Layered Hairstyles Give Body and Movement
“Layered Hairstyles
for a Change Up”
For all of you who find yourself stuck in a hair rut, my suggestion is to change it up with a layered hairstyle . . . layers add oomph to hair by giving movement, body and texture to an otherwise, one length hairstyle. Whether you have super short strands or ultra long hair, layered hairstyles add lots of interest . . . that something extra to your style.

If you want to add volume and body to your long hair, a long layered hairstyle is the way to go. To get this look, ask your hairdresser for long, subtle layers toward the bottom, as well as face framing layers for a subtle but sexy update to your current hairstyle.

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Long Layered Hairstyles are Versatile

Short strands can end up looking soccer mom-ish sometimes, but, short layered hairstyles, done just right, can perk up any unexciting haircut. I add choppy texture into my clients’ short hair, so that they can add a bit of product for a bed head effect and get out the door quickly.

Lisa Rinna shows that short layered hairstyles, can be adorable at any age!  Love the texture in this cut as well as the high lights that show off her layers.

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Lisa Rinna Gives Short Layered Hairstyles a Chic Edge!

Can’t decide between a short or long layered hairstyle? I’d suggest compromising by meeting in the middle and having a medium length haircut with light layering. You can ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length haircut, which would give you the versatility of wearing it down or into an up-do and then have her cut lightweight layers throughout giving you lots of volume and fullness. Consider adding bangs for an even  edgier style change. Medium length layered hairstyles work great for those of you wanting something in-between!

Medium Layered Hairstyles like Nicole Ritchie’s add body

Balayage Hair High Lighting for Sarah Jessica Parker
“Balayage Hair High Lighting is Hot
this Summer”
Balayage hair high lighting is a hot trend this summer.  Instead of the typical foil process to high light hair, celebrity hairdressers are using this newer technique called Balayage hair high lighting, to give clients a natural sun-kissed look to strands.

Balayage, meaning ‘to sweep’ in French, is a technique that the hairdresser uses a brush to hand paint lightener onto select strands of hair, applying the lightener in a sweeping motion going from thin sections at the root to thicker sections toward the ends of hair. This creates a unique look, giving your hair high lights that look like they were put there naturally by the sun.

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Balayage Hair High Lighting Brightens Jennifer Garner’s Skin Tone

As a hairdresser, I’d much prefer to see natural and subtle high lights on someone rather than unnatural and chunky pieces in the hair. This is why I love the Balayage hair high lighting technique. If you have a one-tone all over color to your hair and want to try something new, this is for you. Jennifer Garner recently had Balayage hair high lighting put into her dark brown hair and the result is a skin brightening style that is unique to her.

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Balayage Hair High Lighting for Gisele Bundchen

Posing on beautiful beaches isn’t where Gisele Bundchen gets her hair high lighting from!
Don’t be afraid to try something new and break out of the ordinary. If you are always pining for hair high lighting like the Victoria Secret models, then this look is definitely for you. Expect to spend slightly more than you would for foil hair high lights since this is a  newer, more trendy and personalized technique, that isn’t offered everywhere.Here may be another reason to Balayage! The Balayage hair high lighting technique may cost a bit more up front, but since your hair will appear more naturally high lighted, you can go longer in between salon visits!!

Balayage hair high lights are a definite ‘do for the summer. Keep in mind that your hairdresser can also use the Balayage technique to put lowlights into hair as well, but the technique is best used for high lighting.

To find a salon near you that uses that Balayage hair high lighting technique, you can visit this site: Locate Balayage Hair High Lighting

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Wedding Hair: Casual Bridal Styles
“Wedding Hair
Series Part 2″
Wedding hair trends are heading more and more towards loose, casual hair styles. Summertime, which is upon us, is perfect for these wedding hair trends. Casual wedding hair goes perfectly with outdoor ceremonies, beach-themed weddings or garden affairs. With the economy the way it is, casual wedding hair styles are perfect for the bride on the budget. Many of these hair styles can be achieved with a DIY attitude and a few key products, tools and accessories.

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Naomi Watts shows off casual wedding hair that is fuss-free

For example, if you want Naomi Watt’s fuss-free up-do, here’s how to get it: Start by running a lightweight styling cream through strands. I like ICON Antidote Replenishing Cream because of its lightweight hold, sticky-free styling capabilities and delicious scent. Then, tease hair at the crown, giving you a slight lift. Pull hair back off your face, leaving a few strands out and secure into a ponytail (or bun if your hair is on the longer side).

Using a 1” barrel curling iron, curl the strands that you left out directing the curls away from your face. Finish the style with a long lasting hairspray like OSIS Grip Freeze Super Hold Hairspray to keep your style lasting through the reception.

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Barbara Bush Wedding Hair

Want your wedding hair worn down? Copy a style like Barbara Bush did for her laid-back outdoor ceremony. Barbara incorporated a hot new trend, braids, into her wedding hair style. This style is simple and stylish all at the same time.

If you want wedding hair like this, part hair down the middle and then scrunch a texture spray like Enjoy Texture Spray into strands before styling. Then, taking 1½” pieces on either side of your part, begin braiding each piece. Secure the braids together in the back of hair and for an added element, you can add fresh flowers like Barbara Bush did. For a less casual version of this same wedding hair style, you can choose to curl individual strands with a curling iron (your choice of size) instead of scrunching your hair..

Casual and laid-back wedding hair is gaining popularity every wedding season because of its natural and organic look and feel. If you want a DIY wedding hair style that looks effortlessly chic, then this is definitely the way to go for your wedding.

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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