Do you love the way your hair looks?

Your hair is your biggest, best, and most permanent accessory. Love the way it looks! Last week, we posted about your 2013 hair goals. It is time to make a get-the-hair-you-want plan! The most popular hair goals are all about getting more volume, more shine, and more smoothness. Here is how:

 

Volume is sexy, and there is a way to get it. For this technique you will need a volumizing spray, a round brush, and large Velcro curls. Begin by applying the volumizing spray to damp hair. Use a round brush when you blow dry and pull the hair upward from the root (this part is key!).  While your hair is still warm from the blow-dry, section it off and wrap around the curlers. Allow it to cool in the curlers.  Once cool, remove the rollers and tease around the root. This will give you that extra voluminous oomph! Be sure to comb through with your fingers to finish off the look – so your locks have a gorgeous soft flow.

 

Frizz is smooth hair’s biggest enemy. So to get smooth hair, you must reduce frizz. The best way to reduce frizz is to lock in moisture. To get the smooth hair you have been after, you will need a moisturizing hair cream, moisturizing oil, and a round brush. Massage the cream into towel-dried hair before you blow-dry. Use the large round brush and point your hair dryer nozzle downward. Note: pointing the blow dryer in all different directions actually causes frizz because it lifts the hair cuticle. When you are finished, use the moisturizing oil on the ends of your hair. To be extra smooth, touch up your look with an anti-humidity hair spray.

 

Shiny hair turns heads. If it is that glossy look you are after, you will need shampoo and conditioner that is packed with vitamins and proteins. Tip: hair repair products tend to be packed with vitamins and proteins. After washing, use a leave in conditioner to protect against heat damage.  When you blow dry, you should also be pointing the nozzle down. To finish off, apply a shine enhancing spray.

 

With shine, volume, and smoothness you can love the way your hair looks!

What a Winter Wedding Means for Your Hairstyle

So you have chosen to have white winter wedding – congratulations! Now the question is what to do for your wedding hairstyle during the winter. One factor to consider is where most of the wedding, and wedding photos are taking place.

 

If most of your wedding and wedding photos will be taking place inside, wearing your hair down is a great option. Winter weather typically has very dry conditions, so be sure to use a product that will keep your wedding locks moisturized, soft, and shiny. Not sure weather to go up or down? Do both! Having half of your hair pulled up, allowing soft ringlets to escape down the back with create an elegant and soft look, while also showing off your face.

 

If your will have to stand up to any of the elements, an up-do may be the way to go. Up-dos are always a great choice, especially if your wedding is on the formal side. Consider a tight bun with a slight part in the front – it is classic and chic. Let a few curls escape to create a very romantic look.

 

The important thing to remember is that your final hairstyle should be able to hold through picture taking, any elements, dancing, and all the hugs you are bound to get! Winter weddings tend to be white, bright, and sparkly. Adding a jeweled barrette, a pearl hair clip, or small white flowers can help to create that perfect winter bride look.

The Best Bangs for Your Face Shape

Thinking about changing your look this season? Adding bangs can be a great way to go! Before taking the plunge, finding out what bangs will suit your face shape best is a good idea.

If your face is on the rounder side, consider a gentle arching fringe. If your face is round, it is likely you have softer features.  You want to be sure to avoid making your round face seem fuller. Asking for a more curved shape will actually flatter and bring out your cheekbones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Side bangs are perfect for a heart shaped face. The side swept bang tends to bring attention downwards to the eyes. If your face is heart shaped, the bangs should be layered and feathered. The shortest pieces should fall just barely on the arch of your eyebrows, and the longer outside piece should hit the corner of your eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have a square face, consider long eye-grazing bangs. Ask for them to be tapered on the sides, this will add a softer element to a square face shape. The key to these kinds of bangs is that they must hit in exactly the right spot. A good tip to master this is to ask your hairdresser to cut them just slightly below the brows with the heavier stronger pieces on the side (you don’t want them in the way of your eyes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be sure to choose bangs that accentuate your best facial features and you won’t go wrong!

How To Handle Bed Head

Going to bed with wet hair overnight doesn’t always give you glamorous results in the morning. The good news is there are a few ways to control that mane of bed head.

 

Sometimes overnight hair has a tendency to fall flat because of the way we are sleeping when it dries. To avoid this, apply a volumizing spray. This will help to make your hair look a little thicker. Next, pull your hair into a high ponytail and then twist into a loose bun. Note: if it is too tight it can prevent your hair from drying and can also lead to breakage. In the morning, take out your hair and use a finger comb – a brush can take out the volume you’ve created.

 

For some, bed head means frizz everywhere. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, giving your hair some time off from heat can do wonders for its health.  If morning frizz is a problem for you, a leave in conditioner is your best friend. Use a wide toothcomb to make sure the conditioner is evenly distributed. Divide your hair into three smaller sections. At the bottom of each section, create a pin curl. Do this by wrapping the ends up over two fingers (imagine there was a foam roller). Wrap all the way up to your roots and then secure with a hair clip to hold the curl in place.  Do this with all the hair sections. In the morning, remove the clips and lightly spray some water on your hair. This will get rid of morning static.

 

What Is In Your Hair Products?

Ever wonder what the deal with coconut oil is? Coconut oil contains vitamins E and K. These vitamins are often found in hair and skin products. Using coconut oil is actually like giving a huge gift to your hair. It is one of the most effective conditioners and helps in the regrowth of your hair.

The benefits of coconut oil are endless. It adds shine and body to your hair and has been proven to slow down hair loss. Regular use will keep your hair strong, nourished and create a more full look. The oil also provides extra protection from styling and environmental damages.

Moisture is the key to avoiding dry and weak hair. Coconut oil adds a layer that seals in moisture, which also contributes to a silky feel. Last but not least, coconut oil helps control dandruff.  The moisture that coconut oil provides prevents the build up of dry skin (which is the cause behind dandruff).  When using coconut oil be sure to use circular motions to scrub away dead skin.

Look for hair products that are made with coconut oil or better yet just pick up a bottle of the oil itself!

 

Having A Bad Bang Day?

We all have those days when our bangs drive us crazy. They may not be blow-drying just right, or you may not have time to wash and style them. There is good news. Here are some adorable ways to pin back your bangs:

If your bangs are usually swept to the side, try a side swept braid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your bangs just are not laying right,  try a side pompadour. This is a great way to get those bangs off your face!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are feeling stylish, try this simple twist down the side! It looks sophisticated yet takes less than three minutes to do!

 

Has Your Hair Taken On A Life Of Its Own?

Whether an unexpected rainstorm or a humid dry spell causes a frizzy mane, no gal wants to deal with a poof ball on her head!

There are three main causes of frizzy hair. One cause is having naturally curly hair. The second cause is due to styling, chemical and environmental damage. Ultimately, frizzy hair is the result of dehydration.

Want to eliminate frizz? Three words: Product, product, product. You must invest in quality hair products. Avoid oil-based conditioners. Use shampoos and conditioners with humectants; this will help bring moisture to your hair (Tip: leave the conditioner in a little longer than you usually do).  Additionally, you should use a serum to smooth out dry hair and control those fly-aways.

Trim your hair regularly. Split ends tend to make frizz even worse. By keeping the ends of your hair healthy and neat, you can reduce frizz.

Frankly, frizzy hair does not look good on anybody. Keeping it under control will do wonders for your appearance!

Brush Perfect

We know that different hair types require different products. The same logic goes for hairbrushes too. Using the right hairbrush will make it easier for you to style your hair. Improve your hair health by making sure you are using the right brush.

 

If you have thick hair that needs detangling:

Use a flat paddle brush. The wide surface area allows the paddle brush to easily glide through dense strands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have curls that need combing:

You have probably already discovered that taking a brush to natural curls gives you frizz! Use a comb with two sets of wide-spaced teeth instead. It won’t create frizz, and will keep your curls looking knot-free. Tip: comb your hair when it is yet and let it dry naturally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have fine hair that needs volume:

Your strands are fragile. Your goal is to create as much volume as possible when you blow-dry without damaging your hair. Use a round brush that has soft boar and nylon bristles. This type of brush will reduce tension and be gentle on your locks.

 

 

 

 

Hair Rescue!

We have all made an “oops!” when it comes to our hair. The good news is there are some quick fixes that can help your hair emergencies. Here is a list of easy solutions for hair problems you might run into!

Hair Emergency: You have cut your bangs too short.

Quick Fix:  Wearing your bangs to the side will make your bangs look longer than they actually are.  Use some light holding gel on your bangs, sweep them to the side, and blow dry. If you aren’t ready to leave your bangs down, you can always use a bobby head to pick them up off your forehead!

Hair Emergency: Your split ends are out of control.

Quick Fix: Split ends cannot be fixed without being cut off. The solution here is to prevent further damage. Minimize the stress put on your locks by avoiding vent brushes with plastic bristles. Additionally, you should shampoo every other day and use heat-styling protectant product.

Hair Emergency: Your hair is looking dull and dry.

Quick Fix: You need moisture! Consider using a leave-in conditioner. This will add moisture and will protect your hair from environmental damage.  Be on the lookout for products that contain hydrating botanicals.

Your Hair Care Diet

Treating your hair right isn’t only about what you put on those locks; it is about what you put in your body too! A well balanced diet full of protein and iron can promote growth.  Here are three healthy hair foods to incorporate into your diet:

 

Salmon is one of the healthiest foods for your hair. It is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and iron. Omega-3 fatty acids help support scalp health, which is essential to healthy hair.

 

Eating dark green vegetables can also do wonders for your hair. Spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard are all filled with vitamins A and C. Your body uses these vitamins to produce sebum (a very oily substance). The substance gets secreted by your hair follicles, and acts as the body’s natural hair conditioner. Additionally, dark green vegetables have high iron and calcium content, which enhances hair strength and hair growth.

 

Beans are good for your hair. They are full of biotin, iron, and zinc. These vitamins can help prevent your hair from appearing dry, brittle and damaged. It is a good idea to eat three or more cups of lentils or beans per week.

 

Remember that the foundation of all your hair growth is in the nutrients that you eat!