Showing posts with label Other. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Other. Show all posts

Body Wave

Get the lowdown on revitalizing your locks with a fabulous new look

Forget about those scary spiral perms from the past — the latest wave in hair transformation is the body wave, a looser, less-structured perm that gives hair body and texture without super-defined curls. If you want to give your hair more oomph, here’s a primer in body wave 101.

Know what to expect. A body wave is perfect for people with stick-straight or limp locks who would like to add more oomph or body to their hair, though it could also be used for those who already have body or even curly hair to help refine their look or even relax a tighter curl.

Make sure your hair is in shipshape. Perms can put stress on your locks, so don’t go for a body wave if your hair is dry or damaged from coloring, blow-drying, or overstyling — the chemicals used for your body wave will only exacerbate the damage and make your hair look worse.

Be ready to commit. A body wave will last for three months in your hair, so be sure you want this style for that long — otherwise, purchasing rollers or a curling iron may be a better way to get the volume and curl of a body wave when you want it without the commitment.

Price it out. A body wave generally starts at $50, though hair length and texture and the quality of the salon also factor into your total cost for your perm.

Set aside some time. Expect to be in your stylist’s chair for at least an hour and a half to two hours to go through the whole process — your hair needs to be wrapped around the curlers and have chemicals applied to soften the structure of the hair, followed by a neutralizer to set the curl.

Make sure they go big. Your stylist should use larger rods (not the tiny, tight ones from the perming days of yore) to give your hair the body without the curl.

Show them what you want. They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, and in this case, it can make the difference between getting the body wave you want and the poodle perm you don’t. Bring in a few clippings from magazines or other pictures that show the look you’re going for.

Have it done a few days before a very important date. Perms need time to “settle” into the look you want — usually between 24 and 48 hours. So book your body wave at least two days before a big event so your hair will look its best.

Expect your hair to look shorter. The extra volume created by your body wave will “eat up” some of your length, so your hair may look a couple inches shorter once the perm is set.

Barely There Waves Hair Styles

Sure you were looking for some flirty waves especially as the warm season offers us the chance to sport our strands in endless chic manners. The barely there waves hair styles are some of the show-stopping hair style ideas sported both by celebrities as well as everyone regardless of hair length. Daytime glamor should not be a rarity this year instead use your refined skills and play up your features with some of the amazing stylist tips when it comes of luscious waves. 

Full-bodied and loose hair styles are indeed popular among those who would like to highlight the texture of their strands or on the contrary are owners of fine and lifeless strands and long for some volume and glam. The latest barely there waves hair styles promote the use of hot rollers as well as curling irons in a less restricted and more relaxed manner. Those who decide to embrace the trend might raid their hair styling kit for the cute and fabulous hot rollers, these would help you ease the hair dressing process and would create the dazzling effect to blast the style with mastery. These are only some of the most stylish and slinky wavy hair styles of the season.

Sultry and dainty waves are both feminine and would flatter all face shapes regardless of the thickness of the hair. Luscious length can determine your hair style option therefore make sure you try your hand at these refined and high brow looks. The more prominent finger waves as well as curvy and carefree waves are all some of the ace alternatives to turn a simple date outfit into a real A-list appearance. All you have to do is use the curling tong to pull off the great look and take the pre-planned sections in this case the lower layers and perk up your look with these texturized waves.

Indeed these can be also labeled as 'barely there' waves as stylist would skip the polishing of the top sections and would instead limit themselves to the hair ends and the rest of the locks. Those who are real adventurers when it comes of hair styles might also experiment with the tight as well as uber-loose waves using the tong as the best tool to achieve the desired design. Improve your hair styling skills by trying to copycat the hair style ideas above.

 

Those who were blessed with naturally wavy hair would be thrilled to play up the natural texture of their strands with the hair style ideas above. These looks would require only the use of your hair dryer or for additional volume the tong. In the case of these sassy and at the same time sloppy dos it is not a must to define the various angles and lines of the strands instead make your way up to puling off a more breezy and summer messy look.

Pairing your careless waves with stylish side-swept or blunt cut bangs is the actual remedy to banish the monotony of your tresses. Those who would like to still preserve their finesse can tame the flyaway strands with the best hair styling serums as well as texturizing paste. If you want to kill two birds with one stone make sure you also lift the roots with your pro blow drying techniques.

 

 

Craving for a jazzy and unshackled hair style? Then the means that would help you reach your goal is indeed braiding. These barely there waves can be best created with the help of cute braids of all designs that are fabulously released after the hair is completely dry. If you want to skip the use of hair styling tools make sure you appeal to a less artificial and more hair-friendly method.Braiding your hair into a loose summer do would be the perfect alternative to create some of the wavy hair styles.

As the pics illustrate some of these styles are tighter or looser depending on personal preferences. Choose the look you want to popularize and make sure you devote special attention to the condition of your strands. Apply a drop of texturising paste and blast those voluminous braids, as the pattern is done it is highly recommended to apply an additional layer of this hair styling product or mousse to the strands and leave it until the locks are completely dry. Enjoy the brand new glam hair style as well as the success of your top hair styling skills.

Curls, Waves, Updos and Chingnons Hairstyles for Prom


Prom night is the most awaited night for all the teenagers. They dream a different look, a unique personality and an elegant hairstyle with flawless attire. Prom hair is the major concern for most of the females. To choose the best prom hairstyles that complement the prom dress, personality and the mood of the night is a big chore. The hairstyle should go with the prom theme as well. Every prom night has a theme that ties together all the aspects of the prom. Prom themes are diverse and play a vital role in the selection of prom dress and prom hairstyles.

There is a vast selection of hairstyles for prom for both short and long hairs. For girls with short hairs there are plenty of short prom hairstyles that look formal as well as trendy. To name a few textured short cuts with plenty of texture and layers, short hairstyle with a fringe and pixie cut are the most popular. Long hairs are bit difficult to manage but yet there is abundance of prom hairstyles for long hair. Curls, waves, updos and chingnons look great on long hairs. Updos prom hairstyles are the staple of the prom night that compliments the flattering features and gives an elegant look. Some of the other hairstyles are simple chic cut with the front part pleated to one side and separated with a hair band; long boho waves with a center parting and waves throughout the tresses; and curly locks created with rollers or barrel.
Most of the girls with medium length hair are worried for the hairstyle but there are various medium length hairstyles as well. Infact they can take advantage of both short hairstyles and long hairstyles. Choppy mid length cut, curled locks and natural wavy are some of the styles that are perfect medium hairstyles for the prom night. Updos prom hairstyles can also be the best styling option for medium length hair. Sassy updo and knotted style updos are the most popular and easy prom hairstyles.
Today the most favorite hairstyle with the young girls is the sedu prom hairstyles. These hairstyles can be natural sedu hairstyle, formal sedu hairstyle or vintage sedu hairstyle. A natural sedu hairstyle simply implies natural beauty. It is either straight hair with curls or a loose bun that showcases the face of the wearer. A formal sedu hairstyle consists of a tight bun or a low ponytail. Vintage meaning old fashioned is the most expressive and elegant hairstyle for prom.
Early planning of the best hairstyle for the most awaited prom night can help to achieve a different, unique, elegant and flattering look that blends well with the ambience of the prom night.

How to Wave Your Hair

I have always had stick-straight hair, so I've had to learn a few tricks to making bouncy waves. For some reason, it seems that those of us with straight hair want waves, and those with waves want it straight. My mother-in-law has beautiful natural wavy hair, and she's told me of stories how as a teenager she used to iron her hair with a clothes iron. For me, that's hard to imagine.

My hair measures about 4 1/2 feet in length, so I have to find hair care choices for my hair that will keep it from breaking and splitting. Although heat is one way to wave hair, such as with waving irons, hot rollers, etc., I try to stay away from heat so as to preserve my hair from split ends.

I will share just a few ways that you can wave and curl hair without the harmful styling products on the market today.

BRAIDING

This is the easiest way to wave hair, the healthiest, and the one that I most often use. Depending on how much wave I want, I may put as many as 2 to 6 braids in my hair.

Take freshly washed and slightly damp hair and divide it into even sections. Braid loosely for soft waves, and braid tight for tight waves. When you reach near the bottom, roll the remaining two inches of hair on a strip of cloth or a plastic straw. Tie and secure.

NOTE: Braiding the hair every night with at least one braid keeps you from pulling and stretching it in the night. This reduces breakage and helps hair stay healthy.

USE FLORAL WIRE OR PIPE CLEANERS

For perm-like waves, floral wire and/or pipe cleaners (the ones found in your craft department) may be used. Do not sleep on the floral wire as laying on the wire would break hair. (Not to mention would be very uncomfortable).

Take strips of floral wire that are the length of your hair or a long pipe cleaner. Fold these in half. Take a section of hair, (preferably freshly washed and slightly damp), and stick it through the bent wire right next to the bend. (The bend should be right next to the scalp). Gently twist hair into bend to secure. Now take the hair and weave in and out in a criss-cross pattern. When you near the bottom, take the last two inches of hair and wind it around just one side of the wire. Secure the ends by twisting the wire closed.

Take care when removing the wire. Brush out with fingers.

CURLERS

This is an obvious one, but curlers may also be used to wave hair. To obtain curly hair, roll tight on small rollers. For wavy hair, use large rollers. Try to stay away from hot rollers. Not only does this break hair, but it dries it out. Hair needs moisture to curl properly.

Some ones to try... Sponge rollers, cloth rollers, rubber rollers, (without heat), or for really tight curls, perm rods or plastic straws may be used.

There's also the option of having your hair professionally waved, but as you've probably guessed, I wouldn't recommend this for the health of your hair. Chemicals used by professionals are often harsh and damage hair. Personally, I don't know anyone that would care to tackle four and a half feet of it anyway.

One last tip that may help your hair to wave better. Use LOTS of conditioner! Make sure it's the right kind though. A heavy conditioner will just weigh down your hair and defeat the purpose. My favorite is Dove. It has weightless moisturizers that gives your hair the moisture it craves without weighing it down. (No, I don't work for or advertise for Dove. :) This is just purely my preference).

Check out the photo below, it's awesome!

Below is another very neat way to wave your hair. I never would have thought of this idea on my own. I found it on Pinterest, and thought it would be an amazing addition to this article. I have no idea where this originated, but if someone knows, I will be more than glad to give them credits. The picture is very detailed and self-explanatory. Hope you are enjoying the article! Happy Waving!


Look Younger with Short Hair


Does short hair really make you look younger?

There are no more rules for "age appropriate" haircuts or lengths of hair in our time. But there seems to be a certain magic in short haircuts that captivates women of all ages and of course the men who admire them.

This kind of magic is not that miraculous at all, it can be understood by looking at its roots in estethics and also in psychology. It is the shape of the style that can turn a haircut into a „fountain of youth“, but also the way this new hairstyle will make a woman feel is a huge factor.

Radiance makes us look Younger

Ever noticed that beautiful women radiate and just make you look twice? It does not matter whether they are young or old, what face shape they have and how many wrinkles speak about the stories of their lives. Beauty truly comes from the inside and a woman who feels great in her own skin, who is happy with her life, contend and of a positive spirit, will always radiate beauty. A haircut is just one little element, but one that should not be underestimated.

My grandmother used to say:“ If your hair is good, then it does not even matter what you wear.“ A good cut makes us feel attractive, just like a pair of sinfully expensive new pumps. And short hair adds to our well-being on many levels. One is that they are just cute. Short hair is practical, it keeps us cool, does not take long to fix and it gives us more time to enjoy the rest of our lifes. And that is where the radiance comes in. It cannot be stressed enough, this very simple secret: If you feel beautiful and happy, then you radiate and others will pick up on it.

Over the last decades something truly revolutionary happened to short hair. It became sexy. We have to thank creative Coiffeurs like Vidal Sasson and the first women who donned their irresistible pixie cuts in the 60s. Those haircuts are still just as alluring today as they were then.

Instant Face Lift with the right Haircut


Long hair, if not cut and styled right can have an aging effect on some women and that just has to do with estethics, vertical and horizental lines, points of focus and the balance of it all. If the hair is just parted and hangs down on both sides, it creates a vertical focus and adds more gravity to the face. Especially when the skin gets a bit softer along the jaw line this can be rather unbecoming. By wearing the hair short the focus of the eyes goes upward, fine textures, wispy ends and a little volume on top shift the entire weight of the look and, voila, ten years are gone!

Short haircuts with soft lines and cool textures are just as much fun to wear as they are to look at. They give a woman a feisty, confident edge, make her look self assured, strong and modern. They take the attention away from fine lines around the eyes or around the lips and the best part of all, they can be changed as the mood demands it. You can go from nice girl to wild babe in seconds, just by changing the direction of the hair and since it is short and grows back quick, changes in color are easier also, without the risk ofdamaging hair that took years to grow. So all in all … short cuts are fun. Fun makes us happy, and when we are happy, we are beautiful.

Just take a look at some celebrities who look good with their very short hair. 


Ginnifer Goodwin

Still a younger woman, the comparison of Ginnifer Goodwin's long hair and her charming short haircut show what this article is about. The lines of her face, her jaw line and cheekbones are pointing upward with the short tresses, whereas in the first picture her expression is a bit more drab and indeed older.

Michelle Williams

Pictures speak louder than words. The short haired Michelle Williams expresses confidence, has more radiance and is just simply more attractive, younger looking and more interesting.

Alyssa Milano

It does not get much shorter than this! Alyssa Milano is obviously enjoying her weightless do with all of its super fine texture and the soft frame around her face. A cute little curl accentuates her ear and the sophisticated but sexy very short haircut brings all of the attention to her pretty face. Nothing distracts from her radiant expression.


Andrea Osvart

Andrea Osvart looks stunning with her short garçon cut. The look with its classic men's cut shape gives her a feisty edge and it just vibrates with energy and sensual allure. The neck and the sides were gently graduated while the top hair is long enough to draw a neat side part and to create an adorable short fringe just on the edge of her forehead. The highlighted blonde makes her eyes sparkle even more.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry, the posterchild of all short haircuts! Spiffy, spiky and fabulous! Lifting up the mood and the facial lines, this fresh short hairdo is a great choice for women of all ages who have the courage to wear it. The hair was cropped at the same short length around the head, with just a couple of longer accent strands in front of the ears. Those little curls bring attention to her cheekbones and also to her eyes. This short hairstyle can be worn smooth and snug or, as seen here, all wild with the textured strands going in different directions.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin has a very expressive face and an amazing swanlike neck. Her short hairstyle also lifts up all of her features and makes her look like she barely graduated from school. Boyish, fresh and sexy but with a precious shine and classy styling this look just fits and requires hardly any work to keep up.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone's short hair frames her face in a golden, soft and mystle sparkle. All the texture and fine highlights make it vivacious and give it that intense sizzle. At the same time the color works great with Sharon's skin tone together with the more top heavy styling it is the perfect distraction from small lines in her face.

Here are a few tips from women who have gone from long to short hair and experienced the magic themselves:


1. Before you go, don't tell anyone about your plans to cut your hair short, except very close loved ones like your boyfriend or husband. Your friends might want to talk you out of it. But it is your head and your hair! The surprise for them will be even more fun this way.

2. Prepare the man in your life for your new look. You might encounter opposition, so be gentle and convince them slowly and with finesse. Chances are though that you may be surprised about his reaction since many men actually love short hair and you can help the other part of their brain to get unstuck from all that tradition.

3. Always have a good consultation with your hairdresser.

4. Since you are going under the scissors now, show courage and take off a bit more than you wanted at first. More fun this way!

11 Reasons to Get a Short Haircut

Admit it, after years of being weighed down by your long mane of opulence you are flirting with the thought of getting a short haircut but you don’t have the courage yet? You are not sure if a short cut would look good on you and perhaps you are scared of a step this extreme and don’t want to shock your friends and loved ones.

There are many things to consider when you are planning to get a new haircut and especially one that will change your entire appearance. The longer your hair is now, the bigger the “wow effect” will be.

You can feel your confidence growing and you catch yourself looking more and more often at photos of sassy short haircuts and you are already holding your hair up in front of the mirror every day to picture yourself with short hair? Then you are really ready to cut your hair short and all you need is just a little more motivation to really face the scissors!

Here are the 11 best reasons to cut your hair:

1. It looks more professional. There is no doubt that many employers or clients often prefer candidates with a chic short haircut. A trendy look tells them that the person who wears it is confident, takes care of herself, is dynamic, practical, efficient, modern and open to new ideas. Use the momentum of the first impression to your favor.

2. It is more versatile. Many short haircuts have a lot of different styling options that are all easy to do. You can wear it snug and sleek, spiked up or sassy with a wispy texture. A little dab of styling product is most times enough to get a new look every day. Also the new growth in short hair is very evident quickly and makes it possible to get a different type of cut more often.

3. It heals a broken heart. Had to say good bye to your lover, friend or partner or all in one? That is often the time when women do something radical to their exterior, hoping to soothe the interior as well. It can work and help you get a new confidence and outlook, but you may want to sleep over it a couple of nights and do not make a sudden, impetuous decision. If you still think it is right, then go for those scissors and enjoy every moment of it! Cut him out of your life and out of your hair…

4. It shows the world that you changed your life. You have just begun a new chapter in your life? Perhaps moved to a new place, found a new job, lost a bunch of weight, then you want everyone to know and make a visual statement. Or maybe you are planning big changes in your life and surroundings then getting started with your hair is a strong affirmation to yourself and a sign for everyone else that more exciting surprises will be on their way. It is your time now. Don’t dream it, be it!

5. It saves time. Imagine jumping into the shower and getting out twice as fast. Drying time for your sweet new do is cut in less than half. Some short hairstyles just need to be rubbed with a towel and will air-dry in no time. No strenuous combing out the tangles and long brushing sessions. You won’t miss those!

6. It matches your active lifestyle. Low maintenance is one of the most convincing arguments for a short haircut. If you are sporty and enjoy any kind of exercise, then you might get tired of the eternal ponytail. With a short cut nothing will come in your way, slap and stick in your face or slow you down when you are swimming. Get out of the gym more quickly and enjoy more of your evening!

7. It’s stylish. Imagine all of the cute blouse collars, turtlenecks and accessories that are never seen because they are always covered by long hair. Now it is time to really show your fashion sense and enjoy new looks, new earrings and necklaces, which don’t have to hide anymore.

8. It keeps you cool. Not only does it look cool, but it also increases the air flow around your neck and you will be very happy when you feel the difference. Nothing is worse than sweating under a mass of hair in summer or if you are living in a warm climate.

9. It saves you money on hair products. Of course you need much less shampoo and conditioner, but also think about all the other lotions and potions that you use to keep your long hair shiny, supple and healthy.

10. It can make you look younger. Some short haircuts can work like an instant face lift. Long hair can be heave and drag your features down. Not so with a short haircut. Style it up and out of your face and see the amazing, immediate effect it can have!

11. It feels liberating. No more tangles, no danger of dreadlocks if you don’t brush it constantly. You can actually focus on your life instead of doing something to or with your hair several times a day. Once the weight is off you will notice that your step will have more spring, you will feel lighter all over and your smile will be a few levels brighter.

One of the strongest indicators that you are overdue for a serious cut is when you catch yourself wearing your hair more often in a scrunchy bun or ponytail than open. So, stop fantasizing and check out some cute short haircuts on this website or have your hairdresser give you a few suggestions that match your face shape and type.

If you are afraid of a very drastic change, then do it gradually, inch by inch. Perhaps start with a longer bob or layered shag style; a few weeks later have it cut to chin length. From there it is an easy step to get a trendy short crop or even a pixie cut. To find out how you will actually look without your long hair, try out some of the new software that allows you to upload a photo of yourself and test-wear several hairstyles.

After considering all this, how many reasons can you find to NOT cut your hair?

The author of this article, by the way, once went from waist length hair to a pixie, all in one step, scaring the hairdresser more than herself. There was no pain and no regrets. You can do it too!

The new view on layered hair

We learn that a little bit of layering is essential for nearly every cut

Think layered hair and images of Jennifer Aniston’s Friends character Rachel come to mind. Thanks to this phenomenon, patently choppy and decidedly bouncy locks were de rigueur for manes throughout the mid-’90s. Whether hair was shoulder length Ă  la ‘The Rachel’, or longer, leaving at least one inch between each layer, ’90s layers were there to be seen. Thankfully the era is over, times have changed and nowadays haircuts are just as lush while being a lot more subtle.Vogue spoke to Caterina Di Biase, L'OrĂ©al Professionnel ambassador, artistic director of Heading Out Hair & Beauty, and two-time winner of the Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year award, who reveals the next generation of layered hair icons and shares which faces suit layered locks.


The advantage of layered locks
“Most haircuts are layered in one way or another. Having layers does not mean your hair needs to be short on the top and even all over. Layers are used to remove weight, de-bulk and help give hair height. A lot of people don't realise that their hair has layers because it is subtly layered.”

The cut
“There are different ways of cutting layered hair. Traditionally, you would pull hair up to a 90 degree angle from the top of the head, choose the length you want it to be and cut. Then you would use the same technique the whole way around the head until you have cut every strand – this is called ‘round layering’. This is one of the first basic techniques that hairdressers are taught. There are so many different forms of layering now – hairdressers may use round, square and uniform. I often use a technique called ‘vertical layering’ because I find it removes weight and gives a soft effect. I recommend having your hair cut every six to eight weeks to ensure the layers are kept looking neat.”

Fringes, faces and warnings
“Layers work with all face shapes and hair types. You just need to adapt the length of the layers to the face and be careful with fine hair as layers can make hair appear thinner. [With] short layers, the fringe needs to be layered so it will blend. [With] medium layers, a longer fringe that’s level with the eyebrows and a soft texture to make it blend with the layers [are best]. Keeping a little more length on the side [also helps the fringe] to blend in. [With] long layers, the fringe needs to be longer. A sweeping fringe works well with a centre or side part. Long hair layers also look great with a full, strong, solid fringe, especially if you like to wear your hair up.”

Modern day icons
“For short layered hair Emma Watson has a beautiful cut. For mid-length layers I love Nicole Richie’s [cut] and strong fringe, as well as Heidi Klum’s current style. I can’t go past Gisele [BĂ¼ndchen], Elle [Macpherson] and Kim Kardashian for longer, perfectly layered, lush hair.”

Alternatives to layered locks
“[An alternative to layered hair is to] keep the hair solid or use graduation techniques. A good example of this is the graduated bob – think Victoria Beckham when she had her 'pob'. Today we use a combination of layering, graduation, texturising, slide cutting and point cutting.”

Styling layers
“I always work with a round brush and a paddle brush to give lots of fullness and smoothness through the hair. Sometimes with shorter hair you can just dry it with your fingers – this gives more texture and ensures the layers stand out. I tend to use a product like L’OrĂ©al Professionnel Play Ball Density Material as it helps to thicken and texturise shorter hair. When it comes to all-round great products for layered hair I always use a serum before blow waving or drying off as it gives a shiny end result. I recommend L'OrĂ©al Professionnel Play Ball Beach Fizz to provide texture. For more volume at the roots L’OrĂ©al Professionnel Tecni.Art Full Volume Extra mousse is great.”

The future of layered locks
“Dannii Minogue’s new short haircut (we call it the long pixie cut) will be really popular. Mid-length bob layered haircuts and long hair layers are still super on-trend. This season we are moving away from curls and the look is beautiful, soft, blow-waved hair with body and movement.”

Short Hairstyles: Which Work Best With Your Face Shape?

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin has a round face shape. This pixie looks great on her. Also, it doesn't add width to her face.Getty Images left by Michael Buckner, right by Frederick M. Brown

Almost every woman (with few exceptions) can wear short hair. The secret is finding the right cut for your face shape and hair texture. Here, I'll help you figure out which cuts suit you best.
First: Can You Get Away With Short Hair?If you have super curly hair, you may be better off with a longer hairstyle.

Which Styles Best Flatter Your Face Shape?Rule number one when choosing a short hairstyle: Choose a cut that flatters your face shape. Short cuts are popular because they make your features the center of attention. Here are a few tips that should help you:


If you have a square face, show off your strong jaw with a bob that hits you at the jawbone, like this cut on Christina Ricci. Make sure to ask your stylist for a "graduated bob" which is shorter in back and angles longer towards the front.

If you have a round face, consider a short cut that ends an inch or two below the jawbone and has a few long layers, like this long bob on Tori Spelling. I also love this pixie hairstyle on actress Ginnifer Goodwin.
Many women with long face shapes have a high forehead. Cover up your large forehead with blunt or side-swept bangs like these.For more information short hair and face shapes, check out my gallery of the best short hairstyles by face shape.

Which Short Styles Work With Your Hair Texture?Here are a few tips to consider when it comes to short hair and hair texture:

If you have straight, fine hair, you're in luck. A short hairstyle will be easy for you to maintain with little fuss. Invest in a good volumizer so your hair doesn't fall flat.
If you have wavy hair, you may require a blowdryer and flat iron on occasion, but many short styles look amazing naturally wavy (including the pixie!).

Coarse or curly hair? Reconsider your quest for short hair. Curly hair tends to frizz up when cut short and it can make hair too triangular. Coarse hair needs length to weigh it down. Try to stay a couple inches lower than the jaw.

Can You Get Away With a Bob?The bob continues to be one of the most trendy of hair styles of the moment. Almost everyone can wear a bob, except women with super curly hair. This style works best on straight hair but looks fantastic on naturally wavy hair as well. With the right hair cut, a bob will grow out nicely. I get my hair cut into a chin-length bob and the cut lasts me 3 months, saving me tons of money at the salon. Why? It grows out into the cutest long bob.

Want to Try a Short, Edgy Cut?When Rihanna went from blah and long to super short, the fashion world perked up. Soon, other celebrities followed suit. Edgy cuts make the most dramatic statement and symbolize strength. Pink's cut is one of the most popular haircuts on my site.

So who can get away with a punk cut? The key here lies in your personality and your hair texture. You've got to have a bit of edge in your dress and in your personality to pull off a funky cut, otherwise you can look like a woman with a really bad haircut. As for hair texture, if you see a cut you like, you should consider if your hair texture can handle it. Fine hair will fall flat without some products and curly hair will pouf up if cut too straight. Consult with a stylist before you commit to a funky cut.

Love the Pixie? So Do I. But Can You Wear it?Ahhh, the pixie. When Ginnifer Goodwin cut off her shoulder-length hair for the pixie (see her new cut here), it was big news on beauty blogs. Other celebs followed suit and now there are enough gorgeous pixie cuts for a few photo galleries.

Not everyone looks good in super-short hair, however. As a tall woman, I feel like I'd look like a pinhead with a pixie haircut, yet readers point out that Jamie Lee Curtis is tall and looks great with hers (see it here). Women who are petite look great with super-short cuts. Avoid this style if you are very overweight. You want more hair to balance out your body. It's also not a great look for women with long faces or super curly hair.

The Long Bob Works Great on All Face ShapesThe long bob, popularized by celebrities including Brooklyn Decker and Jennifer Aniston, is a trendy, flattering option for all face shapes.

Bobs make your features the center of attention. They look best on women with good bone structure and work on all hair types except super coarse and curly hair, which needs more length so as not to pouf out.

See photos of the long bob for more inspiration.
Consider Your MaintenanceNot all short haircuts are low maintenance. They're actually the hardest cuts to maintain, which is something to consider when getting your hair cut. You must get them trimmed every 6 weeks, they take styling products to keep them in check and you may have to invest in aflat-iron to keep waves at bay.
Short Hair by Hair ColorHere, we show off photo galleries of short hair cuts by color (black, blonde, brown and red).

Long hair after 40: A do or a don’t

This isn't actually me, but almost. Did I say that already? (That was for you, Kristi.)

… I’m starting to wonder.

First, I should admit that I turned 45 last month. I just didn’t want to write that in the headline. So the question really is … Is long hair after 45 a do or a don’t?

I’ve been trying to grow my hair out for the past three months or so because I want to put it in a sleek ponytail or a classy bun. So far my pony/bun is the size of a cottonball so I haven’t worn that look in public just yet.



A few observations about growing out my hair:

1. I look like a witch several minutes after blow drying it in the morning.

2. It’s taking FOREVER to grow less than an inch.

3. I’m not sure what to do with it during this “in-between stage” when I go to work and want to look somewhat professional.

4. My husband, who is a fan of long hair, says it looks good even though it doesn’t.

So, what do you think? Should I give up? Or do you have some long-hair advice that will save me from this fashion faux pas?

Short Hair vs. Long: What's Right for You


Never sure whether to crop your hair or grow it out? Marie Claire helps you decide on your best look based on everything from your facial features to your lifestyle. Then, check out the stars who've gone from ho-hum to H-O-T with a simple change of hairstyle.

Go Long if You... Are a wash-and-wear type.
Provided you're at peace with your hair's texture — that is, you don't spend hours blow-drying or curling — long locks can look great even when you don't have time to do more than shampoo and condition. And if your hair doesn't dry to your liking, you can always tie it back.



Have particularly pretty hair. "Bad, nasty hair worn long is unattractive, period," says star stylist Danilo, echoing a sentiment shared by all the stylists interviewed for this story.

Have thick curls. "This type is definitely sexier longer," says Hershberger. "The weight actually keeps it from puffing out," adds Lorraine Massey, co-owner of NYC's Devachan salon.

Have strong features — or a big body."Long hair softens a strong jawline and diminishes facial roundness," says Blandi. Similarly, long hair balances out your proportions if you're tall or big-boned (think Gabrielle Reece and Brooke Shields).

Want to look younger. Because women tend to go progressively shorter as they grow older, Oribe advises his 30- to 50-year-old clients to keep their hair on the longish side — at least around shoulder-length, which is universally flattering. "Why do what everyone else is doing and end up looking like an old lady before your time?" Keep in mind that if your hair quality isn't what it used to be, this advice may not hold true for you.

Go Short if You...Have small features.
"Anyone with a petite mouth and nose looks great with short hair," says Sally Hershberger, who famously took Meg Ryan short. That said, those secure enough to call attention to their less-than-perfect ears or nose can also pull it off. "Flaunting a quirk is very modern," says Oribe, Jennifer Lopez's mane man.

Don't mind maintenance.If your hair grows more than half an inch a month, you could end up in the stylist's seat as often as every four weeks to maintain your short look, says Oscar Blandi, who once cropped Katie Holmes's hair. Short hair also requires extra work on a daily basis, explains Oribe. "You need to be willing to 'do' your do every morning."

Want to project confidence."After a big haircut, most women get an entirely new attitude. It's empowering to get rid of all that hair. It's like finally putting away the security blanket," says Laurent D., the man responsible for shearing Sharon Stone.

Want a "look."While long hair is like black clothing — it's nice, but others forget about it the day after you've worn it — short hair is more like a red dress: a style statement that gets you noticed and remembered.

Like to play."If you like to change your color and texture often, short hair's a great option, since you can just cut off the damaged portions as it grows," notes Hershberger.

Advice for Women with Thinning Hair

If your part is expanding or the thickness of your ponytail is shrinking, you’re likely thinking (OK, panicking) that your hair is falling out, but that’s not always the case; thinning may be the culprit. “The diameter of the hair shaft diminishes as we get older,” explains Zoe Draelos, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. That means you may have the same number of follicles, but thinner individual strands will make it look like there’s less volume. (They’re also more prone to break, and since hair growth slows as you age, the damage becomes more obvious.)

Even if you do see extra hairs in your brush or in the shower drain, you don’t necessarily need to worry. Although 40 percent of women experience some hair loss by menopause, shedding around 100 strands a day is normal, reports Paul M. Friedman, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. If you seem to be losing more, see your doctor — the problem could be related to declining estrogen levels, an iron deficiency, or stress. Once these problems have been ruled out, a 2 percent minoxidil solution (available over the counter as Rogaine) is an option. “It’s the only clinically proven, FDA-approved treatment for female pattern baldness,” says Dr. Draelos. In the meantime, while you can’t permanently restore heft to the individual strands, there are plenty of ways to boost overall volume.
  • Start with a volumizing shampoo; look for ingredients like rice or wheat proteins, which thicken strands. Try Sally Hershberger Supreme Head Shampoo for Normal to Thin Hair  or Pureology PureVolume Shampoo .
  • Ditch the stiff, maximum-hold hairsprays — they can fracture the hair shaft when you brush them out. “The new ‘flexible’ versions are less likely to cause breakage,” says Dr. Draelos. We like Pantene Pro-V Classic Hairspray Flexible Hold ($4, drugstores) and Jonathan Finish Control High Shine Flexible Hairspray ($30, Sephora).
  • Avoid too-tight ponytails, teasing, or other styles that put excess tension on hair — you’ll just promote breakage, says Dr. Friedman.
  • Disguise sparse areas with CRC Concealing Color . For a fast, temporary fix, stipple the cream on with a brush to “blend” your scalp into your hair.
  • Keep in mind that dye or perming solutions penetrate thinner hair more rapidly, says Dr. Draelos. To avoid excess damage when touching up color at home, she recommends applying the dye just to the roots, and combing it through to the ends for only the last five minutes.

Prevent Thin Hair and Balding and Grow Hair with Natural Foods

(NaturalNews) People lose about one hundred hairs each day. Because hair is made of many nutrients, those nutrients need to be replenished in the body in order for hair to grow. Hair contains protein, fat, water, and carbohydrates. Foods to prevent hair loss can be found in oats, molasses, liver, and whole grains. Because water is comprised of water, it is important to stay hydrated to stimulate proper hair growth. Hair growth is conditioned on genetics. Hair loss increases with age, but proper nutrition can help prevent hair loss, thinning hair and balding.

SilicaSilica makes hair shiny and prevents hair from thinning. It is found naturally in oats, nettles and alfalfa. An easy way to add silica to the diet is by drinking nettle tea.

ProteinBecause it is a component of hair, protein deficiency can cause hair loss. This is especially true for vegetarians or those on a reduced protein diet. Add protein by adding meat or fermented soy products to the diet.

Molasses Grows HairThe Chinese have used molasses to grow hair. It can be used as a hair rinse or taken internally. To apply, add one spoon of molasses to a cup of warm water and massage into the hair. Make sure to completely cover the roots, as that is where the hair follicles stimulate hair growth. After a half an hour, rinse off and then shampoo as usual.

InositolInositol is one of the B vitamins and is found in organ foods such as liver and kidneys. Inositol is considered one of the main nutrients to spur hair growth and prevent balding.

Para-Aminobenzoic AcidPara-Aminobenzoic Acid, known by its abbreviation, PABA, is another B vitamin. Deficiency of PABA has been shown to cause hair to turn grey. Hair color can be returned by adding PABA to the diet. PABA and folic acid combine to help hair grow. PABA is found naturally in whole grains and yeast as well as in organ meats such as liver and kidney.

Herbs to Help Grow HairRosemary, thyme and lavender help grow hair and prevent hair thinning and balding. The essential oils can be massaged into the hair after shampooing. Herb tea made from these herbs can also help grow hair, but more indirectly.

Vitamin E Prevents Hair LossBecause vitamin E encourages circulation in the body and helps grow new blood vessels, vitamin E also grows hair. Research has shown that applying vitamin E to the hair follicles prevents hair loss and balding. To apply, open a capsule of vitamin E and massage into the scalp.

About the authorMelanie Grimes is a writer, award-winning screenwriter, medical journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University. She also teaches homeopathy at the Seattle School of Homeopathy and the American Homeopathic Medical College.
A trained homeopath, she is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, and has edited alternative and integrative medical journals for 15 years. She has taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA and authored medical textbooks.

Find Out Your Hair Density

Learn how to find out your hair density and how to take care of your hair according to your hair density type, thin or fine, medium or thick and coarse.

Density as well as texture plays an important role in choosing new haircuts and hairstyles. All you have to do is look at your strands and find out which category you belong to with these easy ways to identify your hair density.

The Ponytail Trick

In fact density refers to how much hair covers your head. Simply as it is! Density is a visible quality, however there are people who are not sure whether their hair is thick, thin or medium. Do the following trick: tie your hair into a ponytail, use this method if your hair is medium or long. Use an elastic and see whether how many times it wraps around your ponytail - 3-4 or more times it's thin hair. - 2-3 times then it's medium. -1 time it's thick hair.

Sewing Needle Trick

Try to push one of your hair through a sewing needle, you'll see whether your hair is thick, thin or medium. If it's almost impossible to push it through, then you have thick hair. However if it's very easy then it's fine or thin. You'll see if it is only a bit difficult to do it, then you have medium density hair. Experiment with it! THIN HAIR - Thin or fine hair can look very weak, flat and lifeless at times. That's why it requires more styling and effective styling tools. Your scalp is easily visible, then you have thin hair. It is hard to curl it or add some volume to it, since it won't take the shape you desire. Use some products specifically designed for fine hair since it is very prone to become greasy, lay flat on the head loosing its shape and volume. MEDIUM HAIR - This hair density is closer to finer hair since you can have both straight and curly hair. People with medium hair density have more volume at the top which tends to decrease towards the tips. You'll scalp won't be so visible, however your strands are still prone to breakage and become oily. This is the most common type of hair it offers endless options for styling. This is called a normal density due to its flexibility. THICK HAIR - This hair density needs a lot of styling and conditioning. If your hair looks frizzy after washing it is definitely thick. In general wavy and curly hair falls into this category, you have to take care of it by deep conditioning regularly. Use some hot oil treatments and hair masks to keep your strands healthy.

FALL HAIR TRENDS

PERFECT PONYTAILS

Ponytails this season, no matter if they’re high or low, are perfectly precise and chic and not that gym-wearing pony you’ve been trying to pass off as fashionable. Put some effort and styling into the look. It will only take two minutes and you’ll look like you just stepped off the runway and not out of a KatMoJAM class. First, prep your hair with a light serum to add shine. Pull hair back using a flat brush to get hair smooth. Secure with a band. Next, take a lightweight hairspray and spray lightly, To smooth down the surface and prevent those pesky bumps, spray hairspray onto a clean toothbrush (or a small hard bristle brush) and run it over the surface of your pony tail. Yes, you just kicked those annoying little flyaways to the curb.




BANGS

If you’ve got ‘em, flaunt ‘em. Bangs are the ultimate hair accessory this season. Whether they’re full and square, short and rounded or just swept to the side, bangs frame the face and accentuate the eyes. When styling, start drying the bangs first and remember to use the nozzle attachment on your blow-dryer. The key to getting the perfect style is by directing the airflow straight down from the root . Using a vent or denman brush and brushing side to side will keep them sleek and prevent you from looking like you’re seven-years-old again and your mother just cut your fringe with some kitchen shears. No bangs? No worries! Go commitment-free and use clip-in textured bangs from LUXHAIR™. They are simple to use and come in a variety of shades.




BLONDES

It’s time to say good-bye to flaxen and golden hues and hello to cooler, icy blondes and creamy white highlights. Now that the seasons are changing and your summer bronze-y glow is slowly fading, it’s important for all you blondes to adjust your hair color to complement your skin color. If icy and white is too extreme for your eye color and skin tone, then go more beige-y or even a little ash-y. Trust your colorist and let them determine what’s best for you. And don’t forget to maintain the look. Make sure you’re seeing your colorist on a regular basis, even if it is for a slight touch-up. Remember, when you stretch out your appointments the process if more intense and time consuming which results in a higher ticket price. Also look into shampoos that help neutralize the brass and keep you always looking cool.




HAIR ORNAMENTS

One thing I love about the fall hair trends is the increase in hair accessories. Beachy-waves go to the wayside and hair lovers get creative. From cosmic hairpins to ceremonial floral headpieces, adding a little embellishment is a very good thing this fall. NYFW is my go-to when it comes to inspiration and trends. I always see an endless amount of statement hair accessories turning up at multiple shows. They often share (and steal) the spotlight from their accompanying updos and styles. What do I love this season? Braided headbands, retro hair combs reminiscent of my grandmother’s style and extreme hardware like




BUNS, BRAIDS AND TWISTS

Whether braided around the crown, coiled half-back or knotted into an updo, hair is getting manipulated into a fresh, new direction this season. While some looks require an extra set of hands, others put a simple and attainable twist on the classics. Double fishtails and triple braids, much like the one I saw from Lucian Matis’ Toronto Fashion Week show, are taking plaits to the next level. My advice to you: practice makes perfect. Put down the iPhone and stop trolling your ex’s Facebook page. Grab some dry shampoo and start watching how-to videos. You’ll be surprised how simple some of these styles are to achieve.




PERFECTLY IMPERFECT TEXTURE

Your friend calls it bedhead, you call it beach hair, I call it fabulous and effortless. Imperfect texture catches the eye and leaves a statement. But you can’t get that seductively captivating coif without using great product. Word to the wise, invest in some dry shampoo or a sprayable root powder and some pomade. Dry shampoo or sprayable powder “dirties” up the hair and gives you instant playful texture. For the ends, rub a little pomade on your thumb and pointer finger and gently twist the ends of hair to keep texture waves in place





BOUFFANTS

Not the Amy Winehouse kind, think more vintage Sophia Loren. This is going to be a great style for fall brides who want to ditch the updos and go for something more dramatic. When looking for a point of reference, I recommend going through vintage magazines. I recently acquired a stack of vintage Elle magazines that are chock-full of inspiration and throwback! Remember this, classics never make a comeback. They wait for that perfect moment to take the spotlight from overdone, tired trends.




RICH CHOCOLATES, COOL REDS

You’re going to see a shift in color this season, especially in brunettes and reds. Color will go from less caramel to deep chocolate, less coppery to cool and slightly spicy crimson. During a color consultation, I like to reference food as a visual. Hot fudge and orange marmalade paint a clearer picture and helps prevent end results that leave you feeling unsatisfied.




BOBS
Bobs come in all forms; angled, modern, lobs, etc. The cut and styling options are endless. They key to pulling of the perfect bob is finding a look that complements your bone structure. If you have a more round face, then opt for a lob with side-swept bangs. If you have a longer neck and pronounced chin, then a modern bob with a blunt fringe will make your eyes pop! It’s also important your stylist is up-to-date on his or her education. Don’t be shy to ask questions and inquire about them furthering their craft. If they haven’t taken a class in the past two years, then it’s time to find someone new.





DEEP SIDE PARTS

The hottest look for a night out is a deep side part. If that part is not at least three inches in length then start over. The wider the part, the more open your eyes appear. It is an alluring and seductive look that will keep your date’s attention the entire night. To get the most drama out of the part, I recommend using the highest point of your eyebrow as a point of reference. Using a fine-tooth comb, slowly draw your comb back from the crown to create the part. Once the part has been created, spray medium-hold hairspray onto a boar bristle brush and brush hair on both sides away from the part to set it. Next, spray hair all over with a lightweight hairspray. To add a little glimmer and reflection, use small amount of shine serum along the part line. The light will bounce of it and make your eyes sparkle.




Conditioning Your Hair Is An Important Part Of Hair Care



Tallk to your Montage Hair Studio stylist about getting more lift and body from your hair.

Hair as we all know is a very important part of our overall look. Good hair helps in creating a good appearance for ourselves which is essential in this fast moving world. No matter how much you take care of your face, taking care of your hair can makes a real difference.

If some small things are kept in mind then having beautiful hair could is of no problem. People neglect their hair when it comes to daily maintenance. Huge amounts of money is spent on taking care of our bodies and face.

It is very important that you use the proper conditioner for creating a beautiful look. It helps your hair tremendously as it bring out the shine and could actually help in making it one of the stunning beauties. One should always remember to condition your hair. Having one of our stylists here at Montage Hair Studio remove all your split ends can also give you a clean slate to work with in getting the health and vitality back into your hair.


The numbers of conditioners in the market place are in abundance. Talk to your stylist about what will work with your type of hair and which one they have personally seen improve the hair quality of their clients.

TIP: Avoid using the conditioner directly on your scalp. One should be using the conditioner on the tips of your hair and spread it evenly, avoiding your scalp.