A few telltale signs that it’s time for a new hairstyle

[caption id="attachment_1086" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image courtesy of Glamour.com[/caption]

It’s easy to get comfortable with a hairstyle. That, in and of itself is not a bad thing – if the hairstyle complements your finest features, is low maintenance and makes you feel like the best you! However, comfort can sometimes land us in a bit of a rut, leaving us feeling a little stale.

 

Updating your hair is a great way to stay vibrant and confident. A new ‘do can add dimension, fullness and a breathe of freshness to your look. Subtle changes like layering, a fringe or highlights can be all you need to revitalise your look. Extreme changes like shoulder-length hair to a pixie crop or a radical new hair colour can be surprisingly liberating too!

 

Here are a few telltale signs it’s time for an update:

 

High maintenance: If it takes longer than thirty minutes to style your hair or you require loads of product to tame your mane you are definitely in need of a new ‘do. A wash ‘n wear cut is a great option - here are a few options to consider.

 

Outdated: If you look at a picture of yourself from a few years ago and your hairstyle is exactly the same – you know it’s time for a change. Hair is one of our best accessories and just like fashion there are trends to follow (even if they’re just tweaks to classic looks). An out-dated cut or colour can add unwanted years to your appearance. Stay up-to-the minute and feel fresh and modern with a new cut.

 

The pull back trick: If you tie up or clip back your hair everyday because the thought of styling it is too much of a hassle or it never seems to look they way you want it to – you need a new chop! It’s time for a cut that is versatile and easy to style!

 

Lifestyle changes: If you’ve recently experienced a major life style change whether good or not so good, a new hairstyle can be a great way to face new challenges head on. A hairstyle that is both stylishly empowering but also practical to fit with your lifestyle, is what you want!

 

Colour conflicts: Hair colour can either flatter or flatten your complexion. Often we opt for a colour we like, rather than choosing a colour that complements our skin tone. If you’re skin seems to have a yellowy tinge or washed-out look, it’s probably time to try a new hue. Our article on the best hair colours for your skin tone can help you out.

 

Want the usual?: If you hear this line from your stylist every time you go to the salon, think about changing your answer next time! Consider asking you stylist about what they think would be the most flattering style for you.

 

Compliments: It’s nice to be admired for your style right?! When was the last time you received a compliment about your hair? Your ideal hairstyle should result in regular comments on how stunning you look and a few requests for the name of your stylist too! To find the most flattering styles for you, consider your face shape and the facial features you want to highlight. Check out our article ‘hairstyles to complement your face shape’ for more info.

 

If you can relate to a few of these situations, come in and visit us! We will do our utmost to ensure you achieve a new level of fabulousness that makes you feel comfortable, proud and beautiful.

Creating the perfect bun just got easier - thanks to a doughnut!

[caption id="attachment_1070" align="aligncenter" width="436"] Images courtesy of Ali Ro[/caption]

Although I’m a big fan of the edible kind of doughnuts, today we’re giving the spotlight to a golden ring that won’t add but a gram to those luscious hips of yours – a hair doughnut!

The hair doughnut (also referred to as a sock bun or bun ring) is a ring of soft, stretchy mesh padding that adds instant volume to your bun and can help you create a pretty flash up-do in a matter of minutes.

Padding is a wee trick that women have been using to pump-up their hair do’s (and other areas for that matter!) for centuries. A famous royal by the name of Marie Antoinette was well known for her extremely voluminous styles that could stand over 60 centimetres high thanks to hair padding. The ladies of the sixties also utilised hair padding to create their various iconic bouffants and beehives. Nowadays, we tend to be a little bit more understated, but creating a voluminous hairstyle that can stay put for hours is still something we aim to achieve.

Though the use hair padding is age-old, the hair doughnut has been particularly prevalent on the red carpet and high street alike over the past year, creating flawless Oscar-ready topknots and casual, low-sweeping chignons perfect for a weekend brunch.

Hair doughnuts are great for all hair types and particularly beneficial for those of us with shorter, finer hair. (They can also be a bit of a lifesaver for the ballet mums).

There are endless variations for creating a knockout up-do using a hair doughnut, but here is a step-by-step guide to a simple “doughnut” bun to get you started:

What you need:

• A hair doughnut (you can get these from your local beauty retailer (e.g. Boots)


• Hair tie


• Bobby pins


• Comb


• Hairspray

Note: When choosing a hair doughnut opt for the colour that best matches your hair to avoid your secret weapon being exposed. Select a size depending on how much hair your have to work with and how big you want to go.

Instructions:

1. Comb your hair and gather it into a ponytail on the part of your head where you would like your bun to sit (e.g. top-knot or low and on the side) and secure with a hair tie.


2. Take the doughnut and place your hair through the ring so that the doughnut sits against your head around the hair tie.


3. Gently tease your hair for added volume and pliability


4. Find the middle of your ponytail and from this point, spread your hair evenly over the top of the donut to cover it completely.


5. Depending on the length of your hair, tuck your locks under or wrap them around the bun and secure by pinning right the way around.


6. Complete your masterpiece with a spritz of hairspray (smoothing flyaways if you’re going for the sleek look)


7. You can make your bun tight and tailored - retaining the shape of the doughnut, or slightly loose and unstructured for a more casual, natural look.

Variations:

• Place the tip of your ponytail through the ring, find the centre of your ponytail and evenly spread the hair over the doughnut. Slowly roll the doughnut towards your head wrapping your ponytail evenly around the hairpiece and tucking loose strands under as you go.


• Once the doughnut is sitting around your hair tie, section your hair into 3 or more pieces. Fan each section into a wide band and then proceed to wrap the sections over and around the doughnut. You can save a few smaller sections to plait and pin over your bun for an added feature.

And just like that you have a stunner bun, and all thanks to a doughnut!

Tips for managing dry or oily hair

[caption id="attachment_1059" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image courtesy of HealthViva.com[/caption]

Many of us are subject to dry, damaged or oily, greasy hair - these are not conditions to be tolerated! We have put together a few tips for managing dry and oily hair types, so that you can ensure your locks stay healthy, supple and glowing.

Go forth and claim stronger, silkier, more fabulous looking hair!

Dry Hair

Dry hair is due to a lack of your hair’s natural oils that maintain a healthy moisture, shine and texture. If you find that you hair is dull, coarse and prone to split ends, you more than likely fit into this category (curly hair is more susceptible).

Dry hair can be caused by a number of factors, both internal and external. Hormonal conditions such as an underactive thyroid or parathyroid can lead to dry hair, as can external factors such as excessive shampooing, heat styling or air conditioning.

Tips to managing dry hair:

• Get a haircut! Have your dry, split ends removed to make room for fresh, healthier locks.


• Shampooing washes away the oils that dry hair thirsts for, so try to shampoo less frequently (once or twice a week may be enough) and opt for quality shampoo designed for dry hair that will help restore moisture.


• Condition your hair after every shampoo with a quality conditioner. Try not to over rinse and consider a professional deep conditioning treatment every six to eight weeks.


• Brushing your hair well can help distribute your scalps moisturising oils down the length of your hair. Brush your hair with a soft-bristled hairbrush or wide toothcomb to avoid hair breakage.


• Heat sucks the moisture from your hair, so give hair dryers and heated stylers the cold shoulder. Try to air-dry your hair (with rollers for added volume) or consider a new “wash and wear” haircut that will air-dry in style.

Oily hair

Oily hair is due to overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp, resulting in the overproduction of your skins natural oil. The natural oils of your hair give a natural, healthy shine to your hair that keeps it conditioned, supple and strong, but too much results in greasy weighed-down locks (fine, straight hair is more prone to oily hair).

Oily hair can be hereditary, but other factors that can contribute to oily locks are stress, birth-control or menstrual medications and incompatible hair products.

Tips to managing oily hair:

• Wash your hair frequently with a quality shampoo designed for oily hair, that will remove excess oil without drying your hair out. Make sure you massage your scalp well to breakdown grease and product build-up, and rinse well.


• Reduce the frequency of your conditioning treatments (once or twice a week should be enough). Conditioners are important for locking in moisture and particularly nourishing the drier ends of your hair, but as your roots are already well moisturised by your skin’s natural oils, focus on the lower half of your hair rather than your scalp.


• Styling products can weigh down oily hair and cause a build-up of greasy residue. Stay clear of heavy styling products such as waxes and gels and stick to hairsprays and lighter styling pastes. Also, try to lighten up on the amount you use, the more product the more oil build-up.


• Cut back on your hair brushing. Brushing and “finger combing” your hair carries oils from your scalp down the length of your hair. Over-brushing also stimulates your scalps oil glands, which in turn will increase oil production.

Feel free to come in and chat with us about the best solutions for your hair!

Stylish ways to warm your head this winter

Daylight savings has come to an end, the days are getting shorter, colder and a little greyer (although the Autumn leaves are stunning at the moment). It’s time to get the winter woollies out and start snuggling up for the winter months – and what a great excuse to purchase a colourful headpiece to brighten the grey days and stay warm in style!

A winter hat is a practical accessory for keeping the cold out and the warmth in, while providing a great feature piece and a way to give your winter style a unique twist.

Here are a few of our favourite head-warmers for you to consider this winter:

Keeping it Cloche These twenties-inspired hats are chic and sophisticated. A cloche hat projects classic elegance with a feminine flare, while protecting your head and hair from the wind and rain. This is a perfect style for winter weddings and Christmas celebrations.
[caption id="attachment_1045" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £45.87 from Bloomingdales.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1043" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £25 from TopShop.com[/caption]
Faux Fur Add an air of luxury to your jacket and jeans combo with a fur hat. Super stylish and snuggly too, fur hats are ideal for wandering through the Christmas markets and snow-covered parks, especially if you’re going to be snapping a few pictures (your sure to look fabulous)!
[caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £16 from ASOS.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1047" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £18 from ASOS.com[/caption]
Peaking This style is a nod to the working and utilitarian classes of the thirties, forties and fifties. Smart and classic, short peaked woollen hats have a look that is both practical and classy. Have a bit of fun with patterns or stick to a block colour for a timeless accessory.
[caption id="attachment_1044" align="aligncenter" width="234"] £120 from Lacoste.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1042" align="aligncenter" width="234"] £25 from TopShop.com[/caption]
Turbands The chic style of a turban combined with the warmth and practicality of a headband and ear warmer = a turband. A versatile winter hair accessory, turbands allow you to wear your hair in a variety of ways while keeping a snug and warm head – a great weekend wear. Try to find a turband colour that contrasts and complements your hair colour.
[caption id="attachment_1049" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £10 from ASOS.com[/caption]	[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="235"] £57.12 from Shopbop.com[/caption]

Get the look: Bérénice Marlohe's Bond Beauty

Bond girls are the embodiment of sass, style and sophistication. At one point or another, all of us have wished we were one of them right? (Or is that just me?!

Skyfall is the latest addition to the James Bond collection, and marks the 50th anniversary of the famed series. Making her debut as a Bond girl in the new film is Bérénice Marlohe (as Sévérine) - and what an absolute stunner! The Parisian actress is a sultry piece of glamour and pulls off tousled, carefree class in typical Bond fashion. At the Paris premiere of Skyfall, Ms Marlohe sported this glam side-swept ‘do.

With the impending “end of year” events, this is a great style to master. It’s reasonably simple to recreate, and looks romantic and elegant with its loose curls and textured chignon.

• Begin by running a volume-enhancing mousse through towel-dried hair (to create texture)


• Throw your head upside down and give your hair a quick blow-wave so that your hair is about eighty percent dry


• To create voluminous curls, use a hair straightener (read “how to”) or roll and secure sections of your hair in rollers and blow wave your hair complete dry (use a paddle brush to blend the sections)


• Create a deep side parting and form 3 sections – fringe, top and sides/back


• Loosely pin your fringe off to the side and clip your sides/back section out of the way


• Comb the top section straight back and lightly tease it (focus on the crown of your head for additional volume) to create a slight bouffant


• Gather the teased hair together and after smoothing the top layer of hair, sweep the section off to the side (just behind your ear) and secure with hairpins


• Comb the sides/back section to join the “pinned” top section, and hold in a relaxed ponytail just behind your ear, at the nap of your neck


• Fashion a loose chignon by twisting your hair into a coil and securing with hairpins (it’s ok to let a few strands hang loose)


• Set the style with a spritz of hairspray.

Bond-beautiful!

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.

Safeguard against split ends

Oh, the never-ending nuisance that is split ends! If we’re being honest, there’s no escaping split ends, however it is possible to minimise and prevent unnecessary damage.

Split ends (Trichoptilosis), is the vertical splitting or fraying of the hair shaft due to stress placed on the hair. Perming, colouring and using heated stylers strips your strands of the nutrients that keep them strong and moisture-rich, which leads to dull brittle hair that is prone to split ends.

Leaving damaged ends can lead to further breakage higher up the hair shaft. This can lead to hair shedding, which will inhibit your ability to maintain the length of your hair. It also makes it difficult to preserve styles such as curls or straightened hair.

Reduce the causes and safeguard against split ends by following these few simple tips…


Regular Trims
The only genuine way to rid yourself of split ends is to chop them off! Also, by removing at least a quarter of an inch off the ends you allow oxygen to reach the ends of your locks, creating a foundation for strong, healthy hair. Regular trims every six to eight weeks are recommended.

A quality clean
To maintain hydrated and nourished locks and prevent your hair from drying out, you need to invest in a quality moisturising shampoo and conditioner.  A leave-in conditioner or regular salon deep-conditioning treatments are also a great way to preserve moisture. For more information on choosing quality haircare, read our “Looking after your locks” article

Gently does it
Your tresses are fragile. Rough, repeated brushing and combing equals damaged hair. Use a hair-friendly tool for smoothing out your locks – a wide-toothed comb is the best option for thicker hair. Be gentle when detangling, start at the ends and work your way up (it’s best to do this when you hair is dry). Try not to brush your hair too much; intensive brushing creates more split ends!

Keep a cool head
Heat draws moisture from your locks, consequently, regular use of hot stylers leads to dry and brittle hair. Try to cut back on your heated-styler usage and when using hairdryers, curling and straightening irons, consider using a heat protectant to help retain your hair’s moisture.