Updo Hairstyles are Messy this Summer!

The hottest updos for summer aren’t really updo hairstyles at all, but messy styles or undone looks that are simply pulled up and off your neck and shoulders. The great thing about this summers messy updos, are that you can turn a more casual hairstyle into something that looks elegant and chic or messy and undone whatever the circumstances dictate . . . how cool is that? Here are some of my favorite messy updo hairstyles that any patient fashionista should be able to style easily at home:

The messy updo like this one on Vanessa Hudgens of “High School Musical” is quick and easy for summer hair. If you’ve got naturally curly hair, or wavy hair, now is the time to give your flat-iron a rest. Messy updos like this one suggests working with your hair instead of fighting it.

To bring out the curl, apply a styling cream or gel throughout damp hair and then comb through with a wide tooth comb. Then, you can scrunch and twist strands into beautiful bouncy curls. Pull the front section of your hair back and pin right at the front of your crown, then pull the rest of your hair up into a ponytail. You can pin sections of your hair up and around the base of the ponytail, giving this messy updo hairstyle, great dimension.

Updo Hairstyles Like Jennifer’s is Messy Yet Elegant! Jennifer Lopez, always in fashion has also jumped on the messy updo bandwagon. Her version of the messy updo hairstyle is doable for all hair types.

If you want this look, start with clean, dry hair. Section your hair into three parts: a horizontal section from temple to temple, another horizontal section from the ear to ear and then a third section with the rest. Pull each section back one at a time and secure each one with crisscrossed bobby pins. Let your shorter pieces fall out naturally because this look is very relaxed and casual.

I love Sarah Michelle Gellar’s take on this summer’s updo hairstyles trend. Her version is very laid back, but the headband gives it a stylish spin. Headbands and hair accessories are hot this season, so pairing a headband with your messy summer updo hairstyle look is even hotter! This is a super easy style to pull off, simply pull your hair back into a bun at the crown of your head and slip on a headband to get this look. I recently wore this look on my way out to run errands and got so many compliments on it. What’s best is that the hairstyle took less than sixty seconds to style!

All three of these messy summer updo hairstyles reflect the time of the season and are great to try out this summer. If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest in hairstyles, I highly recommend Sarah Michelle Gellar’s look, it is the most simple  to do and looks great on just about everyone.

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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Braids, braids and more braids!

These unique bars are located within hair salons to give women beautiful braided hairstyles. Like a bar, they offer a full menu of choices, but instead of intoxicating cocktails, clients choose from a wide assortment of braided hairstyles.

Most braid bars will give you a menu full of photographs, but the variations and options of braided styles that can be created are limitless.  Keep your eyes open for braids you like in magazines and online. Stylists may be able to recreate a similar style for you.   You can ask for a hairstyle that is specifically designed to flatter your features and fit your lifestyle.

Braid hairstyles are growing in popularity; we see them everywhere from the red carpet to the supermarket. Why so popular?  Braids are quick and easy to do; you can dress them up or down and they are all unique and cute!  Want a refined look?  Start by wearing a single hairline braid. A single braid looks sophisticated and is great for the work place. While, teenagers generally like to rock an edgier look with lots of braids.

Celebrities love these braid hairstyles. They have recently been seen on stars including Dianna Agron and Kaley Cuoco at this year’s 2012 Sag Awards and on professional tennis players Petra Kvitova and Victoria Azarenka at the 2011 U.S. Open.

How Much Do These Services Cost?

Most hairstyles at a braid bar will cost around $45. You can save money by shampooing and blow drying your hair at home before your visit. These services will often cost an extra fee that can easily bring your total bill up to $100.

If you aren’t all thumbs and you give yourself a little practice time, you can create your own versions of a number of braided hairstyles at home. There are several videos available on YouTube that will show you how to recreate a variety of braided hairstyles as well. Don’t worry if your hair doesn’t come out perfect. Unlike traditional braids, these modern braid hairstyles look better messy, making them perfect for beginners.

This trend took off in New York City. The John Barrett Salon in New York was recently featured on The Today Show. The idea quickly spread to others cities including West Hollywood and Seattle. Due to the high demand of these styles, you can now find hair salons that offer specialized braiding services all over the United States.

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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Long Prom Hair Styles . . . Go Casual, But Shine!

The prom hair routine of not so long ago was a completely different story than today. Lucky you! I have memories of way too much time spent at the hair salon getting shampooed followed by a roller set that was so tight, it left you with a headache and a face lift at the same time. You then sat under the hair dryer till your ears and face turned red. Next came a violent comb-out, in a sort of rip and tear kind of way.

After that came the main prom hair styling technique of the day, RATTING! These hairdressers knew how to RAT, that is, back-combing or teasing, taken to a violent extreme which made your hair like a rat’s nest and stay put for months. Some-how after lots of combing over, spraying, twisting and pinning, voila . . . the masterpiece . . . love-locks.

We all had long prom hair styles, we all looked the same and basically we all them. Tears, were shed by many as they left the salon that hopeful day, feeling older than dirt. And, that’s just what you asked the hairdresser NOT to do! “Please DON”T make me look old.

Good news for you gals, formal hair routines have evolved eons since that time. If you’re talented with hair styling techniques you may be able to recreate some of these casual long prom hairstyles at home. But, don’t leave it to chance! Practice and if not you’re happy, make that appointment with a professional hairdresser. There are subtleties in making a casual long prom hair style look casual and still have it hold all day and through prom night and make you shine.

Here is an idea for a long prom hair style from Eva Longoria. This prom updohas a casual, yet polished look but it’s styled to HOLD for the entire evening. Check out my article Prom Updos for more.

 This long prom hair style on Eva Mendes is sooo cute! Check out my other article for more prom hairstyles for long hair.

Easiest to achieve, this curled and teased pony tail long prom hair style can be a real head turner. For more on prom ponytails.

Steal the show with this long prom hair style, but this one is best left to the professionals. For more on the Twist Updos for prom.

Easy to achieve but still needs practice prom hair style	Front View of prom hairstyle

Even though long prom hair styles are casual this year, this is still your night to shine. You’ve got the fabulous prom dress, shoes and accessories, now don’t miss out on wearing a knockout hair style!

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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