Essential hair styling tools

[caption id="attachment_1585" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image courtesy of Fashion avec Passion[/caption]

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!

[gallery link="file"]

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.

2013 Cut and Colour Trends - Part 1

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.

This week we’re looking at a few of the top styles trending this year, and next week we’ll give you the goss on the favourite hair hues of 2013.








Frilled by fringes
Bangs are like adding a nice trimming to a basic coat - a simple, subtle way to change up your look and draw attention to your shining eyes. A heavy, blunt fringe will add a bit of edginess to your style similar to Jessica Biel’s current cut, or opt for a long, soft and eye-grazing fringe for a “Brigitte Bardot” peek-a-boo look. While a fringe can look great with any length hair, they are particularly complementary to fairly straight or slightly wavy hair that is shoulder length or longer.

 








Bobbing for compliments
A bold trend for 2013 is the bob. Whether chin skimming or shoulder brushing, bobs are the pick over the shorter crops of 2012. The short choice for 2013 is a versatile and modern take on a classic wash ‘n’ wear cut with either a blunt cut for edgy chic or a textured style with subtle graduation and layering for a youthful softness.

 








Lengthy layers
Drawing inspiration from ancient goddesses and 70s glam rock, flowing chest-length locks are the longer option for 2013. Opt for soft wavy volume with texture and layering – especially around the frame of your face or a straight, blunt cut for a sleek and structured look.

 

As with clothing, you need to take in to consideration not only what’s in fashion, but also what will complement your face shape and features when considering prospective hairstyles. For a few tips on the best cuts for your face shape, read this article and as always: We are more than happy to give you our professional opinion on what styles will enhance your natural fabulousness!

 

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

Get the look: Golden Globe glamour curls

[gallery link="file"]



 

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

We’re hiring! Senior Stylist required

Are you ready to join the team at Baldock’s leading Hair Salon?  If you’re the Senior Stylist we’re looking for, you’ll be passionate, enthusiastic, self-motivated, a team player and a real people person.  Working as part of our family-run chain of salons you’ll be exposed to top-notch training, and a warm, happy environment.  Part-time or full-time.  To apply please email your CV to rebecca@wellbeingsalons.com.