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Spring/Summer Hair Trends for 2019

While spring might seem a little way off, now is the perfect time to start thinking about updating your style for the year ahead. Many of us start to feel that all familiar itch around this time of year, longing for a change from winter. A great way to inject a little freshness into the winter months is with a new cut or colour. With this in mind, here are the spring/summer hair trends for 2019 that we are loving…

The Blunt Bob

Angular hair is at the top of our lust list for 2019, with blunt bobs making a big comeback. Blunt cuts can suit all face shapes, because the length of the cut can be adjusted to suit each individual, while blunt edges can help fine hair look thicker, or thick hair look softer, depending on how the hair is styled.

If you’re considering going shorter and embracing the blunt bob this year, start slow. While it can be tempting to dive in head first, consider a cut a few inches longer than you might like to start, to check you’re happy with your shorter locks before taking the plunge.

Charcoal Tones

Grey has been big in hair colour for some time now, which is great news for anyone that’s naturally going grey. This year it’s all about smokey ashy greys, which can be used in blonde hair or hair that’s naturally grey. This stunning cool shade has a creaminess to it, making it really soft and pretty.

Super Straight

The super straight styles of the ‘90s are back. For a long time now, we’ve been embracing the natural look of soft curls and waves, but 2019 is all about a more structured look. Layers will be less important in cuts this year, with straight hair all one length being the stand out style. This means investing in a pair of GHDs, and a trip to the hairdresser to tidy up any wispy ends, or to level the length out.

Undone Topknots

Chanel’s 2018 ready-to-wear catwalk saw models supporting undone topknots, that appeared to have been styled within minutes and with little in the way of product. This is every woman’s dream that finds herself short of time in the morning, because the undone topknot is the updo of choice for the year ahead. To achieve this style, tie your hair into a ponytail before twisting into a bun. Let the ends remain loose and a little messy, if needs be you can quickly tease a few strands out to perfect the look.

Copper Velvet

Burnt orange, rust and terracotta are everywhere at the moment. From fashion and interiors, and now even hair. Copper is a reddish-brown shade, but copper velvet provides a stunning update with a beautiful multi-tonal finish. This is a complex colour, and so needs a professional touch to get right, but it can look really striking and yet still appears to be natural when done well.

If you’re ready to update your cut or colour, pop in and see us to discuss your ideas and what you want to achieve. Sometimes a new look is just what you need.

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How to Create Natural Waves

Naturally looking wavy hair is one of the most sought after looks around the world. Waves seem to always be on trend, and it’s this relaxed ‘I woke up like this’ vibe that we all want to achieve. Waves look soft, pretty and feminine, without being over done or too styled. Wavy locks are a go to for many occasions – from festivals and summer holidays, to bridal looks and everyday style – waves continue to be in high demand.

Night Time Buns

No time in the morning to style your hair? Try this simple way to create natural waves, without the addition of heat damage. Just before bed, part your hair and split into two sections. Twist each section into a tight bun and secure with grips. Use a spray bottle to spritz each bun to make the hair damp. Leave in over night to create natural looking waves. In the morning simply unravel each side. You might need to tease the hair into place here and there, and back brush a little to create volume, but you’ll only need five minutes in the morning and you’ll be good to go.

Mermaid Worthy Waves

Creating waves with your straighteners is easier than you might think. Our tool of choice is the GHD IV Styler Hair Straightener, as it’s the perfect size to create mermaid style waves. In addition, who doesn’t love having a tool that you can create multiple looks with?

To create waves with your straighteners, section off the top three quarters of your hair and secure with a band so that it’s out of the way. With the hair that’s left down, take a section at a time around one inch wide and place your straighteners at the top. Move them down the length of the hair curling in and out, in and out as you go. You can make your waves as tight or as lose as you want. Work your way around all of the hair that is down, then take down another quarter section of your hair and continue until you’ve done it all.

Back brush the roots a little to avoid the hair being flat at the roots, spritz with hairspray and you’re done.

Whether you want to create quick and easy waves without heat, or you want to go for a more precise look, creating waves at home is doable with these two methods.

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How to Find your Perfect Hair Length

Many of us have a pretty good idea of what suits us, or the length in which we most like our hair. Choosing a flattering length and shape for your hair is key to feeling and looking your best everyday, but some of you might actually be supporting the completely wrong hair length for your features. If you’re thinking about trying a new style, or you simply want to find your most flattering hair length, read on…

Consider your Face Shape

While there are various factors to think about to find your perfect hair length, one of the biggest elements is your face shape. It is important to create balance to your overall appearance, and balance can be enhanced, just like imbalance can be emphasized through the shape and length of your hair….

– Long face: if you have a long and narrow shaped face, avoid long hair. Going for length will simply drag your face down, making it appear even longer. Instead, try a bob that sits just short of your chin to create better balance.

– Round face: If you have a round face, opting for longer styles will help to make your face look more balanced and oval in shape. Long length and a side swept fringe can help to slim your face and make it look more contoured.

– Square face: Try waves or curls in mid lengths to soften a square face. Shoulder length hair or a little longer is perfect for those with a square face.

Heart shaped: Long hair is great for a heart shaped face. Avoid blunt edges though, particularly in shorter cuts, and stay away from bobs.

Oval face: An oval face shape is considered to be balanced already. If you have an oval face you are lucky as you can try out almost any length.

Consider Texture

The type and texture of your hair matters when it comes to length too. If your hair is pretty normal – i.e. not particularly thick or thin, not coarse or frizzy, you can get away with most hair lengths.

– Fine hair: When hair that is on the fine side gets long it can end up looking limp. The longer it gets, the heavier it will be, and so the more it will drag itself down. Shorter haircuts can create more body and volume. If your face shape requires a longer cut but you have fine hair, consider going for a length just a few inches under the shoulders, with lots of layers.

– Thick hair: Those with thicker hair might find that their hair is unmanageable in shorter styles. Thick hair is often coarse and frizzy, which results in a mind of its own in short styles. Try growing it long to add weight and tame it. As your hair gets longer, it will naturally sit smoother and be easier to manage.

Finding the perfect hair length means achieving balance, and both your face shape and your hair type matters here. If you’re not sure what’s best for your hair, book in for a consultation to receive professional advice.

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Easy Summer Holiday Hair Styles

You’ve been looking forward to your summer holiday all through the winter. That chance to escape, relax and get some sun on your skin is exactly what you need. You want to look and feel great on your holiday, but you want to enjoy yourself, and worrying about your hair is the last thing that you need. Instead opt for flattering, stylish and chic hair styles, that are easy and quick to do, so that you can make the most of your summer escape…

 

The Low Pony

 

This is an ideal summer holiday style – low maintenance, easy to create and always stylish – the low pony is your go-to this summer. Think chic, smooth and simple. To create the look wash your hair in advance with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Part the hair in the middle and smooth back towards the base of your neck. Secure in a low pony with a band, then wrap a piece of hair around the band to hide. Finish of with a spritz of hairspray to smooth down any fly aways. This is the ideal style for humid and hot weather, as it’ll stay looking smooth all day.

The Falling Down Up-Do

This look is so easy to create as it requires little in the way of precision. It’s an undone up-do that allows you to get your hair up off of your neck for hot weather, but that still looks soft and pretty. Scoop your hair back into a simple chignon, placed just above the neck to help keep you cool. Then coax out a few strands around your face and ears to soften. Curl the strands if needed to create a pretty and natural finish.

The Double Bun

This playful look is ideal for a day on the beach – it keeps your hair neat, out of the way, and can even result in beachy curls if your hair gets wet and dries in the sun. Start by parting the hair in the middle and split the hair into low bunches. Secure with bands at the nape of the neck. Start on one side, twisting the hair until it starts to wrap up, wrap into a neat bun and secure with grips. Repeat on the other side.

Whether you’re jetting off on a beach holiday, to a festival or for a family adventure in the sun, try these easy hairstyles to help keep you cool, but looking stylish all day long.

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Best Products to Tame Curly Hair

Managing curly hair can be tricky. If your hair is naturally curly it’s likely that you will have developed your own way to look after your curls over the years. Product is key when it comes to making the most of your natural curls – from curl defining to curl calming – products can transform your hair with minimal effort.

Finding the right product for your hair type is key. Read on to discover our top products for naturally curly hair…

Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

For anyone who wants more defined curls, or to bring out the natural curl in their hair, the Be Curly Curl Enhancer by Aveda is the idea product. Working to intensify curls, tame frizz and add shine, this product has been designed for use on waves and curls.

Containing a wheat protein blend, the product expands on wet hair, and then retracts when the hair dries, to lock in and define curls. For best results, apply to towel dried hair and dry with a diffuser. Add a little more product as you go to coax your curls into place. Finish and define the style with one final application once dry.

Wella Sebastian Professional Twisted Curl Manager

This curl cream by Sebastian Professional from Wella works to polish and define curls. Light and easy to use, the cream doesn’t add extra weight, crunchiness or stiffness to the hair. The Flexi Alg Complex technology works by fighting frizz and dryness in the hair, resulting in natural definition and a light bouncy finish.

To use apply all over damp hair and scrunch well. Dry with a diffuser or air-dry for curls that are defined and smooth with soft movement. The end result is smoother, softer and glossier curls.

Aveda Be Curly Curl Controller

This is the perfect option for anyone with tight or frizzy curls who wants to tame them. Working to lengthen even the tightest of curls, the Be Curly Curl Controller by Aveda also controls volume and smoothes frizz.

With organic babassu oil, the hair is conditioned and the curls are relaxed, while the corn-derived smoother works to reduce volume and frizz. Finally, the pure-fume aroma adds a beautiful fresh scent to the hair, with organic lemon, orange and bergamot. Simply apply to damp hair before drying, then dry with a diffuser or air dry for natural yet smooth curls.

In addition to product, your cut also influences how your natural curls sit. A great cut makes styling curls simple. For expert advice on the best style for your naturally curly hair book a consultation and let us help you find your perfect style.

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Three Colour Updates to Try in 2018

Every now and then you probably find that you get the urge to experiment with your hair colour. While it’s not advised to change your hair colour too often, we all like to try new looks and trends from time to time. From ultra on-trend styles, to colour updates that will stand the test of time, why not consider trying one of these three colour updates this year…

Nude Hair

The nude hair trend is all about getting your hair looking as natural as possible. Those who have been through years of dyeing may find that their hair has varying tones, is patchy and brassy. This is all about going back to basics, using mid shades that are natural and cool in tone, rather than extremes such as black or white blonde.

If you want to try this trend without going lighter or darker, book in for a toner to create an ashy and even shade from root to tip. Nude hair looks best when it’s healthy, so consider a trim and a conditioning treatment too.

Rose Gold

This one isn’t for the faint hearted – in the spotlight this year is rose gold locks. This is the latest colourful update following a string of pretty pastel hair colours, in a variety of finishes. If you’ve always wanted to experiement with colour in your hair, but you’ve been unsure of the bright blues, pinks and purples, this trend offers the perfect middle ground.

Not as bright or as instantly obvious as brighter and bolder colours, rose gold has been on-trend in fashion and home décor for some time now. It’s translated into the hair and beauty industry, with the colour of the season being pretty rose gold tones. For blondes, try and allover colour that’s intensified at the roots and softer on the ends. For brunettes, why not try a rose gold balayage.

Contrasting Tones

We’re not suggesting you go back to the stripy highlights of the ‘90s, but undone roots are one of the leading hair trends for the season. Influenced by past trends of dip dye and balayage, this trend can be done with most hair colours. Ideally you’d want to have a professional dye job, to blend your roots with the length of your hair, but it’s a great excuse to leave your roots au natural in between salon visits.

For light blondes try mid blood roots, for mid blondes try light brown roots, and for those with mid to light brunette hair try super dark roots.

If you are considering a colour change this year book in for a consultation to discus your options. Colouring your hair can cause damage, so it’s important to seek the advice of a professional, to ensure that you are not putting your hair under too much distress and that your colour is done in a way that will not compromise the health of your hair.

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5 Celebrity Styles to Try this Summer

One of the easiest places to find inspiration for a new summer style is through social media and celebrity culture. Today the celebrity isn’t just the actor, model or singer, it’s the blogger, influencer and icon too.

If you’re looking for a little hairstyle and colour inspo, here are five celebrity styles to try this summer…

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie’s blunt and angular cut has inspired a trend this season. Just long enough to be styled up as well as down, Margot has gone for blunt ends with the hair swept across from one side leaving the hair thick and blunt to one side. Try Margot’s style and go for ice blonde locks with darker roots, a deep part and blunt ends.

Emma Watson

Draw inspiration from Emma Watson’s latest cut and opt for a mico-fringe this season. If you’re partial to a fringe, this is the perfect update for the hot weather. Think a short version of a fringe, parted a little so that it doesn’t sit straight or look blunt. Blunt ends are not what you’re trying to achieve with this look.

Kerry Washington

Try a soft and natural looking bob for Spring/Summer in the style of Kerry Washington. Think of a grown out bob, with a side part in natural looking waves. Go for a blunt cut and then add texture with waves and textureising spray.

Rita Ora

Well know for her playful sense of style, channel your inner Rita this season and experiment with pastel colours. From pastel dip dye and ombre, to a full head in a single pastel shade, pastels provide the perfect colour update for this season. Traditionally used by blondes, brunettes have been seen with pastel ombre updates. If you’ve always wanted to experiment with colour in your hair, now is the perfect time.

Olivia Munn

If a subtle colour update is more of your thing, consider ribbon highlights in the style of Olivia Munn. This is a sun kissed effect that can be used to add warmth to darker shades, or create a sun kissed look in mid to dark blondes. The colour is painted on in the mid to long length, mostly on the underside of the hair, with a few subtle highlights on the tips of your layers.

Which celebrities do you feel inspired by? With so many new styles emerging every week, its’s tricky to pick just one to try!

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The Full Guide to: Managing Fine Hair

Fine hair can be difficult to manage. For many with fine hair, the end goal is to create thicker looking locks. While your hair cut and style can greatly improve how thick your hair looks, there are a few other ways in which you can manage your fine hair…

Wash Your Hair Frequently

People with thick hair can get away with washing their hair less frequently. If you have fine hair, you’ll find that after a few days in between washing your hair starts to look limp and flat. Aim to wash your hair every other day, to allow your hair to benefit from the natural oils that your scalp produces, but to avoid it becoming greasy.

When you do wash your hair, don’t use conditioner on your roots – this will weigh your roots down and cause your hair to become greasy faster.

Blow Dry Your Hair Upside Down

With fine hair it’s all about trying to increase the body to create thicker looking locks. Your blow dry is key to this. Try using a thickness boosting cream or similar, and dry your hair upside down to get lots of volume in at the roots.

Avoid using a lot of product though as this will weigh your hair down. Use a light conditioner and no more additional product than the size of a 50p when it’s in your hand.

Invest in a Flattering Cut

Your hair cut plays a huge role in how thick or fine your hair looks. Get the cut wrong and you could be stuck with hair that looks even thinner for months. Before you settle on a style or go for the chop, book a consultation to discus your options with a professional. Let them know that you’re keen to get your hair looking thicker and discus the various options available. A good hair dresser will be able to make the most of your fine hair.

Fine hair can be frustrating, but when you know how to manage it you will feel far more confident in how it looks and how it makes you feel. Just a few simple tricks can make your hair appear thicker, which is generally more flattering and easy to manage.

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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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