10 Top Hairstyle

Knowing what not to do to your hairstyle is just as important as what you do to create the hair of your dreams.  Like everything in life, there are dos and don'ts.

Listed below are the top 10 ten actions you don't want to take when it comes to styling your hair.

1.  Don't go to the salon unprepared to request the hairstyle you wish to wear.

Many hair consumers mistakenly believe that their hairdresser can work miracles, can read their mind and can instantly pick out the best hairstyle for them.

There are many variables to consider when it comes to selecting a hairstyle and it is up to the hair consumer to do their homework and research their own hair options.  Face shape, lifestyle and budget all play into the final style selected.

2.  Don't select a hairstyle or haircut that is impossible to maintain at home on your own.

While many Hollywood celebrities have a expert hairdresser at their fingertips to make sure their tresses look paparazzi perfect, most consumers have to deal with their hair without those constant hairdressing services. 

3.  Don't skimp on proper hair care or hair styling products

Some hair care lines sold in drugstores may work for some types of hair and some styles.  However, if you have highlighted or chemically processed hair or require added volume or control, the less expensive non-salon lines might not do the trick and could make styling your hair a constant challenge.

Consider your options.  You may be able to compromise by buying both mass market and high quality products and alternate between them for best results.  Or maybe your hairstyle requires high quality hair care lines.  Be honest and don't work hard to achieve a great style only to undermine it with products that don't support it.

4.  Don't use the wrong hairstyling tools

There are many different tools available to create fabulous styles.  These tools range from blow dryers and curling irons to hot rollers and round brushes.  Make sure you use the proper tools when re-creating your style. 

If you're unsure what tools to use, ask your hairdresser to give you a lesson at the salon.  It may be impossible to copy the style your professional hair consultant designed for you if you don't deploy the same styling techniques, products and tools.

5.  Don't overuse hairstyling products

Less is more when it comes to utilizing styling products.  If you overdo the gels, mousse and hair sprays you risk developing product build-up on your tresses which can make your hair misbehave. 

6.  Don't copy celebrity hairstyles without caution

Keep in mind that Demi Moore and Jessica Simpson can wear just about any hairstyle their heart desires because they have professional hairdressers custom designing those styles to maximize their best features and minimizing their less attractive.

What looks fabulous on Demi and Jessica may not look the same on you unless you truly look exactly like them, have the same type of hair and wear the exact shade of hair color and cosmetics.  Set fair expectations and you won't be disappointed.

7.  Don't ignore high end cosmetology schools as hairstyling options

Some of the higher end schools such as Toni & Guy and Paul Mitchell employ talented and seasoned professionals as instructors.  The schools have very high standards for the quality of hairdresser they turn out.  As a result, a high end cosmo school is a great place for getting some hairstyling work performed, even if it is just a slight shaping and trim to maintain your high priced style from a different salon.

In fact, a great option is to have your hairstyle created at a top notch salon but have maintenance performed at the cosmo schools to average out your hair style maintenance costs.

8.  Don't be a slave to hair trends

Hairstyles change constantly as fashion change.  Instead of being a slave to hair trends, find a hairstyle that works best for you and maintain that base look.  If you want to update your tresses to keep them looking fresh, opt for a change in hair color, highlights, lowlights or slight texture.  If you look great in a bob, keep that as your basic style but work with your hairdresser to keep it looking contemporary.

9.  Don't ignore hair accessories as a fabulous hairstyling option

Some hair consumers mistakenly believe that hair accessories are only applicable for young people or certain types of hair.  This is not correct.  Any hair accessory can be adopted for any age, hair type, texture, fashion or style.  Use these fabulous fashion accessories to instantly change your look without a trip to the salon.

10.  Don't count out hair extensions as a way to achieve different hairstyles

Whether you want a temporary hairstyle change that a clip-in hair extension can offer or a more permanent change for 3-4 months, hair extensions have come a long way towards affordability and high quality. 

The Jessica Simpson clip-in hair extensions are a great first step towards experimenting with new hairstyles in the privacy of your home in just a few minutes.

If you enjoy the clip-in extensions then be bold and try a partial head of fusion style hair extensions for more lasting hairstyle options.

Hair Quiffs style

Blame the return of the hair "quiff" on Patrick Robinson who's the sizzling new designer at Perry Ellis.  Robinson showcased a fun, yet fresh, fashion collection at The Olympus Fashion Week in New York.

Not only did Robinson's spectacular designs showcase the 50s-inspired clothing styles that are currently flooding the fashion scene, he had many of his models coiffed in the hot new quiff-like hairdos.

Famous for being upbeat, optimistic and edgy, Robinson matched his fun fashion designs with the retro hairstyles that are a combination of a heavily backcombed pouffy crowns with a mid-head straight tail.

There is some controversy over whether the quiff (pronounced so it sounds like wiff with a Q in front) is a 40s, 50s or 60s hairstyle.

Some fashionistas claim the quiff first appeared in the mid 1940s around the time that World War II ended.  Others link it back to the era of the 50s or the 60s.

In reality, the quiff doesn't fade very far from the catwalks.  The edgy style emerges every few years in a variety of incarnations from a partial to a full blown hair design.

Imagine my excitement when I spotted gorgeous blonde Kaley Cuoco of ABC's 8 Simple Rules (now defunct) on Jimmy Kimmel with a low key example of the hot new hairstyle.

Ironically, the Paris haute couture fashion show season which followed The Olympus Fashion Week in New York by several months demonstrated that Robinson is truly a trend setter.  Designer Yohi Yamamoto edged up his hot 50s fashion trends revolving around pastel cardigans and pretty skirts.  Yamamoto folded in some oversized suits on rail thin models with industrial-strength lacquered sky high quiffs.

In some cases the front quiffs were combined with back hair knots and twists to trigger memories of a merged version of the the 50s bouffant/beehive.

Whether you wear it in a low key way with a ponytail like Kaley or a big style like the current Paris catwalks, the beauty of the quiff is that you don't have to have long hair to wear the 2004 version.

Even short haired folks can wear the quiff.  They simply pop a pin-on pony at the back of their heads for the straight bottom flow.

The quiff, like all super finished styles, works best on day-old hair that has time to accumulate some natural hair oils.  When possible, create your quiff on hair that is not super soft or slippery.

There is some question about when the quiff first made its appearance.  Some say that it was in the mid 1940s around the time that World War II ended.  Others link it back to the era of the 50s.

The 2004 version of the Quiff is sleeker and isolated to just the front portion of the head.  It is usually combined with the long sleek pony that either cascades to one side or straight down the back.

Step By Step Instructions

Follow the instructions below to steal Kaley's catwalk quiff.


1.  Start with aged hair (day old) that is either naturally straight or has been blown out stick straight.

If you prefer to start with newly washed hair, be sure to prep with lots of styling products to help hold the quiff hairstyle in place.

2.  Using a comb, a pick, or the tail of either, create a vertical part that runs completely across the top of your head from ear to ear.

The goal is to create two different sections of hair.  This should include a front and back section.  Depending on the desired height of the quiff, add more or less hair to the front section.

3.  Clip off the front section of hair from the back section.

4.  Separate the top section of hair into 1" sections.  Working on each section at a time, tease or backcomb the target section of hair to the desired height.

Note:  For the most lift and fullness it's important to separate strands into smaller individual sections.

5.  Smooth each teased section carefully with your fingers or a comb. Layer each section on top of the previous one to create a firm foundation.

6.  Use a firm hold hairspray after you backcomb each section for strong hold.

7.  Pin the top section so that it has height and lift.

For a more dramatic quiff as showcased on the Paris runways, pull all of your tresses off your forehead.  If you prefer a softer look, combine your quiff with a forehead fringe.

8.  Unclip the back section of hair.  Gather remaining strands into a ponytail.  Arrange the pony so the base rests at the middle of the back of your head.  Tie off the tail with a Blax or bungee that matches your current hair color.

For a more finished look, select approximately 1 inch of hair from the side of the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the Blax or Bungee to camouflage the bangs.

For a more formal look, skip the ponytail and form the remaining hair in the back into a hair bun or twist.  Pin the newly formed bun up off the neck.

Justin Bieber’s Hair Goes On Tour

If fans can’t have the real thing, they’ll setting for his hair.  The Biebster’s hair is touring the US is a special glass box.  The purpose of the Bieber Hair Tour is to raise money for the victims of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami.  Biebs underwent a much publicized haircut and then proceeded to present some clippings to Ellen Degeneres on her show.

The talk show hostess proceeded to put The Biebster’s hair on eBay where is was sold for many thousands of dollars.   Both Bieber and Degeneres signed the sealed box containing the precious hair cargo.


Now the famous hair locks of the 17 year old singing sensation which are contained in the sealed box is touring America.  Fans can have their photo taken with the box of Bieber’s hair in return for a charitable donation for Japan.

Ironically, because of the high value of the hair, Bieber’s hair has a dedicated bodyguard.  That’s right, although the Biebster is currently on his Never Say Never tour in Europe, his hair is on tour with a bodyguard in the US.

Fans are lining up to see the hair and are reportedly thrilled at the opportunity to be photographed with Bieber’s hair.

The Canadian singer has also recently lent his vocal talents to a charity album, with proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross.

Secrets To Simple Long Hair

If you want to grow long hair fast - with fast being a few hours, days or weeks consider these options:

1.  Hair Extensions.

100% human hair extensions that can instantly (a few hours) from chin length to below the bra strap.  The downside to using hair extensions for instant long hair is that hair extensions are not inexpensive and human hair is the most costly of the add-on hair options.

If you are wanting instant Godiva locks for a wedding, a high school reunion or to meet your guy's parents, by all means consider hair extensions.

2.  Add-on hair.

Celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves has been working with add-on tresses with all of his celeb clients.  He loves the instant long hair effect so much that he teamed up with Jessica Simpson to create a line that Jessica would be proud to wear.

Add-on tresses are much less expensive than extensions and they can be semi-permanent or permanent.  This all depends on your goals.

The Real Truth To Growing Long Hair

I have been growing my own hair since 1986 and I have personally tried every possible "fast hair growth" method available.  While I have managed to grow very long hair below my waist that is healthy.  I have learned the following secrets over the past twenty years:

1.  Growing long hair takes a commitment.
2.  Hair, except in rare cases, when it is growing at its optimal genetic rate - will only grow 6-8 inches per year.
3.  If your have hair that is currently chin length and want it to be below your bra - take a ruler and measure the space between where your hair is currently and where you want it to be.
4.  If you need 6 inches to reach your bra strap, plan on it taking 10-12 months for your hair to grow to your goal length.  Every person is different and it may take you a longer or short time depending on a wide variety of factors.
5.  It is very important if you make the personal commitment to grow your hair long that you do all the right things which includes the following things:

Proper nutrition.

Drinking enough daily fluids.

Minimizing unhealthy hair care habits (chemicals, hot tool use, damaging hair care product use).

Eliminating hair growth retarding lifestyle habits (excessive caffeine, sugar, nicotine, alcohol, junk foods).

Getting enough sleep, rest and relaxation.

Taking vitamins, minerals & herbs.  Because of the current condition of the earth and exhausted soil, human beings must take nutritional supplements to operate at their maximum hair growth rates.  Whether you take a good multi-vitamin or a product designed to grow hair - this is an essential component for growing hair at your maximum potential.

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True - It Is

It is my opinion that the number one reason that hair consumers go through pain and suffering with their tresses is because they believe claims and promises that just are too good to be true.

Anyone who has ever left a salon with horrible hair color, fried ends from perms or straighteners or has lost way too many inches of precious growth knows that it is easy to buy into promises of great color, texture and a hot style that won't require a lot of hair loss.

Remember, it's your hair.  You have to wear it every day.  Consider any promises carefully and ask questions.

Trendy Short Hairstyles for 2011

For 2011, what's trendy (or not!), there is an endless selection of lengths, colors, textures, finishes, volume, shine and control. Personalizing your hairstyles, creating something uniquely for yourself from your likes and what appeals to you, is what makes you fashionable; current; trendy. You can use the guides and hairstyle galleries to help you find a jumping point for finding new hairstyles, but when it comes to choosing a complete look choose something for yourself because it appeals to you and will accentuate your natural beauty instead of choosing something you think people will like on you. Ultimately the people wearing the hairstyles have to be comfortable with in it to make it believable. Here is a selection of beautifull short hairstyles for 2011 to help get you thinking and maybe even spark some ideas.

Girls with a lot of natural texture and massive amounts of hair know how hard it is to get polished hairstyles without appearing overdone. Short hair especially is hard to perfect because it's so easy to overuse product, get product buildup, then have completely unmanageable hair. To get the buildup off hair strands, use a clarifying shampoo, then follow up with a normal washing/conditioning routine.
Try a product like Aveda's best-selling Control Paste . It will give polish to hairstyles without too much shine, and will also provide a pliable hold. Bonus for this product is there are no synthetic fragrances, so you smell natural and amazing!

Not everyone wants a soft, feminine haircut. That’s totally okay! You can pull off edgy hairstyles and still keep up with current trends by easing up on the product or changing the type of product you use. If you’ve used a glue or wax in the past to get a really piece-y, choppy finish, changing that to a balm or whipped pomade will lighten things up a bit and keep hairstyles from becoming too harsh (try Aveda’s Light Elements Defining Whip

Michelle Williams is pretty much always a fashionista, so you can look to her for some terrific short hairstyles for inspiration. The lighter blonde color all over brightens up her face and having it cut short with her face shape opens up her neck and jaw line and makes the overall look feel more accessible. Heavy bangs subtly layered across her forehead keep the cut from feeling severe and the finishing touches from her stylist round the shape out instead of making it look boxy or choppy. The style is soft and approachable, but still chic. There is natural volume to it, but it doesn't look overwhelming or high maintenance. This short hairstyle is definitely wearable! 

Chloe Moretz's short bob has full curls at the ends, which gives it a lot of body and volume without having to sacrifice much length. A deeper side part swept across her forehead adds a touch of mystery and makes it feel romantic. Subtle highlights give the finished hairstyle a glow, and the products used aren't wearing it down at all. It appears to be healthy and full of life; a soft version of past Hollywood starlet hairstyles.

 

If you're feeling like you don't want to part with piece-y hairstyles, try adding some volume. This next year is all about short hairstyles with volume – a lot or a little, or anywhere in-between! For a short haircut, adding volume and getting it to stay shouldn't be all that hard. Try Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Volumizing Extra Hold Spray (approx. $23 for 10oz). For a cheaper alternative, look for a lightweight volumizing hairspray with good hold. You definitely don't want a thick heavy hairspray bogging down that lift! A little volume can make a huge difference for many hairstyles. 

    Edgy, no extra volume, piece-y…you want it all. That will work too as long as you create some great texture to prevent hairstyles from looking plastered to the head. Style normally, but instead of making sure every strand is in its rightful place, try breaking it up with your fingers and only spraying a light hold hairspray to defend against any fly-aways. Just because you have a classic short haircut, doesn't mean it can't be trendy at the same time! To get added texture, experiment with Sebastian's Texturizer 

If you're the type of girl who likes to be at the front end of the trend instead of the backside, you'll want to find short hairstyles that give you volume, texture, a soft touchable finish that looks effortless and fresh with color. It's okay to want it all, but have a plan before your stylist starts chopping away! Being familiar with your face shape, body type, the undertones of your skin, and the available time you've got for styling will make a world of difference since there are limitless options. If you're not sure what short hairstyles will look best, ask a professional. Their business is beauty and they're typically unbiased. Not getting a good answers from your stylist or still getting terrible hairstyles? Get a second opinion. You do it all the time with the doctor, mechanic and other service people, so your hair stylist should be no exception. Asking relatives and close friends can be tricky since their instinct is to tell you that you'll look good no matter what! You can also examine hairstyles through virtual hair styling programs. Check out the reviews before you choose a site at Latest-Hairstyles.com. 

Wanting more versatility in a haircut but want to keep it short? Ask for hairstyles with longer sections in the front that you can pull back if desired. Having that extra bit of length in front serves a few purposes. Not everyone is comfortable with having shorter hair in the front and those longer pieces can help you adjust to a shorter style. Depending on your face shape, they can also help frame your face to create a softer appearance. The longer pieces also allow more styling options with curling, braiding, accessories, etc. If you'd like to add a hairpiece for a night of long hair, there are attachments available that just clip about halfway up the back of your head. Having longer pieces on top will help make a more seamless transition from your hair to the hairpiece. There are a ton of online companies that sell hair extensions, wigs, and other hair pieces. It's an investment where you get what you pay for, so know what hairstyles you want and ask questions before you buy.  

Waxes and pastes are also excellent products for those with short haircuts. You can purchase one that costs slightly more to get better results, knowing that it should last you a very long time! In the professional product realm, quality is everything. Because you're getting better ingredients with fewer fillers, you can be assured that using just a very small amount is going to give you an ideal result. Actually, utilizing less is almost always better! If you aren't following the manufacturer's instructions closely, you may not be seeing the best results from the product. Starting out with too much, however, can create hairstyles that are greasy or sticky. Yuck! Jonathan Product Dirt Texturizing Paste gets favorable reviews. 

Go all the way up with extreme volume and texture in your hairstyles. It takes a brave soul to wear it and if that's you, this is the perfect hairstyle. Use a product like Kenra's Platinum Texturizing Taffy  to get that great texture and weightless feeling without all the product buildup. Depending on the hairstyles, you may also have to use a hairspray or root boosting product to really hold the hair in place. Try to find a product that gets positive reviews for being lightweight because the whole point is to keep the hairstyles soft while enjoying the volume and texture. You definitely don't want crunchy or crusty hair! 

It's fun to wear spiky hairstyles sometimes, so if you're feeling it, go for it! Instead of making every strand a spike, soften up the fringe area. It doesn't have to be perfectly smooth, but create softness around your face then rock the rest out. Use a product like Alterna's Sculpting Putty . Use a product that gives you definition and hold, but that's easy to manipulate.  

Color is always a fun thing to play with, especially when you have shorter hair, because it grows out so quickly and you can completely change your look without having to suffer through the trashed hair look. If you've always gone for light-on-top hairstyles, experiment with a lighter color underneath that peeks out in strategic places from a darker color on top. You don't want hair color to be symmetrical and perfect – you do want it to be fun and spontaneous! You can go extreme with color selection or start out with more subtle variations of your base color. Talk to a colorist about color choices, what will compliment your skin, and what the maintenance will be. You can also visit sites like LorealParisUSA.com to see what the experts have to say about professional techniques!

2011 Short Winter Haircut

You’ve got the attitude, the style, and the confidence – now all you need is the perfect haircut! If you’re sassy, independent, outgoing, lower maintenance and/or in need of a new style, here are some perfect options for this winter season.

This girl just can’t get any more gorgeous! Keira Knightley rocks the short haircut. The angles of her face make the shape of this haircut perfect for her. Very chic and European. It’s not TOO short, but short enough to make life a little easier while displaying her personality and lifestyle. To get a similar look, invest in a great blow dryer and round brush (medium size brush should do it). After hair is almost completely dry, use the round brush to smooth the ends while wrapping them underneath. Using a thermal spray will help lock in the style as you go. Perfect trick for a girl-on-the-go!

Platinum blonde is a fantastic color for winter, but it does take a lot of maintenance and isn’t the best option for everyone. Having an idea of what’s most important to you (like length, color, hair health, etc) is a productive use of your time before you go to the salon. If you visit your hair stylist with a specific picture or color swatch, it helps them know what you have in mind and what your expectations are for the finished style. Pictures ARE worth a thousand words. And in this case, the prep work of finding one (or a few) will probably save you a lot of consultation time, too. Make sure you understand what it will take to maintain before you commit to this shade of blonde for the winter season.

Keep short hair sleek for special occasions. Just because your hair is short, doesn’t mean you have to lose out on variety! The styling time is a lot shorter but hair still looks classy and upscale for any event. Pair it up with a suit for the office, then after work toss on your party dress you’re ready to go out! If you’re prone to fuzzy ends, carry a mini-flat iron to do touch-ups here and there. A travel sized hairspray in your purse can be a life saver, too!

Looking for an edgy style that still looks feminine? Try this deep part with side swept bangs. And if you’re hair doesn’t already have highlights and/or lowlights, get some! The color variation actually gives this style a little more dimension than there would be if hair was all one color. Young, fresh and a little bit sassy. Perfect!

Lowlights and Blonde Tones hairstyle 2011

This last hair color is a great combination of lighter blonde tones with some lowlights to create a multi-tonal effect. The lowlights are applied to the crown and down to the strands, leaving most of the ends in blonde shades. The total effect creates a beautiful hairstyle that brings out the facial area. The darker crown and the lighter ends produce a complimentary hair color. The crown could be a little lighter but still fits. A great look for Carrie Underwood.

Gallery Lowlights and Blonde Tones hairstyle 2011