Spring in to Summer

The gloomy winter period is well behind us, and we are nearing the long sunny days of summer. Hoorah! I found the above vintage pic and thought it looked like the most idyllic setting - so it became the inspiration of this week’s article.

We want to make sure you’ve got a spring in your step as you enter the glorious season of sunshine, so we’ve put together a few tips to brighten up your insides and outsides and make sure you’re alive and kicking, happy, healthy and ready for summer.

Hair
Brighten up your complexion with the right hair colour and cut. 

Add a big dose of radiance to your appearance, by choosing a hairstyle that compliments your face shape and highlights your best features. When it comes to colour opt for a hair hue that flatters and illuminates your complexion. For tips on fitting cuts read our article on face shapes, and for complementary hair colours, check out our skin tone article.


Skin
Brighten up your skin with a good scrub and condition.

Exfoliating two to three times a week (less if you have dry or sensitive skin) will do wonders for your skin. By removing dead skin cells you will uncover the glowing new cells beneath, as well as revitalize cell renewal, boost circulation and give your complexion a smooth, fresh appearance. Following exfoliation, replenish and rehydrate your skin with a quality moisturiser to keep your skin soft and supple. As the summer sun intensifies, make sure you invest in a moisturiser with SPF protection to shield your skin from UV damage.


Fitness
Brighten up your body with a health dose of movement.

The winter months can be less than motivating when it comes to regularly exercising, but with the magnificent golden ball of heat and light now high in the sky it’s time to get outside and get moving! Not only is regular exercise important for weight control and general health, it’s also a key component for improving your mood, your energy levels and your sleep patterns. Choose to stay fit and limber by simply scheduling regular walks or bike rides through your local park. Why not try a Pilates or yoga class too…There’s even the option of a boot camp if you’re brave enough!

Nutrition
Brighten up your insides and outsides with fresh, whole foods.

You are what you eat! What goes in your mouth determines the state of your vital organs as well as your skin and hair. To cultivate and maintain a healthy, happy body inside and out choose to eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh, colourful whole foods (with the addition of occasional sweet treats of course!). Pack your daily feasting full of nutrient-rich foods like nuts (zinc, protein, omega-3 fatty acids), legumes (biotin, zinc, iron), leafy greens (vitamins A and C), berries (Vitamins A, C and E), eggs (protein) and seafood (essential fatty acids, protein, iron, B vitamins), to ensure your body receives the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to stay in mint condition.

Happy summer days to you and yours!

Update your look with a fringe!

If you’re keen on updating your hairstyle, but don’t want to undergo any drastic changes - a fringe is the perfect option. The fringe is currently a big hit on the catwalk and red carpet with stars like Zooey Deschanel, Taylor Swift and Florence Welch championing the diverse look.

Adding bangs is like giving yourself a mini makeover. You can completely change your look, but it’s a low risk option because you can grow them out pretty quickly! Fringes are great for shoulder length hair and work best with hair that is naturally straight or slightly wavy.

Here are a few ways to wear bangs – why don’t you consider making the cut!

Full block Heavy eye or eyebrow skimming fringes like Jessica Biel's are great for drawing attention to your eyes. They’re reasonably low maintenance and can be cheeky, cute, sophisticated and elegant all at the same time! Block fringes are great for long and heart shaped faces, and best worn thick and long (just above the eyes).

Short & sharp This blunt fringe hits well above the eyebrows and is the ultimate statement maker. Inspired by the art-deco jazz age of the 1920s, short blunt bangs are fierce, sharp and sassy. This is a daring look that works perfectly for an oval face-shape like Rooney Mara’s (below), but stay clear of this look if you have a square face-shape.

Side-swept Oh, the romantic and softening look of a side swept fringe! This style frames the face nicely and provides a relaxed and effortless elegance (just like Rose Byrne, below). While side-swept bangs work for all face shapes, this is the best fringe option for round faces, as it will give the illusion of length.

Light & wispy A light choppy fringe like Alexa Chung’s is an easy, carefree option. Taking cue from Brigitte Bardot, wispy textured bangs is a versatile style that looks great straight forward and messy, centre-parted or swept to the side. This is a fitting choice for square faces as it can soften the angles.

The way of the hair straightener

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Transforming your hair into a myriad of styles is nice and easy these days. Gone are the days of endless hours of rolling, setting and styling your locks.

The joy of modern technology has enabled us to attain opulent curls and silky sleek straightness in a matter of minutes rather than many long hours. The ease and time it takes to style your hair with a hair straightener makes it the essential styling tool.

Whether you’re aiming for strictly straight or luscious waves, technique is key to creating the optimum style. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the full benefits of your hair straightener.


Voluminous Curls

1. Begin by blow-drying your hair for added volume.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections.


3. Starting with the bottom layers, take inch-size sections for curling.


4. Hold the ends of your hair away from your head with one hand and with the other, hold the straightener vertically and clamp the roots of the hair.


5. Twist the straightener 180 degrees in either direction, so your hair creates a kind of ‘Z’ shape from the roots, through the hair straightener to the tips.


6. While continuing to hold the loose ends in one hand, slide the straightener down to the tips of your hair, maintaining the angle of the styler.


7. Twist each curled section around your finger to enhance the curl, before moving on.


8. Repeat this process until you’re a head full of lush waves.


9. Set your style with hairspray.

Tip: For tighter curls, coil each curl up to your head clip in place. Once your head is full of little curls, unravel them and hairspray.


Sleek and straight

1. Blow-dry your hair for added volume (use a concentrator nozzle attachment for smoother hair). Follow your brush with the dryer to the ends of your hair, smoothing each section as you go.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections (consider where you want your hair parting and section accordingly).


3. Take inch-size pieces and starting at the roots, run the hair straightener down the strands to the ends, ensuring the straightener and hair are parallel to each other.


4. Brush or comb each section before moving on to the next.


5. Finish with a spritz of hairspray - spray a little hairspray on your fingertips and smooth any flyaways.

Note: We recommend using a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage and opt for a quality straightener with ceramic plates (not teflon). We recommend GHD stylers, you can purchase them through our online shop or at one of our salons.

Get the look: Emma Stone’s relaxed retro up-do

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This last week has marked the world premiere and subsequent release of the new Spiderman film: The Amazing Spider-Man, in Tokyo, Seoul and Moscow. Leading lady, Emma Stone has looked strikingly chic at each of the red-carpet events with stunning outfits and classy hairstyles.

We particularly loved her soft and sophisticated up-do at the Seoul Premiere. Her strawberry blonde locks were swept high in a bouffant style, enhanced with a voluminous bun. Paired with a striking printed Fendi dress and Stella McCartney heels, Ms Stone looked charmingly fresh and elegant.

This modern-take on the retro beehive style is super versatile and can carry you from day-time errands to a formal evening event.

Replicate Emma’s style by following these simple steps…

• Begin by applying styling mousse and blow-drying your hair.


• Separate your hair into two sections (a front and a back section) by drawing a line from just in front of one ear, over the top of your head to the other ear. Clip the front section out of the way for the moment.


• Take the back section and tease volume at the crown of your head (teasing is great for creating height and control).


• Draw your hair back into a loose high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.


• Form a deep side parting in the front section and lightly tease both sides for added volume and texture. (If you have a fringe side-sweep it so that it seamlessly blends into a side section.)


• Smooth each section with your comb and sweep both sides back to your ponytail securing with bobby pins.


• Heavily tease your ponytail and then loosely twist it into a relaxed bun - pinning it in place.


• Smooth away any stray strands, and finish with a spritz of hairspray to fix the style.

Summer hair care

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The summer months have finally arrived! The days are longer, the sun is higher and the summery warmth is setting in. It’s time for summer soirees and basking in the golden light at the beach, lake or poolside.

But for all its benefits, the summer season can take its toll on your hair. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun and water in order stay healthy and hydrated. As well as the sun’s heat and resulting humidity, your hair is exposed to salty seawater and the chlorine in pools. These summer charms can damage your tresses leaving them dry, brittle and discoloured.

Here are a few essential tips, to avoid damaging your locks and maintain healthy hair while enjoying the rays this summer:

Give heat the cold-shoulder
With all the heat your hair will be getting from the sun, try to take a break from hot stylers (hairdryer, curling and straightening irons). Air-dry your hair (with rollers for added volume) or consider a new “wash and wear” haircut that will air-dry in style. Help combat potential frizzy hair and limit the amount of sun reaching your locks, by sweeping your hair back in a high pony, low bun, or braided arrangement (dry your hair in braids for natural beach-worthy waves.)

Shield your hair from the water and rays
Intensive moisturising will help you avoid dry, brittle, frizzy hair. Replenish and maintain moisture, with regular deep conditioning treatments. Book a treatment at Wellbeing, give yourself a hair mask or use a quality leave-in conditioner (especially when sunbathing or swimming). As well as hydrating your hair, keep your body hydrated with eight to twelve glasses of water a day – it’s good for your hair and your health!

Cover up
Your hair can get sunburnt just like your scalp. Prevent sun damage by slipping on a super cute sunhat or headscarf, when you’re going to be in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. As well as protecting your head and hair, hats and head wraps are a quick fix on bad hair days for effortless style (check out our guide to wearing headscarves).

Rinse well
After swimming, make sure you give your hair a good rinse (ideally a shampoo and condition too) to wash away the salt and chlorine trapped in your tresses.

Take care
Prevent split ends by making sure you don’t over-brush your hair. Try to restrict your combing to before and after showering (carefully untangle knots – no need to tug too hard).

Stay trim
Dry hair leads to frizzies and split ends. Make sure you have your locks trimmed every six to eight weeks to rid your hair of damaged ends.

Braided Beauty

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We have a bit of a crush on plaits. Though they may initially trigger memories of your schoolgirl days, just as you have matured into a graceful beauty, so have braids!

Bohemian braids are a timeless festival style combining pretty plaits with loose wavy tresses. Weave your fringe into a braid that hugs your hairline, fashion a partial French braid on one or both sides and secure behind your ear, or create two mini English braids and draw them back to meet at the back of your head. These carefree, laced looks are easy to achieve and provide instant boho-chic.

For a soft elegance, sweep your locks into a relaxed side-laden plait. Create a deep side parting and braid a French plait along your hairline into a fishtail braid that rests over your shoulder. For a more understated version, simply weave a tousled English plait, leaving wavy strands to frame your face.

Halo braids are the epitome of girlish charm. Taking cue from Heidi and her fellow milkmaids, this plaited style is both whimsical and romantic. Crown yourself with a braided halo by forming a French or Dutch plait from behind one ear. Following your hairline, continue plaiting across your forehead, adding hair as you go. Once you’ve gone full circle, simply plait any remaining free hair and tuck it into your halo. This style looks best a little dishevelled and loose.

Lacing your locks creates an instant statement style that exudes femininity. Whether thick and full or delicate and dainty, English, French, Dutch or fishtail - braids are super versatile and relatively easy to fashion. And as well as being an ideal way to sweep your hair off your face, braids create texture and volume without having to spend an exuberant amount of time and effort with hair-stylers and products.

BRAIDS TO MASTER:


English Braid

• This is the standard school braid and is the perfect plait to start with if you’re a beginner.


• Part your hair evenly into three sections.


• Take the right-hand section over the top of the middle section, so that it becomes the new centre piece.


• Now cross the left section over the centre piece, so that it converts to middle position.


• Continue crossing the right and left sections over to the middle until your braid is finished.


• Secure with a hair tie or suitable clip.

French Braid

• Take a small section of hair and part it into 3 equal sections.


• Commence with a regular English braid.


• After a few initial weaves, begin drawing small portions of hair into the right and left strands just before you cross them over the middle piece.


• Continue this process until you have no more hair to add.


• Finish by English plaiting the remaining free hair or twisting it into a loose bun.


• Secure with a hair tie or suitable clip.

Dutch Braid

• Follow the same process as a French braid, except instead of crossing sections over the top of each other, cross them underneath so that the braid is inverted and exposed.

Fish Tail

• Part your hair evenly into two sections.


• Take a small piece of hair from underneath one of the sections and wrap it around and over to join the other section.


• Reset your hands, so you’re holding two sections again and repeat the same process with the other section.


• Continue taking small portions of hair from under one section and transferring them over to the other section, until your braid is finished.


• Lightly tug the edges of your braid to create a wider, fuller looking plait.

Inspiration for your spring and summer soirees

We just love a good gala event for surveying the hottest trends of the red carpet. The world-renowned Festival de Cannes, not only boasts the latest and greatest films of 2012, but also hosts some of the world’s most esteemed celebrities and their fashion-forward flair.

As we head into the season of soirees and BBQs, we’ve taken cue from Cannes and collated a few of our favourite looks from the gala as inspiration for your party and evening style lookbook…

[caption id="attachment_542" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue UK"][/caption] Eva Longoria donned an edgy retro beehive - a super trendy look this season. Her smoky eyes and bronze beige highlighting complete her dramatic but fresh look.	[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue UK"][/caption] At the Killing Them Softly premiere, Diane Kruger was simply elegant. Her high chignon bun was modest chic, and her subtle smoky eyes and rosy lips made for a fabulously feminine ensemble.
[caption id="attachment_539" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue UK"][/caption] We absolutely loved Marion Cotillard at the screening of her film Rust & Bone. She was belle-of-the-ball perfection with a polished feature bun bejewelled with a dainty floral chain. Her porcelain complexion with defined eyes, flushed cheeks and matte berry lips completed her look.	[caption id="attachment_541" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue UK"][/caption] With classic, vintage curls loose around her shoulders, Lana Del Rey looked both sultry and sophisticated. Her cat-eye eyeliner was clean and classy, and her porcelain complexion and natural lip colour proved that sometimes less in more!
[caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="186" caption="Image courtesy of HJI"][/caption] Kirsten Dunst was ‘pretty and bright’ at her photo call for On The Road. Her super sweet milkmaid spin-off was picture perfect with loosely pinned-up curls and a darling tiara adorned with roses and pearls.	[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Glamour UK"][/caption] Diane Kruger really suits old Hollywood glamour doesn’t she?! Her simple half-up, half-down style at the Cannes premiere of Amour was vamped up with a side-swept wave that was just divine! (Her custom-made Vivienne Westwood sequin gown was absolutely gorgeous too!)

Jessica Chastain: Queen of Cannes 2012...so far

The 65^th Cannes Film Festival commenced mid last week. We’ve been following the events and drooling over the numerous styles gracing each day’s proceedings. Next week, we’re going to do an overview of some of our favourite red carpet looks - perfect for your mid-spring/summer soirees - but for now, we just had to shine the spotlight on an actress who in our opinion, has been the epitome of style and grace at every occasion.

Jessica Chastain, best known for her roles in The Help and The Tree of Life (both worth seeing if you haven’t already), transitioned effortless between day and evening events, with retro glam waves and elegant up-dos. And with that beautifully sweet smile, how could you not fall in love with her!

These are the luscious looks of Jessica Chastain…

[caption id="attachment_519" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue Germany"][/caption] On opening night of the festival, Jessica looked simply ravishing with her wavy tresses swept back into a low plaited twist. With dewy, understated make-up, she looked positively radiant.	[caption id="attachment_521" align="aligncenter" width="208" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption] For the photo call of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, Ms. Chastain highlighted her feminine elegance with classic loose curls and earthy neutral tone’s that accentuated her natural beauty.
[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="207" caption="Image courtesy of Zimbio"][/caption] At the premiere of Madagascar 3, Jessica graced the red carpet with old Hollywood glamour, adorned with vintage curls smoothly swept to the side. Her make-up was porcelain doll perfection with defined eyes and rich red lip colour. Simply stunning!	[caption id="attachment_520" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Vogue UK"][/caption] For the copious TV interviews and press conferences, Ms. Chastain looked vivaciously fresh with soft, natural-looking curls, and minimal make-up, utilising rosy pink tones that made her shine!
[caption id="attachment_516" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Image courtesy of Glamour Magazine UK"][/caption] At the Calvin Klein party, Jessica highlighted her stunning bone structure with a polished, ultra-sleek and chic up do, with pinky beige make-up to soften the look.

Get the look: Scarlett Johansson's retro chignon

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Firstly, a HUGE congratulations to Doug and Rebecca Page on the arrival on their beautiful wee boy, Mr William Thomas Stanley Page – he arrived bang on schedule, healthy and happy at 5am on Monday, April 30^th. Much love to you from the Wellbeing Salons team!

Last week also marked the occasion of an additional star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -Miss Scarlett Johansson’s. She personified 1940’s glamour at the ceremony, sporting a striking black and white fitted dress, complimented by a relaxed victory roll-cum-chignon.

We just love this look - it’s soft, sophisticated and effortlessly chic. This retro style is also super versatile and can carry you from a casual coffee date to a formal evening event.

Achieve a similar look by following these simple steps…

1. Part your hair on your preferred side.


2. Section your hair, and using either a curling iron or medium-sized hot rollers, curl inch-wide sections of your hair and secure them to cool and set.


3. Unravel each curl and gently tease the roots for added volume


4. Lightly comb your hair to smooth and blend the curls (maintaining your side parting).


5. Sweep the smaller side of your side-parted hair into a bun at the nap of the neck and secure with pins.


6. Take the front section of the remaining hair and begin loosely rolling the hair upwards and towards your head, adding sections and clipping in place as you go to create a kind of curled tunnel of hair.


7. Once you reach your bun, curl the loose ends around and over the bun, pinning in place.


8. Finish with a spritz of hairspray.

The art of hairdrying

 

The humble hair dryer (along with a few of its friends), transforms your hair from ‘just fine’ to FABULOUS thanks to the power of heat and air. From smooth and straight to textured and voluminous, your hair dryer is a foundational element for constructing great looking hair - and by employing a few salon techniques and taking a little extra time, A-class hair can be your everyday look!

Key styling tools

• Hairdryer- ideally with a diffuser and concentrator nozzle attachment


• Curling iron


• Straightening iron


• Round brush


• Paddle brush


• Wide tooth comb


• Volumising mousse


• Hairspray


• Sectioning clips


• Hairpins/curl clips

Dishevelled beach-babe

1. Run a small handful of volumising mousse through your hair (from roots to ends), making sure it’s evenly distributed (you can use a wide tooth comb to do this).


2. Using the diffuser attachment with your hairdryer on a medium heat and airflow lift sections of hair and place them in the diffuser, gently scrunching your hair until it’s about 80% dry (for extra lift, chuck your hair upside down to dry).


3. Finish off by drying the roots, holding the hairdryer close to your head and twisting the diffuser in circular motions.


4. Add a spritz of hair spray and a few final scrunches to complete a cool ‘undone’ look.

Tip: A diffuser distributes a consistent airflow so that your hair dries evenly and creates additional volume.


Straight and sleek strands

1. Blow-dry your hair until it’s a little more than towel dry.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections (consider where you want your hair parting and section accordingly).


3. Using the concentrator nozzle attachment and starting with the underneath sections, dry your hair using a round brush.


4. Starting at the roots, follow your brush with the dryer to the ends continually brushing each section before moving on to the next.


5. Once your hair is dry, re-section your hair and use straightening irons for an extra slick finish.


6. Hairspray to set your style in place.

Tip: A concentrator nozzle attachment directly targets air, drying your hair faster and smoother (not to mention making brushing easier!).


Voluminous waves

1. Blow-dry your hair until it’s a little more than towel dry.


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


3. Divide and clip your hair into sections


4. Starting with the underneath sections, dry your locks using a round brush to roll your hair from the ends to the roots (similar to how you would use rollers).


5. Work the brush upwards and away from your head or curl under and towards your head, holding and drying for a few seconds before releasing (try not to play with each section at this stage).


6. Use your hairdryer’s cool setting, to give your hair a final blast to set the style.


7. Run your fingers through your locks to loosen and lift the look.

Alternative: Consider using rollers for added volume. Roll and secure sections of your hair in rollers (the bigger the rollers the bigger the volume), blow wave your hair dry and use a paddle brush to blend the sections.


Elegant swirls of curls

1. Roughly blow-dry your hair.


2. Divide and clip your hair into sections.


3. Using a curling iron, roll your hair up the wand from the ends to the roots and hold for a few seconds.


4. Carefully unravel each curl and use curl clips or hairpins to clip the curls in place.


5. Once your head is full of little curls, unravel and brush through your hair using a paddle brush.


6. Set your style with hairspray.

Colour me happy!

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Brighten up your locks with a fresh new coat of colour and see if it doesn’t brighten up your outlook on life too!

There are two distinct colour trends featuring this year with varying degrees and interpretations. In one corner you have the more natural look with warm golden tones - moving away from the sharp, heavy highlights and dipped tips, and instead, blending a combination of harmonious shades to enhance your natural colour. In the opposite corner is the dramatic show-stopping option that opts for radical block-colours and pops of bold hues for a striking result. The choice is yours - take your pick….

Warming up
Whether blonde, brunette or redhead, this year the hues are warming up with gorgeously buttery golden tones to brighten up your complexion. Platinum white was the 2011 blonde but 2012 marks the season of a softer creamier blonde - with golden sand, earthy beige and champagne shades in demand. If you have darker hair, consider boosting your natural colour with touches of caramel, chestnut and bronze tones to create rich, textured colour. Reds are also popular this season with bold, deep copper tones conveying a warm sultry look.

Ombre is here to stay
The ombre style with its darker roots and light coloured ends is still a popular choice and a great option for sprucing up brunette hair. However, this year the look is taking on a more subtle approach - with less contrast between the richer colours at the roots and a more gradual fade to lighter shades at the tips. This creates a radiant sun-kissed look perfect for the summer season.

Bright and bold
In contrast to the warmer natural styles, bright and bold colours have also been thrust into the spotlight thanks to the likes of Katie Perry, Rhianna and their strong, vibrant hair colour selections. If you’re one to push the boundaries and you like your hair to make a statement, this trend is for you! Whether block-colour or multi-coloured highlights, steal the spotlight with deep purples, blues, reds and even greens.

Greys and pastels - The new cool
If you crave the cooler hues, be prepared to think out of the box! Grey is the new cool, with ashy and silver highlights and lowlights proving to be an up and coming trend with Lady Gaga and Kate Moss leading the way. To add a summery edge to cooler colours, inset subtle pastel tones of pink, purple, yellow or blue to sections or the tips of your hair.

If we've got you buzzing to try one of these new hair colour trends - you know who to call!

Achieve a salon-standard hair wash at home

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Don’t you just love how your hair always feels incredibly silky and lavishly nourished when you leave the hairdressers? Believe it or not, you can achieve the same result at home by simply refining your morning hair washing routine!

Of course using premium hair care products is an essential key to healthy, vibrant hair (see our article on supermarket vs. salon hair care), and you’re probably not going to be able to recreate the divine head massage your stylist so tenderly bestows…BUT there is most certainly a “best practice” for cleansing your hair and we’re going to share it with you so you can achieve the soft, sparkling tresses you acquire at the salon…

1. Take a few moments to brush your hair – this helps loosens the grip of any styling products you have used and by detangling your locks you prevent hair breakage.

2. Thoroughly drench your hair with warm water and squeeze a walnut-sized dollop of shampoo into your palm, spreading it evenly over your hands. Work the shampoo through your hair and gently massage your scalp, lathering at the roots and working your way down to the ends. The extra time you spend giving your head a good knead is well worth the effort – aside from the fact that it facilitates the removal of build-up, it also stimulates scalp circulation, which can aid hair growth. Rinse your hair until the water runs completely clear and if you are a frequent user of styling products, consider giving your hair a second round.

3. As with your shampoo, evenly spread a walnut-sized dollop of conditioner over your hands and massage the conditioner through your hair (you could also use a wide-tooth comb). Leave your conditioner in for 1 to 2 minutes before giving your hair a good rinse.

4. Dry your hair with a towel, but avoid vigorous rubbing as this can cause damage - gently squeeze instead. Leave your hair wrapped up while you do your make-up or eat your breakfast. To conclude your hair wash routine, comb your hair - starting at the bottom to prevent hair breakage, and then commence styling as desired.

Voila! Squeaky clean, healthy, shiny, luscious locks!

Taking a shortcut

Is it time to make the big chop and go crop? Or are you already sporting a short do and just need to freshen it up?

Short hairstyles can complement most face shapes and are both feminine and striking. Aside from the fact that short dos accentuate your beautiful face and bone structure, cropped cuts are also low maintenance, super versatile and suit all occasions - morphing easily from day to night, cute to classy.

Here are a few of the current short hair trends…

[caption id="attachment_365" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of About.com"][/caption]   The Pixie is still a crowd pleaser! The ever-stylish pixie cut is a timeless style that is donning its 1960’s influence stronger than ever before. Celebs such as Michelle Williams and Carey Mulligan display perfect examples of this chic and sassy cut.

[caption id="attachment_367" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of People Style Watch"][/caption]   On edge. Statement cuts such as Ginnifer Goodwin’s current style indulge in texture and sharp strong edges, with a modern take on the undercut (longer layers at the top and front, and shorter on the sides). If you’re game enough - this style is dramatic, sexy and flexible.

[caption id="attachment_368" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Image courtesy of About.com"][/caption]   Bobbing for compliments. Bobs are still a classy winner with the likes of Keira Knightley and Alexa Chung rockin’ the crop. Refined or a little unkempt, a bob is the perfect mix of flirty, confident and sophisticated. Define your bob with an A-line style (slightly shorter at the back and longer in front), sharp “bowl” cut (yes, the “bowl” cut is an option!) or blunt fringe.

Consider your face shape and hair type when choosing a short style. Your stylist can help you find the most flattering and well-suited cut for you.

We hope you have a super week!

Looking after your locks: supermarket vs. salon hair care

 

Your hair is one of your greatest accessories; so it’s worth ensuring your tresses stay in mint condition. Hair care plays a key role in maintaining healthy, shiny locks and it’s important you use products that contain essential and quality ingredients to protect the condition of your hair as well as make it look and feel fabulous! Which heralds the question: Can supermarket products do the trick or is it best to invest in salon-endorsed hair care?

The price and quality of supermarket vs. salon products is often debated. Supermarket-bought products are in general, considerably cheaper than salon-bought, but the quality is more-often-than-not compromised. Some maintain that there is no a difference between the two, however we beg to differ.

Here are a few things to consider:

More bang for your buck

• Believe it or not, salon products can give you more value for your money!


• Due to the a higher concentration of active ingredients (including essential vitamins and proteins), you only need to use a small amount- which means it can last longer than supermarket products that are less concentrated and have higher quantities of fillers (such as water and unnecessary chemicals and preservatives).

The facts about foam

• Fact: Lather has no real benefit in making your hair clean.


• Supermarket products often use harsh foaming agents such as ammonium laurel sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate that remove essential oils from hair resulting in dry and coarse hair. These elements can also strip hair colour, cause scalp irritation and accelerate the thinning of hair due to their acidic properties.


• Surfactants in salon products are generally much kinder. Sodium laureth sulphate is the gentlest option with very little lather (which is why a lot of shampoos won’t use it). It helps remove the build up of oils, dirt and environmental pollutants, without stripping natural sebum or hair colour- leaving your hair softer and shinier.

Silky and smooth

• Hair care products generally contain conditioning agents to produce soft and moisture-rich hair.


• Supermarket products use ingredients such as silicone to produce this effect. Silicone coats hair strands making your locks feel silky smooth, but it restricts   moisture absorption and inhibits cleaning, resulting in residue build-up that leaves hair limp and lifeless.


• Salon hair care contains higher-quality moisturising conditioners with essential proteins that help lock moisture within the hair shaft and scalp. This protects hair from drying out, assists in repairing damage and helps maintain soft, pliable locks.

I think celebrity hairstylist Dario Cotroneo says it best...”The difference between salon-professional shampoos versus supermarket shampoo is the investment made in the product development to protect hair against UV protection; thermal repair from over-styling; and colour-fade preservation," he says. "The internal makings of professional shampoos and conditioners are more concentrated with essential ingredients to repair hair from the inside out. "Supermarket shampoos are detergent based, so they will lather up and give you the impression that it is cleansing faster, but this is smoke and mirrors, as it cleanses from the outside in. When I was at college and a colour did not work out, we used a supermarket shampoo to strip the colour out faster! So professional is my choice for that reason as it's all about protecting your investment, so your hair colour lasts."*

We recommend that you invest in quality hair care that does just that- cares for your hair. We endorse Wella products and have them available in our salons and very soon, our online shop. Make an informed choice by talking with your stylist about the best hair products for you based on your hair type, condition and exposure to elements including the sun, chlorine, hair colour and thermal stylers.

*Quote from Your Beauty Spot 

Welcome to the newsletter just for you!

Richardsons Hair in Northampton, Ice Hairdressing in Baldock and Allure Hair & Beauty in Dunstable have all joined together to form the Wellbeing Salons Group.  Our aim is to give you Gorgeous Hair and Extraordinary Service!

This week we wanted to give our team’s top tips from all the glam & fabulous looks spotted on the red carpet recently.  We hope you enjoy...

 

Inspiration from the Red Carpet

We’ve been quite googly-eyed over the hairstyles that have graced the red carpet in recent weeks. From Meryl Streep’s up-do at the BAFTAs to Adele’s luscious waves at The BRITs, the celebs have been rocking their best accessory (their hair!) and we’ve been getting inspired.

We all like to flash some glamour every now and then, but it’s easy to draw a blank when it comes to what to do and how to do it! So we’ve compiled a few star-styles that have caught our eye, and added a few tips so you can DIY…

[caption id="attachment_286" align="alignleft" width="106" caption="Image courtesy of Sky Living HD"][/caption]

 

With a Side of Vintage Curls Please

Pixie Lott was the epitome of vintage chic at the Brit’s, sporting a simple chignon with her fringe elegantly side-swept in a bouquet of loose curls. To achieve a similar look, create a deep side parting and leaving your fringe and front section loose, pull the rest of your hair into a relaxed ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist your ponytail into a rough bun and pin in place. Using a hair straightener or curling tongs, take small sections of your loose hair and create tight curls. Comb your fingers through the curls and set with hairspray.

[caption id="attachment_287" align="alignright" width="100" caption="Image courtesy of Marie Claire"][/caption]

 

A Nod to Audrey Hepburn

Looking chic-fresh at the BAFTA’s, Penelope Cruz paid tribute to style icon Audrey Hepburn with a playful yet elegant adaption of the humble ponytail. To upgrade your ponytail, pull your hair back into a relaxed ponytail at the crown of your head. Take a small section and wrap it around the exposed hair tie, securing it with a hairpin. Tease the ponytail and smoothing out the top layer, curl the ends under and pin in place. Feather your fringe to one side and spray.

[caption id="attachment_288" align="alignleft" width="100" caption="Image courtesy of Glamour Magazine"][/caption]

 

A Wave to the Twenties

Fearne Cotton was first-class glam at the BAFTA’s with a sassy twenties-style, wavy bob. You can flaunt your own version, with just a little elbow grease.  Curl your locks with hot rollers or a hair straightener, and run a brush or your fingers through the curls. Backcomb your hair in sections (focusing on the roots) to create the cotton-soft look and spray to set the style.

[caption id="attachment_289" align="alignright" width="100" caption="Image courtesy of Glamour Magazine"][/caption]

 

Swinging Sixties

Adele stole the show at the Brit’s with her billowing locks that perfected her 60’s-inspired flair.To recreate this “beautiful bouffant” style, use jumbo hot rollers or a blow dryer to curl the under layers of your hair upwards towards the nape of your neck (flicking the ends up), and the top layers under. Unravel and lightly tease each section at the roots to create volume. Part your hair to the side, lightly comb the sections together and finish with a spritz of hairspray.

[caption id="attachment_290" align="alignleft" width="100" caption="Image courtesy of Glamour Magazine"][/caption]

 

Girlish charm

Michelle William’s looked positively darling at the BAFTA’s with her modern spin on a classic: the pixie cut. This cut is easy to maintain and style, and particularly flattering for oval, square and heart shaped faces. To spice up a short hairstyle, and recreate William’s soft wispy bangs, work a small amount of moulding paste or hairspray through your hair and sweep it to the side, pinching your hair into feathered sections as you go to create texture. Add a statement headband for an extra measure of charm.

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignright" width="100" caption="Image courtesy of My Daily"][/caption]

 

Sophistication Personified

The picture of age-honouring sophistication and style, Meryl Streep donned an elegant up-do for the BAFTA’s, with her lovely locks swept high and back off her face. Replicate Streep’s style by setting your hair in hot rollers and then separating your hair into two sections. Draw the back section of hair into a loose ponytail, twisting it into a loose French roll and pinning in place. Separate the front layers into smaller sections, lightly tease for added volume and texture, and loosely twist and secure each section in and around the French roll, leaving the ends free to flick out naturally.

 

Inspiration station right?! Now that you’ve got the vision and the know-how, why don’t you to take the plunge and pick a style to try yourself. Whether you opt for a subtle spruce-up or a major chop and change, it’s amazing what a little hair flair can do for your self-esteem.

P.S. If you need some advice on what styles will suit you best – we’re always happy to help!

New Facebook Page

We are truly super duper excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook Page!! We’ll be posting all kind of tidbits on there from our stylists top tips to how to get the latest red carpet looks...

To celebrate get yourself a free £5 voucher just by ‘liking’ it www.facebook.com/wellbeingsalons