Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Color Inspiration

Lazy gals, rejoice!!!

Despite generations of women walking around with outgrown highlights, in desperate need of a haircolor..... it just recently became a trend in Hollywood. How convenient!  You've probably seen it in magazines and on blogs, but they like to call it "sun-kissed ends" and "ombre" rather than simply saying "be lazy about getting your hair foiled."  I like to call it more of a Carrie Bradshaw effect (which all started... 14 years ago!).







I don't think anyone took this trend as seriously as party girl herself, Drew Barrymore.  Hers looks a bit more severe and not quite as pretty, wouldn't you agree?  (**update! Drew is now a redhead!!**)



And then there's Paz.


So.... what say you?  Do you like the trend? Hate the trend?  Any of the above pics you like more than the others?  I'd love to know what everyone thinks!

xoxo,
KM

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

How to style a swoopy side part/bang

Have you ever had a hairdresser do something to your hair while styling that usually mystifies you at home?  Getting volume, making the bangs cooperate, taming a cowlick, curling with a "flat iron?"  ASK!

I most often end up explaining how to get a good swoop out of a bang, especially where annoying cowlicks are concerned.  The trick is fairly easy!

1.  Make sure your hair is still fairly damp -- the more it dries in naturally, the harder it will be to counteract the natural growth patterns.  Wet it down if it appears too dry.

2.  Use product!  You need something (applied when wet) that hold all that work you put in when drying.  My go-to is Thickening Spray from Bumble -- it's a firm enough hold, but has no moisture to it so they won't look greasy.  And non-greasy will last you an extra day, too, since bangs are usually the spot that shows dirty hair the quickest.

3.  Take a paddle brush and your dryer and blowdry forward over your face.  But not just straight down, go side to side as well to really confuse those little growth patterns.  Using the brush will make sure that you're really getting down to the scalp to those little hairs that rule the cowlick.

4.  To get out curl (and this applies anywhere), get some tension while you're drying with either your hand (just pull it taut) or a brush with boar bristles.

5. Finish drying by blowing it in the direction you want it to live.  Add a little round brushing in if you wish for more volume or curl.

6.  I definitely recommend a shot of hairspray (aerosol is best) to keep things in place.  Hairspray can also help to fend off greasiness!  Since summer is coming (I hope?) I'm using Aveda Control Force, and Oribe Impermeable immediately after styling because they both have intense defense against humidity (and the curls and cowlicks that come rearing back as a result).

A side tip: if you have a problem with your bangs separating in an undesirable way, use a little soft backcombing under the bang section to hold everything together.  (Don't get carried away, or mall bangs may be in your future)

If any of this confuses you, just ask next time you're in!  I'd be happy to help you get those bangs under control!

xoxo,
KM