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5 Bridal Hairstyles for 2018

Whether your on the hunt for the perfect hairstyle for your big day, or you’re looking for a style that will suit all of your bridesmaids, 2018 had provided some stunning new bridal hair trends.

Read on to discover five bridal hairstyles for 2018…

  1. Textured Low Updo

This is a 21st century update on the bridal updo. It’s unfussy, pretty and feminine, and will stay in place all day.  Think of a stylish combination of loose french braids and a simple chignon. At the front and the roots create soft and pretty volume, and soften the style by teasing a few strands of hair our around the face. Leave the look simple, or finish it with a vintage jeweled slide.

  1. The Undone Bun

The bun is still one of the most popular bridal styles, but it also works brilliant for bridesmaids too. Think soft and feminine, rather than neat and tight. Try a chignon at the base of the neck. The hair should be swept back from the forehead and twisted to create volume. This is the perfect whimsical updo – just finish by teasing a few pieces of hair out around the face and out of the chignon for a soft finish.

  1. Plaited Waves

When you have long hair, you want to show off your locks. Consider wearing your hair down for your big day, adding a fairytale finish with tiny braids. To create the look, part the hair in the middle and wear wavy and soft. Add a few small but lose plaits through out the hair. Try adding a few under the bulk or your hair, and a few on top to. This look shouldn’t look too styled or uniform.

  1. The Low Pony

This look is perfect for brides who prefer a sleeker but low maintenance look. Leave the length of the hair soft and a little fluffy, rather than smoothing it down. This can be achieved by adding soft waves to the hair. Sweep the hair back at the crown and keep the hair on the head smooth. Secure into a ponytail at the base of the neck, and wrap a strand of hair around to hide where you are secured the ponytail for a natural finish.

  1. The New Half Updo

Rather than opting to put up all of the top half of the hair, consider this softer approach. Take the hair on one side, starting about an inch back from the face. Split into two sections, leaving the bottom half of the hair free. Then twist or plait the upper section towards the back of the head, securing in the centre of the back of the head with pins. Wear the hair wavy and natural, and ensure the hair at the back covers the pins so that the braid naturally merges with the rest of the hair.

This year it’s all about romantic, soft and feminine bridal hair. Try a whimsical style, or opt for a sleeker version to suit your own unique style.

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Spring/Summer 2018 Hairstyle Trends

A new season often leaves us longing for a hairstyle update. Spring/Summer is the perfect time of year to consider a new style and many of us opt for a style refresh to welcome the new season.

Each year new hairstyle trends influence the cuts, colours and up-dos that we go for, and 2018 is no different. Read on to discover the hairstyle trends for spring/summer 2018…

Brushed Out Curls

As seen on the Cynthia Rowley catwalk, brushed out curls are officially in. After years of beach waves and loose curls, it was unlikely that the corkscrew curl would be in. Brushed out curls are the update for this season. Think adding tight curls to your hair, and then brushing them out to create a soft and symmetrical wave. This look is smooth, pretty and a little romantic.

The Fringed Bob

This year the hairstyle to take note of is the fringed bob. This isn’t a neat cut with a blunt fringe though, it’s all about the undone look. Think casual, natural and simple, with fringes on the long side and a little messy, and the length of the hair wavy – essentially, a bed head bob.

This is a great style to try this year as the longer fringe means you can still part it and tuck it back, or clip it back if you decide it’s not quite right for you. It provides a great way to experiment with your look, and is actually ultra-wearable and flattering on most face shapes.

Statement Parting

The middle part has been popular for a while now, but this year it’s bigger than ever. Think neat, blunt and ultra straight, a messy parting just won’t do here. Create a dramatic look by growing locks all to one length for a sleek finish, style straight, part in the middle and smooth down any fly away.

The Bowl Cut

Believe it or not, the bowl cut is on the radar for 2018. We’re not talking 5 year old boy hair here, the bowl cut can be feminine, or it can be super edgy. Think pixi crop with a blunt fringe. Go edgy in black or dark brown and keep the look smoothed down and neat, or make the look more feminine with soft and natural highlights and a messy finish.

Beach Waves

It wouldn’t be spring/summer without the beach waves! The update for the season is the middle part, and natural roots. The general look is still the same though – waves with texture with a messy ‘unstyled’ vibe.

Which hair trends will you be trying this year? Comment and let us know.

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How to Handle a Bad Hair Day

Let’s face it, we all have them – bad hair days – and they really are the enemy. For weeks all is well, until you wake up one morning and something just isn’t right. Your hair has a mind of its own, and nothing seems to tame it!

Today we all live busy lifestyles, and so misbehaving hair isn’t ideal when there is little time to fix it. If you’re having a bad hair day, here’s how to handle it, so that you can still step out in style and feeling your best…

  1. When Your Natural Curls Won’t Behave

Curly hair is the most unruly – sometimes you wake up with locks to die for, other days your hair is a little all over the place and just can’t be tamed. When you wake up with little time to spare and your curls all over the place, the only answer is to put it up. A curly and ‘un-done’ top knot always looks stylish, and is the perfect way to turn your bad hair day into a good hair day. Scoop your hair up and have a quick play around to get the placement of your curls right, secure with bobby pins and then pull out a few wisps of hair around your face to soften. Simple.

  1. When There’s No Time to Wash Your Hair

It’s actually better for your hair to avoid washing it too often. We know that feeling though – when you’ve been meaning to wash your hair for a few days, and something else just gets in the way, so you end up with a less than desirable slightly greasy look. Dry shampoo could be the answer, but not all dry shampoos are great for your scalp and hair. Try a dry shampoo that uses natural ingredients, spritz into your roots, tip your head upside down and blast with the hair drier quickly. You’ll end up with hair that’ll go at least another day and great volume at the roots.

  1. When Your Dry and Brittle Hair Just Can’t Be Tamed

So this is the one that means it’s time to book a hair cut. When hair becomes dry and brittle it’s extremely difficult to manage. This could be caused by heat damage, exposure to the sun or over processing when it comes to dyes and bleaches. Hair also naturally starts to split at the ends over time, so a regular trim is a must if you want to avoid unmanageable and unruly hair.

If you’re getting to the stage where almost every day is a bad hair day because of your dry locks, book in for a trim, and consider a conditioning treatment too to breathe life back into your hair.

What are your bad hair day tips? Comment and let us know.

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Nutrition for Strong Healthy Hair

What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on our hair when it comes to achieving strong and healthy hair. Just like your skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. Those with a poor diet might find that their hair is brittle, dry and thinning, where as those with a healthy diet benefit from strong, glossy and healthy hair.

If you want to improve the condition of your hair, consider what you put on it as well as what you eat. Read on to discover the full guide to nutrition for strong and healthy hair…

Protein

The hair is actually made of proteins, so ensuring you have enough healthy protein in your diet is key. When you do not eat enough protein, the hair can become brittle and weak, and a diet with extremely low protein levels can even result in hair loss. Ensure your daily diet is rich in protein, and opt for lean options such as chicken, turkey, fish, dairy and eggs. In addition nuts are a great source of protein and also contain hair loving oils.

Omega 3

Our bodies cannot make omega 3 fats themselves, so it’s important to ensure enough Omega 3 is consumed through out diets. Omega 3s are in the cells that line the scalp, these provide oils to keep the scalp and hair hydrated. With out enough Omega 3 in our diet, the scalp can become dry and the hair can suffer. Fish, avocado, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are all a great way of getting more Omega 3 in your diet.

Iron

Iron is essential to healthy hair as too little iron in the body is one of the key results of hair loss. Low iron levels can cause anaemia, which disrupts the nutrient supply to the hair follicle and can result in shedding. Ensure your diet is high in iron by introducing chicken, fish and a little red meat to your diet. You can also try spinach, lentils and other leafy green vegetables to increase iron intake.

Vitamin C

Eat foods rich in vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods – Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, and is key to keeping hair healthy. Try berries such as blackcurrants, strawberries and blueberries, as well as broccoli, oranges and kiwi. Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen too, which works to strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.

A healthy diet can go a long way to ensuring your hair is strong and healthy too. In addition you should have regular trims and treat your hair to conditioning treatments once every month or so to keep hair in tip top condition.

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How to Care for your Hair Using Natural Ingredients

With the clean eating trend starting to take over the beauty industry, today we are trying to take the natural approach when it comes to what we put on our skin and our hair, as well as what we eat. With lots of more natural products hitting the market, how do you know what to use, and do some products still contain potentially harmful products? Instead of using ready made products, there are various benefits to using all natural ingredients on your hair instead…

  1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a pretty powerful ingredient when it comes to hair and beauty. It can be used on the hair and the skin to nourish and hydrate, as well as adding a natural shine. Try treating the hair once a week to nourish. Massage the scalp with warm olive oil – do this for just a few minutes to work the oil into the roots. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave the oil to work its magic for around 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. The end result is healthy and glossy hair, as well as a healthy scalp to encourage growth.

  1. Avocado

Hugely popular in the health industry at the moment, avocado has benefits to your body, skin and hair. To treat the hair make a mask using one mashed ripe avocado and one tablespoon of jojoba oil, one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of natural yoghurt. Mix well and apply to damp hair from root to tip. Pop on a shower cap for an hour and rinse well with warm water. There’s no need to shampoo the hair after application, although you could consider shampooing the hair before hand and using the mask as a conditioner.

  1. Green Tea

Packed full of antioxidants, green tea is said to nourish the hair as well as boosting hair growth. A study carried out in 2005 reported that the polyphenols in green tea could prevent hair loss. This is the perfect natural remedy if you are trying to grow your hair or achieve thicker and healthier hair.

To treat the hair, brew 3-4 cups of green tea and allow to cool. Pour the tea over damp hair and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Next wash your hair using a mild shampoo. Try 2-3 times a week for nourished hair and to boost hair growth.

For more advice for caring for your hair and recommendations for more natural products to use, get in touch. Natural ingredients and products can help you to achieve glossy and healthy hair, without the addition of chemicals.

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Spring/Summer 2018 Hair Colour Trends

A new season means new colour trends, and it’s safe to say we’re pretty excited about the latest additions to the hair colour spectrum. Hair colour just seems to get more and more creative, and new trends, methods and shades present us with the perfect opportunity to create some striking and swoon-worthy looks.

Read on to discover our top pick of spring/summer 2018 colour trends to try this season…

  1. Ash-violet

Ultra violet was named the Pantone colour of the year, and the shade is everywhere. From interior design to fashion, of course hair colour wasn’t going to get left out. Taking inspiration from the grey violet shade, ashy-violet is the latest newcomer in hair colour. Think ashy, muted shades of violet that are much more wearable than brighter shades. We’re loving this colour painted on tips, but also from root to tip too.

  1. Strawberry Blonde

On-trend hair doesn’t have to be all about multiple tones, highlights and lowlights. This year since-processed hues are also on trend, with creamy strawberry blonde being the top of the hot list. Think soft, pretty and natural. If you’re blonde or have red hair, a strawberry blonde update could be the perfect way to welcome in the new season.

  1. Face-framing Balayage

This year it’s all about face framing. The balayage of last year was seen throughout the mid and long lengths of the hair throughout, but in 2018 a few face-framing sections of warm caramel blonde or cool ash blonde are all you need. If you’re not keen on dramatically changing your hair colour, this is the perfect update for you.

  1. Auburn Ombre

Ombre is still going strong, but it’s getting an auburn update this summer. If you’re brunette think dark roots blended with auburn through the mid and long lengths. For blondes think strawberry blonde through the length of the hair. As you already know, ombre is the more subtle version of a dip-dye, so keep the look natural, but opt for fiery auburn tones or vibrant strawberry blonde.

  1. Exposed Roots

Platinum is still big this season, but in 2018 it takes a grungy update with dark exposed roots. If you’re naturally blonde head to the salon to have dark roots created. If you’ve got dark hair think about adding some natural highlights through out, but leave your roots natural and dark.

With so many new colours to choose from this season it’s difficult to choose just one! What will you go for?

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Beard Grooming Tips: Styling and Maintenance

If you’ve done little in the way of beard grooming you might not be aware of what a difference a little extra styling and maintenance can make. Just a handful of tools and products are often all you need to create a stylish beard look. With so many different styles of beard to choose from, just spending a little time here and then can ensure that yours looks neat and styled, instead of unruly and out of control…

 

Know how and when to trim

When it comes to styling your beard, it’s important to know what you’re doing, to avoid any styling mishaps. If you plan to style it yourself at home invest in a good quality trimmer – something that allows precision is ideal. It’s important to trim regularly to keep the shape of your beard, even if you are trying to grow it. If beard trimming is new to you, or you want to improve your skills, why not book in for a trim with your barber and get a few tips.

Wash it

Keeping a clean beard is particularly important during the early stages of growth, due to trapped crumbs and skin cells irritating the skin and causing itchiness. To ensure your skin stays healthy underneath your beard scrub it a couple of times a week with a specialised beard wash. It’s easiest to do this as part of your routine when you are in the shower. Wash your beard last and gently pat it dry to avoid creating frizz and split ends.

Train your beard

It’s unlikely that your beard will automatically grow into your desired shape, and to create this you will need to regularly trim and groom your beard. A daily comb with a beard comb or brush will loosen stubborn hairs and encourage them to grow downwards, rather than across.

Learn to love beard oil

Nothing keeps on top of beard maintenance better than beard oil. Designed to smooth, soften and condition the hair, beard oil also adds a fresh scent so that you can be sure your beard smells great in between washing. A beard oil will be particularly good if your beard is wiry and unruly.

Style it

Despite all of your efforts to keep it clean and growing in the right direction, your beard will still need a little daily polishing. The good news is this doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and will ensure that you look fresh and neat every day. Smooth and shape your beard and mustache into place using a little beard wax to keep your beard stylish and smooth.

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Top 5 Beard Styles for 2018

Just like hairstyle trends, men’s beard trends change each season too. With new styles seen on the catwalks and in campaigns, and timeless classics coming back into fashion, there’s always new facial hair looks to try for the season ahead. Read on to discover the top five beard styles for 2017…

  1. The Uniform Beard

This beard looks exactly how it sounds – it’s uniform in length and in width, from top to bottom. This is a neat beard look, so idea for anyone who needs to look professional for work, yet stylish and very on trend.

To grow: This beard looks best when it extends about two inches from the chin, it’s best kept quite short. The good news is this look shouldn’t take too long to grow. The mustache should blend in with the beard, with the same hair length through out the beard and the mustache for a neater look. This beard will need regular trims and shaping.

This beard is perfect for those with square, oval and round face shapes.

  1. Razors Edge

This beard shape has been popular for some time now. The longer look appears a little more rugged and unruly, but the sharp shape gives the impression of a well groomed gentleman.

To grow: This beard is long, so may take some time to perfect. The sideburns should be faded into the beard, and the sides of the beard should be neat for a sharp overall look. To finish this look off, grow your mustache out a little and shape the edges upwards.

This beard is perfect for all face shapes.

  1. Short and Tapered

The shorter beard style really makes an impact when done right.

To grow: To nail this look your hairstyle counts too, and should be short and cut into defined lines. Your sideburns should be almost invisible, until they fade into the beard at your cheeks. Trim your beard so that it sits just under the chin and shape it to have a rounded point. Your mustache should be kept a similar length and neat.

This beard is great for oval and round face shapes.

  1. Thin Beard

This is more of a stubbled look which has been popular for decades and is always flattering.

To grow: This doesn’t take long, but you do need a bit of length to start with to shape everything neatly. Your stubble only needs to be a few cm long, but everything should be shaped very neatly, with the edges sharply defined with a slight curve.

This look is perfect for oval and square face shapes.

  1. All About the Mustache

This year the focus is on beards, but that doesn’t mean that the mustache has been forgotten about. Standalone mustaches are less popular this year, so team an extravagant mustache with a short beard.

To grow: Keep your beard at jaw length and let your sideburns grow into it, this is a short beard that is well filled out. The beard should be shaped to the natural shape of your chin. Let your mustache grow into a U shape and tease upwards a little at the ends.

This look works well for oval and square face shapes.

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The Hairbrush Guide 101: Everything you Need to Know

Selecting the right hairbrush for you may not seem like a big deal, or something that requires too much thought, but the truth is selecting the right hairbrush for your hair is key to the health of your hair. There are many options available on the market, and in some cases it is necessary to own more than one hairbrush, but how to you know which style is right for you and when each brush can be used?

Read on to discover the full guide to hairbrushes, so that you can make the right decision for you…

The Oval Cushion

This is an everyday brush that many of us already own, but it’s possible you could be using your brush wrong. The oval cushion is ideal for detangling dry hair, teasing and adding shine, but shouldn’t be used on wet hair as the bristles often aren’t strong enough and can snag at wet hair. If you have fine to medium hair and you don’t mind having to buy a different brush for your hair when it is wet, the oval brush is a great option.

The Round Wooden

This round barreled brush is perfect for styling and blowdrying, but not idea for everyday brushing. If you regularly blow dry your hair and style as you go then this brush is a must to help you add shape and body.

The Round Ceramic

If you’re a slave to the straighteners then this brush is an essential as it can help you smooth, detangle and guide the hair as you style. This brush to to be avoided by those who have fragile or very fine hair as it can snag on thiner hair types.

The Flat Paddle

This is probably one of the most popular brushes, and it is a great all rounder. It’s best for detangling wet hair, but can be used on dry hair too. Try to avoid styles that have ball tips as these will often fall off quickly once you start using the brush. Instead invest in a more expensive brand with sturdy bristles. This brush is also particularly good for thick hair.

The Half Round

Perfect for shorter styles, this brush is ideal for drying fringes and sleek bobs, to follow the curve of the head and shape at the ends. This brush isn’t great for styling long hair though, but can be used to brush long or short hair for general everyday brushing.

Whether you buy one brush or you have several, it is worth investing in a good brand as your brush will be something that you use on a daily basis.

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How to get Heatless Curls

Few of us are blessed with naturally perfect curls. For some curls are unruly and for others the hair is naturally straight or frizzy. Curls is the most sought after hairstyle, but regularly curling your hair using wands, tongs or straighteners will cause heat damage that could result in split ends, breakage, dry and unmanageable hair. If you prefer to wear your hair curly, but want to avoid using heat every day, how can you achieve fantastic curls without heat styling? Read on to find out…

  1. Lazy Curls

For those who want heatless curls without a lot of fuss, this is perfect for you. Start by tying the hair back into a high ponytail, then take a section of the ponytail that’s about an inch wide and spray with water until damp. Wrap this section around two fingers, starting at the ends of the hair and ending at the top of the ponytail, then slide your fingers out and clip the curl to your head to secure. Take a second section, but this time use one finger to wrap around before pinning the curl. Work your way through your pony tail, alternating from one finger curls to two finger curls.

When you’ve done all your hair, spritz it with hairspray, then leave to dry. It should take around 30 minutes to an hour to dry, once dry remove the clips and then remove the hair band used to secure the ponytail. Shake your hair out to breakup the curls, then spritz with hairspray to hold.

  1. Wonderful Waves

If you prefer a wavy and natural look instead of a curled look, try this to create heatless waves that will stay put all day. Split your hair into two sections and bring your hair forward over your shoulders. Take the right section to start with, and take a small section of hair (around 1-2inches) from the neck, clip the rest of the hair back and out of the way. Spray the section with water until damp. Wrap the section of around around two fingers from the ends up to the roots. Take your fingers out and continue rolling up and then clip to your head to set. Take another section and do the same thing, keep going until you’ve done the entire left side of your head.

Now repeat on the right side. Once all of your hair has been rolled and clipped up spritz with hairspray. You can do this first thing in the morning and wait for the waves to dry while you do your make-up or have your breakfast, your hair should be dry enough to take down within 30 minutes. Take the waves down and shake them out a little. Take a little hair wax and rub it between your palms and scrunch your waves to help sculpt them and make them last longer.

Heatless curls and waves really are achievable. If you currently curl your hair using heat, try swapping your heated style for heatless at least a few days a week to help the condition of your hair.

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