Essential hair styling tools

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We all fall in to one of two categories when it comes to hair styling tools. We either have numerous drawers and cupboards overflowing with every kind of comb, hairbrush and heated styler OR we can’t seem to find the one brush we own – “it’s around here somewhere”!

We’ve created a quick checklist of must-have styling tools, so you can build-up or slim-down your stock. Of course, there are numerous tools out there to help create endless great hairstyles, but if you can manage to acquire the following you’ll have a wholesome and versatile range to play with.

Quality Blow dryer
It’s no secret that a hair dryer is essential for creating bright, voluminous and babe-alicious hair. Investing in a quality, high-powered dryer will help decrease the drying time and prevent heat-damage. For tips on how to get the best blowout, read our article ‘The art of hairdrying’.

Quality Hair Straightener
A super versatile styling tool, hair straighteners can create sleek and straight tresses or luscious, bouncy curls. Make sure to opt for a quality straightener with ceramic or titanium plates for even heat distribution and minimal hair damage. Our ‘Way of the hair straightener’ article will help you get the most out of this essential tool.

Wide-tooth Comb
This little instrument is the best friend of wet hair. A brush catches and breaks your hair, but a wide-tooth comb can help detangle your locks with minimal damage. This kind of comb is also great for smoothing and softening styles without frizzing or flattening.

Barrel Brush
This is your blow-drying weapon of choice. Taking sections of you hair and using the barrel brush and hair dryer in sync, you can create a soft natural curl and smoother locks for a lush and light finish.

Paddle Brush
A paddle brush is a key styling brush – especially for longer hair. It’s great for fashioning up-dos, softening curls and smoothing straightened locks. As a bonus, a paddle brush offers a gentle scalp massage, which is not only good for stimulating your blood circulation – it also feels nice!

This week’s red carpet round up

Awards season has continued this past week with the BAFTA’s and Grammy Awards turning out some impeccably presented celebs. For some hair and beauty inspiration, there’s nothing like a bit of exquisite eye-candy.

Check out some of our favourite looks from this week’s red carpet, and maybe flag a few styles to try:

As always, Marion Cotillard was the belle of the ball at the BAFTA’S (excuse the extreme “B” alliteration!). Her charming up-do with perfectly placed quiff is a model choice for a wedding or cocktail event.	Amy Adams king-sized bun was simple, sleek and positively elegant. This style is befitting for any soiree and is easy to fashion. With the assistant of a hair doughnut and our “Creating the perfect bun” article, you can rock this big bun style anytime.
Helen Mirren brought fun and sassy to the red carpet with her candyfloss pink pixie crop. Pretty and edgy at the same time, we think Ms. Mirren has successfully managed to pull off a daring 2013 trend with poise.	Laura Whitmore’s blonde tresses were fashioned in glamorous retro waves for the classic silver screen red carpet look. To create your own glamour curls, follow our step by step guide.
Adele donned her signature bouffant French roll at the Grammy’s, but gave it a modern edge with soft, textured curls. This style is classy and timeless and can translate effortlessly from day to evening. To achieve a similar style, refer to our “Get the look: beehive beauty” article.	Take a sweet textured bob, add 20s-inspired finger curls and you have Karlie Kloss’ playfully romantic Grammy’s look. So whimsical and fresh! If you have a bob, and want to change it up a little – this is a great option!

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

2013 Cut and Colour Trends - Part 2

It’s that time of year when we look ahead at the favoured cut and colour trends of 2013! Although it’s not essential to be “on trend” to look spectacular, it is nice to be in the know as to what’s hot and what’s not.

A few weeks back, we took a looksee at a few of the top hairstyles trending in 2013 (check them out here). This week we’re going to give you a taster of this year’s favourite hair hues.









An ode to ombre
The ombre trend is holding strong in 2013, but with a more subtle blended approach. Graduate and smudge rich caramel, chestnut and bronze tones through darker hair colours to boost your base colour and add dimension and texture.

 









Precious metals
For the fairer haired, rich luxurious tones are the creams of the crop this year. Think gold, platinum and rose golden shades that are bright, warm, lustrous and polished.

 









A rainbow of reds
Red hues are popular for 2013, thanks to the likes of  Jessica Chastain and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks. It’s the perfect blend of glamour, sass and sultriness. From strawberry blonde to deep copper, you can’t go wrong with red this year!

 









Pops of pastel
If you’re keen on experimenting a little and like to have a playful point of difference, consider this year’s pastel-paint trend. Blend or dip-dye some pretty pastel accents into your tresses for a bright but delicate effect. Floral and candy hues like lilac, raspberry, lemon or silver are the powdery pastels of choice.

If we’ve got you pondering a colour change - read up on the best hair colours for your skin tone and then you know who to call for the revamp!

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Introducing: Lisa Tran and Beauty at Richardson’s Salon!

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This week we were set to be sharing some of the favourite hair hues of 2013 with you… BUT we are so excited about the new addition to our Northampton salon (Richardson’s Hair) that we just had to share it with you. We’ll definitely cover this year’s colour trends next week, but today we want to introduce you to our new resident beautician Lisa Tran!

Lisa has just finished setting up her ‘Beauty at Richardsons Salon’ therapy room (right above Richardson’s Hair) and she’s ready to tend to your pampering needs!

Having always had an interest in the beauty industry, Lisa trained with Carlton Beauty Academy and completed her qualifications in May 2012. Whether you’d like bedazzled nails (using the marvellous O.P.I. range), a glowing tan, eyelash tint, wax or a luxurious spa treatment (using Kaeso Spa products) - Lisa will spoil you rotten with professional, top-quality beauty treatments.

As a very special introductory offer, until the end of March you will receive 25% off all treatments! That is just too good to pass up right?!

But the perks don’t stop there – ‘Beauty at Richardsons Salon’ also has some incredible bonus offers for you:

Luxury Offer - £25 (You save £20)
Back Massage and Luxury Facial

Shellac Offer - £29 (You save £21)
Shellac Manicure and Pedicure

You’ll need to book in quick as these extra special offers expire on March 1^st, and there’s only so many hours in a day!

For more information about Beauty at Richardson’s Salon, their prices and fabulous introductory specials click on through to their website.