Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Great Hairstyles for Men for Different Face Shapes

The suit makes the man, according to an old adage. The same can be said of the man's hairstyle, though. If you're a guy, the way you wear your hair says a lot about your character and the lifestyle you have, just the way it is with women's hairstyles. And since you always need to put your best face forward regardless of your gender, you have to make sure that whatever hairstyles for men you choose to adopt has to be appropriate for the shape of your face. Doing so will make you look more attractive.
So, which hairstyles for men are appropriate depending on the shape of their face? Here are a few general guidelines to follow in choosing hairstyles for men when it comes to face shape.
  1. Oval. Oval is considered to be the perfect facial shape, both for men and for women. Men's and women's hairstyles as well as makeup techniques for women are all designed to create the illusion of an oval face. When you have a naturally oval facial shape, you can wear any hairstyle and still look good. A haircut that keeps your locks out of your face is the best if you have an oval-shaped face, however, because it will highlight the perfect shape of your face.

  2. Round. If your face is round, you'd have the tendency towards chubby cheeks and a soft chin. Your hairstyle should balance out that roundness. You can have your locks cut high at the top, maybe with bangs or an off-center part. Avoid hairstyles that frame your cheekbones because they will make your face look rounder.

  3. Square. Square is a very masculine facial shape. It has a lot of angles. If you have a square face, you'd probably have chiseled cheekbones and chin. Unless you want to look ultra-manly like the very square-faced Arnold Schwarzenegger in his Terminator role, you'd need to soften your angles with your haircut. A layered hairstyle and avoiding a center part will do the trick.

  4. Triangle. A triangle-shaped face is one that has a narrow forehead and a wide jaw-line. When choosing a hairstyle for men with a triangle-shaped face, it's always better to add volume around the top and the forehead - perhaps a fringe or bangs.

  5. Heart. The heart is a sweet facial shape, narrow at the chin and wide at the forehead. It is the exact opposite of the triangle. To balance out a heart-shaped face, you should choose a longer hairstyle that extends below your cheekbones. Let your hair frame your face.
If you want to put your best face forward all the time, it's very important that you choose a hairstyle for men that flatters the shape of your face. But whatever hairstyle you choose, you must also make sure that you take very good care of your hair. Keeping your hair well-maintained, in a style that complements the shape of your face and in the peak of good health will make you look more attractive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7493752

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Ouidad's Rake & Shake Technique for Styling Curly, Wavy and Kinky Hair



Morgan, creative director and head stylist at Ouidad Salon, demonstrates how to Rake & Shake a Ouidad gel, such as Tress FX, on curly hair to enhance curl definition and keep frizz free all day!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hair Color - What's the Best Choice for Me?

With so many hair colors out there, what is the best one for you? Is it Jen Aniston's highlights? Is it the beautiful red Rene Russo wore in The Thomas Crown Affair? How about the shiny, nearly black shade of Courtney Cox's long locks?

When deciding on the right hair color for yourself, there are a number of options to consider. As a professional stylist since (yikes!) 1984, I can help, even without seeing your hair. While choosing the right color can be practically, emotionally, and financially based, you should actually consider all of these when making the right choice. Let's get started!

Let me begin by saying that I am a current working stylist, behind the chair five days a week. Most of my clientele pay me to color their hair, while I have a few that color it themselves at home. I will address both of these options here, and help you to ask the right questions to get to the best choice for you.

I believe it's best to have your hair colored by a professional. You're not surprised are you? Here's why: I've seen many "home" hair colors go wrong, and I assure you that it's more cost effective to have someone like me do it right the first time. Corrective color can be very costly, not to mention the damage that can be done by having to color more than once in a short span of time. If you absolutely must color at home, I recommend using deposit-only color, (which contains no ammonia and doesn't lighten the hair), and choosing a color that is at least one shade lighter than you think you want the first time. Don't trust the picture on the box! It's not what it appears most of the time. It's much easier to darken the color if it's too light than the reverse.

Okay, so you've decided to have your stylist color your hair. If you're switching from home hair color, be aware that it might take a couple of salon visits to make the change-over. Depending on what you've been coloring with, your stylist may have to make some adjustments to the color that won't be completely transformed on the first visit. If they're like me, they will protect the integrity of your hair even if it means more than one visit to perfect it.

No matter who will be doing the color, whether it's your regular stylist or someone new, you should be prepared to ask and answer some questions first. The first question to ask isn't what color, but how often? It won't make you happy to have a color that requires monthly salon visits if you and/or your budget will allow a visit say, every eight weeks. That's four weeks of thinking why did I do this? There are color choices for every time frame, and going a bit longer between visits can change the equation from budget-busting to affordable just like that. If your hair is naturally dark, platinum highlights aren't the right choice if you don't want to be in the salon a minimum of every four weeks. Maybe highlights in a softer caramel or beige color would work better for you. (Although if you're fond of the latest "Ombre" highlighted look, grown out roots might be just what you've been dreaming of.) See? There's a color for everyone!

If you want to eliminate gray hair, there are many options, but again we must consider the time factor. How fast does your hair grow? How much gray hair do you have? If you are just starting to gray, highlights can be the answer until your gray hair measures 50% or more of your hair volume. Up to 50% can usually be blended in with highlights in the right shade, depending on your natural color. If your hair is naturally dark, again, be careful with how light you make those highlights, as the regrowth of dark hair can be difficult to manage unless you don't mind more frequent visits to the salon. If highlighting isn't the right choice for you, and you want to stay as natural looking as possible, your stylist can match a shade of your natural color and get rid of the gray that way. Custom colors can be added that will enhance the color too, so you can have a bit of fun with it, in addition to covering the gray.

Another way to beat the gray and not break your budget is to alternate between highlights and root coloring every other visit. Here's how it works: start with highlights, either partial or full, you and your stylist will decide which one makes sense for you. Hint: if your hair is shoulder length or above, a partial should be sufficient. Six to eight weeks later when you go back to the salon, your stylist touches up the "roots" or regrowth of your hair with a color, which buffers the area from regrowth to highlights. Reason for this is twofold: a touchup is less expensive than a highlight, it takes less time. And over time, this looks more natural than either a highlight or color alone especially if you are factoring in gray hair which can be so unruly! Solid color tames gray hair better since you are covering all of it, not just the sections that get colored with foils.

Let's say highlights just aren't right for you. They're not for everyone. If you prefer a solid color, your stylist should be able to determine which shade will work best for you. Are you wanting as natural a look as possible, just getting rid of the gray? That's an easy one. Your stylist can match your hair color as closely as possible, or add some other shades in for fun. Maybe a rich brown with a hint of red? A coppery blonde? The choices are endless. Just be careful in choosing a color that is too far out of your natural range, in depth or lightness.

Skin tone certainly plays into hair color. Mother Nature rarely gets it wrong in what natural color she gives us, so I'd recommend not veering too far off from the natural tone. If you have natural warm undertones, choose a color with at least a little warmth to complement your natural coloring; the same if you are ashier or cooler naturally. It doesn't mean you can't have fun, and lots of it with hair color.

So many possibilities exist, it's just up to you and your stylist to explore and find the one(s) that are right for you!





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6682098

Sunday, February 17, 2013

How to Apply Finishing Products your Curly, Wavy or Kinky Hair


Morgan, creative director and head stylist at Ouidad Salon Santa Monica, demonstrates how to add the finishing touches to your curly, wavy or kinky hair using one of Ouidad's finishing products such as the Shine Glaze Serum or Clear Control Pomade.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Caring For Your Blonde Hair


Getting those luscious, beautiful blonde locks looking their best can be a lot of work. If you aren't a natural blonde then getting your hair to the colour you want and keeping it there requires time, patience and enough regular maintenance to make any car owner cringe! It's a lot of fun though, and if you know how to properly care for your hair then it isn't too hard to keep it looking fantastic.

Tips on Bleaching Your Hair

- Go to a salon! Bleaching your hair is an incredibly intensive and damaging process, not something you should be risking with a box from the supermarket. Let the professionals take care of your hair and you won't regret it

- Tackle the process slowly, over time, not all at once. Too many try to achieve the colour they want on their first visit to the salon. If you go lighter and lighter incrementally over a few visits then you're less likely to cause irreversible damage to your hair and more likely to get the look you want in a way that's healthier for your hair

- Touch up your roots often. Visit the salon once a month to keep your roots in check - nothing spoils a great hair colour more than visible regrowth that's a noticeably different colour

- Use purple shampoo to tone brassy hair. If your hair starts to yellow overtime, a blonde shampoo can properly tone your hair and refresh its colour. If that doesn't seem to be effective, talk to your stylist about toning and what the best course of action is

Top Blonde Hair Care Tips

- Avoid shampooing your hair as frequently. Shampooing strips the hair of essential oils and, even though it adds its own nutrients, it's never as good as the stuff your hair produces naturally! Hair powder can absorb excess oils for you and will avoid drying out and damaging your hair - something especially important if your hair is bleached

- Use products for colour treated hair. Conditioners and shampoos for colour treated hair contain moisturisers and filters designed to protect from UV rays and sun damage that bleached hair is susceptible to

- Use the occasional deep conditioning treatment to maintain your hair's health after bleaching. It'll revitalise the hair and leave it silkier and richer, even after dying

Achieve the colour that you want, keep your hair looking fantastic and prevent damage by following a few of these dying and colour care tips. Going blonde requires a bit of work, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. You'll look great, feel great and enjoy a confidence boost with the colour that you've always wanted.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7461999

Monday, February 11, 2013

Will Nicole Richie's Newest Hair Trend Work For You?


When it comes to long bobs, or the "lob," Nicole Richie has mastered the look. And Karlie Kloss created a frenzy around the chic style after chopping her strands back in November. Wella Professionals celebrity stylist (and the man in charge of Nicole's hair) Andy Lecompte stopped by to discuss this latest hair trend, who it works best for, and how it's a modern twist on a timeless look. Get the details now. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

It's the Curly Life for Us! Annie the Musical & Ouidad


Ouidad and Annie the Musical are celebrating curls with the "It's a Curly Life for Us" Sweepstakes. Watch two of the Annie starts, Tyrah Skye Odoms and Taylor Richardson, get curl makeovers.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Knowing the Hairstyle That Fits Your Face Shape


You have to choose the hairstyle that will match the contour of your face. A mismatch will certainly not look good on you. Your best option is to consult an experienced hairdresser. This expert can tell you the style that matches your countenance. There is a basic rule in hair styling regarding face shapes and haircuts. The oval-shaped face is considered as the most ideal to the human eye. This should serve as guideline for you and the hairstylist. Below are some tips that can help to choose the perfect haircut when you go to the hair salon:
  • The oval is just the right shape so you can get away with any cut. You can go for the well-cropped or contemporary shag which look best on lean faces. However, be careful with the short look especially if your scalp does not have a flawless form. A very short trim may look distorted.

  • For round faces, you can opt for variable styles such as layers that are cut on the sides of the cheeks. These are more suitable than the flat, straight and smooth styles. The layers dropping around the cheekbones will make the face appear thin. The hair at the top produces an arched look and stretches your round face. If you have a sphere-shaped neck, uneven tiers just about the collar will hide the fatness. You can also opt for bangs that descend close to your face.

  • If you have a long face, your goal is to give it a shorter look. This can be made possible by choosing sheer fringes and jaw-length cuts. Avoid the long and formless cuts or straight and bobbed fashion which will only make your face look elongated. Make sure that the dense portion of your hair is at the back of the ears and low down on top. Women with pointed jaws should avoid hair curling towards the chin.

  • If you are blessed with a square face, stay away from cropped hairstyles or proportions that will only draw attention to the four-sided figure. Smooth curves will tone down the square look along with fluffy bangs. Avoid the rounded forms and solid lines that can only magnify the square shape.

  • If your face tapers at the base and looks wide at the crown, you need to conceal the hairline with layered bangs and a broken up style that flips at the edges. If your hair curves outwards instead of turning towards the inside, this will look better. This approach balances the shape by adding volume underneath your chin. If your face is shaped like an inverted heart, there should be plumpness on the top of your head to match with the jaw.
Some women prefer the popular universal cut which extends to the shoulder with slim layers and long bangs that are described as side-swept. This style is said to be suitable for all ages, types of hair and face shape. It is very simple but looks elegant. There is nothing wrong to try it out and see if it will be a perfect fit for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7228515