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.