Hair Color Tips for Blondes

Do blondes have more fun? Not if their hair color goes funky on them! Keeping your blonde hair color looking fresh and fab can be tricky. Today I?ve scoured the blogosphere and found some great hair blogs with solid advice for blondes. So in the spirit of some ?link love?, here are some tips to ensure your blonde doesn?t turn into a bomb.

Beware the Brass

One of the biggest problems with blonde is its tendency to go brassy. To avoid this hair color disaster there are specialty shampoos with a violet color added which neutralizes those nasty ?goldy? hues.

But while surfing the beauty web I came across this awesome tip for making your own violet shampoo and saving yourself some cash. Read it at Beauty Buffet.

Keep on Top of Your Hair Color

I found a blog entry that tackles a question I?ve wondered about for years. Why is it you see SO many bad blondes out there? No, I don?t mean Heather Mills dumping water on another lawyer?I mean all those God-awful blonde colors that are so obviously too light.

This strange phenomenon is likely due to ?too much of a good thing?. We don?t keep tabs on our hair color and before we know it we?ve traded buttery blonde for bleached-out blah.

Here?s a great article that addresses this problem at Divine Caroline.

Protect Your Tresses

While this last piece of advice is applicable to all hair colors (and hair without color, for that matter) it goes double for anyone who has double processed blonde. These days professional grade blow driers and flat irons are available to the public. This is great for getting salon-like hairstyles but what many people don?t realize is that these styling tools are hotter and can cause damage more easily than those drug store alternatives.

If you use high powered styling tools you MUST use a thermal protector before styling. Any hair type can easily get dried out and damaged if not protected from all that heat but if you bleach your hair it?s already been through some ?tough love? in order to look good. So pamper it.

Style Bell has reviewed a great thermal protectant to use before you dry, curl or iron.

While reading hair trends for spring I found that there?s a discrepancy in the area of highlights. Some stylists say they?re still hot while others say sticking with one rich hair color is the way to go. What do you think? To highlight or not to highlight? That is they hairstyle question I pose to you today. Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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As a former hairstylist I?ve had many a client?both men and women?in my salon chair fretting about their thinning hair. It really is heartbreaking because there is no magic formula that will instantly make hair grow back.

Having said that, I came across an article that gives those with thinning hair some hope. Apparently that ever-so-versatile plant, Aloe Vera, may be a natural hair care solution for thinning hair. The article talks about Aloe Vera?s ability to balance out the PH of your scalp and promote hair growth.

Now I?ve said for years that one of the most important things a person with hair loss can do is keep their scalp as healthy as possible. Neglecting the condition of your scalp is like trying to grow a garden in rotten soil.

To learn more about this natural hair care product and what it can do for your thinning hair visit The StyleBell blog?s article on Aloe Vera.

Fine hair?it?s often anything but ?fine? when you?re trying to style it. Limp locks can seem like a never ending nightmare but don?t fret?here are some volume inducing tips when creating hairstyles for fine hair.

Choose Your Product Wisely

Because fine hair is essentially caused by thinner hair strands and/or fewer hair strands than you?d like to have fine hair is easily weighed down. This means you can?t just reach for any old hair products and expect them to treat your fine hair right. If you want to make the most out of your hair styles for fine hair you need to start by using the right products.

Use shampoos that are specifically designed for fine hair or are volumizing. These shampoos should use different ingredients that ones for dry or curly hair and won?t contain such ?heavy? moisturizers. Also, you should skip the thick conditioners and instead opt for a spray in/leave in conditioner. It will give you all the moisturizing your fine hair needs but without the heavy build up. It will also act as a bit of protectant against styling damage.

Styling products should be light weight as well. Opt for volumizing mousses or spray in hair gels. Concentrate the product at the roots for lift and use very sparingly. Stay away from cream based products at all costs.

Better Blowdrying

To create great hairstyles for fine hair you need to know how to blow dry your hair for maximum volume. If you?re creating a sleek style use a large round brush and aim the nozzle of your blow drier directly at the roots while holding the hair away from your scalp. This will create a bit of a bend right at the roots which gives natural looking body.

If you?re going for a tousled look flip your head upside down and massage your scalp in a circular motion with the palms of your hands. This rubbing technique lifts the hair from the scalp and creates a bit of a natural cushion.

Styling Tools to Use

Velcro or hot rollers can be a fine-haired girl?s best friend. They create easy volume and body and always make hair appear thicker. The trick is to use larger rollers at the top of your head for maximum root lift and smaller ones at the bottom to create luscious waves. Once curls are set remove the rollers, flip your head over and tousle with your hands. Give your roots a quick misting with a dry aerosol hairspray to hold the lift and flip back upright. Resist the urge to plaster your hair in place?soft and touchable hair is the key.

Do you have fine hair and it?s driving you crazy? Ask your fine hair questions here and I?ll be happy to answer them.

As I was roaming the blogosphere I happened across an example of what happens when long hair is layered perfectly, the color is gorgeous and the style is out of this world. Yes, I found the ultimate long, layered hairstyle?and it?s oh-so-yummy.

So who is the wearer of this prized hair do? None other than Mila Kunis of That 70?s Show fame. She?s traded in her 70?s flippy ?do for this hot hairstyle that makes perfect use of the long layered hairstyle. Soft waves are created via medium sized Velcro rollers and then separated by finger combing the hair. The dramatic middle part adds contrast to the large waves below. Add a little light hairspray and shake it out for added volume and you are good to go.

This has got to be one of the hottest evening hairstyles I?ve seen in a while and it?s all thanks to the picture posted on The Superficial blog. The post is entitled ?Mila Kunis is Sweet Baby Jesus Hot? and goes on to say:

I’m sorry Kim Kardashian lovers/Weight Watchers enthusiasts but this is how you show up for a premiere: By looking SH-BANGIN’! This is Mila Kunis at the premiere of her new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I gotta admit I never was much of a fan during her time on That 70’s show. I was all about the Laura Prepon Amazonian goodness. Maybe it’s because Mila’s character dated Ashton Kutcher and therefore, by association, I wanted her to get hit in the face with a large jungle cat. But now? Get that cheetah out of the slingshot; Daddy likes.
I?ve got to agree. Leaving the 70?s and getting with the here and now definitely agrees with Mila.

See the picture and post at The Superficial.

Have you seen any pictures past television stars lately where they’re looking hot? If so tell us about it and post a link if you can.

When you?re wearing your hair long it can be easy to get stuck in a style rut. To break free of this we?re showcasing some hot and trendy hair cuts for long hair to inspire you.

Flaunt it Like Fergie

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We love Fergie?s style and her hair is the icing on that sassy cake. Her long hair is enhanced with layers which add shape but what makes this style so loveable is the big, flipped back curls she has. To create this yourself simply spiral two inch sections of hair around a large barrel curling iron, separate with your fingers and define with a little hair was. It?s super simple but the impact is a casual yet very chic hair cut for your long hair.

In with a Bang

Image details: 2007 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals served by picapp.com

Bangs are hot right now and when coupled with a sleek layered cut the result is stunning. This hair cut for long hair relies on wispy layers around the face that are strategically carved in via a straight razor. The full bang frames Jennifer?s face perfectly and adds contrast to the lighter layers below. To style simply add some smoothing balm to damp hair and blow dry with a large paddle brush. Use hair wax to separate and tousle the layers.

Easy Does It

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We chose this hair cut for long hair as a starter cut for those who are afraid of layers. Here Sarah Michelle Gellar?s hairstyle proves that even a long, side swept bang and the minutest of layers at the bottom of your hair adds some flair to an otherwise one length and boring cut. If you?ve been resisting layers now there?s no excuse?these won?t hurt a bit!

In case you haven?t guessed, layers are where it?s at. If your long hair is out of shape it?s time to glam it up with some shorter lengths.

While I was looking for example pictures of long hairstyles to show you I came across this one of Beyonce. I?ve got my own thoughts on this style but I?d love to hear yours.

Move over clips and barrettes, the newest accessory to jazz up your hair is?more hair. Hair extensions have been making a steady comeback thanks to celebs such as Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson who wear them regularly. In fact, Jessica teamed up with celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves to create her own line of hair extension. But hair extensions aren?t just for the rich and bored, using hair extensions can help solve some common hair and style problems for just about anybody.

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Fuller Hair Right Now

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One of the most beneficial aspects of hair extensions is their ability to give instant thickness and volume to fine hair. As a hairstylist I lost track of how many people would sit down in my chair and bemoan their flimsy locks. Back then hair extensions were either super expensive, hard to get or these ratty things that you?d call an exterminator to get rid of. Thankfully, now you can easily buy great quality hair extensions in all lengths and colors, slip them into your existing hair, and instantly volumize those fine strands.

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Instant Layers

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Layered hair is so hot right now. If your one length hair isn?t doing it for you style wise it?s time to bring in the hair extensions. Lengthening and layering your hair is as easy as choosing hair extensions in the same color (or darker for a really funky look) and clipping them in underneath your own hair. The extensions will cascade from under your own and create a whole new look in minutes. How cool is that?

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Long Hair When you Need It

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Ever wished you had long hair just for a day? Or perhaps you?re growing out your hair and just can?t get there fast enough. Here come hair extensions to the rescue. Just as I described in the layering section above, clipping hair extensions under your existing hair will instantly lengthen your style and allow you to wear it styled down or up?it?s your choice. Think of having an elegant updo for a formal event that wouldn?t otherwise be possible with your shorter hair. ?

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Synthetic or Real Hair Extensions?

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Hair extensions are available in either 100% real human hair or high quality synthetic. So which one is better? The biggest difference between the two is the ability to heat style. With human hair you can blow dry it, use curling irons and flat irons?you name it while synthetic hair extensions are not heat friendly and will melt if they come in contact with these heated tools.

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Another factor is cost. Human hair is usually more expensive but, as I said, you have more styling options. Your best bet is to decide exactly how you plan on wearing your extensions and choose the one that works best for you.

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As a closing note I highly recommend you stick with the clip in variety. These are the easiest to use and take no time at all to put in and take out. I highly recommend you have a closer look at Jessica Simpson?s hair extension line.

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So what do you think? Are hair extensions for you? If you?ve used hair extensions before let us know how you like them or drop us a question about using them.

Prom will be here before you know it. If you want to look glam but don?t want to spend a fortune to do it here are three hot prom hairstyles you can whip up at home.

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The Chignon

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This one?s a classic and has been seen more times on the red carpet recently than Cate Blanchette. This prom hairstyle is a favorite of ours for two reasons: First, it?s super easy to do and, second, its looks chic without looking too ?made up?.

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To create your own chignon smooth your hair back and gather it into a low lying ponytail and secure with clear elastic or one that closely matches your hair color. Now grab the ponytail and twist it like a telephone cord. Wrap the spiraled ponytail around the base of the ponytail pinning around the ?bun? as you go. Don?t worry if a few end poke out?that only adds character to the style. Secure well and give a very light mist of hairspray to hold.

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The Half-Up Do

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This prom hairstyle works on many levels. It?s elegant enough to see you through even the most sophisticated of prom events but has a soft, romantic feel to it also. This one?s also easy to do at home if you have a little hair skill but if not book an appointment?it?ll be worth it.

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To create this style set long hair in medium sized hot or Velcro rollers. Once the hair is set gently take hair out of rollers and finger comb to separate the curls. Now loosely gather the sides of your hair?make sure you leave some height at the top?and secure it with a gorgeous hair clip just below the crown of your head. Pull a few tendrils out around the face to soften the look. Bangs should be swept to the side and hairspray should be kept to a minimum to ensure the hair still moves.

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A Pin Curl Twist

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This one?s is a little trickier to do but the results are a very edgy yet elegant prom hairstyle. If you?ve got a good deal of hair savvy this one is possible but it?s even easier if you team up with a friend and let them do it for you.

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Start with hair that?s been washed the night before?hair that?s too clean is slippery and won?t stay in place. Take a two inch wide section of your bangs and pin the hair back to the crown of your head. If you have short bangs use small jeweled hair clips to pin them back or two the side.

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This will leave you with a large section of hair hanging down on either side. Place a finger behind your right ear and run it up to the crown of your head, sectioning off this hair. Smooth it and gather into a ponytail just behind your ear. Now begin twisting this section as your pull it back to the back middle of your head. Repeat this process for the other side.

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Gather the ends of the two twists and secure them to the head, creating a little volume. Now you?ll tackle the hair hanging down below. Grab one inch section of this hair, twist and pin under the two larger twists you did earlier. Try to make the twists gather somewhat symmetrically but don?t go overboard and make them too neat either.? The result is a ?messy? updo full of unexpected twists and turns.

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Creating your own prom hairstyle not only saves you money but means you control how it turns out. Do you have any other time or money saving tips that you plan on using to make getting ready for prom night easier?

Today?s focus is on black trendy hairstyles. The trend is still strong towards relaxed black hairstyles but I did throw in some natural ones for those who don?t want to deal with chemical relaxers.

Relaxed Styles

Alicia Keys

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It just doesn?t get sexier than this. Alicia is rockin? one super-sexy hairstyle. To get your own version of Alicia Keys? hairstyle apply a smoothing balm to damp hair and blow dry with a large round bristle brush. Next curl two inch sections of hair with a medium sized curling iron. Only go half-way up?leave the roots straight to avoid too much volume there. When you?re done curling coat your hands with a light hair wax and gently mold curls into place, separating a few for variety.

Jada Pickett Smith

Image details: First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon served by picapp.com

I am lovin? this dramatically angled bob hairstyle on Jada. The length difference from front to back is very dramatic. This black trendy hairstyle is perfect for those who have relaxed hair and want to make a style impact without a ?fussy? hairstyle.

Kelly Rowland

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Now that?s some serious diva hair Kelly is sporting. This cut works because of its clean lines. The short blunt bangs frame the face and draw attention to the eyes. The key to this hairstyle is having very healthy hair and using high quality, shine enhancing styling products to make that black hairstyle sparkle.

Play Peek a Boo with Hair Color

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Do you want to experiment with hair color but don?t want too dramatic of a change? Take a style cue from Ashanti and have your stylist place random streaks of contrasting color in your hairstyle. Two or three max should do it for the best effect. This way you have a trendy black hairstyle without the commitment of root upkeep.

Natural hair

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Hate the hassle of using relaxers? The trend this season is for natural and touchable hair and that goes for black hairstyles as well. Leave the weave behind, shun the chemical solutions and go au natural, baby. Trim hair short, keeping it especially cropped on the sides and back. Use hair putty to mold and sculpt the top layers to give soft hold.

Note: This hairstyle will only work if you have great skin and a smaller face shape.

I mentioned that the trend in Caucasian hair is to keep things natural, yet many of the black hairstyles being worn today still reflect a strong use of chemical relaxers. Where do you stand on this issue?relaxed or natural, what?s better?