In the Less Common Beauty Treatments series I’ve already told you about eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting, so for the third installation I’ll be discussing how you can stash away your flat iron and get silky straight hair courtesy of a Brazilian blowdry.

About:  The Brazilian Blowdry eliminates frizz, smoothing curls and waves without damaging your hair, unlike strong relaxers and flat irons. It is suitable for any hair length or type including colored and damaged hair.

The entire process lasts a couple of hours. During that time a keratin-rich formula is applied to the hair, which nourishes and softens dry locks. The length of time the formula is left on depends on how curly and thick your hair is. Once a sufficient amount of keratin has been absorbed, your hairstylist will then blowdry your hair to seal the hair cuticle with a special keratin straightner.

Normally, you will have to wait a few days before you can wash your hair to ensure long-lasting results.

Cost:  Most salons will have different prices for different hair lengths and thicknesses, so the longer and fuller your hair, the more you will pay. Expect to pay at least $175 for the treatment. For a budget-friendly option you can choose to get the treatment on your most unruly areas, such as bangs or shorter layers.

Longevity: A Brazilian blowdry washes out over time, so the results depend on the frequency you wash your hair and your natural hair texture. Treatments can last up to three to four months, but the results will last longer every time you get a new Brazilian blowout.

Photos: style.com, gumtree.com, thecrunchychicken.com, wowcher.co.uk, bestmiamihairsalons.com, pulsd.com

 

Come the cooler months, we’re normally thinking about covering our heads with beanies and toques, but that’s not the case this season. From ornate headbands at Dolce & Gabbana to star clips at Rodarte, this fall the runways were adorned with hair accessories. Whether you want to add a little—or a lot—of extra sparkle, here are my suggestions on the best hair accessories for your hair length.

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In part one of this series, I talked about how to solve your summer skin dilemmas – now it is time to tackle hair issues. Summer can wreak as much havoc on our hair as it can on our skin. Humidity, heat and chlorine can change our silky, cooperative tresses into a dry, frizzy mess. We’ve scoured the web for the most effective products out there. Here is a list of tips and tricks to help conquer your summer hair troubles.

 
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Some necessities:

1. Detangling Comb: Using a brush to detangle your hair can break and damage it so I opt for a wide-tooth comb. I use in the shower while wet and then once dry, you can also try the Conair Anti-Static Detangling Comb.
2. Hair Ties: Starting a braid by tying your hair at the base really helps it from falling apart later. I like the Goody Clear Elastic Bands because they work  great for a multiple variety of hair colors and textures.
3. Flat Iron: Using flat-irons to wave and curl hair has always been my preference because I’m a double-duty type of gal. The FHI 1″ Heat Platform Series Flat Iron is a lesser known tool, but it works wonders for creating gorgeous waves.
4. Hair Spray: Setting your style is – of course – a must, but I’m not a huge fan of hairspray, except for this one: Pravana Super Shape Hair Spray. It’s the only one I’ve ever used that won’t leave your hair feeling icky at the end of the night.

In today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, hairstylists can have as much notoriety as their A-list clients. Before Blandi and Fekkai, there was Vidal Sassoon, a man who revolutionized the beauty industry in the 1960s.

In the 1950s hair was curled, sprayed and teased into submission. The bouffant hairstyle defined the decade. It was an immaculate, high-maintenance coif that involved frequent trips to the hair salon. Think of the shellacked styles of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
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Products: Hair Brush  | Curling Iron | Hair Spray

Stop hiding behind those long locks. The high ponytail is one of the sleekest ways to show some face this Spring. This minimalistic look is the perfect opportunity to wear that bright lip stick or liner that you’ve kept hidden in your makeup bag all winter. Never over the top and forever a classic, follow these steps to get the perfect pony, inspired by every girl’s first fashion mentor, Barbie herself.

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As winter transitions into Spring, the time comes to move that scarf from around your neck, to your head, creating the classic look that is the head scarf. Worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, the head scarf is now back in style and hopefully here to stay.

The beauty of this revived trend is that it is wonderful for hair care, as well as a bad day hair savior. Put down your curler or straightener for the day, and give your hair a stylish break, wrapping it up in a vintage scarf. Better yet, make it a silk one so there is no snagging of the hair whatsoever, your hair has never had such a treat!

Having a manic monday? Just no time to wash your locks? A printed scarf is the chicest way to cover up without looking like you slept through your alarm.

Head Wrap
1. Fold your scarf into a triangle.

2. Drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle across your forehead.

3. Take the two ends back across the sides of your head and tie at the back in a knot.

Headband
1. Decide whether you want to wear your hair down, in a pony, or a messy bun. When fixing your bun or pony, don’t worry too much about bumps or messiness, the headband will cover that.

2. Lay the scarf out flat, then take two opposite corners and fold them into the centre, one after the other. Repeat until the scarf is in a long, thin strip.

3. Place the strip on the nape of your neck (under your hair if it is down) and bring the two ends upward, framing your face.

4. Interlock the two ends, so that they are now linking, and bring them back down towards your neck.

5. Tie a knot at the nape of your neck. (Secure with bobby pins for a tighter style.)

Turban
1. Fold your scarf into a triangle.

2. Drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle across your forehead.

3. Take the two ends back to the nape of your neck and tie in a single knot.

4. Bring them back up to your forehead and tie a small knot.

Need a scarf to try these styles? Check these out:

Cartier stripe and interlocking logo print silk square scarf
Tory Burch leopard and cherry print scarf
Cartier pink striped jaguar print silk scarf
Cartier beige jaguar print silk scarf
Cartier turquoise stripe flower silk square scarf

Hair, hair, glorious hair! We’ve cut it all off (just in hopes it’ll grow right back), we’ve fried it, dyed it; let’s face it, we’ve done it all. In 2012 I propose we take an oath to treat our luscious locks with a little TLC. When you primp and prime, remember you simultaneously hydrate and protect and I promise hair you love to take care of, will love you back.

Best of all, some of my favorite 2012 hair trends happen to be the least damaging do’s. Not only will they save your hair from damage, but these four trends will leave you looking your absolute best as you transition from Winter to Spring.

1) Twist it up in a sophisticated bun.
2) Hoist it up in a Barbie inspired pony (The Ken’s won’t be able to resist).
3) Braid and Knot it, adding complexity and quirk.
4. Wrap it up in a vintage scarf (Protecting your hair, never looked so chic).

photos: thebeautydepartment.com, thisisnotnew.com, vogue.com, elle.com

When it comes to changing your hair color, many women look Hollywood or the media for inspiration. You should also be focusing on the undertones of your skin, which will determine which hair colors will suit you the best and make the most of your features. By choosing a color that suits your undertones your skin tone will appear more radiant and your eyes will appear brighter.

Which are you?

You fall into the ‘cool’ category if….

You have medium skin to with, no color in your cheeks, a faint pink color or golden undertones; pale skin with no color in your cheeks or with pink undertones; and true olive complexions also fall into this category (such as Latino and African Americans skin tones that have pink undertones.)

You fall into the ‘warm’ category if….

You have pale skin with peach or gold undertones; and some olive skin tones fit into this category (such as Latino and African American skin tones that have golden undertones)

If you’re still unsure which category you fall into, roll up your sleeves and take a look at the color of your veins on your forearms, if they are blue you probably have cool skin undertones, and if they are green then you have warm undertones.

Now that you know, let’s have a look at which colors compliment your skin and which you should avoid.
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Just when you ended your hair’s fight against summer’s elements: humid weather and sun damage, winter’s cold air is slowly moving in and declaring war on your locks. The cooler weather usually means more heat products on your hair (blow dryer, curling iron, and flat iron) because your less likely to sweat out or frizz up your do. Wind can add insult to injury, stripping the hair of oils leaving it dry and thirsty. Grab your weapons of choice (from our tips of course!) and conquer a head full of shiny moisturized hair no matter how low the temperature drops, without  resorting to hat hair.

1. Moisturize locks regularly. Less shampooing means more oils for healthy shiny hair. Stick to washing hair 1 to 2 times per week.
2. It may be easier said than done, but air drying your mane means less heat and less dryness.
3. Trim your hair regularly. Many of us are guilty of  embarrassing dry and poofy ends from neglecting split ends. Make sure to trim every 4 to 6 weeks so the damage from the split ends doesn’t travel up to the roots.
4. Easy on the hair dye. Coloring you hair makes your mane extra dry. Ask your colorist for a deep conditioner before adding color and a gloss afterwards. If you color at home, look for dyes with moisturizing properties, and condition your hair well a week before.
5. Love your scalp. Take care of the area where your hair grows from. Harsh products and not enough moisture can cause an itchy flaky scalp. Deeva Amla Herbal Powder, gets rid of dandruff and promotes hair growth.

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