The American Wave

I’ve always wished my hair was wavy, but I was never into the idea of getting a perm. So when I heard about the American Wave, a curl treatment created by hairstylist Nick Arrojo, I immediately made an appointment. The service gives you texture that lasts three months and ranges from beachy waves to full-blown curls—I decided I wanted beachy waves.

When I arrived at the salon, I was first given a trim—you have to remove all split ends so they don't end up looking frizzy from the treatment. I was also given some layers lighten up my hair (the heavier the hair, the harder it is for the wave to “take”).

Then they checked to make sure my hair hadn't been bleached recently; bleach can react with the ingredients and damage your hair. However, it’s safe to use on demi- and permanent colored hair.

Here’s how the process went: They shampooed and conditioned my hair as usual. Then the stylist wrapped medium-size sections of hair around soft curl rods and applied the American Wave lotion, which stayed on my hair for 20 minutes.

Once the timer went off, the stylist rinsed my strands and blotted my hair dry. Then she applied the American Wave Neutralizer, which helps halt the curling process and leaves your hair smelling like eucalyptus instead of that nasty I-just-got-my-hair-permed stench. After rinsing that out, the soft curl rods were removed. Then they styled my new beachy waves.

I seriously couldn't believe my eyes—my poker-straight strands now resembled Sarah Jessica Parker's in Sex and the City!

The treatment is available at salons nationwide for $400. If you decide to get it, bring a picture as a reference so the stylist knows exactly what look you’re going for.

Do you think you’ll try an American Wave?

Body Wave

Get the lowdown on revitalizing your locks with a fabulous new look

Forget about those scary spiral perms from the past — the latest wave in hair transformation is the body wave, a looser, less-structured perm that gives hair body and texture without super-defined curls. If you want to give your hair more oomph, here’s a primer in body wave 101.

Know what to expect. A body wave is perfect for people with stick-straight or limp locks who would like to add more oomph or body to their hair, though it could also be used for those who already have body or even curly hair to help refine their look or even relax a tighter curl.

Make sure your hair is in shipshape. Perms can put stress on your locks, so don’t go for a body wave if your hair is dry or damaged from coloring, blow-drying, or overstyling — the chemicals used for your body wave will only exacerbate the damage and make your hair look worse.

Be ready to commit. A body wave will last for three months in your hair, so be sure you want this style for that long — otherwise, purchasing rollers or a curling iron may be a better way to get the volume and curl of a body wave when you want it without the commitment.

Price it out. A body wave generally starts at $50, though hair length and texture and the quality of the salon also factor into your total cost for your perm.

Set aside some time. Expect to be in your stylist’s chair for at least an hour and a half to two hours to go through the whole process — your hair needs to be wrapped around the curlers and have chemicals applied to soften the structure of the hair, followed by a neutralizer to set the curl.

Make sure they go big. Your stylist should use larger rods (not the tiny, tight ones from the perming days of yore) to give your hair the body without the curl.

Show them what you want. They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, and in this case, it can make the difference between getting the body wave you want and the poodle perm you don’t. Bring in a few clippings from magazines or other pictures that show the look you’re going for.

Have it done a few days before a very important date. Perms need time to “settle” into the look you want — usually between 24 and 48 hours. So book your body wave at least two days before a big event so your hair will look its best.

Expect your hair to look shorter. The extra volume created by your body wave will “eat up” some of your length, so your hair may look a couple inches shorter once the perm is set.

Barely There Waves Hair Styles

Sure you were looking for some flirty waves especially as the warm season offers us the chance to sport our strands in endless chic manners. The barely there waves hair styles are some of the show-stopping hair style ideas sported both by celebrities as well as everyone regardless of hair length. Daytime glamor should not be a rarity this year instead use your refined skills and play up your features with some of the amazing stylist tips when it comes of luscious waves. 

Full-bodied and loose hair styles are indeed popular among those who would like to highlight the texture of their strands or on the contrary are owners of fine and lifeless strands and long for some volume and glam. The latest barely there waves hair styles promote the use of hot rollers as well as curling irons in a less restricted and more relaxed manner. Those who decide to embrace the trend might raid their hair styling kit for the cute and fabulous hot rollers, these would help you ease the hair dressing process and would create the dazzling effect to blast the style with mastery. These are only some of the most stylish and slinky wavy hair styles of the season.

Sultry and dainty waves are both feminine and would flatter all face shapes regardless of the thickness of the hair. Luscious length can determine your hair style option therefore make sure you try your hand at these refined and high brow looks. The more prominent finger waves as well as curvy and carefree waves are all some of the ace alternatives to turn a simple date outfit into a real A-list appearance. All you have to do is use the curling tong to pull off the great look and take the pre-planned sections in this case the lower layers and perk up your look with these texturized waves.

Indeed these can be also labeled as 'barely there' waves as stylist would skip the polishing of the top sections and would instead limit themselves to the hair ends and the rest of the locks. Those who are real adventurers when it comes of hair styles might also experiment with the tight as well as uber-loose waves using the tong as the best tool to achieve the desired design. Improve your hair styling skills by trying to copycat the hair style ideas above.

 

Those who were blessed with naturally wavy hair would be thrilled to play up the natural texture of their strands with the hair style ideas above. These looks would require only the use of your hair dryer or for additional volume the tong. In the case of these sassy and at the same time sloppy dos it is not a must to define the various angles and lines of the strands instead make your way up to puling off a more breezy and summer messy look.

Pairing your careless waves with stylish side-swept or blunt cut bangs is the actual remedy to banish the monotony of your tresses. Those who would like to still preserve their finesse can tame the flyaway strands with the best hair styling serums as well as texturizing paste. If you want to kill two birds with one stone make sure you also lift the roots with your pro blow drying techniques.

 

 

Craving for a jazzy and unshackled hair style? Then the means that would help you reach your goal is indeed braiding. These barely there waves can be best created with the help of cute braids of all designs that are fabulously released after the hair is completely dry. If you want to skip the use of hair styling tools make sure you appeal to a less artificial and more hair-friendly method.Braiding your hair into a loose summer do would be the perfect alternative to create some of the wavy hair styles.

As the pics illustrate some of these styles are tighter or looser depending on personal preferences. Choose the look you want to popularize and make sure you devote special attention to the condition of your strands. Apply a drop of texturising paste and blast those voluminous braids, as the pattern is done it is highly recommended to apply an additional layer of this hair styling product or mousse to the strands and leave it until the locks are completely dry. Enjoy the brand new glam hair style as well as the success of your top hair styling skills.

Curls, Waves, Updos and Chingnons Hairstyles for Prom

Prom night is the most awaited night for all the teenagers. They dream a different look, a unique personality and an elegant hairstyle with flawless attire. Prom hair is the major concern for most of the females. To choose the best prom hairstyles that complement the prom dress, personality and the mood of the night is a big chore. The hairstyle should go with the prom theme as well. Every prom night has a theme that ties together all the aspects of the prom. Prom themes are diverse and play a vital role in the selection of prom dress and prom hairstyles.

There is a vast selection of hairstyles for prom for both short and long hairs. For girls with short hairs there are plenty of short prom hairstyles that look formal as well as trendy. To name a few textured short cuts with plenty of texture and layers, short hairstyle with a fringe and pixie cut are the most popular. Long hairs are bit difficult to manage but yet there is abundance of prom hairstyles for long hair. Curls, waves, updos and chingnons look great on long hairs. Updos prom hairstyles are the staple of the prom night that compliments the flattering features and gives an elegant look. Some of the other hairstyles are simple chic cut with the front part pleated to one side and separated with a hair band; long boho waves with a center parting and waves throughout the tresses; and curly locks created with rollers or barrel.

Most of the girls with medium length hair are worried for the hairstyle but there are various medium length hairstyles as well. Infact they can take advantage of both short hairstyles and long hairstyles. Choppy mid length cut, curled locks and natural wavy are some of the styles that are perfect medium hairstyles for the prom night. Updos prom hairstyles can also be the best styling option for medium length hair. Sassy updo and knotted style updos are the most popular and easy prom hairstyles.

Today the most favorite hairstyle with the young girls is the sedu prom hairstyles. These hairstyles can be natural sedu hairstyle, formal sedu hairstyle or vintage sedu hairstyle. A natural sedu hairstyle simply implies natural beauty. It is either straight hair with curls or a loose bun that showcases the face of the wearer. A formal sedu hairstyle consists of a tight bun or a low ponytail. Vintage meaning old fashioned is the most expressive and elegant hairstyle for prom.

Early planning of the best hairstyle for the most awaited prom night can help to achieve a different, unique, elegant and flattering look that blends well with the ambience of the prom night.

Wavy Hairstyles – Tips on How to Look Good in Waves

If you plan on changing hairstyles, wavy hairstyles are worth checking out. Even if you plan to stick to your current hair style, having a few wave hairstyling tricks and tips up your sleeve is a great plus. People are born with curly, straight or wavy hair. You can change your hair along the line of fashion. A wave haircut could look fantastic on you. So take time, grab all the tips you can about having healthy wavy tresses.

To look like Zoe Kravitz, you could steal any of her wavy hairstyles. Her tousled waves always look good especially when coupled with a slouched hat. She knows her styling really well and this is what she does. She starts by working a texturizer through unwashed hair and allowing it time to set. She then wraps sections around a 2 inchcurling iron to get natural waves. She then spritz the waves using a hairspray. Allow the hair to flow over both shoulders and wear abeanie or slouchy hat on top of it all.

What if you don’t sport long tresses like our celebrity Zoe? Even if you have short hair, you can still rock wave hairstyles as they are independent of hair length. Short waves will look great on day-old hair. Apply and work through a texturizer on dry hair. Using a 1-inch barrel curling iron, curl sections of hair to create relaxed waves. Use bobby pins to pin up the hair at the back. This will give you an angled look that is elegant and beautiful. For more movement, apply styling wax to the front layers.

For ladies with medium length hair, you can still sport a wave hairstyle. Amber Valetta is known for her simple but stylish medium wave hairstyles. You can copy her style to get the shoulder length sexy look. As soon as you step out of the shower, divide your hair through the centre. Have some wave enhancer nearby. Apply the enhancer on the damp hair and let it dry to achieve a natural texture. When dry, curl sections of your hair using a one and half inch curling iron to amp your waves. Take the side sections and pin up them at the back of the head using bobby pins.

Wave hairstyles will look great when paired up with hair accessories such as headbands and hats. Don’t miss out on beautiful styles by leaving your hat behind. Throw on a beanie if you don’t own a hat. Use hairspray to keep your tresses shining and healthy.

Vintage Wave Wedding Hairstyles

A chin length bob, sassy bangs and an art deco hair clip put a modern spin on vintage style. In the 1920′s “flappers” were the gals with all the style. This is we’s interpretation of that sassy flapper look and high-spirited attitude.

Pair it with lipstick in a daring shade of red or pink!

Look at Length

A chin length, or longer bob is a great length for this style. Our model, Haleigh has longer hair and so wevsimply pinned the excess hair up underneath to create the illusion of a bob cut.

Art Deco Accessories

After sweeping Haleigh’s bangs to the side we used the Bellezza Crystal Mini Barrette to accessorize. If you have longer bangs or no bangs at all simply sweep your hair over your forehead for the same effect. The delicate Coeur de Crystal Necklace is a nice complement.

Tools of the Wave

we used a special hot iron to create this effect. A wave iron looks like a straightening tool but has ridges that form the waves with heat. If you have curly or wavy hair, you’ll need to blow dry or iron your hair straight before using the wave iron.

Highlights

No matter what your hair color, consider adding some highlights about three weeks before your wedding date. Haleigh has subtle reddish highlights in her brunette hair which add contrast to the style and give an added glow to her skin tone.

Retro Waves Hair Style

Hair Style is an art and you can easily manage if you are interested and if you want to make different styles of hair and you can easily manage this hair style and you can almost in all occasions like any party function, e.g. birthday party, get together parties, and also in marriage ceremonies.

Applying method:

1. First of all wash your hairs and your hairs are damaged before washing, oiling your hair at (east one hour before).

2. The side part and soft waves flatter everyone and it looks hot either jeans or any dress.

3. Make a side part above the arch of one eye brow which hair is damp. Take a blow dry & hair brush.

4. Spray roots with the help of volumiser & blow dry with the help of medium round brush.

5. Take a hair iron and starting at ear height, curl 2 inch (at least) section of hair to the ends with a medium barrel iron (one inch or more).

6. Pin curls into places & let cool unpin and brush out, smoothing as you go sprits a light styling wax on the top half to prevent fly away.

7. Now in the last take a hair spray and use hair spray on curls.

How to Curl Hair: The Secret to Sexy, "Beachy" Waves

Here I show you how to curl your hair to get sexy, beachy waves like Mila Kunis, pictured here. The secret to this look lies in the technique, but also the haircut. Beachy waves work best on medium-length to long hair that has long layers cut into it.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 30 minutes - 1 hour, depending on length and thickness of hair
Here's How:

• Wash hair, towel-dry and comb hair out.

• Prepping hair to hold the curl is very important. If your hair doesn't hold a curl well, don't skip this step. If you have straight-ish hair, turn head upside down and spray freshly washed roots with volumizing or texturizing spray. Massage it in (stylist Garren insists the rubbing motion creates body and texture).

• If your hair is naturally coarse or curly, work a straightening balm through hair to tone down curls. Here's a great list of straightening balms.

• You may opt to use a heat protection spray to keep hair from burning.

• Blow dry hair straight, starting at the roots to get extra volume. Hair must be completely dry for this look to work. Blow cold air at the roots to add volume (cold air locks in a style).

• Separate hair into three sections, securing with a ponytail holder. (It's easier this way to curl your way through each section).

• To curl hair, You can also use a wide-barrel curling iron, at least 1.5 inches, but I strongly recommend investing in a clampless curling iron such as the T3 Singlepass Whirl (about $135). These clampless curling irons will change your life and the Whirl has a tapered barrel which makes the curl near the roots fatter while the curl near the ends is tighter. The curling iron comes with gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the barrel.

• Spritz a section of hair with texturizing spray, then take a 1-inch portion of hair and wrap hair around the barrel of the curling iron. Note: If using a regular curling iron, wrapping hair is different from the traditional curling method. You don't want to "clip" hair into the barrel. Wrapping allows you to curl all the way to the root. When you're curling, make sure to leave ends loose to avoid a crimp mark. 

• Release the curl after about 10-15 seconds (hold longer if you want a tighter curl). You should end up with a corkscrew curl.

• Spritz curl with holding spray, then roll it up and bobby pin it close to the scalp. (I'm lazy, so I skip this step to save time. I also don't like how holding spray makes my hair crunchy, so I usually leave the wave alone until it cools).

• Alternate the direction of the curl as you work your way through each section. (It's all in the direction you wind hair around the barrel of the curling iron. Start by placing hair on top of the barrel and wrapping around, then switch by putting the barrel on top of the hair before winding it around). Alternating directions makes curls look more natural. Some curls can remain tight, some loose.

• Once pinned curls have cooled, release them.

• Remove nozzle from dryer and gently loosen waves with cool air. You can also separate curls with your fingers, just make sure not to brush them out.
• To add shine, spritz a hair serum. Stylist David Babaii finger-combs Biosilk Silk Therapy serum into actress Kate Hudson's hair. You can forego hair serum and spritz with salt water spray. I like John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Waves Sea spray or Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

• Set with hairspray -- or don't, whatever you prefer. Just don't overdo the spray, you don't want new waves to feel "crunchy."

What You Need

• Volumizing spray
• Straightening balm (if you have thick, course hair)
• Hair dryer
• A 1-inch barrel curling iron
• Ponytail holder and bobby pins
• Shine serum
• Hairspray
• Saltwater spray

How to Wave Your Hair

I have always had stick-straight hair, so I've had to learn a few tricks to making bouncy waves. For some reason, it seems that those of us with straight hair want waves, and those with waves want it straight. My mother-in-law has beautiful natural wavy hair, and she's told me of stories how as a teenager she used to iron her hair with a clothes iron. For me, that's hard to imagine.

My hair measures about 4 1/2 feet in length, so I have to find hair care choices for my hair that will keep it from breaking and splitting. Although heat is one way to wave hair, such as with waving irons, hot rollers, etc., I try to stay away from heat so as to preserve my hair from split ends.

I will share just a few ways that you can wave and curl hair without the harmful styling products on the market today.

BRAIDING

This is the easiest way to wave hair, the healthiest, and the one that I most often use. Depending on how much wave I want, I may put as many as 2 to 6 braids in my hair.

Take freshly washed and slightly damp hair and divide it into even sections. Braid loosely for soft waves, and braid tight for tight waves. When you reach near the bottom, roll the remaining two inches of hair on a strip of cloth or a plastic straw. Tie and secure.

NOTE: Braiding the hair every night with at least one braid keeps you from pulling and stretching it in the night. This reduces breakage and helps hair stay healthy.

USE FLORAL WIRE OR PIPE CLEANERS

For perm-like waves, floral wire and/or pipe cleaners (the ones found in your craft department) may be used. Do not sleep on the floral wire as laying on the wire would break hair. (Not to mention would be very uncomfortable).

Take strips of floral wire that are the length of your hair or a long pipe cleaner. Fold these in half. Take a section of hair, (preferably freshly washed and slightly damp), and stick it through the bent wire right next to the bend. (The bend should be right next to the scalp). Gently twist hair into bend to secure. Now take the hair and weave in and out in a criss-cross pattern. When you near the bottom, take the last two inches of hair and wind it around just one side of the wire. Secure the ends by twisting the wire closed.

Take care when removing the wire. Brush out with fingers.

CURLERS

This is an obvious one, but curlers may also be used to wave hair. To obtain curly hair, roll tight on small rollers. For wavy hair, use large rollers. Try to stay away from hot rollers. Not only does this break hair, but it dries it out. Hair needs moisture to curl properly.

Some ones to try... Sponge rollers, cloth rollers, rubber rollers, (without heat), or for really tight curls, perm rods or plastic straws may be used.

There's also the option of having your hair professionally waved, but as you've probably guessed, I wouldn't recommend this for the health of your hair. Chemicals used by professionals are often harsh and damage hair. Personally, I don't know anyone that would care to tackle four and a half feet of it anyway.

One last tip that may help your hair to wave better. Use LOTS of conditioner! Make sure it's the right kind though. A heavy conditioner will just weigh down your hair and defeat the purpose. My favorite is Dove. It has weightless moisturizers that gives your hair the moisture it craves without weighing it down. (No, I don't work for or advertise for Dove. :) This is just purely my preference).

Check out the photo below, it's awesome!

Below is another very neat way to wave your hair. I never would have thought of this idea on my own. I found it on Pinterest, and thought it would be an amazing addition to this article. I have no idea where this originated, but if someone knows, I will be more than glad to give them credits. The picture is very detailed and self-explanatory. Hope you are enjoying the article! Happy Waving!

Easy Care Short Stylish Haircuts

Now is a great time to kiss your long locks goodbye and try easy care short stylish haircuts. Today's trendy haircuts happen to be short and easy to manage, too.

Short stylish haircuts

Open up any celebrity gossip magazine and you'll see several trendy haircuts in the short category. Whether you want to go super short or just above your shoulders, there are plenty of options. And there's an option for every texture, too, from curly to wavy to straight. Short curly hair can be bouncy and flirty or have retro glamour. Straight hair works nicely in a bob or angled cut. Wavy hair adapts easily to choppy razor cut shags or tousled styles. And pixie cuts are so short that every hair type is fair game!

Just how easy are they?

Expect to see your hair stylist more often-you'll need to get a trim every four to six weeks to keep your style looking fresh. But you won't have to spend as much time styling each day. Short haircuts dry quickly, so you won't have to spend all that time on a blowout.

Additionally, you shouldn't have to do much styling to get your hair to look great. Bobs, pixie cuts and choppy or angled styles all are fairly fuss free. After a quick blow dry or air-dry, a dab of pomade, frizz fighter or wax should give your look all of the shine and style it needs. The more layers or texture your short haircut has the easier it will be to style. When your cut has depth already, it will fall into place well, which means you don't have to spend time creating volume and style.

Another plus to these short trendy haircuts? Often they look even better with second day hair. Wash and style your hair one day and wake up the next morning nearly ready to go.

Foxy Short Hair Styles 2011

Shake up your dull locks with a brand new do that will help you rock the newest hair style trends. The foxy short hair styles 2011 presented here will take you to the next level of hair dressing with complex structure as well as refined texture and a crowd-pleasing look. These chic hair styles for all hair types will provide you with the best ideas on how to banish the plain look of your tresses. Choose from shorter or ear-length designs to sport the do that makes you look and feel a real seductress. 

You're flirting with the idea of a stylish makeover? Then make sure you won't overlook the endless benefits a glam short crop can offer you. Besides the less time spent in front of the mirror, you'll be also able to highlight your best features. Find out more on the foxy short hair styles for 2011 below that can revolutionize your hair styling routine offering you fabulous options on how to keep your tresses in a spotless shape and condition. 

Explore the impact of the different designs on your face shape and overall appearance. You'll find here pixies, stylish bowl-cuts as well as layered styles that all managed to dominate the short hairstyles trends of the last decade. Draw some inspiration from this brief gallery and head to the salon when you feel ready for the next great step in the improvement of your look.

 

Perk up your wavy or super-sleek strands with an A-list haircut idea as the ones illustrated above. These expose a larger section of your face shifting the attention to your most alluring assets. Choose a close-cropped bowl-cut that appeals to the visual power of bangs to achieve a smashing impression. Sweep the locks to the side or keep them brushed into your face for a more mysterious and subtle effect. 

Ask the advice of a professional hair stylist to help you narrow down the huge alternatives to change your look. Define your purpose whether it is to enhance your appearance with a flirty accessory or you would rather go for an edgy vibe, in all cases the decision depends on your personality and preferences.

 

Stylish Pixie hair styles complemented with cute bangs designs are also key options. Those who are not shy to sport cutting edge and alternative looks should definitely opt for the longer locks in the front section as these would allow them to explore the endless hair styling techniques and trends of the season. 

Use some high quality sculpting formulas and tools to keep the flawless condition of your hair as well as enhance the natural texture and gloss of the locks. If you are in shortage of inspiration, make sure you take a closer glimpse at these cool examples of foxy short hair styles that set you on the right track to achieve your makeover goals.

 

 

Layering will be one of the most smashing and universal techniques to enhance the beauty of short trimmed locks. Hair gurus will use scissors or hair styling razors to achieve a classy and muted or on the contrary edgy and bold effect of these stylish layered hair styles. Those who would like to rule out the chance of hair disasters should define the desired haircut beforehand. This is highly recommended as the measure of tapering as well as the length of the hair play an essential role on the final result. Use your creativity and hair styling knowledge to select the best do that matches your personality and attitude.

Hair Care Tips for Short Hairstyles for Women

Short hairstyles for women are great for many reasons. It's usually easier to manage; takes less time to wash, style and dry; and is perfect for showing off your beautiful face shape. What some people tend to forget is that shorter hairstyles still need care and attention to keep the locks looking healthy and beautiful. Shorter hairstyles tend to lose their shape and style faster than their longer counterparts. Split ends are also more noticeable with shorter hair. Just like with any other hair length, proper hair care is very important but surprisingly simple with a few tips.

Wash, condition, and style your hair with the right products. If you have fine, limp hair, use lighter products, otherwise the product can weigh down your hair, making it harder to add volume. If you have kinky, frizzy hair, use leave-in conditioners to tame the frizz and make the hair more manageable. Depending on dry your hair is, you might also want to try a hot oil treatment every couple of weeks.

Don't wash your hair every time you shower. It comes natural to at least wash the hair with plain water without shampoo or conditioner while in the shower, but that may dry out the scalp and hair too much, making the shorter hairstyle harder to manage.

Trim your hair at least every four weeks to manage split ends. Short hairstyles for women make it harder to hide split ends, and they can also ruin the shape and overall style of the hair. Short hairstyles for women also tend to grow out of the original style faster than other hairstyles.

Follow other general hair care tips. This includes not combing hair while wet to avoid breakage, avoid chlorinated water, and use an SPF-enriched hair product or wear a hat when spending long periods of time outside in the sun.

Care for Short Haircuts

Short haircuts are easier to maintain, can be quickly washed and styled, and are specially convenient in the summer.

Beautiful hair is one of the best fashion accessories. Having a great hairstyle can make you look great and feel great. So which hairstyle should you pick? You always read stuff like long hair is 'In' or short hair is 'In', which is really nonsensical fashion-speak thought up by people in the business to drum up some interest. Ignore it. Choose a hairstyle based on your face shape and your hair type, and you are sure to find plenty of those. Look at magazine photographs, at styles in movies, on T.V. and so on, have a consultation with your hairstylist. Many hair-stylists have software that allow you to see digitally how you will look with different hairstyles. You can also browse through hairstyling websites that offer similar options. Time required for grooming is another factor. If you haven't too much time to spare for grooming and if it suits you, go for a short haircut. Short haircuts are easier to maintain, can be quickly washed and styled, and are specially convenient in the summer.

While short hair certainly requires less care than long hair, it does require some maintenance to keep it clean, healthy, and looking good. Here are some tips for short hair care - 

1. Trim your hair every 3 or 4 weeks. Short haircuts tend to grow out of the given style quicker than long haircuts. Regular trimming will both maintain your hairstyle and prevent those dreaded split ends.

2. If you do have split ends, snipping them off is the only cure. Don't fall for hair products advertisements that show split ends joining up again. That's bunkum. Trimming the hair above the split and subjecting your hair to minimum stress - less or no chemicals, hair-coloring, bleaching, perms, curling, ironing, etc - is what is needed.

3. Condition your hair at least once a week. Massage your scalp and hair with warmed oil - coconut or almond oil is fine. After oiling, dip a towel in hot water, wring, wrap it about your hair and keep on for 20 minutes. Then wash your hair. After washing, use lemon juice as the last rinse. This will give your hair a shine. Other natural conditioners include banana pulp, lemon and honey, and tomato juice and honey. Apply these before bathing and keep on for 15 minutes.

4. Use a mild shampoo. Or better yet the ayurvedic 'Shikekai'. With its low pH and medicinal properties, it nourishes the hair and eliminates dandruff.

5. Don't comb wet hair. Wet hair, which is more elastic than dry hair, can easily break if subjected to a vigorous combing. Let your hair dry naturally and then comb with a wide-tooth comb - wooden combs are better than plastic combs. Once you have smoothed out all tangles with a wide-tooth comb, use a fine-tooth comb.

6. Give up using the curling irons.

7. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Hair-coloring, hair-bleaching, and hair-shaping products, whatever the labels assure you, are not exactly great for your hair in the long run. Staying as natural as possible is your best bet.

8. Wear a swimming cap when swimming, and protect your hair from over-exposure to the sun. 

9. Exercise more often. The more healthy you are, the better your hair will look. You don't have to head for the gym and pump irons - although, no harm in that - but regular physical activities like walking, running, climbing and going down staircases, gardening, dancing, playing sports, and so on can help immensely. Doing at least 30 minutes of any of these activities every day is fine.

10. Eat better. Can't repeat enough of this rule. You are what you eat, and what you eat affects your hair condition. Drink plenty of water - experts advise 8 glasses per day. You should drink water both before, during, and after exercise. Include fruits and vegetables, especially seasonal fruits and leafy green vegetables, in your everyday meals. They're a great source of minerals and vitamins. Eat bread made from whole-grains. Eat more beans, peas, and pulses. Include natural ghee in your meals. Cut down on red meat.

Look Younger with Short Hair

Does short hair really make you look younger?

There are no more rules for "age appropriate" haircuts or lengths of hair in our time. But there seems to be a certain magic in short haircuts that captivates women of all ages and of course the men who admire them.

This kind of magic is not that miraculous at all, it can be understood by looking at its roots in estethics and also in psychology. It is the shape of the style that can turn a haircut into a „fountain of youth“, but also the way this new hairstyle will make a woman feel is a huge factor.

Radiance makes us look Younger

Ever noticed that beautiful women radiate and just make you look twice? It does not matter whether they are young or old, what face shape they have and how many wrinkles speak about the stories of their lives. Beauty truly comes from the inside and a woman who feels great in her own skin, who is happy with her life, contend and of a positive spirit, will always radiate beauty. A haircut is just one little element, but one that should not be underestimated.

My grandmother used to say:“ If your hair is good, then it does not even matter what you wear.“ A good cut makes us feel attractive, just like a pair of sinfully expensive new pumps. And short hair adds to our well-being on many levels. One is that they are just cute. Short hair is practical, it keeps us cool, does not take long to fix and it gives us more time to enjoy the rest of our lifes. And that is where the radiance comes in. It cannot be stressed enough, this very simple secret: If you feel beautiful and happy, then you radiate and others will pick up on it.

Over the last decades something truly revolutionary happened to short hair. It became sexy. We have to thank creative Coiffeurs like Vidal Sasson and the first women who donned their irresistible pixie cuts in the 60s. Those haircuts are still just as alluring today as they were then.

Instant Face Lift with the right Haircut

Long hair, if not cut and styled right can have an aging effect on some women and that just has to do with estethics, vertical and horizental lines, points of focus and the balance of it all. If the hair is just parted and hangs down on both sides, it creates a vertical focus and adds more gravity to the face. Especially when the skin gets a bit softer along the jaw line this can be rather unbecoming. By wearing the hair short the focus of the eyes goes upward, fine textures, wispy ends and a little volume on top shift the entire weight of the look and, voila, ten years are gone!

Short haircuts with soft lines and cool textures are just as much fun to wear as they are to look at. They give a woman a feisty, confident edge, make her look self assured, strong and modern. They take the attention away from fine lines around the eyes or around the lips and the best part of all, they can be changed as the mood demands it. You can go from nice girl to wild babe in seconds, just by changing the direction of the hair and since it is short and grows back quick, changes in color are easier also, without the risk ofdamaging hair that took years to grow. So all in all … short cuts are fun. Fun makes us happy, and when we are happy, we are beautiful.

Just take a look at some celebrities who look good with their very short hair. 

Ginnifer Goodwin

Still a younger woman, the comparison of Ginnifer Goodwin's long hair and her charming short haircut show what this article is about. The lines of her face, her jaw line and cheekbones are pointing upward with the short tresses, whereas in the first picture her expression is a bit more drab and indeed older.

Michelle Williams

Pictures speak louder than words. The short haired Michelle Williams expresses confidence, has more radiance and is just simply more attractive, younger looking and more interesting.

Alyssa Milano

It does not get much shorter than this! Alyssa Milano is obviously enjoying her weightless do with all of its super fine texture and the soft frame around her face. A cute little curl accentuates her ear and the sophisticated but sexy very short haircut brings all of the attention to her pretty face. Nothing distracts from her radiant expression.

Andrea Osvart

Andrea Osvart looks stunning with her short garçon cut. The look with its classic men's cut shape gives her a feisty edge and it just vibrates with energy and sensual allure. The neck and the sides were gently graduated while the top hair is long enough to draw a neat side part and to create an adorable short fringe just on the edge of her forehead. The highlighted blonde makes her eyes sparkle even more.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry, the posterchild of all short haircuts! Spiffy, spiky and fabulous! Lifting up the mood and the facial lines, this fresh short hairdo is a great choice for women of all ages who have the courage to wear it. The hair was cropped at the same short length around the head, with just a couple of longer accent strands in front of the ears. Those little curls bring attention to her cheekbones and also to her eyes. This short hairstyle can be worn smooth and snug or, as seen here, all wild with the textured strands going in different directions.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin has a very expressive face and an amazing swanlike neck. Her short hairstyle also lifts up all of her features and makes her look like she barely graduated from school. Boyish, fresh and sexy but with a precious shine and classy styling this look just fits and requires hardly any work to keep up.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone's short hair frames her face in a golden, soft and mystle sparkle. All the texture and fine highlights make it vivacious and give it that intense sizzle. At the same time the color works great with Sharon's skin tone together with the more top heavy styling it is the perfect distraction from small lines in her face.

Here are a few tips from women who have gone from long to short hair and experienced the magic themselves:

1. Before you go, don't tell anyone about your plans to cut your hair short, except very close loved ones like your boyfriend or husband. Your friends might want to talk you out of it. But it is your head and your hair! The surprise for them will be even more fun this way.

2. Prepare the man in your life for your new look. You might encounter opposition, so be gentle and convince them slowly and with finesse. Chances are though that you may be surprised about his reaction since many men actually love short hair and you can help the other part of their brain to get unstuck from all that tradition.

3. Always have a good consultation with your hairdresser.

4. Since you are going under the scissors now, show courage and take off a bit more than you wanted at first. More fun this way!

Choosing Short HairSporting Short Hair with Style

Short hairstyles are perhaps the most mismanaged hairstyles worn by women. Far too often, the decision to go short is made based on utility and ease of care. As a result, the short style ends up being unflattering to the individual. The thing many women forget is that just because every woman CAN have short hair, not every woman should. All of the standard rules apply when it comes to choosing short hair.

Luckily, “short” is a relative term and can mean a fairly wide range of lengths. In addition, short haircuts can incorporate a wide range of wave patterns, too, which further assists in helping those who want short hair to look good wearing it. The style has to flatter the face and needs to represent some measure of balance.

So let’s take a look at some of the basics of short haircuts, as well as the variations that can make a major difference in how the style ultimately looks.

Anatomy of a Short Hair Style

Length

Since the term “short” refers to the length of something, it is obvious that the key element of a short hairstyle is the length chosen. While the length can vary, it is generally considered that a short haircut is seldom longer than the mid-point of the neck. Of course, most short styles are shorter than this, and you can see virtually every increment possible in the short styles available.

While there really is no “rule” against anyone wearing super-short styles, it should be noted that these shorter looks are often best-suited to those with fine-boned and delicate features. Those who have weight issues or simply round faces will often think that a super-short style is good for them, and end up enhancing the troublesome features rather than minimizing them.

Layers

A short hairstyle can feature a variety of layering techniques. The hair can be blunt cut to a clean edge on the bottom line of the style, could have even long layers, or combine the two with a blunt edge and interior layering.

Colors

Colors aren’t specifically restricted by the inclusion in a short hairstyle. Rather we mention color here because color can often be used in a short haircut to add drama and excitement and take an otherwise “normal” look and give it an edge.

Texture and Texturing

In this case, we’ll discuss both the thickness of the hair and the finishing techniques used in a short hairstyle. The two are somewhat connected since the diameter of the hair and it’s “feel” indicate the need for certain finishing techniques to make the hair look the way you want. Finishing hair cutting techniques can also take a bland looking hairstyle and make it exciting and increasingly flattering to an individual

Avoiding the Boring Short Hair Pitfall

Often, a woman chooses a short hairstyle solely for the convenience and increased ease of care it offers. In cases like this, when simplicity is the motivating factor, short hairstyles can become boring. Perhaps the individual doesn’t think of the possible ways to adapt the look, or has had the short hair for so long that wearing it is habit and the look suffers from neglect.

To avoid this, it’s important to ask for a fresh look at your hairstyle periodically. Perhaps having the hair textured with a razor and then a quick blow-out as a part of the styling process will give you a new twist on your look. Or maybe you should let the hair grow out a little and use the length to create additional volume in areas that better flatter your face. Perhaps your look could benefit from a splash of color. Or frankly, the answer could be a simple matter of adding a new styling product to take advantage of the traits your hairstyle already has.

Examples:

It’s always easier to explain what is meant in a given situation when you have a visual representation that illustrates a specific point. And since everyone likes celebrities, let’s look at a collection of celebrities who sport short hairstyles and discuss what makes these styles work, and for whom.

Anna Faris and Amy Madigan

 

 Seen in these photos, Anna Faris and Amy Madigan are wearing short hairstyles that fall at the longer range of “short”. Yet the two looks are remarkably different. Note how Anna’s fine, pale blonde locks are gently tapered at the ends to create soft edges. These soft, clean lines are terrific in that they flatter and frame her face and provide a clean, professional look that is also chic and stylish.

Amy Madigan’s hairstyle is of a comparable length but features a layered cut with a lot of deep texturing, creating deep points in the layers which enhance the color variations in her hair and allow for a flipped out styling in targeted areas where a little volume is wanted. The variations in the strands and the movement created by the twists and turns in the hair make a great frame for the face and help to draw focus to the silhouette as a whole, minimizing the signs of aging.

Milla Jovovich and Angela Bassett

 

 The two hairstyles shown here, sported by Milla Jovovich and Angela Bassett, are shorter and both feature different degrees of wave in the hair. For Ms. Jovovich, the curl is softened into a wave to soften her sharper features, while the volume of the hair gives a horizontal focus to her slim face. The sweeping line of the fringe perfectly frames the eyes and draws the viewer in to her piercing gaze.

Angela Bassett’s hairstyle is actually very similar, but her coarser hair texture dictates a variation in the way her curl is handled to create the softness desired. The layers in the hair are tapered into long locks which become shiny, soft tendrils framing her beautiful face. The soft sweeping lines and the shimmer and definition in the finish help to keep the eye drawn to the hair and minimize the look of the fine lines that belie her age.

Annette Benning, Morena Baccarin, and Amber Rose

 

 Our last trio here features progressively shorter hairstyles that all have “more extreme” elements designed to enhance the appearance of the style.

Starting with Annette Benning we see a short layered look that has razor-cut texture to create needle-point ends in the finished look. Combined with a blow-out styling technique and texturing paste, the style is given lots of visual interest and the power to draw the attention away from signs of age, while matching the personality of an actress who is known for playing a range of characters and with a tremendous sense of self.

Next, we find the lovely Morena Baccarin, whose gamine-short haircut was a dramatic shift from her previous styles that celebrated her long raven-hued hair. This super-short cut has been point-cut to create extra texture in the finish and the definition created by the styling displays the shine and shimmer of her hair beautifully. As with many shorter styles, this gamine (which means “boyish”) cut draws attention to the eyes, making them the central and primary focus of the look. Since her eyes are one of Morena Baccarin’s best features, the effect is dramatic.

Finally, we find a look that has only been sported as a regular statement by a handful of women. Amber Rose, an American Model, has claimed for herself a very dramatic look, by opting for an induction-cut hairstyle which she has dyed blonde. The effect creates an intense focus on the face and allows her beauty to be uninhibited. As a model, the hairstyle also makes her sought-after, since her look is so dramatic that items she wears are usually well-remembered, which appeals to designers who want their names and their clothes remembered by as many as possible.

Of course, these looks are not for everyone, but hopefully they will offer you some inspiration for enhancing your own sense of style.

11 Reasons to Get a Short Haircut

Admit it, after years of being weighed down by your long mane of opulence you are flirting with the thought of getting a short haircut but you don’t have the courage yet? You are not sure if a short cut would look good on you and perhaps you are scared of a step this extreme and don’t want to shock your friends and loved ones.

There are many things to consider when you are planning to get a new haircut and especially one that will change your entire appearance. The longer your hair is now, the bigger the “wow effect” will be.

You can feel your confidence growing and you catch yourself looking more and more often at photos of sassy short haircuts and you are already holding your hair up in front of the mirror every day to picture yourself with short hair? Then you are really ready to cut your hair short and all you need is just a little more motivation to really face the scissors!

Here are the 11 best reasons to cut your hair:

1. It looks more professional. There is no doubt that many employers or clients often prefer candidates with a chic short haircut. A trendy look tells them that the person who wears it is confident, takes care of herself, is dynamic, practical, efficient, modern and open to new ideas. Use the momentum of the first impression to your favor.

2. It is more versatile. Many short haircuts have a lot of different styling options that are all easy to do. You can wear it snug and sleek, spiked up or sassy with a wispy texture. A little dab of styling product is most times enough to get a new look every day. Also the new growth in short hair is very evident quickly and makes it possible to get a different type of cut more often.

3. It heals a broken heart. Had to say good bye to your lover, friend or partner or all in one? That is often the time when women do something radical to their exterior, hoping to soothe the interior as well. It can work and help you get a new confidence and outlook, but you may want to sleep over it a couple of nights and do not make a sudden, impetuous decision. If you still think it is right, then go for those scissors and enjoy every moment of it! Cut him out of your life and out of your hair…

4. It shows the world that you changed your life. You have just begun a new chapter in your life? Perhaps moved to a new place, found a new job, lost a bunch of weight, then you want everyone to know and make a visual statement. Or maybe you are planning big changes in your life and surroundings then getting started with your hair is a strong affirmation to yourself and a sign for everyone else that more exciting surprises will be on their way. It is your time now. Don’t dream it, be it!

5. It saves time. Imagine jumping into the shower and getting out twice as fast. Drying time for your sweet new do is cut in less than half. Some short hairstyles just need to be rubbed with a towel and will air-dry in no time. No strenuous combing out the tangles and long brushing sessions. You won’t miss those!

6. It matches your active lifestyle. Low maintenance is one of the most convincing arguments for a short haircut. If you are sporty and enjoy any kind of exercise, then you might get tired of the eternal ponytail. With a short cut nothing will come in your way, slap and stick in your face or slow you down when you are swimming. Get out of the gym more quickly and enjoy more of your evening!

7. It’s stylish. Imagine all of the cute blouse collars, turtlenecks and accessories that are never seen because they are always covered by long hair. Now it is time to really show your fashion sense and enjoy new looks, new earrings and necklaces, which don’t have to hide anymore.

8. It keeps you cool. Not only does it look cool, but it also increases the air flow around your neck and you will be very happy when you feel the difference. Nothing is worse than sweating under a mass of hair in summer or if you are living in a warm climate.

9. It saves you money on hair products. Of course you need much less shampoo and conditioner, but also think about all the other lotions and potions that you use to keep your long hair shiny, supple and healthy.

10. It can make you look younger. Some short haircuts can work like an instant face lift. Long hair can be heave and drag your features down. Not so with a short haircut. Style it up and out of your face and see the amazing, immediate effect it can have!

11. It feels liberating. No more tangles, no danger of dreadlocks if you don’t brush it constantly. You can actually focus on your life instead of doing something to or with your hair several times a day. Once the weight is off you will notice that your step will have more spring, you will feel lighter all over and your smile will be a few levels brighter.

One of the strongest indicators that you are overdue for a serious cut is when you catch yourself wearing your hair more often in a scrunchy bun or ponytail than open. So, stop fantasizing and check out some cute short haircuts on this website or have your hairdresser give you a few suggestions that match your face shape and type.

If you are afraid of a very drastic change, then do it gradually, inch by inch. Perhaps start with a longer bob or layered shag style; a few weeks later have it cut to chin length. From there it is an easy step to get a trendy short crop or even a pixie cut. To find out how you will actually look without your long hair, try out some of the new software that allows you to upload a photo of yourself and test-wear several hairstyles.

After considering all this, how many reasons can you find to NOT cut your hair?

The author of this article, by the way, once went from waist length hair to a pixie, all in one step, scaring the hairdresser more than herself. There was no pain and no regrets. You can do it too!

Raspy Short Hair for 40+ WomenA new hairstyle for a new you.

We would like to introduce the best results of our before/after photo production about short hairstyles: women with raspy short hair. All with special emphasis on the haircolor. The results are spectacular and show again how easy it is to change ones type merely with a perfect cut, a perfectly balanced color and make-up.

There was much to celebrate for the 40th Anniversary of Essanelle – and there was also a very special competition for Essanelle customers: the election of the Essanelle Top Hair Model. All ladies and gentlemen who had at least the age of Essanelle, 40+, received an especially cordial invitation. The participation was rewarded with a makeover done by the hair and beauty experts Jürgen and Tobias Tröndle.

Bettina - Courage for Change

   

Bettina showed much courage to change for this highly fashionable look. The ashy blonde was replaced by a copper tone in the light blonde nuances, the hair was shortened to the length of a match and the sides were softened. The rounded micro bands bring attention to Bettina’s beautiful face and offers many possibilities to style the cut in many different ways and to make it look different every time. Put up with gel, blow-dried straight or casually wispy – a new cut and a new color have changed Bettina to a new type, appearing lively and modern.

Brigitte - New Pizzazz with Highlights

Gray hair, faded highlights and a grown out cut – all factors that made Brigitte look older than she really is. To make her appear fresher dark ash blonde and nordic blonde strands were set into her gray hair. They add great light reflections to the hair and make Brigitte’s eyes sparkle. On the sides, in the contours, thin strands were used and on top of the head thin ones alternate with thicker ones. The short page cut with asymmetrical bangs allows many different looks that Brigitte can easily and quickly do herself. For that special appearance Jürgen Tröndle suggested to blow dry all the hair straight and then set shimmering highlights with the Keranelle Perfection Polish Shine Gel.

Katharina - The Perfect Blonde

Katharina applied to the Top Hair Models competition wearing a cut that was perfectly tailored to her type. The only thing missing, was the dot on the i: a sunny blonde achieved with a Colorfresh transparent color in gold, accentuated by thin, light strands – the perfect blond, bringing out her complexion and adding a new glow.

In addition the contours were emphasized and the main hair was layered once again. Katharina is now able to change her look completely with just a few touches: e.g. part hair, add a little Keranelle Perfection Waxx Attack Gel and spike the hair up from the partition on. A very important tip for the perfect blond: always use a special shampoo: e.g. Keranelle Intense Revival Color Shampoo, to make the color stay beautiful for a long time.

This length is best blow dried over a flat brush: Tunnelevent from Silverline. The line with the great quality of a brush-collection that was produces especially for the Essanelle Salons.

bob hair : Circle-Cut Bob

While all around the last vestiges of the old way are fading and the new age is beginning to emerge, young women were seeing their skirts grow shorter and their heels getting longer. This new “Modernistic” or “Mod” style embodied the ideals of new looks, new hairstyles and a rejection of the old, uninspired styles of the earlier generations. And now that the original Mod movement has come and gone some forty years past, we see a re-emergence of “Mod” in fashion and hair. 

This circle-cut bob is a classically-inspired mod cut. The cleanly-defined perimeter is smoothly contoured and razor-softened at the ends. The hair is blown-out for straightness and smoothness, in order to form the gentle curved shape. A light hold styling product will give the hair hold and volume enough to shape the hair. A light misting of hairspray will give the finished hairstyle hold, while maintaining the softness.

Bob Hairstyles

Bobs can be both modern and classic and any lady can look glamorous with the right bob hairstyle. Also, this style is appropriate for any occasion.

The sharp lines of a classic straight bob make this a very comfortable style to wear. Styling is very easy and almost no styling aids are required. A brush or comb is all you will need to keep your hair style in shape.

Bob hairstyles are very versatile and there are many different types of bobbed haircuts, where length and style are concerned. The jaw-length bob is a very popular style. It is not really short, nor long. The perfect length for if you ever decide to grow your hair out again. Also it is the perfect in between stage for when going from long to short hair. Go for a mid-length bob when you are not sure yet whether you are ready for really short hair or not.

A short sleek single-length bob will accentuate pretty facial features. Precisely cut chin-length sides with shorter underlayers will make the ends go under on their own and frame the face nicely. The perfect style with jaw-caressing sides to bring out gorgeous facial features.

Short nose-length bobs (just below the earlobe) can look stunning with long blunt cut bangs, cut just above the eyebrows. Although this bob haircut is quite short, there is a lot of natural movement of the hair. The perfect option when you want a sexy short bob hairdo with cheek- caressing sides. This style can be very cute and face-flattering. Cut it to ear- length for an extra sweet effect. Cut it a bit shorter and show your earlobes if you want a stunning original bob. If long bangs are not your thing then a good alternative would be a short uneven wispy fringe.

A graduated bob can be very stylish and is very different compared to the classic straight bob. Layers will give the bob more volume and tapered ends will make the hair look softer. Another option if the classic single-length bob is not really what you like is a longer rounded nape and short blunt lines at the sides and front. Texture can do miracles and turn originally "ordinary" bob hairdos into trendy styles.

Asymmetrical bob hairstyles can be very striking! Go for it if you dare! You'll get a stunning look and, without doubt, many positive reactions. Many agree that an asymmetrical bob is special and gorgeous, but few have the guts to go for it.