hair

How To Wear It: A Sexy Side Part

October 24, 2011 at 1:24 pm , by Nykia Spradley

The easiest/quickest/most affordable way to add oomph to your ‘do without doing anything drastic (i.e. cut and color) is to switch the position of your part—if it’s in the middle, move it to the side; if it’s on the right, move it to the left; etc. “Aside from the inherent chicness that side parts provide—think of a hat placed on your head with a tilt—side parts can actually provide balance to a client’s features,” says Jason Low, senior stylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in New York City. Side part curious? Here’s how to slice it.

If you have long hair…

A zig-zag part helps separate long hair and prevents it from looking flat, says Gerard Touroul, a stylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in New York City.

If you have an updo…

For chignons and fancy buns, backcomb the hair around the part and at the crown of your head, says Gerard. “Proportions play a big role with updo styles.”

If you have short hair…

Give your side part texture with a bit of pomade but don’t overdo it or else it will look too greasy, says Gerard.

P.S….

If you’re looking to try out a side part and are finding it a challenge (stupid cowlick!), you might need to train your roots. Here’s how: With damp hair, part your hair exactly where you want it to be. As you blowdry comb each side of the line, drying the roots into their new direction. “Working with hair is very similar to working with wax. You need heat and some manipulation to form a new shape. As it cools, it will adapt to its new form,” says Low. “The dampness in the beginning almost acts as a ‘reset’ button.”

 

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Having Hair Trouble? Rashida Jones and Dove Want to Help

October 10, 2011 at 1:36 pm , by Nykia Spradley

For many of us, bad hair days are far more common than the good ones. Yes, a sad sad truth. In an attempt to make light of the situation and to help with our hair woes, Actress Rashida Jones has teamed up with Dove as a part of their “Make Friends With Your Hair” campaign. If you’re in serious need of a hair transformation log onto DoveHair.com/Friends before October 19th and submit a 90 second video about your unpredictable hair. Three finalists will win a VIP trip to NYC and a hair transformation by celeb stylist Mark Townsend. America will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist to star in a Dove Hair TV ad!

If you’re in need of a little inspiration for your video check out Rashida’s hilarious outtakes from her Dove commercial.

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How to Wear It: Not Your Mother’s Ponytail

September 12, 2011 at 11:42 am , by Nykia Spradley

Stocking up on new school supplies—from shiny pens and mechanical pencils to completely revamped wardrobes—has become a Fall right of passage for children. But, why should the kiddies have all of the back-to-school fun? While you’re working on overhauling your own autumn wardrobe (FYI: peplum blazers, mustard hues, and polka dots are all the rage), don’t forget about your hair. Here is a grown-up ponytail style from celeb stylist David Lopez (his clients include the Glee cast—Heather Morris, Lea Michelle, and Diana Agron) to add to your autumn repertoire.

STEP 1: Prep your strands beforehand by applying a texture spray or mousse to the hair line and blowdry completely.  ”Don’t forget to blow dry the hair around the nape of your neck upwards towards the base,” says Lopez.

STEP 2: Gather all of your hair into a ponytail with a large paddle brush.  Use the top of your cheekbones as a guide to line the ponytail up and follow diagonally towards the crown.  ”I like to use a ‘wrap’ style ponytail holder but a snag free holder works just as well,” adds Lopez.  After securing your ponytail take a one inch section of hair and firmly wrap it around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic. This trick makes an otherwise sporty style look a bit more glam.

STEP 3: Use a large barrel curling iron and wrap large one inch sections to give the pony some bounce. A ponytail showcases the ends of your hair so smooth them with a light oil like Amika Obliphica Pure Oil too boost shine and definition.

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Great Lengths: A Hair Extensions Manual

August 29, 2011 at 1:08 pm , by Nykia Spradley

If there’s one topic that’s sure to spark intense convo here in the Ladies’ Lounge, it’s hair. A few months ago a discussion ensued on whether or not it’s possible to get quality looking hair extensions without the celebrity price tag. We went to the experts at The Greenroom, a salon in Boca Raton, Florida for some insight:

Q. What are our options when it comes to hair extensions?
The extension selection on the market today is quite diverse both in quality and price. There are many different extension options. Clip-in wefts and ponytails will probably be priced lower than individually bonded types. There are also extensions that use tape and small metal bonds that attach to the hair. Natural human hair will always be more expensive than synthetic hair in any of these options, but there is a lot of competition in the market today, and it is easier than ever to make the right choice an affordable one.

Q: Do clip-ons appear natural?
Clip-ins can appear very natural if applied properly. The trick is getting the right shade and making sure your own hair is long enough to camouflage and blend away the attachment site.

Q. What should be considered when choosing extensions?
I think the first thing to consider is your lifestyle. Are you someone that wants some added length or volume for special occasions or weekend fun? Or, do you want a more “permanent” solution for fine hair, or longer length for a great sexy beach look? Individually bonded extensions require regular home maintenance and care. So if you are a “wash ‘n go girl”, clip-ins might be a better solution for you.

Q: With clip-ons, is it better to get human hair or synthetic hair?
Human hair is always the best choice for any extension product. Natural hair will always have a more realistic feel and appearance than its synthetic counterpart. However, a synthetic piece can be used in a pinch, the key is matching the color and texture the best you can to your natural shade.

Q: What upkeep or maintenance is needed with extensions?
For bonded types of extensions the most important thing to remember is not to be afraid to brush them. Daily brushing from root to end with a soft bristle brush will eliminate tangling or matting and remove hairs that are naturally shed from the scalp each day. Also, keeping conditioner and oils off the root area will lower the possibility of extensions slipping out. Temporary pieces should be brushed and/or washed as needed.

Q: What’s worth spending money on?
If you plan to use a clip-in piece on a regular basis a human hair selection will always last longer and wear better over time. Human hair can also be glossed or highlighted to match your own hair if you decide to make changes to your color. If you only plan to use the piece on occasion, certainly look into synthetic options as well.

Q: Can extensions be styled with hot tools?
Human or natural hair extensions can be styled with hot tools. Always be mindful of the temperature of styling tools as they can always cause damage if held on the hair too long.

Q: Can you color treat them? If so, is this something you can do at home?
Natural hair extensions can be colored, but most come in such a wide array of colors that it isn’t necessary to color them. If the colors need to be enhanced or toned slightly, I would recommend consulting with a salon professional for guidance.

Q: How can you be sure to choose the right color? Any blending techniques?
On color treated hair I find that matching your extensions to fresh color will give you the best result. On both clip in pieces and bonded extensions I recommend placing the darkest shades toward the bottom and working lighter pieces toward the top for a more natural look.

Q: What should you look for when considering clip-in extensions? How many pieces do you typically need?
Look for pieces that match your hair texture and are not too bulky. Also, make sure the clips look securely attached to the weft and the seams look flat. The bigger the pieces are the more difficult they will be to hide.

Q. What’s the best way to make clip-ons look real?
A layered haircut gives the greatest blending opportunity. As for making them look real, proper placement across the back of the head (use the top of your ears as a guide) helps to create an invisible “seam”. Using smaller pieces for each side of the head will even out the fullness and give you a great finished look.

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Spring Showers Beauty Survival Guide

May 23, 2011 at 12:10 pm , by Nykia Spradley

As much as we’d like to believe that April showers have passed and May flowers have sprung, a glimpse outside quickly snaps us back to reality. With Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, only a week away we can only hope that these cloudy skies disappear, stat!

In the meantime it looks like we’ll have to brave another week of hair wrecking thunderstorms. Before succumbing to torrential downpours and even that highly annoying mist that neither an umbrella nor hood can save your hair from, here are a few quick solutions for rain-proofing your ‘do.

Joico Humidity Blocker Finishing Shield, $4.50
Naturally straight strands will benefit from this soft hold spray that will keep fly-aways at bay.

Organix Rejuvenating Cherry Blossom Ginseng Miracle Defrizzment Cream, $7
If you get caught in a downpour rub this cream into your damp hair to help prevent a poufy mess when it dries.

Aussie Aussome Volume Spray Gel, $4
Curls and precipitation are obvious archenemies, but a lightweight spray gel can calm coils and banish frizz without the crunchiness of heavier gels.

Goody Ouchless Headband, $3.29
Weather your hair is short, long, curly or straight, a cute headband instantly refines rain ravaged ‘dos.

How do you keep your hair tame on rainy days?

For more bad hair day solutions, check out these fix-it-fast tips.

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Travel Beauty Essentials

April 18, 2011 at 12:52 pm , by Nykia Spradley

Happy Monday, ladies! I’m the new associate beauty editor here at Ladies’ Home Journal and the newbie here in The Ladies’ Lounge. I’m really looking forward to sharing some of my beauty obsessions and expert recommended tips—and most importantly, hearing from you! I have a weakness for pretty packaging, skin secrets for perpetually clear skin, and any product that will help get me out of the door faster in the morning. For my first post I’d like to focus on something that I can’t seem to get off my mind…vacation. Enjoy!

After a pretty brutal winter, and a summer that won’t seem to come fast enough, I’m beyond ready for a getaway. Although warm days are right around the corner, I can’t stop thinking about blissful spring breaks. These days, a quick trip will more than suffice. It’s also a good time to put my streamlining packing skills to the test.

If a weekend escape from temperamental temperatures is on the horizon for you, you’ll want to pack light without forgetting your most important beauty essentials. Here are some of my favorite travel companions.

Sedu Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Styler Iron ($60, folica.com)
If my time away doesn’t include afternoon pool dips, I prefer to keep my strands straight. A mini flat iron takes up minimal space, but doles out enough heat to keep frizz at bay.

H. Gillerman Organics Natural Rest Travel Remedy ($48, hgillermanorganics.com)
Road trips and time zone shifts are a little less uncomfortable with this roll on blend of oils that help ease jet lag and travel uneasiness.

Japonesque Beauty Fixations Tinted Lip Conditioner ($5, beautybar.com)
It’s no secret that poor air circulations on airplanes can wreak havoc on our skin (yes, even in two hours). These dab and toss swabs are pretty genius—just snap, swipe, and trash the tips.

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes ($30, yesstocarrots.com)
Blueberries and Coconut helps wipe away the day’s stresses, for a quick refresh with age reversing benefits to boot.

Chris Notti Chain Reaction Sleep Mask ($20, bonanotti.com)
Let the world around you literally disappear by slipping on a sleep mask. Go ahead, treat yourself to some much-needed Z’s.

What are your beauty travel essentials?

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A Curly Girl’s Best Friend

August 12, 2010 at 12:02 pm , by Jennifer Castoro

My general method of styling my kinda-curly, kinda-wavy, straight-in-random-spots hair is to throw in some mousse, scrunch and go. I know I should diffuse it or use more products or do something more involved than washing it and sleeping on it, but I just don’t know where to start. (That’s me at right, with my “before” curls – sorta frizzy, kinda fluffy, a bit long and generally meh.) So when I got the chance to take a lesson in curly-hair management from the masters at the Ouidad salon in NYC, I was stoked. Most every other cut I’ve gotten has ended with a time-consuming and ultimately pointless blow-dry, in which the helpless stylist expends maximum effort getting my stubborn hair to lie flat and succeeds until I leave the salon, when it shrinks up until back to its normal state of pouf. But my talented and super-friendly stylist, Mirsada, styled my hair in glossy, bouncy swirls after the cut and taught me how to recreate the look at home, on my own (see the “after” by clicking on Read More, below). Ouidad’s philosophy is that you shouldn’t fight your curls, and I appreciated the lesson in curl-styling since no one’s actually done it that way before! (Aside from the hairdo I got for my prom, when I instructed the stylist to go curly and I left resembling Marie Antoinette.) Mirsada also sent me on my way with a step-by-step styling guide (complete with illustrations, in case I was really challenged) that all clients at Ouidad get, too. The process:

1. Wash (with gentle shampoo, since my curls aren’t coarse) and condition (with a daily conditioner). Easy!

2. Spray with botanical leave-in conditioner, so curls don’t frizz or tangle.

3. Apply frizz-busting gel to hair in four separate sections, one in back, one on each side of my head and one on top. Mirsada taught me the Ouidad rake-and-shake technique, which basically consists of coating the hair with gel, dividing it up with your fingers and wiggling it till the natural curl of your hair takes shape. (Check out the much-better description, with pictures, here.)

4. Scrunch hair with towel and air-dry naturally or use a diffuser to speed it up.

5. The next day (Ouidad recommends shampooing 2 to 3 times per week), refresh curls with leave-in spray.

Click through for the results…

Read more

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