Hot Spring/Summer Hair Trends

Chicks … did you miss me?  Well, I’m back with more trends, tips, and tutorials! I’ve compiled a great list of styles that are trending right now! It’s all about short cuts, sassy color and fierce texture for the 2013 spring /summer season. If you can’t commit to a cut or color try a fabulous wig … or weave it up. Enjoy!

 

 

The Short Cut

The Pixie

 

The Short Bob

 The Textured Bob

1920′s Inspired Hair Tutorial

   

I absolutely love, love, love 1920′s style. It’s my favorite era in terms of  hair styling and fashion. Inspired by the 1920′s, I created this fun 1920′s flapper  tutorial  for Halloween. In this tutorial you’ll learn how to create an inexpensive flapper headband and soft wavy faux bob. Chicks …  challenge yourself this Halloween and have fun:) Enjoy!

 

 

Flapper Headband

 

 Here’s what you’ll need!

 

 

1. Feather

2. Black elastic headband

3. Brooch Pin

Step #1

 Take your brooch and  pin the feather to the elastic headband. You may have a few of these items at home already (the pin I used is from a necklace I bought last year).

 

Faux Bob

Here’s what you’ll need!

1.Brush

2.Hairspray

3.Small barrel curling iron (3/4″)

4.Rattail comb

5.Pin curl clips

6.Bobby pins

7.Hair clip

Steps 1-4

 

*** I straightened my natural hair with a flatiron for this look ( but you can also roller set your hair)

*** Short hair chicks skip steps 2-4

1.Create a side part

2. Part hair from ear to ear and clip away top half.

3. Twist hair around your finger to create a pin curl. Place pin curl close to your scalp and secure with bobby pins (if  pin curls are too difficult braid up back section and pin).

4. Create 3 to 4 pin curls in back section

Steps 5-8

 

 5.  Start at the top and part out a small section of hair (about the width of your finger).

6.Use a small barrel curling iron and curl hair forward.

7.Direct the hair forward and pin with a pin curl clip (pin curls should be about the size of a nickel)

8.Proceed to bottom side section and curl in opposite direction. Pin hair going back away from face.

Steps 9-12

 

9. Proceed to remaining sections and repeat the same process

10. After it’s all pinned … spray it up with hairspray! Let pin curls set while you start your makeup.

11. Remove pin curl clips (do not remove the 3-4 pin curls that you bobby pinned earlier)

12. Softly brush out each section

Steps 13-16

 

13. Try and create a “C” formation at the top using your finger to help mold hair in place.

14.Use a pin curl clip to help hold your “C” formation in place. Take your comb and tease the ends in an upward direction to create fullness.

15. Tuck ends under and secure with bobby pins.

16.Proceed to opposite side and repeat the same process. Use your rattail comb to help create an “S” formation. 

Steps 17 & 18

 

17. Tease, tuck and pin

18. Spray, spray, spray, and spray some more!  Add your fabulous flapper headband to complete your look.

Whew … done! It should look something like this when you finish. 

 Chicks  … have a safe and fun Halloween! Thanks for reading!

 

The Comeback Of Throwbacks

via Royston Blythe

Have you heard the term nothing is orginal anymore? Well, that goes for hairstyles and fashion too. To make old things new again we must reinvent them … right?  Here are a few iconic hairstyles from ’back in the day’ that were super hot then and now. Enjoy!

 

 

The Flattop/Crew Cut

Then

Now

via Hype Coiffure

Reinvent It!

Hippie Hair

Then

Now

Reinvent It!

The Afro

Then

 

Now

via Sanrizz

Reinvent It!

Easy 5 Step Milkmaid Braid

 Braids continue to be a summer favorite. The side braid and fishtail braid were super trendy last summer and the milkmaid braid is hot this summer. I love this braid because it’s really easy to do and you can dress it up or down. Check out my easy 5 step tutorial below. Enjoy!    

 

Here’s what you’ll need!

1. Rat-tail Comb

2. Synthetic Hair (or human hair extensions)

3. Bobby Pins

4.  Hair Ties

Step #1

 Part hair into two sections.

Step #2

 *Chicks with long thick hair … skip this step and go to step #4*

If your hair is short or thin … you’ll need to add synthetic or human hair to your ponytail. When you have the desired amount of hair … separate your ponytail hair in half and pin the extension hair just above your ear.

Step #3

 Once the extension is secure, use a hair tie to secure the ponytail in place.

Step #4

 Braid the ponytail down and secure the end with a hair tie or rubber band. Repeat the process on the other side.

Step #5

 Bring one braid across your head and pin in place. Bring the second braid across and pin in place. Continue to pin braids down until it feels secure.

Done!

  It should look something like this when you finish. Chicks … with these 5 easy steps you can turn a bad hair day into a super cute summer hairstyle. Thanks for reading:)

 

DIY Twist Out

It’s all about being a naturalista these days. Chicks are putting away their flat irons and are rocking fabulous textured hairstyles. Below is a DIY twist out tutorial. It’s super easy and this technique can be used on all hair textures. Enjoy!    

 

Here’s what you’ll need!

1.  Hair Foam

2. Hair Clips

3. Rat tail Comb

Step #1

Shampoo and condition hair. Apply hair foam (or whatever styling product you prefer). Part hair into two sections. Use hair clips to hold hair in place.

Step #2

  Start in the back … create a two-strand twist. Twist hair down close to the scalp. You can also achieve this style by braiding your hair into cornrows.

Step #3

 Make sure that your twist is secure. Proceed to the next section.

Step #4

Continue to the top section.

Step #5

 When you finish … it should look something like this. Dry hair for 45 minutes under the hair dryer or air dry overnight. Separate each section and fluff to create fullness.

DONE

Done! Try this style when you’re between hair appointments. If your hair texture is really fine (like mine) you may have to re twist your hair at night to maintain this style.

Thanks for reading:)

Live In Color!

Hey chicks … it’s time to lighten up!  I love the Spring/Summer season because it’s time to be bold with hair color and style! Chicks try hues that complement your skin tone and hairstyles that complement your features. Here are a few chicks with hot summer hair color. Enjoy:)

Blonde Bombshell

via Angeles Hairdressing

via Hype Coiffure

Tip: When going blonde keep in mind that you’re removing  pigment from the hair. Your hair may become very dry and brittle over time. Use reconstructive conditioning treatments, hot oil treatments or a hair mask to help protect your hair from breakage. 

Double Trouble

via Francesco Group

Tip: Try adding  two or more colors for a very special custom color.

Cinnamon & Spice

 

Textured hair is really trendy right now!  Sporting a light brown or blonde hair color,  is an awesome way to take your textured hairstyle to the next level!

Tip: When caring for color treated natural hair, use sulfate free shampoo. Sulfate free shampoo is gentle and it won’t strip away your new hair color or dry it out. Use products that help to maintain moisture and shine. Don’t forget to do regular hot oil treatments too.

Get your Spring/Summer color on chicks! Thanks for reading:)

DIY Spiral Rod Set

 There’s nothing like soft bouncy curls. Spiral rods add volume and texture to fine limp hair. Rod sets also allow you to take a break from harmful heat styling. This week I cut and rod set my hair. I wanted to share the process with you, so that you can experiment with this style at home. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

Here’s what you’ll need!

 

1. Setting Lotion or Hair Foam ( I use Lotta Body )

2. Jumbo End Papers (sold at local beauty supply)

3. Hair Clips

4. Rat tail Comb

5. 15-20 Medium Rods  (sold at Sally Beauty Supply) (rods come in all sizes)

Step #1

Shampoo and condition hair. Part hair into four sections.Use hair clips to hold hair in place.

Step #2

 Apply setting lotion to the first section.

Step #3

  Take a small section of hair. Fold the jumbo end paper halfway down. Then slide the end paper all the way down to the end. Make sure that your hair is really saturated so that the end paper slides down easily.

Step #4

 Place the tip (with the end paper) at the end of the rod. Roll up. I’m rolling my hair forward because that’s the direction I want my hair to fall in.

Step #5

 Your hair should look like a candy cane stripe on the rod. After rolling the rod up to your scalp… bend the top of the rod to hold it in place. This step takes practice…so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away:)

Step #6

Proceed to rod each section of hair. Don’t worry about perfect rod placement… you can basically pick up random strands of hair and it will still come out cute! Now…get ready to stuff your alien-like hairdo under the hair dryer.

Step #7

 Okay… I headed over to the salon to use the hair dryer. Sit under hair dryer for 35-60 minutes or until completely dry.

This is how it looks dry with rods removed. I like to use a small amount of Bed Head Manipulator on my fingertips when pulling the curls apart to control frizz.

Step#8

Separate each curl a few times to create fullness.

Done!

 Whew… finally done! You can use spiral rods on all textures of hair. Chicks have fun…be creative…play and manipulate the curls to create beautiful textured styles. Try one side pinned back, or braided… create a sexy updo. Good luck!

Thanks for reading:)

The Rapunzel Trend

Long hair is back with a vengeance! Mohawk haircuts are out and “Cher Hair” is in. There’s been a revival … 60′s- 70′s long sleek hair is trending. Chicks are ditching their short hair for super long length. Here are a few examples on how to wear this trend.

Middle Ground

Iman for Roberto Cavalli

via juicy magazine

 I know what you’re thinking … this style isn’t new. But recently chicks have been spotted rocking middle (center) parts with long straight to slight wave textured  hair. This look is blunt and there’s little to no curl. Achieve this look by simply adding long hair extensions.

Tip: Buy quality hair to prevent hair tangling and shedding.

Bangin Beauty

 

Transform this trend by adding sexy bangs.

Tip: Do not cut bangs too short…just above the eye is perfect.

Tall Tale

via essence

photo credit Stephen Lovekin

Chicks love a good ponytail. Try this easy and fun style at your next event and watch heads turn!  Take this look to the next level by crimping and combing out your ponytail for a trendy textured look.

Tip: When wearing hair pulled back … your face should be flawless. Don’t forget to play up your makeup and wear fabulous earrings too.

What do you think of this trend? Thanks for reading:)

Spice Up Your OJ!

 Studies show that vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed to protect our bodies from cancer, stroke, and immune system deficiencies. Vitamin C… not only helps to build our immune system, it’s also essential for healthy hair and scalp. My new obsession is juicing. I’ve practically juiced any and everything that looks like it can be juiced. I tried this yummy juice combo last week and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ll explain how you can spice up your OJ while boosting your antioxidant intake. Enjoy:)

 

             1. Oranges: Vitamin C assists in repairing body tissues.Vitamin C  helps to protect hair follicle cells and aids in the prevention of wrinkles.

             2. Ginger: Aids in digestion.Rich in antioxidants.

             3. Sweet Potato:  Packed with vitamin C and vitamin A …rich in antioxidant nutrients that are essential for hair growth.

             4. Carrots: Packed with vitamin A and vitamin K. Vitamin A helps in slowing down the aging process and aids in fighting off viral infections. Vitamin K prevents bones from weakening and fracture.

For more information go to www.webmd.com

 

 Orange Spice

 2 large carrots

2 oranges (peeled)

1 sweet potato

1″ inch piece of ginger

(makes 1 glass of juice)

 

Get healthy hair from the inside out!

Thanks for reading…happy juicing:)

 

 

Work It Out!

Happy New Year! With each new year we’re full of hope and full of resolutions. Getting into shape is probably the # 1 resolution made each year.  If you’re a determined diva, who’s planning to hit the gym hard this year … you’ll need a sweat friendly hairstyle. I’ve listed a few easy breezy hairstyles that you can rock while getting your workout on!

EXTENSIONS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND!

Why Extensions (weave)?

1. Low maintenance hairstyle.

2. Protects hair from excessive heat styling and other harmful chemical services.

3. Extensions give you the freedom to have an intense workout and not worry about your hair.

Tip: Choose a hair stylist that specializes in extension (weave) services and hair care! In a few months, you can look forward to healthy hair growth . Don’t forget to take hair vitamins and amp up your diet with green leafy veggies and protein!

BE POETIC!

image via pin/pr photos

 Why Braids?

 * Remember when Janet Jackson rocked box braids in the movie Poetic Justice…cute huh? Well…box braids are trendy again!

1.Low maintenance hairstyle. 

2. Braids and locs are weather proof and sweat proof!

3. Braids allow you to take a break from heat styling.

Tip: Do not braid hair tight! Tight braids can lead to breakage and balding. If you live in Los Angeles and you’re looking for a stylist who braids well and practices healthy hair care … check out Crystal Oliver at www.crystalblingssalon.com . She’s an amazing braider and hair stylist!

GO NATURAL!

Why go natural?

1. Low maintenance hairstyle.

2. You can twist or set natural hair to achieve different fabulous textured looks.

3. Natural styles hold up well through workouts and bad weather.

4. Rocking natural hair is freeing! We’ve entered into a natural hair revolution … there are so many amazing products on the market today. These new products (Miss Jessie’s for example) help natualistas maintain their natural styles and keep them looking great all day.

Tip: Make sure to use products that add moisture to natural hair and avoid products with parabens, silicone, petroleum, and mineral oil. Do weekly hot oil treatments! Check out my post on natural hot oil treatments ”Get Your Hot Oil On”

HEY SHORTIE!

photo credit Glenn Harris

 Why Go Short?

1. Low maintenance hairstyle.

2. Pixie cuts are super trendy and cute.

3. Short hair looks great … even when you’re a sweaty mess!

Tip:  When wearing short hair, make sure your eyebrows are neat and shaped. Don’t forget to wear lashes, makeup and earrings too.  Try to create softness when wearing short edgy hair for a balanced look. You want people to see you as a hot chick and not a dude!

Ladies, make sure that your hair is in tip-top shape while getting in shape! Do not let your hair go because you’re working out. Make hair care a priority in 2012. Let’s go! xoxo