Sunday, November 29, 2009

Haircutting tips!

Having hair cut is an excellent way to change an appearance, make someone feel different or younger, or simply keep up with the latest trends. However, by following the best hair cutting tips, you can be assured that you do not experience a bad haircut. Whether having a hairstylist cut your hair or doing it at home, you want to obviously, look your best.

The first hair cutting tip is that you need to work with a qualified stylist. The key is to work with someone that will not only lend their expertise, but also listen to your likes, dislikes, and concerns. One mistake that some stylists make is they try to sell a client on a particular style or cut, when all along, the client is clearly not impressed. If you go to a stylist and find yourself in this situation, remind yourself that you are not tied down to the chair and if he or she will not listen to you, then you can leave.

o ensure you get a good cut from a professional hairstylist every time, consider the following hair cutting tips.

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Always do your homework first, taking time to flip through magazines, or better yet, look at virtual hairstyling websites so you can take a photograph with you to the stylist. Not only will this help the individual have a much clearer picture of what you want, but also by printing off styles, you can take a few days to study them and narrow your choices down. You might even have a photograph of a friend that has the ideal cut.

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Ask friends and family that have hair you like where they go. Another option would be when visiting a salon for the first time, find the stylist whose hair you like and ask for the name of the person that does theirs. Typically, stylists in one salon will cut each other’s hair. This way, you can see the person’s work, which will give you much more confidence.

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One of the most important hair cutting tips to know is your hair type. You would be surprised just how many people have no idea much about their hair at all. Is your hair thin, thick, straight, and wavy, course, fine, and so on? This is important since not all hairstyles look good with all types of hair. If you are unsure, then stop by a salon and ask.

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Again, in addition to having good ideas of your own, you want to work with a professional that can make good recommendations based on your face shape, hair type, age, lifestyle, and color.

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Never feel pressured by any hairstylist. Whether you are visiting your local salon where haircuts are $10 or a high-end salon where you will pay $100, it does not matter. Keep in mind that you are the customer and this is your hair. Therefore, do not be uncomfortable sticking to your guns if you have your heart set on something specific.

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Ask a ton of questions. This is another important hair cutting tip in too many people overlook. You have the right to ask why the stylist suggests something to you. For example, if he or she tells you that you should wear wispy bangs or that you would look best with short hair, you should ask why. Perhaps he or she feels this would make your particular shape of face look even better, or it might be that there is no answer. If you are not given a viable reason for the suggestion, then again, stick with what you want.

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Take notes of what the stylists does. This way, if you love the haircut but end up going to another stylist for some reason, you will know the type of products used on your hair, the cutting style, and any special techniques used.

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Yet another hair cutting tip is to compromise with the stylist. Knowing what you want and standing up for that is fine but if it means missing an important recommendation from the stylist, then you could miss getting a great cut.

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One of the best ways to ensure you get a good haircut, every time, is to offer a good tip. Of course, if your hair were a mess, then you would not be required to tip 15% to 20%. However, if you like your hair and are pleased with the overall experience, when you tip, you can be sure that stylist will remember you the next time. Typically, that means he or she will go out of their way to make you a happy customer!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Everyday Hairstyles- Curly hair


Curly Hairstyles

Curls Curls Curls

Many straight-haired girls would love to have a head full of curls, and these days women are trading in their flat-irons for a hair diffuser to make the most of their naturally curly hairstyle.

Who has it?
A lot of actors are starting to wear their curly hairstyles au natural, such as Keri Russell from Felicity, Jane Krakowski from Ally McBeal, Julianna Margulies from ER, Sarah Jessica Parker from Sex in the City and the amazing Debra Messing from Will & Grace.

Who can wear it?
Curly hairstyles can be worn by anyone and everyone. If you've got curly hair and it tends to frizz, use a heavy-weight gel or a relaxing balm and let your hair dry naturally. If your hair doesn't frizz, use a smoothing serum and scrunch your hair using a diffuser. For women with straight hair there are so many products to use to get natural looking curls.

The Cut
Long hair is so much easier to curl. Layering unlocks natural wave so go for light layers to encourage bouncy ringlets. If you want to go for a short hairstyle, have a cut that will remove bulk while emphasizing the facial features.

The good news is that almost any hair length will curl.

Styling
There are so many ways to create curls. Using a diffuser will give the effect of loose, bouncy curls while a curling iron will allow you to choose the size of your ringlets or for a more textured curl, give the new triple barrel curling iron a try.

The bigger the curling iron the looser the curl.

Everyday hairstyles- Straight hair


Straight Hairstyles

BE STRAIGHT

Everybody loves poker-straight, sleek, high shine hairstyles.

Straight hair has a combination of different textures - coarse, medium and fine so when deciding on a hairstyle, ask your hairdresser about the different hairstyles that will suit your hair type.

Straight hair can be cut as a solid form with a blunt cut on the ends or graduated layers giving hair some texture around the face.

A versatile cut will make different straight hairstyles so much easier to create.

Try a lower layered bob with a long fringe (fine to medium), a short cut with plenty of choppy layers (fine to coarse) or a shoulder length style with face framing layers (fine to medium).

To achieve a smooth and shiny finish to coarse hair, try to work with a straightening balm, and blow-dry hair using a paddle brush and a straightening iron to eliminate frizz. Finish with a gloss spray to boost shine .

Straight hair can also be curled using hot rollers and hot tongs or by adding a few crimped sections to give a touch of texture to straight hairstyles.

Choose low maintenance , simple styling techniques for fuss free straight hairstyles.

Everyday hairstyles- Wavy hair


Wavy Hairstyles

Naturally Wavy Hair

It's natural for wavy hairstyles to dehydrate and frizz, but most of us are trying to control this by using the right hair products. Always choose hair products that control dehydration with the help of regular conditioning - maintenance is a must !

There are many hairstyles to choose, with the right consultation and hairdresser, and you should go for hairstyles that emphasis your features .


LAYERING EMPHASIS JUST THE RIGHT FEATURES!
Always dry hair naturally or diffuse dry the hair to enhance natural wave. Once dry, apply a touch of wax to the hairstyle.

Forget using brushes , for best results use an afro comb or your fingers to separate and coax the hair into place.
Remember, naturally wavy hairstyles can enhance body and will give hair a fun look.


6 TOP TIPS FOR WAVY HAIR
  • Forget using brushes.
  • Blow dry hair upside down with a hair diffuser.
  • Try using a styling wax to define and separate the curl.
  • Let hair dry naturally.
  • Use an afro comb or your fingers to separate and coax the hair into place.
  • If you're unsure how to get great results, ask a hairdresser to show you how.

Everyday hairstyles- long hairstyles


Long Hairstyles

GREAT LENGTHS

How many times have you said; " what am I going to do with my long hairstyle? "

Women, on average, spend 45 minutes everyday looking after their hairstyle.
  • Shampooing
  • Conditioning
  • Certainly styling
  • Wearing it up
  • Wearing it down
  • Coloring


Long hairstyles should have lots of natural texture, flirtatious flips and long loose layers whether your hairstyle is straight, wavy or curly.

A versatile cut that is layered all around can be achieved by using simple techniques. Razoring and slicing can be used around the perimeter of long hairstyles to give definition.

A one-length solid cut is also popular with a long hairstyle, as it's easy to put up or to be sleeked back into a ponytail that's practical.

By using a parting , you can totally change the look of long hairstyles. Wear it in the middle, side or at an angle and you would be surprised at how much your appearance can change. These days partings are becoming a fashion accessory.

Apply styling products and blow-dry hair with a large round brush or paddle brush to accentuate layers around the face . Try using a flat-iron to achieve that smooth texture.

If you have a long hairstyle, it's best to take care of it or don't have it at all.

Long hairstyles take a while to grow, so if you haven't got the patience and time, try extensions.

Everyday hairstyles- Medium length hair



Medium Hairstyles

Be Versatile!

More than ever, women want to renew their outlook and find fresh ways of individual expression when it comes to their hairstyle.

This is where a medium length hairstyle takes place!

Medium length hairstyles, or as some hairdresser's like to call them, mid-length, in-between hairstyles and shoulder length have many great qualities such as:
  • Countless interchangeable styles.
  • Hair that creates volume and movement.


There are many subtle ways to make a mid-length bob beautiful either straight, wavy or curly.

Straight hairstyles need to be textured, and giving the hair face-framing layers will enhance a softer look. Razoring or lightly chipping the ends will make the hairstyle more creative. A light styling product is applied and hair is blow-dried towards the face to accentuate the layers.

Wavy and Curly hairstyles need to be kept layered to add definition to the hairstyle. Try using styling products to tame your hair and let it dry naturally.

There are many ways to change your hairstyle, like adding a fringe , which can change the way you look , giving your face a different dimension.

With a few styling tricks you can transform a medium hairstyle into a variety of night time hairstyles by wearing it up or wearing it down.

Take some time out for your hairstyle - enjoy it and get great results.

Everyday hairstyles- Short hair



Short Hairstyles

The Virtual Hairstyler offers you a risk free way of seeing which short hairstyles suit your face shape before you get a haircut!

Are you thinking of cutting your hair short, but don't know which short hairstyles are ideal for you? Are you frightened that maybe you won't like your new short hairstyle, and it will be too late to change it?

Well you are not alone!

Everyday we have many people contacting us to say how they used their uploaded photo to find a short hair cut from our short hairstyles library and finally took the big step. And guess what? They all wish they had done it sooner!

Dreadlocks


Dreadlocks have always been a favorite of mine, not only for their funky look, but also for the super low maintenance a hairstyle with dreadlocks brings. So for a stylin' look that would suit most people, why not try some on with the virtual hairstyler.

There are several methods to start dreadlocks:

  • Wool Rubbing
  • Dread Perming
  • Twisting
  • Backcombing

Shampoos and Waxes

Many people with dreadlocks think the best way to wear this hairstyle is not to wash your hair.

Dreadlocked hair needs to be washed regularly.
Wash dreadlocks just as you would wash a sponge, by working the soap in and then squeezing and rinsing repeatedly to get all the soap out.

To keep a dreadlocked hairstyle in top shape, use a shampoo or soap that is free from residue, and when applying wax to your braids, make sure you use small amounts and thoroughly coat the hair. It is also recommended that you use waxes that don't contain petroleum.

Tams and Headbands
Are used for holding back dreads and can come in various sizes and colors.

Dreadlocks look terrific, all you have to do
is maintain them and keep them clean.

Hot New Hair Style Trends For 2009!

In 2009 hairstyles are taking a trip down memory lane. With 1940s retro fashion being popular, this is reflected in hairstyling. On the catwalks have been seen much sophistication, as per that era, with sleek updos and kinks abounding. These styles take some work and hair products of course, but if spending time on your hairdo is not your thing, do not worry, as at the other end of the 2009 hairstyle spectrum, is bedhead hair, with fluffy curls, looking unkempt, even a little punky, being just as a la mode! As usual there is something to suit everyone, whether you have long hair, short hair, are male or female, curly or straight. Blunt fringes, side sweeps and layers are ever popular as is the bob, but this year, short short crops are making a big come back, as is the color red, from deep copper tones to more pinky red colors, 2009 looks like it will be bright. If you can not bear to part with your long locks, then wearing it up in a pony tail will do, see some great ideas below. Hair accessories add a special something to every style this year, so choose something sparkly or plastic, it will update your style with very little effort!

2009 Hairstyles - Blonde





If you want to be a blonde, then in 2009 the way to go is to use an overlaying multi mix of shades within a tonal family, rather than a flat shallow blonde. A full head of blonde hair looks great, but use multi toned highlights to give it the modern 2009 hairstyle look. Roots need not be a problem, as with Alice bands still fashionable, when the roots start to show, they can be hidden beneath an Alice Band, giving you some extra time before a touch up. Golden and ash blondes look great, remember to find complimentary make up shades and color maintenance products to keep it in tip top condition. Gwneth Paltrow is a good example of how blonde hair in 2009 can look!

Pony Tails





If you want to keep your hair long, but also want to show off your beautiful face to it's full glory, then a pny tail is the answer. Giving a cropped hair effect, pony tails are practical and stylish. Dress up the pony tail with hair accessories such as sparkling grips, even feathers and plastic alice bands. This years pony tails are more than just scraped back hair, the actual pony tail should be scrunched or crimped for a full bodied textured look. Half pony tails also look cute and are fashionable in 2009, as worn by Cate Blanchett, easy to style, just as it sounds, tie back half the hair, leaving lots of soft strands, for a less severe form of updo.

2009 Hairstyles - Mid Length


If you are growing out short hair and are at that mid length stage, there are plenty of options to look stylish in 2009. Mid length is also a good compromise for femininity, without the hassle of keeping long long tresses pristine. Sleek and sophisticated, like Paris Hilton, or kooky and cool, tousled a la Alexa Chung. Mid length styles are great when growing out shorter styles and can be versatile as well. Wear up for cropped effect or loose and volumised for a feminine look. A fringe adds some edginess to a mid length hairstyle, Kate Moss is a good example of a nice 2009 mid length hairstyle.

2009 Hairstyles - Quiffs


Rock n Roll! Do we need say more? No self respecting rock chick would be complete without sporting the occasional quiff. Made popular by Elvis way back when, but no longer tied to the male domain, quiffs can add height and an element of glamour and style to both short and long hairstyles. Practical short styles can be properly glammed up for the evening, with just a touch of styling into a quiff and long hair also can be tied back with the front part quiffed for a very fashionable evening look. Dramatic and trendy, quiffs are definitely all the rage in 2009

2009 Hairstyles - Waves




Waves add movement to an otherwise static hairstyles. Leighton Meester has waves in her hair this year and you can add kinks with straightning irons or boost natural kinks with salt spray to make boho waves. Keep wavy hair in check with styling products like serum and shine spray, and in 2009 the trend is for waves in the bottom section of hair, keeping the top section smooth and straight.

2009 Hairstyles - Curls


Curls are cute and corkscrew or big and bouncy, fluffy curls are back and as mousse can make curls crispy, style with cremes and serum instead. This season there is a moving away from dishevelled curls, towards more groomed, luscious looking curls. More glamourous with a retro 1940s feel, with the top section groomed and luxe, whilst the bottom section curls tumble freely and naturally.

2009 Hairstyles - Sleek


Get a mirror like shine using serum for slicked back hairstyles in 2009. Retro sleek looks are in, such as worn by forties starlets and they were sleek and neat with a glossy finish, as glossy as the mags they appeared in. To add extra height to an otherwise sleek hairstyle, back comb the roots for extra height beneath and then smooth on serum for a sleek surface finish.

2009 Hairstyles - Kinks


Kink the ends of super sleek styles to add a touch of the latest look to your hairstyle. For inspiration see Gwyneth Paltrow in our 2009 hairstyle gallery. Kinks are easy to add if you have hot irons or curling tongs, just tweak the ends of your style to give a flattering touch of interest to otherwise plain styles.

2009 hairstyles- Dark


Think of the dark and brooding Angelina Jolie, as a great example of dark tones this season. Aubergine and deep chocolate rather than raven black, are what you should be aiming for. Dark hair looks great with lots of shine, and so a serum and shine spray are must haves to give your hair a really healthy shine. Some brunettes swear by a beer rinse of their hair to give that extra shine, but here at hairstylezone, we reccommend a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a good quality shampoo and conditioner to achieve the same this year.

Short hairstyles- Layers


Layers are suitable for everyone, cut into the mid section of long hair they give volume, added to ends of hair give a sleeker finish and layers are an easy way to update tresses. One length hair is notoriously difficult to wear, layers are usually more flattering, framing a face and making you look a little more edgy. Layers also add volume, think of Jennifer Aniston and the "Rachel" cut! You can create a variety of effects using layers, just ask your hair dresser. Layers are the easiest way to update your hairstyle, whether it is long or short, layers give you a more modern look.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hair colors - The color red

Warm, hot, vibrant and rich, red tones and highlights are very popular for hair color this year. A red streak or a full head of light reddish pink tones, look great and fun and add glamor to any hairstyle look. Red fades the fastest of all hair colors, make sure you use color maintenance products, to keep that shade at it's best. Also if red is new for you, do not forget that you may need to change your make up colors as well, as red hair calls for neutral tones, such as gold, chestnut, camel, beige, honey, terra cotta, russet and raisin. Smokey eyes particularly compliment red hair.