Create your signature style

We are all built in different shapes and sizes and different styles of clothing fit us each differently to.  It’s no different when it comes to our hair style.  We all aim to create a signature look that makes us stand out in a crowd and look our best.  Some find their signature style when they are younger, and they carry it through their teenage years into their late twenties and thirties, some then change their signature style later in life.  Others take time to trial different things until they find their signature style.   One of the first steps to working out what your signature style will be, is in knowing the shape of your face.   Here are some of the basics, and what may suit…

Image credit: http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/824003/best-styles-for-your-face-shape

Oval face

The oval shaped face is longer than it is wide.  It is one of the most versatile face shapes and it goes well with almost every hair style. If you have a high forehead, a fringe can help hide it. Stars who have oval shaped faces are Lea Michele, Cameron Diaz or Carey Mulligan.

Square face

The Square shaped face can be recognized easily because the sides of the face are approximately as wide as long.Long locks can make the features of the face soft as well as a layered bob which will accentuate the square jaw. Go with a dramatic brow length fringe to try something different.  Some with this shaped face, tend to have quite a think look to their face, so adding some body in the hair style can also look very attractive.

Round face

The Round face shape often shows fullness, and the face is almost as wide as it is long.   Some people with this face shape like to use quite full hairstyles to help hide their rounded face, but lighter looks also look good.  You could keep the sides of the hair short and add some curl. Layered fringe or styles go extremely well with this face type, and its best to try to avoid straight cuts. Try a hairstyle what adds height to the face and lengthens it.

Heart face

Heart face shapes can be recognized by having full cheeks and the narrow at the chin. A great trick is to cut side swept fringes which looks great with long locks and wavy hair and also will hide the sometimes wide forehead. Long locks include longer length bobs but do not wear any styles which are above the chin.

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Dark to blonde: your questions answered

Seasons change, looks change, fashions change, and sometimes we want our hair color to change!   Many women want to go blonde from very dark shades but are unsure of the process.  Let’s face it, one of the current trends is the shaded look, dark or light at the top as it tactfully changes color to light at the bottom.

We’ve all seen some bad blonde jobs, or maybe even experienced some ourselves, where our color went orange rather than blonde.  In fact there’s a 50/50 chance your hair could come out brassy, bleached, bright yellow or looking worse for wear!   Here are some tips to ensuring we get the look we really desire…

What are the first steps?

The best advice we can give you at the beginning is to speak with a professional about the impending color change.  Doing it yourself can not only damage your hair and take quite a bit of time to fix, it can also not bring the desired look, costing you more precious time and money.  Your hairstylist may tell you to go lighter over a few visits to get the look you want.  Our hair is important to us and you need to know the risks involved and the process.

Why do some recommend going lighter each color for a few before hitting blonde shades?

If you have dark hair, some hairdressers will encourage you to go through a hair color lightening process to ensure that the color change looks as natural as possible, and also is as healthy as possible for your hair.  Simply bleaching it from a dark color in order to send it Blonde could cause damage to your hair.   You also have to consider that there may be hair color residue still sitting on the ends of your hair from previous colors.  This needs to be stripped off to ensure your correct color shows.

Can I just do it at home using a Blonde Hair Color?

The question you need to ask yourself is, how will you feel if this dramatic color change goes wrong?  Would you feel more comfortable being in the hands of a professional?  Is it worth the time and money?  The decision ultimately has to be yours but we always recommend that something this drastic be done by a professional, someone who can also manage ongoing treatments etc.

If you do opt to do it yourself at home,Julia Youssef, executive director of L’Oréal Paris’s Hair Color Technical Center and Product Evaluationsays ‘If you elect to lighten your hair on your own, opt for a cool or neutral shade rather than something warm [often marked 'golden' or 'honey'].  Lightening naturally warms up your hair; if you choose a warm-colored dye, you may end up too [orangey] gold’.

Ok so if I don’t want to go totally blonde straight away, what are my other options?

Well quite simply, you could consider some foils, or a darker color underneath and a lighter color on top, to bring in a two-toned look.  Once again your hairdresser can advise you best.

What are some other things I should consider before going blonde?

One of the things people forget is that if you have naturally darker hair, and you want to go blonde, you will require regular trips to the hairdresser to have your roots bleached.  This is not just a color change, it’s a time and money investment.  Is the maintenance going to be ok with you?

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Photo Credit: Dreamstime.com

Choosing a wedding hair stylist

A wedding is said to be one of the most significant events in a person’s life.  We all dream of the fairytale perfect wedding day where we look the most amazing ever!  With the Bride being the centre of attention for the day, it’s no wonder this decision on choosing a wedding hair stylist is a super important one!  Not only that, the Bride and the bridal party need to look their best, the whole day!  The hairstylist needs to be able to listen to the Bride and her dreams, and turn them into reality.   But what do you need to keep in mind when trying to select that special person to style you for the day?

Choosing a Stylist

There is so much value in asking for Recommendations from friends who were recently married.  They’ve been there, experienced a stylist, and either been happy or not so happy.   Follow up with recommendations by calling them and planning to meet them so you get a feel for the Stylist yourself.  Are they available on the weekend you are planning your wedding?  Are they approachable?   Do they listen to your ideas, your wishes, your thoughts, or are they trying to tell you what they think you should do all the time?   What are their prices, and does this include trials and touch ups throughout the day?   Do they go above and beyond to make your wedding day amazing?  These are all questions you need to ask.

There are a number of other ways to find a good stylist too.  It might be that your current hairdresser can offer this service, or recommend someone who specialises in the area.  Your current hairdresser knows your hair and your expectations, and can possibly help.

You could also visit some local Hairdressers and chat with them.  Ask for pictures of weddings they have been involved in, can they offer a trial so you can see whether they do what you want them to.  Don’t forget the benefit of checking out a Businesses Facebook page to see how they interact with people.  What are the pictures of their previous weddings like?   Or are they simply posting everyone else’s pictures?  Are they approachable, friendly, are there good recommendations?

Always do a trial

A simple and casual haircut is different to preparing a hairstyle for your special day, so make sure that well before your special day, you organise a trial.  This gives you time to find someone else if you realise the hair stylist you are in front of, isn’t really for you!

Giving a little back

You know how stressful this process is for a Bride, why not allow your hair stylist to share some of your photos or add them to their website or portfolio.  If your experience was a good one, share it!   You’re not only saying thank you to the person who made you look amazing, you are helping other bride’s who are in the exact same position as you were!

Visit our website for our FREE Wedding Hair Magazine, and make sure you tell us about your Wedding day!  (http://www.hairsalons.com.au/weddings.htm)

Photo Credit: http://www.mupso.com/

Natural remedies for treating unhealthy hair

Our hair is a major part of how we present ourselves, and part of who we are.  For many of us, it’s what we spend most of our prep time on in the mornings, it’s also what we spend our money on!   It can affect us greatly when we have unhealthy hair, which can happen for a wide range of reasons.  Brittle hair or Hair loss can be signs of stress or any lack of certain vitamins.

There are a lot of hair beauty products on the market to choose from, but it’s often hard to know what works, and sometimes they can be expensive options.  Here are some natural remedies, you could try form home:

• Nutrition

Generally speaking, good nutrition will result in healthy hair and nails. Protein is a must to have healthy hair, so drink milk, eat yogurt, curds, beans which are rich in and helps to reinforce the hair. Hydrating is also important, so drink lots of water (great for your skin too!).

• Hair loss

As mentioned earlier, hair loss is one of the most common issues among both women and men. Hair loss can be the sign health issues, stress or just a lack of the right vitamins and hair or low Keratin production. B-6 and B-12 are those vitamins which could be increased.   Stress can also play a part in Hair loss, so maybe you could consider taking some time out to relax and slow life down a little.

• Greasy hair

Having greasy hair is very unpleasant and a lot of people have problems with it. There are some home remedies which can help reducing the level of greasiness.

Ensure that you are washing your hair regularly with a proper shampoo (maybe ask your hairdresser for recommendations).   An egg yolk and honey mask can also help.

Egg yolk and Honey Mask: Take 1-2 eggs (depending on your hair length) and separate the yolks. Mix the egg yolks with 2 spoons of honey. Use the mask on your hair by covering the whole scalp area as well as possible. Wait for 30-40 minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly, rinsing a couple of times.  You can then rinse your hair with lemon juice to give it that extra rinse.

• Dry hair

Having greasy hair is unpleasant, but there is another extreme situation when the scalp isn’t oily enough.  There are lots of things that can contribute to dry hair.  Too frequent washing, using blow dryers and heat tools (like straighteners).  You could also try some of the following:

Nuts and seeds: Try snacking on some seeds and nuts. They contain essential fatty acids that can pop that sheen right back into your hair.

Avocado and banana: Mash a little overripe banana and avocado together, spread in your hair, and leave it there for up to an hour. Then rinse with warm water.

Mayonnaise: You’ll need the full-fat kind, not a diet or low-fat version. Slather 1 tablespoon or so onto your hair, rub it in down to your scalp, then cover with a plastic cap and wait about 30 minutes. Rinse it out thoroughly or you’ll be craving tuna salad the rest of the day.

It’s important to look after your hair.   If it gets damaged, dry or oily, it can take time to restore it to its natural beauty.   Why not try a few natural remedies and tell us what you thought over on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AustralianHairSalons

Image Source: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-color/rm-quiz-hair-dye

Changing your hair color can be the easiest & quickest way to change your appearance. But this process can be more complicated than we think. A number of things need to be taken into consideration when choosing a color. The RIGHT color can really enhance your look, the WRONG color can make you look washed out or sick. Going from very dark back to very light can take time and isn’t something that can be changed with one single color.

Hair stylists or hairdressers are the best to consult when it comes to colors. They can help you work towards the look you want, and in the best timeframe.

Here are some quick tips though:

• Collect pictures of the colors and styles you like to show to your stylist. They can then easily advise you on the next best move. Use Pinterest or Google images to collect and save these pictures for easy access.

• Drastic color changes can take some time to bring into effect, so enjoy the process and know that it might not happen overnight but it will happen!

• If you want to try something new without the commitment, just ask your stylist for a semi-permanent that will wash out over time. If you liked it, you can go permanent next time, if not, you can change without too much drama.

• To extend the life of your color, use shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair. Highlighted and bleached blondes are some of the most fragile colors and need lots of extra care.

• After getting a new color, try not to wash your hair for 48 hours. This helps protect your investment.

• Choose a color that will suit you, not one that will suit your friends. So many factors come into play when choosing a color including skin tone, eye color, and hair cut. Be uniquely you!

• If you are choosing a new hair color for a special occaision, dont color the day before. Color well in advance in case its not exactly the color you are after. You can then make changes in the lead up.

A Hair Style really contributes to how you look and feel, and its important to take the choosing of color seriously. Afterall we want you looking sexy, savvy and sweet!

Five 70’s hairstyles that are back in fashion

The 70’s are one of the most well-defined eras of the human history.  We remember the flower-power era and the psychedelic music & unique fashion trends (which we’ve seen replay out over and over!).  Think Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who to name a few of the bands of the era.  70’s isn’t gone forever, in fact some of the classic styles are back, and they look as amazing as ever!

1. 1. Bouffant

There is one look which equals the end of the 60’s and the start of the 70’s, and this is the bouffant hair. When recreating the look, think big! Comb up the hair, to look as round and great is possible. Lana del Rey, Cheryl Cole embrace this style extremely well. Do not forget that Miss Rey bring back the gold era with a highly reminiscent style just as Nancy Sinatra. Use hairspray to fix it! (Image Source: hammysammy.tumblr.com)

1. 2. Headband

Headband became the equivalent of the flower-power era and the hippies. Nowadays, its all the style to be wearing hair fashion to enhance a look.  Nicole Richie wears this so well and makes it so current!  She has the perfect bohemian princess fresh face.  It turns simple into unique!  (Image Source: www.bellasugar.com)

1. 3. Feathered look

With Charles’ Angel – Farrah Fawcett – the hairstyle and fashion trend turned into something more in the 70’s. The Angel had worn her feathered look style with so much chic, that the style is still hot in our days. Layered cut hair and curled outwards is the key to the look.  Not sure if you’ve noticed but this is so hot right now!  (Image Source: www.buzzle.com)

1. 4. Braids

The bohemian feel along with headband is also associated with braids. Braids made a huge comeback just a few years ago. A classical style is to make two braids from the crown, then clip the two braids together. Lauren Conrad and Nicole Richie always know the best about braids!  (Image Source: haartek.wordpress.com)

1. 5. Straight

We may speak about extremes about the 70’s. With time, the bouffant hair was replaced with a simple and comfortable style.  Straight hair is a big hit nowadays too and can be worn in many styles.  It’s a timeless classic style that will be popular for centuries to come.  (Image Source: thestylediaryblog.wordpress.com)

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It’s logical that the human body naturally accommodates change according to each season. Wintertime, when the sun is mostly behind the clouds, we get less Vitamin D from the sun, which is essential for the skin, hair and bones. The hair and the skin are affected the most during the wintery months. Hair dries out due to the cold & windy conditions, and from the mild indoor heat from fires and heaters. In order to maintain healthy hair through the winter months, there are a few things you can do to ensure you stay healthy & radiant.

1. Hydration

Water & other hydrating drinks are essential to maintain the skin and hair. There are huge benefits to staying hydrated through summer and winter! It not only hydrates, it also cleans toxins in the body (sometimes contributing to the development of grey hair). By drinking more water the hair and skin will be reinvigorated. Dandruff and itchy scalp can be an issue as the scalp dries out, causing hair to break and other issues.

2. Nutrition

Nutrition is just as important in winter as it is in summer. A healthier diet will result in generally healthier hair and skin. Get more vegies into your diet by indulging in healthy soups and more! It’s natural to want something warm, and it’s easy to make it healthy!

3. Deep conditioning Treatments

The weather is often wet or windy, so we can be fixing our hair more during winter, more heat and product more regularly which can dry your hair out. During wintertime, treat your hair with some Treatments at the salon. Use treatments once a week, to help your hair to be shiny and the scalp to be moisturized and nourished. Get advice from your hair salon and hair dresser if you are unsure as to the best way to treat your hair. There are also a number of natural treatments you can do at home, these are worth looking into!

Stay warm this winter and stay radiate!

Many people have naturally curly hair, and it is hard for them at times to maintain. Various weather conditions cause curly locks to kink tighter or poof out in a frizzy mess. For people with these curly messes, straightened sleek hair is highly desirable. If you want to turn your hair straight, there are a few things you can do.

Blow Dryer

If you choose blow drying as the straightening method, it is important to know how to do it properly and use the right tools. For making curly hair straight it is best to use a large sized round brush, particularly with natural bristles. Choose the lowest heat setting on the blow dryer that will straighten and dry your hair but result in the least amount of damage. Always work in small sections and keep the dryer at least 8 inches from your hair. Use the brush to hold the hair tightly straight, but not so tight that you risk breakage.

Straightener

A flat iron is another straightening technique and is often chose when blow drying causes an obscene amount of unnecessary volume. To effectively straighten your hair with ironing, the sizes of your sections are crucial. If you have smaller, tighter curls then you will need to work with smaller sections. You will need to start at the root section and move slowly down the section. It will likely take several passes.

Chemical Straighteners

If a blow dryer or flat iron does not have an effect on your curls, you may need to use a chemical straightener, also called a relaxer. Many people use these products for straight hair, but it will only work if you know what you are doing. To avoid damage, use a moisturizing oil and make sure you massage it into your scalp, along your hairline, and through your hair. Apply the relaxer and use a wide tooth comb to distribute the relaxer through your hair. Timing is crucial; you should not leave the relaxer on for longer than the instructions state. Although any shampoo will work to wash out the relaxer, it is often better to use a neutralizing shampoo for the best results.

Regardless of which method you choose, the products you use are equally important. Choose products that aid in straightening and prevent frizz. Avoid any styling products that contain water because the moisture will bring the curls back before you even finish straightening your hair. Products that contain alcohol should also be avoided because they can cause excessive dryness.

95% of hair salons will perform Hair Straightening as a professional service. Click here to find salons that offer the service.

There are many different ways to keep up with the ever-changing world of fashion & hairstyles. For many years, the tools that we used to determine potentially new styles were limited to style and gossip magazines. As the Internet grew, bookmarking, social media sites, and file or picture sharing sites helped open up another way to choose your new look and keep up to date with what’s in and what’s not!. As an image sharing site, Pinterest is one such site that can be a very valuable tool.

One of the main advantages is that you have the ability to pin your own images of hair styles that you like. Whether you have found various celebrity photos on the Web or you have taken your own photos, pinning them to a board can be a great aid for you to design your style or new look.

Pinterest allows you to create multiple boards that you can use to sort your hairstyle images, your makeup images, and fashion images etc separately. You can stay broad and choose to create boards for short, medium, and long styles. If you want to divide your groups even further you can create boards for face shapes, types of cuts, and up-do styles. You are only limited by your own creativity.

Computers are not required. Pinterest apps are available for Android and Apple devices. This gives you the freedom to access the images while discussing your new style with your hairdresser. Visuals can help your hairdresser advise you easier and more efficiently, without having to sit down and take the time to flick through magazines before your haircut even starts. You simply pull your phone out of your pocket and show them exactly what it is you want.

The great thing is you can use this process beyond designing your hairstyle or fashion to your home and more! The decision as to whether or not Pinterest can be a valuable styling tool is dependent on the individual. It is convenient and helps you make sure that you are getting the hairstyle that you will be happy with. If you’re on Pinterest already, start searching for fashion and hairstyle boards to follow, and start to design your new look! If you’re not on Pinterest, here’s where to start www.pinterest.com

Happy pinning!

Image: youqueen.com

What to do when a haircut goes wrong…

It’s one of our biggest fears, and unfortunately at times, haircuts do go wrong! Either the style is different to what we had envisaged in our minds, or our hair has taken differently to a style cut, or the hairdresser may have gone way too short. So what do you do when a situation like this arises?

Here’s some tips on getting through…

- Firstly, it’s important to recognise that things do go wrong at times, but, doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Take a deep breath, and keep reading.

- Talk to the stylist who performed the cut on your hair. Be honest with them in saying that you were expecting something different.

If you realise the next day after you’ve washed it that it’s not quite right, go back and give the stylist a chance to correct it as much as possible. Most hairdressers have your best interests at heart, and will do what they can (within reason), to ensure you are happy with the cut.

- Consider changing the color or style a little to increase the appeal of your haircut. This may involve some foils, or a darker under-color. Or you could even add some curl in at the bottom, or straighten if your hair is naturally curly to make it that little bit longer.

- If you really need that extra length for a special occasion, you could consider some clip in extensions, or proper hair extensions.

- Accessorise – it’s amazing what some hair accessories can do to lift a somewhat flat hairstyle, or to really give you that bit of extra wow factor. You’d be amazed at how hair accessories can really turn an average, plain hairstyle into something amazing.

TIP: If you’ve got a wedding or something special coming up, try getting your hair cut and styled about 2 weeks before. That way if something doesn’t quite go right, you have time to choose a different style or color, and your hair has the opportunity to grow a little.

While we hope you never have to deal with a bad haircut, they do happen from time to time, it’s important to bring out Plan B, and get creative!