Bob's the word!

If ever there was a year for you to lop your crop into a bob style, this is it!

Bob’s are one of the hottest trends this year, and you can see why from the images above right?! The cut of strong independent women, bob styles are statement makers with equal measures of chic, edgy and fun.

Thanks to the pioneering wash and wear hairstyles of Vidal Sassoon, bob cuts are super versatile and give the illusion of endless styling, but are in reality low maintenance (if cut well!). Whether a chin grazing crop, or shoulder-length “lob”, bob cuts work with and spotlight your bone structure, accentuating your eyes, cheekbones, jawline and neck.

There’s a bob cut to complement all face shapes - it’s just about finding the best style for your shape and texture. If you have fine hair, opting for a bob style is a great idea! A shorter cut instantly creates volume – especially a graduated bob. If you have thick or curl hair, opt for a longer bob to avoid a triangle-shaped crown and make sure your stylist adds textured layers. Longer bobs (lobs) are also the better choice for round face shapes, but if you’re keen on a more cropped cut, add long side-swept bangs to give length to your face.

For a soft, whimsical, tousled style, opt for a bob that sits at or below the chin - a choppy fringe and textured layers will create a wavy carefree cut (a great option for those of us whose hair has a natural wave). For a bolder option, go for a blunt-cut bob with precise lines - best suited to fine hair and longer face shapes, this is a super chic and edgy cut. Graduated bobs (A-line cuts) are great for creating volume - shorter at the back and longer at the front, this cut gives your hair movement and a sassy elegance.

Side parted, centre parted or swept straight back. Sleek, shaggy or soft. A new bob style is sure to attract sheets of compliments.

Come see us about fashioning your transformation and for more bob-style inspiration, seek out images of January Jones, Leighton Meester, Alicia Keys, and Dannii Minogue.

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

The “Mad Men” Muses

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of the 60’s Madison Avenue drama Mad Men. It’s so smooth, stylish and a little bit naughty - PLUS it explores some pretty deep moral and ethical themes! What’s not to like! The 6^th season of the hit show premiered in LA last week (I’m holding out for the UK release), and with it came some super classy promo portraits of the main cast.

Contemporary TV-takes of influential periods are having a major influence on the trends of today. Mad Men is most certainly leading the way by reviving voluminous curls, beehives, mod bobs AND the slick side-swept men’s style.

For this week’s hair inspiration and visual pleasure we’re featuring the stunning Mad Men portraits. Enjoy!

 

The Mad MatronsThe ladies of Mad Men exude both a sultry glamour and sassy strength. Whether fashioning a bouffant, beehive or bob - texture and volume are fundamentals for these looks. To recreate the beautiful bouffant’s of Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) and Megan Draper (Jessica Pare), arm yourself with a hairdryer, heated rollers curling iron or hair straightener, and good hairspray – and you’re set to style! (See our Beehive how-to and Glamour curls articles for tips).For those who are after a wash ‘n’ wear type style, Peggy Olsen’s (Elisabeth Moss) and Betty Francis’ (January Jones) mod bob’s are the way to go. The bob is one of the most popular styles for 2013 and for good reason! A low maintenance and versatile style, that has equal portions of bold, chic and cheeky, a short crop frames for your face and draws attention to your beautiful facial features! (See our Wash ‘n Wear article for more ideas)
The Mad Men Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and Henry Francis (Christopher Stanley) are effortlessly cool and classy. The key to this level of sophistication and manly style is slick grooming. Spiked or long dishevelled hairstyles have taken a backseat in favour of the “well-groomed gentleman”. Men: to channel your inner-suave, ask your stylist for short, tapered sides, with full long lengths on top, and a nice deep side parting. SO HANDSOME!

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Vintage Va-voom!

Gleaning inspiration from past iconic styles, stylists are adding a modern edge to vintage looks – and no wonder! The most popular hairstyles of past decades epitomise strong but feminine sophistication, sultriness and elegance.

With TV series like Mad Men and Downtown Abbey, you can understand how the influence of past styles are greatly inspiring modern trends. Throughout this year’s awards season, the red carpet has been graced with an abundance of contemporary takes on classical looks.

Here are a few of our favourites…

Quiff-tastic Mad Men’s Betty Draper is an example of model woman of the sixties, with her iconic hairstyles. At this year’s Brit Awards, Katherine Jenkins donned a similar sixties-inspired quiff, modernised with a more defined height and slickness.
Bouffant-beautiful Bridget Bardot, The Ronettes and Audrey Hepburn (in Breakfast at Tiffany’s) were super influential in popularising the beehive hair-do in the swinging sixties. In the 2000s, the style has been revived in various forms by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Ray and Adele. Whether opting for a big, bold bouffant or a more subtle and soft version, beehive hairstyles are all sass and class.
Glamour-gorgeous Silver-screen sirens such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis and Marilyn Munroe have inspired today’s starlets to wear their tresses in waves of glamorous retro curls. Today’s version is slightly smoother and more defined; but either way, these vintage curls are utterly romantic and oh so charming.
Pixie-perfect There always seems to be a leading lady sporting a show-stopping short crop. Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan and current favourite Anne Hathaway have taken cue from such icons as Twiggy, Mia Farrow and Audrey Hepburn (this picture of her is from the film ‘Wait until dark’), to fashion a side-swept and feathered crop that is a perfect mix of sweet, chic, sophisticated, feminine and fun.

Have a good nosey through some old family photos and see what styles you can resurrect in 2013!

 

Images courtesy of Zimbio, IMDB and Glamour Magazine UK

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

Get the look: Golden Globe glamour curls

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First-class glamour was abundant at last weekend’s Golden Globe Awards, with soft and sassy retro waves dominating the red carpet.

From the romantic textured bob of Michelle Dockery to Jessica Alba’s elegant bouquet of loose curls, the A-listers were channelling old Hollywood charm and radiating effortless vintage chic.

No matter the occasion, you just can’t go wrong with soft, cascading waves. Whether chin-length or long, centre or side parted, retro waves are a timeless style that is both feminine and flattering.

This style is easier to recreate than you might think and with a just a little elbow grease, you can flaunt your own version.

To achieve a similar look…

1. Run a small handful of volumising mousse through your hair (from roots to ends).


2. With your hairdryer on a medium heat and airflow, blow-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry (for extra lift, chuck your hair upside down to dry).


3. Now it’s time to start styling! There are a number a ways to achieve your glamour curls:

Pin curls – no need for rollers or heated stylers, all you need is bobby pins!

• Take a section of your hair (the larger the section the looser and larger the curls will be), and comb it smooth and straight.


• Roll the ends of the sectioned hair under and back on itself to create a “barrel loop” (as if you are using invisible rollers) or “snail spiral” (for tighter curls).


• Keep rolling (it doesn’t have to be perfect) until your “barrel” or “spiral” reaches your scalp and secure the curl with a bobby pin.


• Continue sectioning and securing your pin curls until all your hair is coiled up tight.


• Leave the style to set for at least 20 to 30 minutes (or even overnight). Consider giving your pin curls a quick 2 to 3 minute blow-dry to fix the curls in place.


• Before removing the hairpins, spritz your curls with hairspray and then let them loose.


• Part your hair as desired and comb through your waves with your fingers or a comb to smooth and soften the look (so it doesn’t look too piecey).


• Style as desired (E.e. hair draped over one shoulder or backcombed to create a cotton-soft look) and set with a spritzing of hair spray.

Rollers
Follow the same process as above, but use heated or velcro rollers (a size of your choice) to create the curls.

Curling iron
Follow the same process as with the pin curls, but use your curling iron to create the curls. For tighter curls, coil each curl and pin in place (make sure your hair has cooled completely before spraying and unravelling the curls.) For looser waves, let them drape.

Hair straightener
Learn how to create similar curls using your hair straightener here.


Now go forth - make your waves and parade those glamourous curls before the masses! 

 

*All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Awards season begins with side-swept beauties!

The awards season has begun with the People’s Choice Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards and the Golden Globes during the weekend. We’re in for some major hair, make-up and fashion eye-candy over the next few months!

The snaps from the People’s Choice and Critic’s Choice awards have been circulating, and the big hair trend for these two events was without a doubt side-swept styles. Whether blonde or brunette, deep side partings were paired with luscious waves and low chignons to create simple but stunning elegance.

Here are some of our favourite styles to inspire you this week…

The faux bob There’s no need to chop your tresses to achieve a striking bob. Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts pinned their long locks into a faux bob for a sassy, playful look. Gentle waves add softness to the style and the deep side parting not only gives the bob a sexy edge but also provides a little extra hair to help conceal the rolled away length.

The low chignon Slightly tousled or smooth and sleek, a low chignon is a go-to hairstyle for simple elegance. Jennifer Lawrence’s side bun with a few curls loose curls is right on the money for casual sophistication and Marion Cotillard oozes elegance with her flawless chignon and perfectly angled side parting.

The loose and lush lob (long bob) Who says a bob is limited! Emily Blunt channelled old Hollywood charm with smooth, subtle 1920’s finger waves that created a modest glamour. Julianne Hough on the other hand embraced wavy volume for a fresh and vivacious style with a 70’s flare.

Which look will you try this week?!

*All images courtesy of Zimbio.com.

A new look for a new year!

Happy 2013 to you all! We hope your first week of the new year has been a great start to brilliant things to come!

With a new year come new goals, new dreams and an opportunity for a fresh start. A new hairstyle – be it cut or colour – is a great place to start don’t you think?! Last year we wrote an article on how a new hairstyle really can change your outlook. Have a read and start pondering the possibilities!

	When contemplating a new hairstyle the first thing to think about is your face shape and which features you wish to accentuate or soften. Read our article ‘Hairstyles to complement your face shape’ for some tips on the best cuts for you.
	Updating your hair colour is another great way to revamp your look without having to give your hair the chop. Take advantage of our January special and get a half-head of foils for HALF PRICE! Not sure what hues to choose? Our article ‘The best hair colours for your skin tone’ is just the thing you need to read! (a little rhyming in there just for fun!)
	Have you considered making a radical style change? It can be super liberating, albeit a tad daunting. Get inspired by these extreme chops and changes.

Happy New Year! Party styles and salon specials

Oh what a year 2012 has been! Many highs and many lows – but what would the mountains be without the valleys right?! Bring on 2013 we say!

As we head into New Year’s celebrations, we have a few more style suggestions to share with you! If you need some assistance creating a stunner look for your various soirees, we are but a phone call away! Be quick - we’re filling up fast with New Year party blowdries!

Also, make sure you take advantage of our January special: Half-head of foils for HALF PRICE! Now that’s a great way to start the year!

New Heights Scarlett Johansson’s voluminous wavy ‘do is a perfect style for a cocktail evening or dinner party – sophisticated and sassy in one!	Rollin' Waves No matter the occasion, you just can’t go wrong with soft, natural-looking curls. Kirsten Dunst’s deep side-parting and subtly defined ringlets are all class!
Laced in place Side swept or centre-parted like Nicole Ritchie, a sleek French plait is great for day soirees. If you have the length, English braid your remaining tresses or twist them into a bun. For shorter hair, tuck any loose ends under or into your braid.	Quifftastic Whether your hair is short or long, a quiff is a winning party style. Paired with a French roll (like Carey Mulligan), simple chignon, or half up/half down style - a quiff can add a bit of edge to your elegance.

Check out last week's article for more Festive-season styles to take the stress out of your New Year's celebrations.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!

*All images courtesy of Zimbio.com. Nicole Ritchie image courtesy of StyleBistro.com 

Merry Christmas! Festive-season styles to take the stress out of the celebrations.

Only 1 day until Christmas! Woohoo!

The party season is in full swing, and with the inevitable influx of festive celebrations we thought you might need some hair inspiration and support.

Take the stress out of dolling yourself up by booking an appointment with us! We are open between Christmas and New Years, so take advantage and have your special occasion blowout or up-do created by the Wellbeing Salons team. Check out our opening hours, book your spot, and choose your style....

Halo Braid Halo braids are divine, but Dianna Agron’s fish-tail plait really is the cherry on the top. With a slightly dishevelled texture, this style is an effortless crown of laced beauty. For more braided inspiration see our ‘Braid beauty’ article.	Hair Tinsel Adding a piece of hair glitz is a great way to Ritz-up a basic style. A dainty jewelled accessory, like Jenna Dewan’s tiara provides the dazzle you need to go from pretty to pretty stunning! Find some great accessory options in our article ‘Bedazzle your hair’.
Elegant Waves Reach glamour perfection with vintage waves like Jessica Chastain’s red carpet number. Lustrous and side-swept this style is super chic! Learn how to create similar curls using your hair straightener here.	Top Notch The humble bun becomes immaculate elegance with a few quick tricks. Like Rosie Hungtinton-Whiteley’s perfect topknot, it’s all about achieving a sleek, high and perfectly formed bun. Here’s the how-to to recreate this look.

*All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

 HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!