Posts tagged hair

The Ombre Way

There was a time when showing one’s roots–those of hair–was condemned and tacky.  It was obvious the girl with two-toned, uneven hair color was in desperate need of a hair appointment.  But now, having two hair colors, conspicuously defined, has become one, if not the hair trend of the season. Celebs, models, and fashion icons are flocking to ombre hair, particularly brown roots and blond ends.  While I was initially hesitant about this new trend, as I’ve always liked the idea of evenly colored hair, I’ve begun to like the look and have even considered it.  For those of you interested, there are two ways to achieve this look.  Firstly, if one prefers a natural approach, simply wear a hat in the sun, so that the roots are covered and the ends are exposed.  This will obviously take time and sun, so one must be patient and in a sunny location.  However, if one prefers to go the salon route, get the roots darkened–or if they are already dark, let them be–and lighten the tips with a golden or caramel brown hue.  The benefit of the ombre hair look is that one can save money and time on hair, and don’t we all want that?  No more regular trips to and credit card swipes at the salon.

 

Drew Barrymore ombre hair

Emily Blunt ombre hair

Alexa Chung ombre hair

Rachel Bilson ombre hair

Jessica Biel ombre hair

 

While I’m still on the fence, albeit close to the ombre hair color side, I am certainly excited at the prospect of an economical, low-maintenance approach to hair.

 

ghd Stylers

One of the things I always believe in is that you get what you pay for in everything from cosmetics, clothing, shoes, hair products and stylers. Recently ghd gold series stylers came to my attention and now that I know more about them I’m aching to use one.
Ghd (acronym for “good hair day”) has been around for a decade with styling tools that made waves in the hair industry. Fast forward to today and you will find the gold series styler which is a more advanced take on the classic ghd styler.  The professional gold styler uses ghd’s latest heat technology. With a rounded barrel to create gorgeous curls, waves or flicks, as well as perfect straight styles for all hair types.

 

ghd_pic

As I mentioned before, I haven’t tried the styler personally so I checked several sites to browse through their reviews and with hundreds of reviews these stylers consistently receive 4 to 5 stars; in spite of the fact that they’re not on the cheap side since each one costs over $200.
You can purchase ghd stylers at Sephora or selected salons, but if you want an extra kick, check out their limited collection Iconic Eras of Style, exclusively on their website.

 

Boho Chic
Sleeping Beauty woke up in the Boho seventies when parties were wild but the hair was relaxed.

boho_chic

ghd_boho_chic_limited_edition

Glamour
Sleeping Beauty woke up in the fifties, when locks were as glamorous as the frocks.

glamour

ghd_glamour_limited_edition

New Wave
Sleeping Beauty woke up in the eighties, when the new wave was big but the hair was bigger.

new_wave

ghd_new_wave_limited_edition

Each collection contains:

  • ghd Gold Professional styler
  • Protective Plate guard
  • Heat resistant Iconic Era inspired styler bag
  • Two ghd sectioning clips
  • get-the-look book

 

Fine Featherheads

A new trend that’s catching steam is adding feather extensions to your hair. In several local festivals I’ve seen booths offering feather bundles, but most of the time they’re offering the thick, straight feather you would most likely use for crafting. Which can look dramatic since those are normally thicker, but the ones I’m in love with are Fine Featherheads.

 

ff_logo

This is one of those things that spreads like wildfire, a co-worker got them and within weeks, me, her sister and her best friend got them as well and we all love them. I used to dye my hair black and now I’m waiting to outgrow the dye and be able to add other colors to my hair. Using the feathers has been great, it gives me the hint of color I’ve been craving.

 

What makes these different from normal feathers is that they can be brushed, blow-dried, straightened or curled to match your hairstyle. The site Photo Gallery has great pics of real women, kids, dogs and one guy with their extensions

 

fine featherheads

There are different types of Featherheads and the price will vary depending on which extension you choose.
Original Featherheads – Seven feathers pre-bundled together and bonded at the tip.

Wispers – Individual feathers for a small statement, which can be combined in a bundle of 3 or more.

Accents – These have the look of a traditional feather for a bigger impact.

 

Because I was unsure if I would like them I went for a subtle look I could easily hide for work meetings, but next time I’m going for the Original Featherheads. When you make your appointment, check with the hair stylist first to see which colors or types she or he has to offer. The website offers a list of Local Providers. The following is a clip where I show you my friend’s, and my own extensions.

 

Update to this post. I just saw on Sephora’s site the Sultra Feathers, which are do-it-yourself clip-ons. Great concept, saves you a trip to the hair saloon and you can take them off whenever you want.

 

And one more update to this post. Now that feather extensions have become so popular it has come to the blogosphere attention the possible mistreatment of animals, mainly roosters, for their feathers. Fine Featherheads posted this information on their blog “Where do Fine Featherheads’ feathers come from.”

Project Ethos in San Francisco

Project Ethos Successfully Launched in San Francisco

Local Industry and Consumers experience Fashion, Music and Art under one roof

San Francisco, CA – Ruby Skye played host to over 600 bay-city attendees on hand to witness the largest display of local fashion, music and art on record Thursday night, April 14th.

Project Ethos filled the multi-story venue with a dynamic array of talent. Entering the venue revealed that this was no average night with a 50 foot long white runway and large projector screen displaying custom graphics, a live band set up, nine local artists on display, a brightly lit red carpet and press banner, Carlton Hair booth with free goodie bags, vitaminwater zero™ bar, photo station and a Meet and Greet with the participants sponsored by Absolut vodka with cupcakes by That Takes the Cake.

Carlton Hair Experience Winner Elena Dvorochkin hit the red carpet with three lucky friends looking glamorous from receiving VIP treatment at a local Carlton Hair Salon. After being escorted past the red carpet for photos, Elena, her newly made-over straightened locks and the whole group were treated to bottle service compliments of Absolut, a sponsor of Project Ethos. Prior to the event Elena exclaimed, “As a working artists myself, the juxtaposition of the influence between the genres is an interesting thing to witness. So, needless to say, I’m thrilled to get this awesome opportunity!” The melodic tones of the indie rock band Geographer swept through the venue before the fashion show as they played popular songs from their buzz worthy record “Animal Shapes.”

Geographer the band

Excitement grew as the fashion show commenced where garments presented as part of the “vitaminwater zero™ Flavor Fashionista Challenge” were presented as the last look by the five local emerging designers. The text-in votes resulted in the award going to custom swimsuit designer team Lucy Bea and Ashley Hayes (Lucy Bea Swimwear). Brand Manager Hayes stated, “Our flavor was vitaminwater zero™ Rhythm. We were inspired by the vibrant green color. We wanted to capture that summer color and incoroporate movement to translate the upbeat feel of our pieces which is why the ruffles on the bikini were the centerpiece.” When asked what it meant to Lucy Bea Swimwear to win a $3,000 prize of their choice she replied with great enthusiasm, “It’s so exciting! We’re still new and we were competing against designers who were more established so we weren’t expecting it but it inspires us to keep moving towards our goal.” After the fashion show the crowd was ready to party to a DJ set by the Limousines.

Many local members of the industry attended the lively event including buyers from stores such as Cranberry Boutique and Fiat Lux and curators from local Gallery Hijinks and Modern Eden.

Cardiwrap by Kevin Sam

Frederick's of Hollywood Swimwear by Kevin Sam

Zoe Hong by Kevin Sam

Project ETHOS produces red carpet events showcasing all emerging Millennial Generation forms of creativity in one house, on one night. By merging fashion, music, and art concurrently, Project Ethos brings into existence a unique avenue for artists. The goal is to give opportunity for featured participants, as well as arrange a truly invigorating experience for an attendee.

*Images by Kevin Sam. Story by Brianne Bear.

 

All Girls Are Princesses

Every girl loves the idea of wearing a crown; whether it’s adjoined in jewels or flowers the thought always brings up fairy tale endings, which have stuck with me for years. Yesterday I desperately needed a break from my homework and decided to embrace the little girl in me by making a floral crown of my very own (click here for instructions how). It was a quick and easy project which turned out to be the absolute perfect afternoon getaway. Clearly it doesn’t take much to make me happy, and as one of my all time favorite icons once said, “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”- Marilyn Monroe

What’s your fall hair color going to be?

Now that the midst of fall is here, our wardrobes probably resemble more layers, boots, and chunky sweaters. But, what’s going on with your hair color, have you switched it up from your glistening summer highlights? Every fall I tend to go darker. In fact, one fall a few years ago, I went dark brown to the point my coworkers didn’t recognize me. I went from being a dark blond with highlights to chestnut brown.  A little out of my comfort zone – yes, but that’s what I wanted at the time.  It was a little too dramatic so now I’m sticking a little closer to what’s natural.  Dark rich mahogany tones really accent the hues of fall and tend to complement the faded once sun-kissed glow our faces recently had. Going dark is great and all but, we’re all unique and one color might look great on one person but may wash out and not quite fit another.

  

Choosing color: How do you pick the most flattering color that looks most natural for you? I found an article on Elle.com that helped me figure this out. Stylists can help answer this question too but it’s always nice to have an idea on your own.  Celebrity hair pro Lorri Goddard-Clark, colorist to Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon suggests looking into your eyes. If you look into your eyes you will see little flecks. If they are golden or yellow, a natural match would be warmer hair colors. If they are bluer or deep bluish black then a natural match would be neutral or cooler tones. To enhance your skin tone, never go more than two shades lighter or darker—this guarantees that you won’t fade or wash away your natural beauty.

Good Housekeeping voted best at-home hair color

At-Home Kits: I’ve heard good and bad things about at-home hair coloring kits. Goddard-Clark suggests going for a look close to your natural color. If you have naturally light brown hair and want some pale honey highlights—DIY kits are fine. But if you want highlights more than two or three shades lighter than your natural color you should see a professional.

Color upkeep:  How often should you revamp your color? I think 6 to 8 weeks is pretty coming to do some updating. There are some great shampoos out there, one of which we’ve seen on Stylebust before, MorroccanOil. My hair tends to fade fast so I’ve used it along with many others. That’s what happens when you’re a product junky. These work, I just like variety! Here are some products I’ve work with…of course MorroccanOil. It’s sulfate free so it’s great for color treated hair. What I appreciate is that it restores shine and softness to dull lifeless hair. Another great product is use is Aveda’s Color Conserve. It really has proven to help the color last longer and makes hair soft and manageable all day.  

 

Sport Shinny Hair

When I’m asked to style a model’s hair or coif a bride’s updo I look to products that can offer her sleek grooming, fierce HOLD and mahhh-jor shine! Three indispensable styling tools I go to are: Mason Pearson Brush, L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, and Moroccan Oil.

Mason Pearson Brush

You remember sitting at the vanity mirror watching your mother brush her hair, if she was anything like my mom she’d brush endlessly back & forth; some nights we would even count the strokes. It’s not surprising, “regular brushing is essential to the condition of your hair, it’s vital to your scalp and it increases blood flow to the roots therefore producing a healthy sheen and your styling aids don’t have to work as hard” – it’s that simple! Bottom line, the Mason Pearson Brush is uber popular because it rids us of “bad hair days”. This buttery tool was made in London, if you’re gonna discriminate you know the Brits know something about style…so no duh!, make this your cosmetic accessory.

image of Mason Pearson Boar Bristle and Nylon Brush

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray is a legend.

It has changed the hair game and the very reason for jaw dropping expressions. This gold can finds its way into all the top salons, hairstylist kits and bathroom cupboards. Only recent did the gold-can make a U.S. landing and boy were we clamouring for it. Why is it beloved, what’s the big frickin deal — because it holds like armour but can be easily brushed out in a matter of seconds, especially by your Mason Pearson Brush [shameless plug]; from there, you can be on-to-the-next STYLE! C’mon what hairspray allows you that kind of freedom? This spray is exceptional, the hair never looks stiff; price isn’t stiff either. Pick it up at your neighborhood Target, there’s even a mini size for the tepid shopper.

image of L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

Morocccan Oil

Unless your blind, we’ve all seen the orange & screaming turquoise blue label; it’s undeniable and it’s sweeping the beauty industry by storm. It’s all over Twitter too, Tweet-Tweet and have you gone to their website? If not, you should. This oil hydrates, calms and smoothes your tresses without heavy build up. Sure others have made the claim but this really works. Whether you need to control the fizz, protect your hair color, intensify your curl, OR hydrate & restore healthy hair this baby delivers!

What’s the base: “ARGAN OIL” – nothing more nourishing – there, I said it.

image of Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Products

Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream

Previously I wrote about Ojon, an amazing company and its signature product the Restorative Hair Treatment. I have used it for several months and I love the results on my damaged hair. So I set off to try more of Ojon’s products.

Ojon Product Line

Having my hair protected all day with a leave-in styling treatment was in my mind when I decided to try the Hydrating Styling Cream.

Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream

I had mixed feelings about this product. It smells great, especially for a product you will be wearing all day, it’s lightweight and even though it does eliminate the frizz, the hair doesn’t feel weighed down. The first time I used it was on my damp hair, I let it dry naturally and then started styling with my flat iron. I wasn’t very happy with the results, it didn’t quite give me a sleek look and I ended up wearing my hair in a French braid instead.

The second time I used it, I put it on my damp hair, let it air dry and just slightly combed it afterwards. The result was my hair in my natural slightly wavy hair, neither straight nor curly. But I have to admit there was no frizz in sight and there was no need to use additional products.

So I would recommend Ojon’s Hydrating Styling Cream on people with really curly hair or those lucky ones who don’t need to do too much styling on it.

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