Articles Tagged Hair

Get The Look: The Messy Up Do

The messy up do was a trend on the Academy Awards red carpet on Sunday. Celebs including Faith Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Miley Cyrus, Penelope Cruz, Zoe Saldana and Kristen Stewart all tied their tresses in sexy, undone knots.

To get the look at home, celebrity stylist Oscar Blandi (who created Faith Hill’s look and has worked with Penelope and Jennifer) suggests following these steps:

Step 1: To create this look, the base is critical. Let 70% of the hair air dry and apply Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray ($18, available at Sephora.com) from roots to end. Flip the hair upside-down and blow-dry on low mild heat.

Step 2: Secure all the hair at the nape of the neck with an elastic, using your fingers as a comb to separate the hair for a natural pulled back effect. Wrap individual hair sections around the ponytail and secure with hair pins for a undone chignon.

Step 3: Lightly pull out hair around the hairline to create a tussled loose frame around the face.

Step 4: Finish with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray ($23, available at Sephora.com) for shine and a flexible hold.

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Va-Va-Voluminous Hair

In the 80’s, tresses were anything but tame! Teasing, mousse and a generous helping of hairspray- this is how women achieved the coveted “big hair” look.

Celebrity hairstylist Philip Pelusi says, women today still crave va-va-volume, but there’s a more modern way to set the style. Put away the scrunchies and the Aqua Net. Here are Philip Pelusi’s tips for achieving hair with height in 2010:

When it comes to volume…

Volume really never goes out of fashion, but it is the type of volume or
the finish on the hair that goes “in” and “out” of style. (For example, either a soft or a crunchy finish.) Some amount of volume really compliments anyone. If someone wants to look younger, thick and voluminous hair helps achieve that. If someone wants to look alluring and sexy, voluminous hair does that, as well.

When it comes to bangs…

Steer clear of short, puffy bangs, a “too crunchy” finish, or too stiff/evenly curled hair. To have modern “big” hair, bangs can be softly swept to the side, but don’t style shorter bangs in the big rounded shape that truly belongs in the 1980’s. Also, keep hair on the soft side. Steer clear of hardening mousses or gels.

When it comes to curls and waves…

Make curls and waves uneven to be modern, curling them in different sizes and in different directions. Make sure the curls stay touchable and movable. Avoid “helmet hair.” Look for more modern products that are resin free. Resins are what create that stiff look and feel to the hair.

Creating Big Hair in 2010

1.) Use a Volumizing Conditioner and Shampoo: Volumizing products (such as the P2 InCrease Volumizze Shampoo and Conditioner- $29.95) are formulated not to weigh hair down and to build texture and strength. Be careful to apply conditioner only to ends.

2.) Give Your Roots a Boost: Apply a root lifter before blowdrying, from midshaft to root (try Mod di Phy Define Root Lift Volumize Spray – $21.95).

3.) Blow Dry For “Oomph”: Lift sections of hair toward the sky as you blow dry, directing hot air toward your scalp.

4.) Don’t Blow Dry Upside Down: To keep volume modernized, do not flip your head over.

5.) Back-Brush Instead of Tease: Instead of teasing your tresses with a comb, use a flat-backed brush, which will damage your hair less.

6.) Mist Hairspray: Heavy hairspray is more likely to weigh hair down instead of give it volume. Spritz hairspray in to the air and walk through it (try Mod di Phy Fluid Shaping & Finishing Spray- $19.95).
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Getting To The Root Of Acne

We all have an excuse for acne. It’s easy to blame an outbreak on stress, lack of sleep, weather changes, or (my personal favorite) “that time of the month.” But did you ever think your hair care products could be contributing to the blotches?

Kairo Acne Care Solutions hopes to revoluntionize the way we think about washing and styling our locks. They’ve created the first ever system that promises to combat hair care related acne woes. This new line is packed with everything from shampoo and conditioner to styling favorites like hairspray and hair gel.

We were lucky enough to receive the Balancing Breakout-Controlling Conditioner. Here’s why it’s billed as a beauty breakthrough: As much as you try to keep conditioner on your scalp, sooner or later it will end up on your face. According to Kairos, this results in harmful oils seeping into your skin, leading to the inevitable breakout. Kairos says it’s skin perfecting potion does not contain the pore-clogging ingredients that are present in other products. It promises to control breakouts by balancing the overproduction of oil by the scalp. It also contains 1% Salicylic Acid to attack problem areas. That’s a common acne-fighting ingredient.

These sisters have to admit, we don’t have full-on acne, but do get those stubborn pimples that always seem to pop up. A mere 2 ½ weeks after smoothing the treatment through our strands, we noticed our punims were a bit more clear. While we can’t promise you’ll have the same results, we think anything that might lessen the severity of breakouts is worth a try!

As if clearer skin isn’t fab enough, the scent of the product makes you feel like you’re in a spa, and it detangles knots in a snap! We found ourselves looking forward to whipping out the bottle every time we showered!

The proof is in the picture. The company’s posted some before and after pics right over here.

Price: $28 on KairosClean.com

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Winter Hair Help

The wind is howling. Snow is falling. Inside, the heat is on full blast. Winter is known for its wicked weather, but it’s also famous for causing wicked hair woes! We’re talking flyaways, parched locks and breakage. (And don’t even get us started on “hat hair.”) Sometimes it looks like our strands have been through a storm!

Need some winter hair help? Have no fear. We’ve got your head covered on everything from static to style.

Celebrity stylists Federico Calce and Francky L’Official know a thing or two about what it takes to tame tresses and keep your mane moisturized. Take a look at their list of tips and turn that dull hairdo into something dazzling!

TO TAME FLYAWAYS AND STATIC:

Francky: Hair becomes more dry in the winter, so flyways and staticky strands can always be an issue. To combat them, Francky suggests using a light hairspray, a leave-in conditioner or serum before walking out the door.

Federico: Federico says you can also use a drop of conditioner. Be sure to use just a drop…or your hair will be greasy!

The Celebutante Sisters: Here’s another easy way to stop static: Run a dryer sheet over your locks! It’s also great for getting rid of static in your clothes. Keep one in your bag for emergencies.

TO PREVENT BREAKAGE/MOISTURIZE:

Francky: To prevent brittle hair and breakage, Francky recommends applying a serum down the length of the hair and at the ends as a seal of protection. For an added boost of hydration, Francky suggests a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Looking for an easy DIY recipe? Here are two from the stylist himself:

Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil has been a popular oil treatment for thousands of years. It keeps hair strong and vitalized against the signs of aging. Apply coconut oil to hair and allow it to work overnight for best results. (Hint: Cover hair with saran wrap if you’re worried about your sheets). Rinse out in your morning shower.

Eggs:
Get your hair super shiny and conditioned with eggs! Take two beaten egg yolks and massage into hair. Start at the scalp and work in small sections. Then, gather all of the hair in a shower cap, wrap in a warm towel and wait 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water and shampoo as usual.

Additional tips? Never use rubber bands to tie back hair. Francky says it is also important that women do not go outside with wet hair when the temperature drops.

Federico: Keep hair quenched. Stop squeezing every last drop of conditioner out of your hair. You know how great your hair feels after being washed at the salon? That’s how it should feel every time you step out of the shower. If it’s dry and stringy to the touch, you’ve washed the conditioner right out of it. Federico says this is a common mane mistake.

PREVENT HAT HAIR:

Federico: Here’s how to keep it at bay. Federico says, when you remove your topper, flip hair over and massage your scalp with your fingers as if you are shampooing. Then, stand up, flip your hair back and fix loose strands with your fingers. Carry a small container of hairspray in your purse and spritz away to keep tresses in place.

STYLE:

Francky: Hair requires more maintenance during the Winter. For a glamorous Winter style, Francky suggests drying your hair, then adding large rollers to give it movement. He also recommends staying away from tools that get “too hot.” (Like a hair straightener or curling iron.) Francky says the contrast of heat with the cold temperatures outside can cause damage to your hair.

Federico: The celebrity stylist says that long hair with layers, or short/medium length hair with soft waves will have you looking glam this Winter. Hair should have body and movement. One woman that Federico says has it right? Hillary Clinton!

You can find more information on Federico Calce and Francky L’Official after the jump.

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Refresh Your Locks For New Year's Eve

Is this chilly winter weather turning those strands into straw? No worries! You can heal your hair in the kitchen! Master Stylists Robear Landeros and Josh Rosebrook from LA based The Parlour on 3rd say, olive oil and mayonnaise aren’t just for eating, they’re excellent for hydrating your hair and scalp. Get cooking with these DIY recipes.

Josh Rosebrook’s Olive Oil Moisturizing Treatment:

1. Take 1/4 cup olive oil and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

2. Part your hair into four sections and apply the warm olive oil to your scalp, section by section. Make sure to work the olive oil from the scalp to the ends of your hair.

3. Put a plastic cap on your hair and let the olive oil work its magic for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the cap. Shampoo, condition, and style your hair as usual.

Robear Landeros’ Healthy Hair Mayo Mask:

The easiest, cheapest, and most effective hair mask secret known to stylists is mayonnaise. Who would have thought? Mayo is composed of egg yolk, lemon juice and vinegar, which can strengthen and moisturize your hair. Avoid commercial brands. Stick with organic for best results. Place a plastic bag over your hair after you apply. Leave it on for 30 minutes. If you don’t mind smelling like a ham sandwich, the end result is worth it!

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GIVEAWAY- No Frizz Living Proof Hair Products

The Celebutante Sisters have a dream. A dream of stick straight hair. The kind you don’t need to dry. The kind that doesn’t frizz or flyaway.

Then we woke up.

Our hair gets frizzy. We need the straightening iron. We need to dry our tresses. To achieve luscious locks, it’s all about finding products that work! After years of trying what seems like every gel, spray, pomade, and other hair helper on the market, we were about ready to surrender. Yes, frizz. You won. We give up. We’re waving the white flag. Then, we found No Frizz products by Living Proof. (Cue the cheesy music.)

This slew of styling products, shampoo and conditioners was created by a team of stylists and scientists. After a year of research, this A-team discovered the first new, anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. Their line is based on your hair type: fine to medium, medium to thick, thick to coarse.

The sisters styled with the Straight Making Spray for fine to medium hair. We also tried the Straight Making Cream for medium to thick hair. Both formulas are free of oils and silicones. The directions say to add a generous amount of product, but whether you add 15 sprays or 25, a quarter-size dollop of cream or more, your hair will never feel greasy. Simply apply…and dry. It couldn’t be easier!

We’re happy to report that both products truly banish frizz come heat and high humidity. When rain is pouring and wind is blowing, you hair will look like it has been through a drizzle rather than a hurricane! And if straight, silky hair isn’t enough, No Frizz seals the hair shaft, repelling dirt and oil. That means your strands stay cleaner, longer. It’s safe to say, our hair can’t live…without Living Proof! (PS: No Frizz also comes in a Wave shaping, curl defining formula!)

Ready for the GIVEAWAY? FIVE lucky CS readers will win a set of No Frizz styling products. The set will include one Straight making product and one Wave shaping, curl defining product. You get to choose from the following:

For fine hair to medium hair – No Frizz Straight Making Spray & No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining Spray

For medium to thick hair – No Frizz Straight Making Cream & No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining Cream

For thick to coarse hair – No Frizz Straight Making Treatment & No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining Treatment

To enter…simply leave a comment below telling us why you need hair help. Open to residents of the United States and Canada. This contest ends Monday, December 14, 2009. You can check out all the prizes by clicking here luck everyone!

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Save Money on Your Strands This Season

It’s no secret that the Celebutante Sisters are addicted to being blonde. We don’t like to reveal our roots, but keeping up with highlights can be costly. This season, raid your kitchen, add glimmering shades to your locks and save some dough all at the same time.

Whether you’re a ravishing redhead, beautiful brunette or just plain gaga for golden strands, celebrity hairstylist Francky L’Official has some easy, do-it-yourself hair treatments you can mix up at home. And you won’t believe his tips for adding shimmery shine to your ‘do!

If you recognize this stylist to the stars…you aren’t dreaming! Francky was featured regularly on seasons one and two of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City. Not to mention…the Francky L’Official Salon is one of the most sought after style havens in The Big Apple. Check out the recipes Francky passed on to the sisters and get cooking!

Francky L’Official’s Official DIY Hair Treatments

Blonds- Light Brunette:

For gorgeous natural blonde highlights, always keep a bottle of chamomile tea in the fridge. Use 6 tea bags for every 8 oz of water for best results. After washing and conditioning, rinse with cool water, then spritz hair with the chamomile tea and let dry. Not only will you have highlights that sparkle in the sun, you’ll smell great too!

Red Hair:

Hibiscus tea is great for enhancing highlights in red hair. Prepare a strong pot of tea using 10 tea bags with 10 cups of water. Allow to cool, then pour into a spray bottle and spritz on hair that is 70% air dried. Don’t rinse or shampoo for 24 hours afterwards. The highlights emerge even stronger if you’re in the sun for a few hours.

Medium – Dark Brunette:

Walnut tea is a natural way to add bold chestnut tones to dark hair. Crush 8-10 walnuts and place crushed walnuts with shells into 8 oz of boiling water. Let cool, strain to remove shells and keep refrigerated. Spray on hair to add a wash of more intense color, and re-apply weekly to maintain. Make about four to eight cups of strong black coffee, and let cool. Shampoo hair wringing out excess water. Rinse coffee through hair, let sit about 15-20 minutes, then rinse out. Coffee is what a lot of women are said to be using in prison and more remote areas because it actually adds a tint.

Tips For Adding Shine

Rosemary Oil:

Rosemary oil can boost hair growth, as well a s improve texture, shine and thickness. Bring a bottle of flat warm beer into the shower, wash with shampoo as usual, then coat hair with beer. Rinse again thoroughly. Beer makes a great hair rinse that adds shine and leaves hair more manageable.

Baking Soda:

Mix baking soda into your regular shampoo in the palm of your hand, and suds up as usual for a deep, thorough (but non-stripping) cleaning.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil has been a popular oil treatment for thousands of years. It keeps hair strong and vitalized against the signs of aging. Apply coconut oil to hair and allow it to work overnight for best results. (Hint: Cover hair with saran wrap if you’re worried about your sheets). Rinse out in your morning shower.

Eggs:

Get your hair super shiny and conditioned with eggs! Take two beaten egg yolks and massage into hair. Start at the scalp and work in small sections. Then gather all of the hair in a shower cap, wrap in a warm towel and wait 30 minutes (you could cook the kids’ dinner). Rinse with cool water and shampoo as usual.

Learn more about Francky L’Official and his salon by logging on to FranckyLOfficial.com.

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We're Tied Up In Knots About These Bows

This season, top off your look with a bow! It’s a trend that’s heading your way…and there’s an easy way to pull it off: a chic barrette! Clip one to your ponytail, slide one in a side part, or place it slightly askew in your strands and let fashion go straight to your head. Here is a brand we’re tied up in knots about!

L. Erickson USA Wide Couture Bow Barrette 100% Silk Charmeuse – Bold Beauty

Price: $42 on FranceLuxe.com

L. Erickson USA Small Couture Bow 100% Silk Shantung

Price: $34 on FranceLuxe.com

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Runway Hair You Can Wear All Season

Fashion took front and center stage in Milan last week. At the Gucci show, Luigi Murenu, John Frieda International Creative Consultant, glammed up models by creating sleek, slicked-back ponytails.


Photo Credit: Allure

Its runway hair you can wear all season. Want to re-create the look? Its bananas how easy it is! Look at Luigi’s Murenu’s tips and you’ll look like a shining star in no time!

Create A Slicked Back Ponytail:

1.) Apply Kiehl’s Hair Gel to damp hair

2.) Blow dry hair straight
3.) Use a fine tooth comb to make a deep side part
4.) Slick hair into a tight, low ponytail
5.) Flat iron the tail and smooth over everything with John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum

To “tie off” the look, Murenu wrapped the base of his haute hair creations with S&M bondage tape. How risque! You can also add a splash of color to your ’do with these hand dyed hair ties by Emi-Jay. Part of the proceeds are donated to Locks of Love. Find them on Emi-Jay.com.

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The Style File: Federico Salon

I was drying my blond locks when I spotted it…a thick brown stripe of hair starting at my part. (Gasp!)

Had it been that long since my last visit to the salon? Apparently it had. My hair was two-tone! It was a beauty emergency and I needed an expert…stat! So I picked up the phone and called 911: Federico Salon in New York City.

This chic salon is the creation of Federico Calce, celebrity hairstylist. Federico’s glamorous work has graced the pages of top fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Marie Claire. He’s tousled tresses behind the catwalk at Fashion Week, on a variety of movie sets and television shows and at music festivals. Not to mention he’s handled the hair of starlets like Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan, Farah Fawcett and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Federico may work with stars, models and even princesses, but from the second I stepped off the elevator and into his fifth floor salon, I felt like his #1 client. Federico and his expert team whisked me away (cappuccino in hand) and explained what they were doing from first foil to finishing touches. We talked about which shade of blond would be most flattering, what type of cut would give me the most shape and texture and how to heal my damaged hair. Each strand was treated with TLC.

As Federico dried my hair, it was like watching an artist at work. The end result?
Pieces were twisted and turned in ways I didn’t think possible. My mane had loads of va-va-volume. I strutted my stuff down the streets of NYC with more confidence than ever. What a feeling.

Want to book some time in the chair at Federico Salon? Call 212-262-3027. And here’s a beauty bonus: Every client gets a free lesson in how to blow dry hair correctly. You can even bring your own tools from home!

If you can’t make it to the Big Apple, here are some handy dandy hair tips from Federico himself:

1.) Stop squeezing every last drop of conditioner out of your hair. You know how great your hair feels after being washed at the salon? That’s how it should feel every time you step out of the shower. If it’s dry and stringy to the touch, you’ve washed the conditioner right out of it. Federico says this is a common mane mistake.

2.) Make sure you keep the nozzle on your hair dryer. This ensures a steady, direct stream of air.

3.) Whatever you do…do not place the hair dryer directly on your locks. Look at the metal at the end of your dryer. That metal is scorching once you turn your dryer on. Now, imagine that hot metal sitting on your hair. We’re burning up just thinking about it.

4.) Be sure to clean the back of your dryer often. That screen can become clogged with stray hair and lint. When that happens the motor inside can overheat. Your hair dryer won’t work to full capacity and will eventually fizzle out. You may even notice a smoky smell.

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