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Try Out These New York Fashion Week Hair and Makeup Trends

Posted on: February 20th, 2012 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

All too often, the hair and makeup at any fashion week seems over the top. But every now and then a jaw-dropping application inspires an epiphany and makes you think, “I could totally pull that off in real life.”

A prime example would be the sexy tousles of the Rag and Bone show. In what has been described as a “Patty Smith goes to India” style theme, Redken lead stylist, Guido Palau, created ultra-feminine and “downtown cool” dreadlock waves. To achieve the look, Palau applied a generous amount of Redken Full Frame Volumizing Mouse to hair while damp, then allowed the locks to air dry. After separating the hair with a scattered ’70s center part, Palau massaged Redken Rough Paste 12 from root to tip, separating and twisting large chunky sections of hair along the way. A little ruffling at the crown added the finishing touch.

Another look fashion followers can try at home includes the red-lipped-ponytail combo from Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2012. According to Glamazon, models wore a prim and proper side-part with the rest of the hair sleeked back at the nape of the neck. Shiseido Artistic Director, Dick Page used a matte Dual Balancing Foundation to offset the crimson lip color. The waxy, custom blend went on with a small eye-shadow brush for precision.

Experts will tell you creating lipstick is an art unto itself, but Perfect Rouge in Cerise or Valentine make great stand-ins. Here is another bit of advice: exercise cautious optimism with applications of red because they are easy to overdo. The same can be said of colorful eyeliner apps.

With Ginnifer Goodwin, Reese Witherspoon and a bevy of other stars spotted sporting jewel-toned eyeliner, you would do well to familiarize yourself with color, or at least make friends with the idea. For the Costell Tagliapietra show, makeup artist Lisa Butler of the MAC Pro Team applied peach and mauve to the upper lids and touched off the lower lids with a soft teal color. At StyleSight.com, Butler says blending gray and green cream shadows below the eye added drama and personality to an otherwise nude foundation.

Butler used a pointed liner brush to apply a mix of shades from the Delft and Natural Fibre Fall Trend Crème Eye Shadow Palette. This particular collection of color pots is not available until later this year. But you can get the “bright eye” look this season with Tigi High Density Eye Shadow Palette or the Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Luminieres N.13.

Just remember cream shadows are tricky. Shannon R., a beauty blogger at Self.com, says cream shadows settle into the creases on the eyelid. The same goes for the fine lines around the bottom of your eye. Priming the area with foundation or powder promotes a longer lasting finish. At the risk of looking like a resplendent peacock, you also want to apply cream shadows with a light touch.

What do you think, beauty fiends? Are you ready to put these fashion week trends into practice?

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When it comes to 2012 beauty trends, imperfect is the new perfect

Posted on: January 25th, 2012 by Becca No Comments

Perfection is so overdone, and if you’re anything like us, you’re getting sick of seeing it, too. Well, we’re not alone. Leading stylists and makeup artists tout that the minimalist look is the new look of 2012, as opposed to the overly made-up look that has been in for quite some time.

Let’s start from the top. Your hair doesn’t need to be washed everyday. Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair daily does more harm than good. When you wash your tresses too frequently, you’re removing all the natural oils that provide your locks with a healthy shine. Don’t get us wrong, we don’t advise not bathing for days on end, but only washing your hair every other day will give your hair the natural sheen that is popular, rather than a glossy look create from plenty of hair product.

Spending hours doing your hair is a thing of the past, at least for 2012. Instead of spending two hours curling your hair into many tiny twisted locks, tousle your hair around a little bit and go! This season is all about casual looks, so opt for a bun on your head or a loose chignon. You don’t even have to get that fancy, even a simple ponytail makes a fashion statement.

If you’ve been bleaching your eyebrows, stop right now, because those dark eyebrows, you know that ones that match your natural hair color, are trendy. If you want to lighten them a tad, use a eyebrow gel to lighten subtly rather than a bleach that provides you with a drastic, unnatural look.

Although the smoky eye lives forever, add a modern twist to this classic look by using metallics or do a reverse smoky eye, meaning you should apply the effect to your bottom eyelid line. Rather than applying your eyeliner carefully using a defining pencil or your eye shadow precisely using an applicator, try digging in and using your fingers to make a “just got out of bed and did my makeup in two minutes look.” If you don’t use your fingers to apply, at least use them to smudge. You might also want to consider losing the look with black eyeliner applied around your entire eye, and try only lining the corners of the eye into the center.

Skip the lip liner or at least smudge it. For the beginning of 2012, looking like you just consumed a Popsicle is sexy and also a makeup trend that is easy to achieve. All you need to do is apply a bright color to the center of your lips. By pressing your lips together and then rolling them, it will appear like you just ate a freeze pop. When putting on lipstick, try simply pouting your lip and pressing the makeup directly on. This gives you the pretty appearance without being too prim and proper.

Avoid putting makeup on every inch of your face; instead, use concealer on problem areas rather than plastering foundation on your entire face. Highlight only one feature, such as your lips, as opposed to applying heavy makeup on your eyes and lips. Less if definitely more this season.

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Chop it off: Short hairstyles rule in 2012

Posted on: January 23rd, 2012 by Becca No Comments

In 2011, long, wavy tresses ruled the roost, but in 2012, short pixie cuts and edgier short hairstyles are the newest trend for many of Hollywood’s leading ladies. Short hairstyles have been spotted on runways from New York to Milan and on red carpets from Los Angles to London. As summer approaches, shorter hairstyles may gain even more popularity as women rush to beat the heat and cut off layers of long heavy hair. If you are looking to update your look for the new year, opt for some of the shorter hairstyles worn by some of Hollywood’s most darling women.

Celebrity Short Styles
Several celebrities began sporting shorter hairstyles and opted to chop off their lovely locks for stylish pixie cuts and shoulder-length bobs. Some of the most startling hair transformations came from actresses Carey Mulligan, Emma Watson and Michelle Williams who all selected trendy, but classic, pixie cuts.

Other celebrities like Tilda Swinton, best known for her role as the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia films, chose to sport an edgier, punk-inspired short cut that features a shaved back and sides. Pop superstar and fellow fashionistas Rihanna sported a similar style but with an electric red hue instead of Swinton’s platinum blonde tones. Evan Rachel Wood also wowed this year with a shorter, edgier hairstyle instead of her signature long red locks.

Some stars, like Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Aniston opted for medium-length cuts like the classic bob styles that are cut to best suit each woman’s individual face shape.

TRY IT: The Pixie Cut
Audrey Hepburn made this look famous in the film Roman Holiday. Mia Farrow’s short pixie cut in Rosemary’s Baby is also an iconic piece of film, pop culture and fashion history. The pixie cut is one of the most popular shorter hairstyles due to its manageability and suitability for many different face shapes. Styles like the pixie cut are best suited for individuals with oval, long and square face shapes. Regardless of your face shape and size, a professional stylist can create the perfect cut to complement your face. If you would like to try a pixie cut, you should know that this style is not ideal for individuals with tight curls.

TRY IT: The Shoulder-Length Bob
Made popular during the 1920s, the bob is back with a vengeance in 2012. The re-emergence of this stylish take on shorter hair has been mirrored in Hollywood and in hair salons across the country. This bob style is a great option for women who like to have the flexibility to wear their short style up in a ponytail or an elegant updo. The bob can be customized for a variety of face shapes. If you are interested in trying a bob cut, be sure to investigate the many types of bob styles, which include the asymmetric bob, semi bob and graduated bob.

TRY IT: The Punk-Inspired Short Cut
If you are not afraid to take risks, try a punk-inspired short cut. These styles aren’t for the faint of heart as they will surely grab the attention of those around you. Punk-inspired short cuts typically feature short back and sides that are razor-cut or shaved off completely. The crown portion is usually left longer to enhance styling possibilities. Punk-inspired short cuts are surprisingly versatile in that they can incorporate curled, spiky and wavy styles. If you opt for a punk-inspired short cut, be sure to enhance your new locks with statement earrings. Pop sensation Rihanna and Evan Rachel Wood have been photographed complimenting their super short tresses with over-sized rock-and-roll-inspired earrings and other “bad girl” accessories.

Try these short hair styling products:

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Rocking 2012 with Punk Rock Hairstyles & Fashion

Posted on: January 20th, 2012 by Becca No Comments

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Courtesy ToriVT via Flickr


Fashion couture companies have embraced the punk rocker look of the ’70s. Recent runway collections from Alexander McQueen, Burberry and more – spurred on by the runaway success of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo novel and its film adaptations – have been marked spikes, studs and black leather. The spirit of punk fashion is hard-edged and free; there is no pressure to put together the “right” outfit in this fashion genre. The more freedom one embraces while achieving the punk rock look, the more authentic he or she appears.

Punk rock fashion is all about authenticity. The punk movement arose in response to the harsh economic climate of the ‘70s, where the youth of the U.S., the U.K. and Australia were hardest hit, and is best marked by iconic bands like The Clash, The Ramones and the Sex Pistols. What resulted from this anti-establishment phenomenon in music was an anti-fashion statement.

It’s no surprise, then, that during an even rougher economic climate, with young people facing harsh unemployment rates yet again, there’s been a resurgence in the punk movement’s style. We’ve got a few ways that you can express your own punk rock affiliation beyond just donning a little leather.

Chopped Layers
A more sophisticated and chic form of the punk rocker hairdo is the chopped layer look. Ask your hairstylist for chopped layers, and he or she will know exactly what you mean. Instead of refining the ends of layers, a hairstylist will cut a more exaggerated diagonal layer. Getting a few highlights can also help you look like the ultimate punk rocker. Red highlights look hot on women with blonde or brown hair.

White Highlights
For women with black or darker hair, one way to create a rocker look is by adding white or grey highlights. White highlights have a very sexy look on women with punk rocker hairstyles. This is a more modern way to achieve a subtle punk rocker look that you can wear everyday.

The Short Bob
The short bob makes women look fierce and strong. The bob frames one’s face and makes any woman look chiseled, smart, and rebellious. You can customize this hairstyle in whatever way looks best for your face shape. If you have a round face, then you may want to get forward bangs cut. If you have a square face shape, then you will want to get a side-sweeping bang.

Shave a Little Off
Shave the back and sides and leave the top of your hair long. Or just shave down the back and leave the front sections. Or shave one side of your head and have cascading locks down the other. The punk movement was about doing all the things that the establishment told you couldn’t be done, so get daring and edgy and bold with your hair. Run with that one crazy idea you’ve always had.

Getting the rocker look is the best way to take on a bold, new attitude for 2012. 2012 is the year of your independence and freedom, why not look the part?

Get the punk rock hair look:

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Back to Their Roots: The Growing Trend of Natural Hair in Black Women

Posted on: December 28th, 2011 by Becca No Comments

From pomades to weaves, the buzz surrounding African American ladies’ hair continues to grow. Celebrity hairstyles fuel the fashion debate about natural hair as more and more women begin to embrace their roots, swapping their chemicals for more natural products.

For black women, natural hair simply means that it has not been processed or chemically altered through the use of products designed to straighten, soften, or cause it to relax. Smooth, straight hair has been in vogue for years, but this trend is starting to reverse.

Products, wigs, and weaves make up a more than $1 billion industry revolving around African American hair. Fashion, politics, and personal preference are behind this push to go natural.

From 2010 to 2011, the number of women who admitted that they do not use any type of chemical relaxer on their hair increased by 10percent. Over the past five years, relaxer kit sales have taken a 17 percent hit. These numbers may not seem so large now, but give it a few more years, and the market may shift entirely.

Numbers like these have caused hair product manufacturers to give ear to what the women want. Companies will have to begin developing products that cater to this expanding market of naturalists. Already, several companies, such as Soft-Sheen Carson, have taken advantage of this trend and introduced some new hair care products that meet the needs of this growing population. This change will be beneficial for smaller companies who specialize in natural hair care.

Chemical relaxers have been shown to damage hair, leaving it dry and lifeless. Constant heat from irons, dryers, and pressing combs leaks to breakage. Braids that are too tight not only cause headaches but also may lead to hair loss. Weaves and hair extensions that make use of heat and glue are extremely harmful to hair’s health. Natural oil is essential, while rubbing oil on the scalp can actually clog pores and lead to hair health issues. Spritzed hairstyles that leave hair feeling crunchy and stiff are losing popularity. Women are rebelling against the looks and styles that do more harm than good, as they look for ways to boost hair’s health and strength.

A definite shift can be observed in the African American community, as women want to go as natural as possible. For those who want to tame their mane without the use of harmful chemical products, dozens of books, blogs, and websites, including YouTube, offer advice on hair care as well as natural styling tips.

The celebrities may be the most prominent faces of this trend, but black women everywhere are taking their hair back to its natural roots and embracing its unique style.

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Top-to-Bottom Fashion Trends for Spring 2012

Posted on: December 21st, 2011 by Becca No Comments

2012-runway-fashion-dv1912031The first of January will not only bring in the new year, but will also usher in some of the season’s newest styles and trends. Designers from New York to London have already forecasted the latest spring fashions, and fashionistas are super excited to begin wearing new Spring 2012 designs. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some of the spring’s best styles and freshest trends, take a look at our runway beauty recap to start your season off right! Women can look forward to delicious pastels, tailored clothing and a variety of bold patterns and prints.

Fitted Tops
One of the most interesting Spring 2012 trends seen on runways from New York to London were fitted tops. The bra top, which was featured by several designers including Dolce & Gabbana and Viktor & Rolf, was a favorite piece that was paired with jackets and cropped pants. Vivian Westwood featured a series of denim bra-tops and jackets in her Spring 2012 fashion show held during London Spring Fashion Week. Bra-tops were also spotted as the edgy accent for long maxi skirts and sweet, floral A-line skirts.

One of the most popular 2011 trends that is expected to carry over into 2012 are peplum accents. This spring, several designers are marrying the bold and sexy fitted top with peplum accents, which both accentuate the waist and further define a woman’s shape.

A Pop of Color
True to form, the spring will reintroduce soft colors to the fashion landscape. The bold, bright color trend will carry over into 2012 via bright colors like magenta, aqua and tangerine. But while loud colors will remain popular, the spring will also usher in cooler shades that have just a whisper or tint of color. During Spring Fashion Week, runways were speckled with pastel colors. Soft yellows, greens, pinks and oranges ruled the roost and were often used as a spot-color accent for cream and khaki. Subtle color can also be achieved through the use of iridescent color and sequence.

Texture
Another trend that will carry over to 2012 is fashion’s recent love affair with leather and lace. Leather has been one of the hottest fabrics in fashion and has been used for hair accessories, clothing and jewelry. Lace, naturally, will remain en vogue, as it is the perfect complement to edgier leather pieces. This spring, lace will remain in style, but will be revamped as an overlay fabric. Look for tops and dresses featuring lace laid over sequined fabric or under burnt-out leather.

Prints
One of spring’s most exciting trends are prints. Printed fabrics – big and small, neutral and bold – are making their way back onto the fashion scene. While some designers like Diane von Furstenberg are beloved for their focus on printed fabrics, other designers are now showcasing prints and featuring pieces created from classic floral designs and zany food prints.

The animal print trend will continue into the spring, buffeted by the current industry preference for snake and leopard prints. DKNY and Emilio Pucci each featured a variety of fun and striking prints in their collections. In addition to animal prints, and prints of animals, designers have also tapped into sea prints featuring seashell and sand designs. Sea-inspired prints capitalize on bold, blue tones such as cerulean and aqua, which are also favorites this spring.

Vintage Silhouettes
While some might have imagined 2012 ushering in futuristic style, don’t be surprised by the return to vintage style. Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Gucci created a variety of spring pieces inspired by vintage silhouettes. Rachel Roy featured Asian-inspired details like the Mandarin collar and a 1930s-style Japanese kimono while other designers produced A-line skirts and fitted tops reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s.

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Hot Hair Trend: The Best of Braids

Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by Becca No Comments

braid-hair-trend-ts82153398We touched on this in our holiday hair trends post, but it deserves a closer look: 2011 has been the boom year for the braid. Formerly regulated to the pigtails territory, the braid has bounced back and been integrated into a number of timeless, classy looks that look chic and effortless.

The Messy Bun-Braid
Taylor Swift wowed the crowd with her messy yet sophisticated bun-braid at the New York launch of her latest fragrance, Wonderstruck. This classy look is so easy that anyone can master it.

To pull off the bun-braid, begin by dividing your hair into three sections, with the outer side sections being smaller than the center section. Next, secure the middle and left sections into ponytails. Braid the right section, and wrap a band around the bottom. Repeat on the left side. You should now have two side braids with a ponytail in the middle.

At this point, you have several options for the center ponytail. You can opt for one loose braid or several smaller braids. Be sure to secure them at the bottom. Twist this center section of braided hair into a low bun. Allow it to be loose and slightly messy. Don’t worry about making it super tight. This helps to create a more romantic look. Finally, take the right braid and wrap it loosely around the messy bun. Do the same thing with the left braid. Secure your hair with bobby pins and spray as needed.

It is best to use clear, elastic bands at the bottom of the braids, as they blend in perfectly with your hair. You have a big more wiggle room with the bobby pins. Choose pins that match your hair color or add some flair with jeweled bobby pins that sparkle and shine.

Fish Ponytail Braid
This braid looks complicated but is actually quite simple. Start by securing your hair in a high ponytail. Next, divide your locks into two sections. Then take a small bundle of hair from the right, and pull it across to the middle. Do the same thing on the left side. Repeat this process all the way down the length of your ponytail.

The biggest challenge with this style is splitting the halves into smaller strands for braiding. Use a smoothing gel or paste to aid with this step.

Wraparound Headband Braid
This whimsical braid brings out your inner princess. You will need to separate your hair at your ear and running across the top of your head, brushing the top half toward your face and over to the side. This section is used to create the wraparound braid.

Braid your hair starting from your ear around the front of your head. Make sure that the braid is tight and close to your scalp. Using smaller strands of hair will help here. Once the braid reaches the opposite ear, secure it with bobby pins.

Bohemian Side Braid
Chic defines this versatile braid. Simply pull your locks to one side and braid away. You can use a fishtail or regular braid. Get fancy with multiple braids. The point is not to braid to tightly to maintain the “I didn’t spend much time getting ready” look.

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2011 Hot Holiday Nail Trends

Posted on: December 15th, 2011 by Becca No Comments

holiday-nail-trends-ss25571845Though the weather outside is frightful, your nails can be delightful. You might not be sporting your fancy flip-flops; you may need your mittens more often than not, but that does not mean that your fingernails and toenails can’t look great year round.

Due largely to the economic decline, women are opting for more budget-friendly splurges. Many women are willing to sacrifice expensive haircuts and highlights in order to treat themselves to something less pricey. For the first time in recorded history, nail products are outselling the ever-popular lipsticks and glosses. Trendy talons are all the rage this year!

As the holidays approach, it is time to step up your game with glitter and glitz nail designs. Nail art, including gems and tattoos, have taken the market by storm. Once a luxury afforded only to those who regularly visited a nail salon, DIY manicure sets and at-home accessory packs make glamorous nails a reality for everyone this holiday season.

A new season means new nail polish. Greens, golds, silvers and reds are the colours vying for the top spots this time of year, though taupe nail polish and earthy tones are making a comeback. Glitters and crystal gem nail designs add that extra sparkle and eye-catching appeal.

Prime up your favourite pumps with metallic flash. Exude class and sophistication with matte black. Use your nail colour to make your party dress pop. Nails are the ultimate accessory when creating your perfect outfit and flashing your unique flair.

This season marks a return to the prim and proper of traditional times with nail colours that not only match your lipstick but also your clothing. However, unlike the hushed tones of our sisters in the Forties, extravagance is the word of the day.

Special effects that shimmer and shine are the hottest trends; the bolder the better. Elaborate designs, ombre fades, stellar studs, and magnetic polishes catch the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. Your nail polish provide the ultimate opportunity for risk-taking. Nothing is permanent. From the crazy to the classic, nails are the place to let your personality shine through.

Watch the runways to confirm the latest trends of richly jeweled colours. Keeping your nails short paired with sleek colours guarantees to have you party-ready all day long. Abandon the idea of matching. Mixing and contrasting hues, shades, and tones sends the message of glamour and style.

Make a statement with two-toned nail nail polish. Try glossy nails with matte finish lipstick or vice versa. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of colours and textures.

For a new twist on the French manicure, try painting the tips with a metallic sheen that glimmers in the light. Blending colors and varying tops coats are other great ways to achieve a unique look.

It is no secret that your nails can tell a lot about you. Your nails are like your personal canvas of expression, ready to display your true colours. Be sure that your nails are sending the right message with shapely nails that are sporting this seasons hottest colours and styles.

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2011 Holiday Party Countdown: Hot Holiday Accessories

Posted on: December 1st, 2011 by Becca No Comments

holiday-party-accessories-ts78631586In addition to serving as the best time of year to reconnect with family and friends, the Christmas and New Years holidays are also one of our best occasions to slip into something a little more festive. Many ladies look forward to holiday parties each year and use them as an opportunity to finally wear their favorite pair of statement shoes or sexy party dress. This holiday season, one-shoulder, strapless and boatneck dresses will be quite popular. Fashionistas will need to accessorize their favorite formal wear with holiday-inspired jewelry, belts and hair adornments made from fun materials like velvet, feathers and stones.

Accessorize With Color
This holiday season, every woman will need to purchase a holiday dress in an exciting and vibrant jewel-tone color like red, blue, orange, gold or purple. Luxurious fabrics like satin, taffeta and silk can set the stage for beautiful stone or beaded statement necklaces and earrings. If you want to opt for a strapless or boatneck dress, try pairing it with long feather earrings for a touch of glamour. While color is cool, some ladies will prefer to go with a classic black or sophisticated white dress, which can be the perfect neutral backdrop to showcase iridescent jewelry like diamonds and pearls.

Holiday Hair
One of the most popular accessories for holiday parties in 2011 are feathers. Feathers have been incorporated into a number of accessories such as earrings, necklaces, hats and headbands. One of the more festive approaches to this style include headbands made from a mixture of lace and feather designs or a fascinator hat adorned with a few feathers. A less noticeable, but equally sophisticated, approach to pair with your hot holiday dress is the use of a random feather plume that can be incorporated in to a ponytail or chignon.

Old Hollywood Glitz
One of the things woman can look forward to at holiday parties in 2011 is a return to the striking glamor and utter sophistication of the 1930s and 40s. Old Hollywood is making a comeback this season with stylish bedazzled accessories and head wear. If feathers aren’t your style, opt for a crystal embellished, sequined or metallic hair accessory. Channel your inner Jessica Rabbit with sleek and smooth waves secured in place with stone-encrusted hair clips or jeweled barrettes. Or, opt for a head full of curls managed by a skinny crystal-adorned or velvet headband.

Floral headpieces are a dramatic choice for the holidays. If you’re daring, try a blossom-adorned headband with a low ponytail or opt for a sleeker approach with an over-sized flower tucked under a chignon or elaborate bun.

A hallmark jewelry item from the 1940s are cocktail rings. Add a little drama to your holiday dress with over-sized rings, which can serve as fun conversation pieces during parties. Also, women will want to invest in a small, but stylish, clutch purse. Be sure to pair your clutch pursue with a pair of statement shoes. Holiday parties are the perfect time to break out your favorite patent leather, glittered or multi-colored shoes. The colder weather might steer women in the direction of pumps, but don’t forget to show your sophisticated sandals love too – as they make the perfect accompaniment for New Year’s Eve party dresses.

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Hot Hair Trend: Digital Perms, the Curling Revolution

Posted on: November 23rd, 2011 by Becca No Comments

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Looking to get Kristen Stewarts boho waves? (Courtesy of Bria Cullen via Flickr)


Perms. We all tried it – or at least thought about trying it – in the 80s and 90s, right? And for a the majority of us, it probably turned into a frizzy nightmare that we regretted a few years down the road.

But perms are making a comeback this year – they’re just not the kind of perms that you remember.

They’re called hot perms or digital perms, and while they’ve been around for awhile in places like South Korea and Japan, they’re starting to crop up in Europe and the U.S. these days, too.

And unlike the old-school perms that either gave you tight, wild spirals or nothing at all, digital perms provide a great deal more flexibility and variability. So instead of frizz, you get anything from beachy waves to loose curls, turning your locks from bland to Hollywood style that lasts for months.

So how does it work? Well, unlike traditional cold perms that use just rollers and a solution, digital perms use heat the set the curl. There’s still a solution, but it’s a different kind, and you have more options regarding where you want the curl to start. Do you want it root-to-tip? At the cheekbones? At the chin? Then the hair is rolled up in different sized rollers depending on how much curl you want, and the rollers are plugged into a machine that digitally controls the heat and sets the curl.

Best part is that, while chemicals are still involved, the whole hot perm process thermally reconditions the hair, so your locks are softer, smoother and shinier leaving the salon. The curls stay through blow drying and generally don’t even need to be touched up with curling irons or hot rollers.

Sound too good to be true? Well, for some people, it is. If you take a look around the Internet, you’ll find some stories of digital perms gone wrong – where the curl didn’t set in so all the customer is left with are the chemicals. Stylists are cautioning that women with bleached or heavily processed hair probably shouldn’t shell out for a digital perm. Our best advice if you want to give this a shot is to make sure you hunt down an experienced, licensed cosmetologist who is fully trained in performing digital perms.

Keep in mind finances, too. It’s not a cheap procedure, running anywhere from $200 to $400 depending on the salon, and it takes a chunk out of your day, too. It has to be repeated, too, every 4 months or so as your hair grows out.

Still, we got to say that we’re excited about a new kind of perming system that doesn’t leave us looking like poodles. We can’t wait to see how other hair innovators refine and evolve the hot perm process in the coming years.

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