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Articles from ‘Hair Ideas’

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Update Your Look With New Bangs

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Want to change up your look without having to sacrifice you length? Adding fringe is a great way to do that. Fringe or bangs add so much versatility to a cut and can completely change your style while maintaining your long locks. Fringe comes in all different shapes and sizes to fit your face shape and facial features. Be sure to discuss this with your stylist as they may have some insight on what would best suit you.

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The straight across fringe is an all time favorite. Celebrities like Rachel Bilson are wearing this look a lot. Heavy fringe that covers or just meets the eyebrow is a great way to camouflage a big forehead. I love this look with straight or curly hair, long or short. This kind of fringe is best on those who have oval or oblong shaped faces. The sleek fringe adds a playfulness to any look. It is stylish and adorable. But be aware that these bangs are not for those of you who don’t have time for maintenance. This trendy look grows out rather quickly and can leave you with hair in your eyes. Many stylist will offer a complimentary bang trim in between haircuts. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask your stylist about their bang trim policy.

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For smaller foreheads, try an edgier look with very texturized and uneven fringe. I especially like this look with bob length hair. With the edginess of the fringe, the bob maintains an easy and feminine look that is still suitable for everyday wear. There are also many different variations to this look. Have fun with it. But again, make sure you discuss with your stylist what will be most accommodating to your face.

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Of course there is the ever popular, side swept fringe (see the first picture). This one suits just about everyone. Leave them long to blend with the layers around your face, shorter for a disconnected look or add a little flip to the end (think modern day Farrah Fawcett) for a wavy to curly hair style. These tend to be the most popular due to the fact that they are the easiest to maintain and look good on 99.9% of people.

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Guys, don’t feel left out. You too can have fringe. Men with fringe were a hot look this year on the runway. Heavy bangs with the longer styles are probably my favorite, but short, clean cut fringe is an awesome look for those that need to maintain a more professional look.

Step outside of the one length box and try adding some fringe. And remember to ask your stylist about in between haircut fringe trims.

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Bangs, Hair Ideas, Hair Styles, Trends

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Three New Looks for Men this Spring

How many of you guys want to stay a head of the trends with your hair but also need to keep a professional look for work? Have no fear, short trendy hair is here. And no, I am not talking about a fauxhawk. Here are some of my faves from this Spring’s Fashion Week.

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First off, is this slightly longer in the front look. Guys with bangs – I love it! Have your stylist add lots of texture with this look. Slicing out volume will create the different lengths that will allow you to have fun with this cut. Wear it forward and a little messy for a night out or comb it to the side a bit (side parts are back too) for a more business like look. For the mess look try Alterna’s Modeling Clay and for your professional look try a bit of Kevin Murphy’s Sticky Business. Dry your hair in the direction you would like it, apply preferred product and you are out the door.

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For you guys with a great natural texture to your hair, give this look a try. It works best on men that have a pretty consistent natural curl. This look is awesome and I love that the combed back and clean cut look is back with a bit of variation. Since wavy hair is usually thick hair, this cut will also require quite a bit of texture. Have your stylist leave some of the length on top and keep it clean, short and square in the back. I would choose a moose like Alterna’s Non Aerosol Moose for this look. Apply to damp hair and dry away from your face.

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This last look is great for the guys with fine, straight hair. The blunt bangs in front is a look that we haven’t seen too much for men lately. Simple to style and simple to ask for. Clean cut and low maintenance. Professional and trendy. This look will compliment a business suit as well as a t-shirt and jeans. Little to no product required!

These looks are straight off the runway guys- Get them while they are hot!!!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Hair Ideas, Men's Hair, Short Hair, Trends

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Ellie Goulding is Starry Eyed

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Ellie Goulding has become a music phenomena at the early age of 24 but actually started writing folk style songs on her guitar at the age of 15. Goulding’s debut album, entitled Lights, will be released this coming March. She already has a totally fun video out of her song,” Starry Eyes.” We wonder where that was shot- maybe a castle or chateau in Europe perhaps. Love it and that fish eye lense they use!

Ellie has recently taken the “quiff” hair style (that Gwen Stefani made popular a few years back) and put her own twist on it. Hers takes it into a more asymmetrical placement with the addition of some loose, modern waves on the remaining lengths of her hair.

Trying to achieve this look? Here are some tips!!!

  • Color: The haircolor on Ellie is a beautiful multi-dimensional light beige blond. This can be achieved in many ways by consulting your Emerson Salon stylist. The methods most likely used for this are multi-dimensional foil or balayage. This means that your stylist designs and places the appropriate concentration of highlights based on your aesthetic preferences, maintenance needs and coloring. Usually, this service will most likely involve bleach lighteners (with toning after) and some sort of balancing lowlight on the sides and underneath that is a minimum of 2 shades deeper.
  • Styling the Quiff: Your fringe area should be at least 4″ in length to achieve this look. Section off 1″ of hair parallel to the hairline at the top of the forehead with a clip after applying Sticky Business by Kevin Murphy to the hairline. Iron curl loosely the 2″ section that is parallel to the previous section. Back brush and back comb the second section lightly. Combine the two sections together by cushion brushing and hold above the head and spray with Working Spray. Twist this section 2 times and carefully move the height of the style towards one side or the other and bobby pin in place. Make sure all stray pieces/fly-aways are tucked into the style and pins are hidden on the interior of the quiff. Spray with Session Spray for firm hold.
  • Styling the Waves: On clean dry hair, use Spray Shine by Alterna lightly all over. Then in 2″ vertical sections, loosely iron curl the mid shaft to ends all over. Using a cushion brush, lightly brush the curls into large waves. Then spray with Working Spray by Alterna for touchable hold and movement.

For additional fun and glamor: Add star shaped hair pins to the style in reverence to the song! We love the stars she put on her palms for the video and thought why not use that inspiration for the hair as well? It could be the perfect way to dress up a day style into night. Have fun!

post by D’Arcy

TagsBalayage, Celebrity Hairstyles, D'Arcy Harrison, Hair Ideas, Music

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Carey Mulligan’s Retro Hair in An Education

The 2010 Oscar nominations were recently announced and one of the 10 films nominated this year for Best Picture is the much buzzed about film, An Education, starring Peter Sarsgard, Alfred Molina, and Carey Mulligan. Carey is also nominated in the best actress category for her role as 16 yr old Jenny.

This movie is set in the 1960’s and shows Jenny as she gets wrapped up in a new relationship with an older man as she travels to Paris. This film utilizes not only the arc of the script but in addition, changes in Carey’s hair. This visually shows the transformation of a girl into a woman as she is being swept up by her sophisticated 30 something lover (Sarsgard.)

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In the beginning of the movie, Jenny has simple 60’s teenager hair. Here is probably how it was achieved:

  • This hairstyle utilizes a medium length longer haircut with minimal texture/layers. The perimeter line is put in first (at the top of the shoulder blades), and then the layers in back are created by slightly elevating them at a 45 degree. Over direction of the front layers towards the previous layer in back creates a subtle texture when styled. Added to the style is a mod style blunt bang/fringe that is shaped around the brow line and upper cheek bones.
  • If your hair is not naturally this color you can consult with your Emerson Salon stylist to find the best shade/tone of dark reddish brown that looks best on you as well as one that fits in with your maintenance needs. People with a cool skin tone look best with orange based browns whereas warmer skin tones look best with neutral to more red violet browns.
  • To style: No hair setting required!!. Carey’s hair has minimal natural texture and can be mostly air dried with a leave in conditioner (try Leave in Luxury by Kevin Murphy). If you have natural wave or frizz: Rough dry 50% then add Morroccan Oil Styling Oil (about a nickels worth) to the mid shaft to ends. Then blow dry section by section from the nape up with a paddle or denman brush. Make sure to flat wrap the bangs around the head shape to avoid frizz and excessive bend. Flat iron all the ends and then spray lightly with Working Spray by Alterna Caviar. Scrunch the ends lightly for additional bounce.

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As Jenny “grows up” her hair styles mirror her experiences:

  • This hair style it is possible to use a shampoo set to create soft curl and bounce. This means using velcro rollers that are big enough to wrap the hair at least 1 1/2 times on mostly damp hair. A great setting lotion is Anti Gravity by Kevin Murphy which aids in fullness, hold and weightlessness. Make sure to comb the bangs down towards the eyebrows and clip lightly before drying.
  • Dry for 25 minutes with medium heat and cool for 5 minutes. Unwrap the hair and lightly finger separate the curls. Spray lightly with Working Spray.
  • To create this updo style you will need: Bobby pins and a hair elastic. Create a pony tail just below the crown area in back. Make sure to include the nape hair/flyaways in the ponytail with Sticky Business by Kevin Murphy and Working Spray by Alterna. Leave out the sides and bang areas.
  • Back brush on top (in front of the ponytail) to create soft height. Slowly work the side pieces and top into soft, loose bun curls with double back pinning. Use the heat of your hands/fingers to sculpt and shape the size and roundness of each section being pinned. Tip: Make sure not to create too much tension on the sides as Carey’s style is somewhat loose and soft going into the updo.
  • Make sure to look at all angles of the style in the mirror to troubleshoot/detail the symmetry and size of the updo with your face/headshape. Final step: Spray with Session Spray by Kevin Murphy for firm hold and Alterna Rapid Repair for soft picture worthy shine.

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We love using current movies and celebrity styles to excercise our styling expertise. Want us to do it for you? Come on in and we’ll give you a consultation and service that will suit you in every way!

post by D’Arcy

TagsCelebrity Hairstyles, D'Arcy Harrison, Hair Ideas, Movies, Women's Hair

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Hair From The Grammy’s: Jennifer Lopez & Hayley Williams

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Hayley looked amazing with her dress and hair combination. As Jocelyn Vena put it in her blog, Hayley Williams is the “a punk rock Audrey Hepburn”.

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Jennifer sported a 1970’s inspired hair do. BellaSugar has the lowdown on how to pull off the look.

First, apply Moroccanoil Treatment on wet locks and blow-dry until the hair is smooth, using a round brush to build volume. After making a center part, start curling. Use a one-inch iron, making sure you curl the hair downward in a spiral fashion. (Vetica started curling in the back of Jennifer’s hair, working his way to the front, lifting her hair away from her face in the process.) Next, break up the curl with your fingers and apply Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream for texture and hold. Finish off by brushing out the hair, backcombing underneath for even more fullness, and then spritzing on hair spray for shine and control. (BellaSugar)

TagsCelebrity Hairstyles, Hair Ideas, MoroccanOil

Friday, January 29th, 2010

The Runaways Takes Sundance

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One of the hottest flicks making the rounds at Sundance this year is a new movie showcasing the early careers of Joan Jett and Cherie Curie in their infamous band The Runaways. This movie stars Kristen Stewart (ie Bella from Twilight) and Dakota Fanning as you have never seen them. Amazingly the two actresses pull off the angsty teen rockstar personas incredibly well. Check out the trailer here:

Kristen and Dakota both went through pretty dramatic hair transformations to fill their roles.

First, lets see how Kristen’s hair as Joan Jett is achieved:

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Kristen got this hair color by choosing a natural black or blue black shade. If you are looking for a similar color, consider using a semi or demi-permanent because permanently applying darker tints can be problematic to remove or color correct. If going permanently black, be committed to keeping it for longer than 6 mos.

Kristen is sporting what we call “a shag.” By definition, The Shag Haircut is generally short, layered, with more layers at the crown of the head than below. This is also known as a concave haircut that eliminates length and bulk on top but leaves those elements around the perimeter. The version that Kristen has contains some customization. The basic line and shape can be created first with over-directed layers above the head shape. Then random texturizing techniques are used to create the chunky/pieceyness.

Some disconnection is involved to create height and funk to the crown. This means the the hair is not cut based on the head shape or previous layering system. It is simply lifted up 2-3 inches from the crown and cut straight across. The bangs are rounded above the eyebrows and razored for a punky look.

To style: Blowdry roughly until 50% dry. Add Kevin Murhpy’s Bodyguard lotion and dry roughly until 100% dry. Use Alterna’s sculpting putty on the mid shaft to ends and flat iron to eliminated frizz and create sleekness. Add extra putty to the crown for height and spray with Kevin Murphy Session Spray for firm hold. Tousle your hair and you are good to go!

Here is how Dakota’s hair as Cherie Curie is achieved:

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Dakota’s mid length hair looks likes its been lightened. She has naturally light hair so on her this was probably achieved using high lift tint which can be less damaging to hair than bleach lighteners. This process would be called a virgin going lighter color service.

This haircut is a simple layering system based off the head shape. The length is created first at the base of the neck or slightly below and the layering is brought in after. This means all the layers are elevated away from the skull generally between 50 to 90 degrees starting in the back of the head and moving slowly around toward the front. This creates softness and eliminates weight + length. Additional layering is added to the bangs once the desired length of bang is achieved. Some light texturing is involved to lighten density and create wispyness on the ends with texturizing shears.

To style: Rough dry 30% and add Kevin Murphy’s Anti gravity for oomph and volume. Round brush blowdry with a larger boar bristle to create sufficient tension on finer-medium textured hair-types. Do this section by section from the nape upwards. Once dry, turn on your flat iron and add Alterna’s Spray Shine for luminosity that won’t weight the hair down. Then heat style the ends and bangs with the appropriate flip out or under. Toss your hair upside down, then up, shake and spray lightly with Alterna Working Spray as you part and piece out the style.

These two styles are quintessential 70’s rock/glam style. We predict a resurgence of these looks on our streets once the movie is released. Can’t wait!!

post by D’Arcy

TagsCelebrity Hairstyles, D'Arcy Harrison, Extreme Hair, Hair Ideas, Movies

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Victoria Beckham Voted Most Iconic Hairstyle Of The Aughts

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From Elle Magazine
“The singer-turned-designer’s frenzy-inducing ‘Pob’ haircut has been voted most iconic hairstyle of the last decade in a new survey by Head&Shoulders. The biggest surprise? A massive 83% of you would like to see the style come back into fashion.”

Did anyone catch Victoria Beckham on American Idol? She looked amazing as always.

TagsCelebrity Hairstyles, Hair Ideas

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Nichole Richie’s New Brunette Locks

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Nicole Richie’s all grown up, with a family, her own jewelry line, the launch of her new fashion line and some new brunette locks. She has come a long way since her reality show “The Simple Life” with Paris Hilton. The new mom of two has come into her own over the last couple of years and what a difference it has made. She has found her own niche in the fashion world and is slowly but surely making an impact on style today.

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Even as a busy mom of daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, Nicole finds time to keep her look fresh and fashion forward. Giving me, a mom to be, and many others hope that we can still look hot post baby. Her new hair color is my favorite on her by far. It definitely compliments her skin tone and her bangs suit her face shape perfectly. Not only do the bangs look great on her, but they give the appearance of a style. You can easily leave your hair in it’s natural texture and just blow dry your bangs to give you a more finished look. A great trick for a girl on the go!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Celebrity Hairstyles, Hair Color, Hair Ideas, Women's Hair

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Christina Hendricks – Style Icon

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It is no surprise to me that “Mad Men” star Christina Hendricks (who plays Joan Holloway on the show) has taken the fashion world by storm. Her vintage style is sleek, chic and unique. She knows how to dress to suit her rocking curves. Her fiery red locks always seem to be the perfect compliment to any of her ensembles. When asked about who her style icons are, Christina has named Marilyn Monroe, Faye Dunaway and Janis Joplin. A very eclectic selection and it shows.

To achieve her look, apply a mousse (I like Alterna’s Non-Aerosol Mousse) to wet hair blow dry and curl with a big barrel curling iron. I particularly like to pin each curl as I go, spray and let set until I have finished the entire head. This will help prolong the body and shape. I then take down the curls and shake them out loosely, pinning and securing them with bobby pins. Here, Christina has added an adorable vintage hat, placed perfectly over her part, to compliment her style.

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Christina’s look can be affordable and easy to duplicate. A little black dress can be found at any budget and a little patience at a few vintage stores will find you the great accessories to change your look from ordinary to sleek, chic and unique!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Celebrity Hairstyles, Hair Ideas, Red Hair, Style

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Emma Watson’s New Burberry Ad Campaign

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Emma Watson is all grown up and looking stylish in Burberry’s Spring 2010 campaign. The British actress, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, is the poster girl for Burberry yet again. The young fashionista is turning heads with her signature blonde hair and fierce fashion sense. Costarring in the campaign is her younger brother, proving good looks run in the Watson family.

Emma is rocking some beautiful, golden brown locks, with some lighter pieces blended in a very natural looking texture. Her smokey eyes, give the actress a very sophisticated yet young appearance to go with the classic look of the Burberry collection.

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To achieve Emma’s look, ask your stylist about balyage. This is a technique in which the hair is highlighted or colored without using foils. The end result, is a very natural looking color with variation that blends evenly and naturally. Your stylist can then give you some face framing layers. Finally, to finish blow dry towards your face, using some volumizing spray and finish with a texturing glaze on the ends to give it a bit of separation.

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Celebrity Hairstyles, Hair Color, Hair Ideas, Women's Hair

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