair look better.  Can you say smoother?  Other it might give your locks a shine assist.  Plus is it too much to ask for something that leaves your mane healthy looking and vibrant. 

Besides the last thing you need is a brush that will hopelessly snag your hair.  Then it's no longer how to make your hair look good, it's more how to keep from ripping a handful of hair out while disengaging the ensnarled brush.  Which is certainly not the desired effect for all your trouble.  For real. 

Plus when it comes to brushes that work as you know size counts.  So you want to pick a round brush that's the right size for the outcome you are looking for.  A smaller barrel for tighter curls.  Bigger for lush, voluminous ones. 

Tip:  Okay I know you know this but it's worth repeating - and don't you dare doze off on me. Most stylists will recommend natural bristles.  Why?  Overall you will find they tend to be finer and offer greater flexibility.  They also tend to be more gloss-giving.  Yes, you're right. They can also cost far more than a hairbrush ought to. But if you can't spring for the real thing, boar, then look for a composite bristle that's combines real and nylon.  Not quite as good but still much better than plastic.

Finally one more thing.  Keep in mind that a little know-how goes a long way.  But it's the tools you use that can make the difference.  And using the right brush can spare you the agony of bad hair days.  You might not believe it but it's true. Yes finding the perfect brush for your strands can be challenging.  But it can be worth the trouble. Who would  guess a hairbrush could make such a difference!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Six Smart Styling Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Hair


Those who want to catch the eye of a certain someone would be wise to start pampering their mane the way it should be pampered if they are counting on using shiny hair as the boy-bait.  (Man bait or guy bait works too.) Sure you may have read that too much styling can damage your locks.  Which is true.  That can happen.  But damage is not foreordained if you style your hair the right way. 

Besides there are plenty of other things that can produce damaged, lifeless if not downright ugly hair too.

The Many Causes of Damaged Ugly Hair
Damaged hair could be due to certain illnesses like say you're suffering from diabetes, lupus, or thyroid disease.  Yeast and fungal infections may also contribute to follicle failure.  While lice infestation could badly impact the health of your scalp. Not to mention how gross those creepy crawlies are. 

Another factor that could bring about damaged hair are certain medications.  The list of possible culprits found in your medicine cabinet would include birth control pills, antidepressants, blood thinners, chemo drugs, as well as cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Even worse supposedly good for you things like vitamins can do more harm than good.  For example did you know too much Vitamin A could  lead to serious hair loss? 

And let's get real.  Those fast food meals grabbed on the run may catch up to your tresses eventually too.  Not to mention what a crash diet can do to your locks. Or what you could say are another reason why denying your body nutrients like that isn't such a good idea.  In essence if you don't take care diet wise, you'll likely end up facing an endless string of bad hair days - for the rest of your life.

What else?  What about stress?  That's another easily overlooked cause that can lead you down the path to damaged hair.  Not to mention the havoc genetics and hormonal changes can wreck.  Which could also explain why your hair could be thinning out.

External factors can also cause problems such as too much sun exposure. Chemicals like sufates and the like in some shampoos could also leave your tresses strickened.

Other poor hair care practices to avoid include constantly wearing tight braids and excessive brushing. So much for that 100 strokes stuff.

Okay, but the title there promised six styling tips.  So after taking a quick look at things that can damage your hair aside from what happens when styling let's look at what can go wrong when you do.  Plus some other reminders thrown in for good measure. 

Six Styling Tips for Awesome Hair

Below are six hair care and styling tips that you'll want to keep handy.

Tip#1: Always, always, always apply heat protection spray or serum to your hair before you even think of picking up that curling or flat iron.  And you're right.  This may not guarantee your hair will never get damaged. But at the least it could reduce the potential for damage.  Especially for heavy users of hot styling tools.

Tip#2: Avoid blow drying.  Yeah, if you can possibly avoid using the blow dryer, please do. If you can't go cold turkey be sure that you at least position the dryer 6-12 inches away from your scalp.  Also be sure to try to direct the air down the hair shaft to smooth out the hair cuticles.  So they are flat to best reflect the light.

And one last thing about your blow drying - never direct the dryer on a certain section of hair for too long.  The idea is to constantly move the dryer from part of your head to another. Once you're done, give your hair a good once over using the coldest setting to seal the hair cuticle.  This will result in shinier locks.

Tip#3: Get frequent trims.  This is a good way to stay on top of those annoying splits and breaks at the hair tips.  Oh, yeah, and don't forget to apply leave-in conditioner on the ends too.

Tip#4: Brush your hair only when it's dry.  If it's is anywhere near wet you need to use a wide-toothed comb to keep the strands from pulling and snapping.

Tip#5:  Go for layers to flatter your face.  Don't do it yourself though.  A visit at the salon would not hurt at all.  Bangs could give oomph to your look as well.

Tip#6:  Prevent hair frizz by running an antifrizz serum or spritz through your hair.  And every time you're done styling, keep your hands off your hair to avoid frizzes too.

Your hair is what most people would likely notice first.  You want them to notice it because it's shiny, healthy and stylish.  Accomplishing that should be easier for you now that you've read these tips.  And perhaps better understand all the things that can affect your look. 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Quick Hair Care Guide For the Finely Tressed

Okay I admit it.  Calling this a any sort of guide may be stretching the point. Let's just say that here are a few pointers. Useful tips. Helpful ideas. In other words assistance those with fine locks might appreciate. Plus a nifty video. 

Because we both know that a good hair day for fine haired girls is more often than not, more a result of successfully pulling off a smoke and mirrors routine than having locks that really and truly look great on their own.

And to pull off this sleight of hand requires a bevy of specially formulated hair care products and/or styling tools that allow you to effectively deal with that baby fine hair mother nature gave you. Because regardless which of the hairstyles for fine hair you are partial to, well, the style sometimes matters not if you can't get the volume you need.

Problem is, puny, thin strands aside, you have to pump up the volume and produce thickness, sometimes seemingly out of thin hair, errr, air. Yes, flat hair can be thickened with mousse and other volumizers.  But you may have to be willing to live with some really bad hair days (read limp, flat locks) to figure out which of the products promising results can actually do so with your hair.

Hey, but at least this gives you hope, no?

Because you'd like gladly deliver up last year's hot wardrobe hanging in your closet if but for a day you could revel in thick luxuriant hair like Salma Hayek's for example.   Just saying and knowing how disappointed as you are with that wimpy, somewhat wispy hair approximation you were issued at birth.  Because some days no matter what you do, if your hair isn't up to it, all the styling tools in the world aren't going to produce the results you seek.

This is, however, where that impressive array of styling products you've bought over time comes into play. 

The list of likely suspects would lead off with mousse which you are undoubtedly familiar with, just so it's a light weight formulation, volumizing spray and the ever popular root lifters.  Any or all of which can do wonders when it comes to conveying the pseudo-look of luxurious volume. 

Not to mention what a decent body enhancing, volumizing shampoo can do for you.  Provided you keep the conditioner as far from your scalp as humanly possible. 

Now I know you want a list of which work best.

Sorry.

No can do.

What works best for my hair, may not work at all on yours. Or maybe you can't stand the smell.  Or maybe you have sworn to only use salon products while what works for me came directly from Walgreens.

Still just so you can’t say I’m not trying to help, here's a list of top volumizing products found online that you can browse at your leisure to see what you think.

All in all you may be pleasantly surprised, no shocked might be more like it, by the results the properly applied product can produce.  Many are.

Then two more quick tips. 

Ever tried blow drying your hair upside down?  Some find it to be a quick way to add more volume to your roots where you need it most. 

And here's a surprising one you may not have considered. Getting your hair colored will often result in it looking like it has more body.  Reason?  The coloring process roughs up the cuticles just a bit, accidentally creating lush volume. 

Finally I'll bet you can grab a few additional styling tips from this video. 


  • Start with damp, towel dried hair that you have run a comb through yet. 
  •  Take a few seconds to scrunch it a bit.
  • Then grab whatever heat protectant you prefer and be sure you target your ends with this protection.   
  • Smoothing anything that's left over on your fingers through the rest of your hair.  
  • Then mess your hair up once more. 
  • Next comes the volumizing mousse which you'll apply to the roots.   
  • With your blow dryer set on warm dry away then comb your hair out.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Hair Court of Popular Opinion Rules on Deep Conditioners


All rise.  Hair court is now in session.  The honorable Judge Judy Sephora presiding. 

Here are the charges.  How do you plead? 

Are you a long time hair abuser? 

Answer: Probably more guilty than not.

Do you have a well-known heat addiction and couldn't give up your beloved hot styling tools even if someone offered you winning lottery numbers? 

Answer: Well, a little guilty sometimes.

Have you ever or do you now have perm damaged or over-bleached hair that's so bad like a polar bear you'd be nearly invisible in a snow storm? 

Answer: Okay but only maybe a time or two a long time ago. 

Painful isn't it? Revisiting past episodes of hair abuse like this.  So how well would you do if you had a date in hair court? 

And don't lie. Because the verdict is easy to come to.  There's a good reason for that hay hair of yours.  And rather than Desperately Seeking Susan, you're desperately seeking something to take that mop of yours from fried to gorgeous.  Does that about sum things up? 

This is why some in their hour of need turn to deep conditioners.  But sometimes you have to wonder.  You read the product description on Amazon and it sounds more like a freakin' miracle in a bottle, doesn't it?  So what is it?  Hype or solid promise?  Again sometimes you have to wonder. 

Especially when you are easily preyed on, desperate for a solution as you are.  Well, no, it's more like you ARE looking for miracle in a bottle.  Yeah, this is exactly what you are hoping for. 

Well truth is those with healthy hair probably want to deep condition at least once every two weeks.  While those who haven't seen healthy hair since Bill Clinton was president want to do so more often.  Using an intense deep conditioner.  One that is loaded with proteins, panthenol and pro-vitamin B5 even. 

Still if you are a color junkie, hot tool addict or have hair that is otherwise seriously chemically dependent, you may find the right product can indeed revive those lifeless locks of yours.  Leaving you once again with silky, shiny, sleek, and bouncy hair.  Or at least something that tames it enough to leave you free to venture forth in public without embarrassment.  Free from the hope you had someone else's hair is on your head. 

Naturally some claim they don't have the time to invest in a regular deep conditioning routine.  In that case, why not apply the product to your locks immediately upon entering the shower?  Lather up the rest of you while the conditioner is absorbed into your strands aided by the warming steam of your shower.  That could work, no?

But the truly serious will apply their favorite deep conditioning product to their damp mane.  They'll wrap their hair in a towel, slip on a shower cap, or wrap things up with plastic wrap.  Sitting under a hair dryer only helps that much more.  Or you might sit out in the sun. After 20 minutes (or as long as you can) comes the unveiling.  And prepare to be dazzled by the difference.  Softer, shinier, healthier looking hair. 

Honestly, some of this stuff is so good if you're not careful your fav brand may end up being the first hair care product you like on Facebook.  Yeah, the difference can be that dramatic.  But for sure good enough to free you from throwing yourself on the mercy of the hair court.  Because who wants to do that?

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Six Reasons to Embrace Flirty Bangs

Girly bangs are both trendy and can almost magically reshape your face.  They work wonders for hiding a high forehead or bringing a sense of balance to things.  So is it any wonder they are so popular?  But in case this is news to you, here are six reasons why you should embrace bangs with open arms. 

Low to Maintain.  No need to set the alarm earlier than you have to so you can attend to them.  A bit of brushing and that's it.  Just make sure you keep them trimmed every few weeks, something you can learn to do yourself, and you're ready to face the world.

Eye Appeal.   Turns out bangs bring out the best in your eyes.  So if you're going for sexy and smoldering, bangs can help with that. Yeah they can.

Check bones, anyone?  They also bring extra definition to your face placing an emphasis on your cheek bones.  Plus you get the added benefit of a more angular shaped face, even if yours is not. 

Flexible look.  Bangs people soon come to find out you can easily pin them off your face when you feel like it for a somewhat different look. 

Fuller look.  Another bit of hair style alchemy bangs help you to effortlessly pull off is a sense of fullness.  As in a fuller head of hair. 

Trimmed and Ready.  It bears repeating that they will need to be kept nicely trimmed which can be annoying.  Yet some stylist will do that for you gratis.  Or you and a friend can do each other's.  Just takes a few snips and everything's back to neat and tidy. 

In any case, anyone looking for a subtle change that can deliver a dramatically different look should seriously consider bangs. No color change needed.  No agony over lopping off inches of carefully and lovingly tended hair.  No nothing.  Clip a bit off the front and guess what?  A whole new you emerges from the mist.  Ready to grace the cover of any fashion magazine.  The bangs train is leaving the station.  What's keeping you from jumping on?