Highlighting: Balayage vs. Foils

Balayage

To get the perfect sun-kissed highlights, you basically have two options: traditional foil highlights and the newer, edgier "balayage." Balayage is the process of sweeping color onto hair using a paddle. Balayage is an originally French-method of highlighting that gives the colorist more freedom to place color where she/he chooses, unlike foils which can be much more precise. Balayage is often called "sweeping" because colorists use a sweeping motion when applying the color with the color applicator. Rather than taking a section of hair in a square foil, keeping in mind that the head is round, colorists carefully take pieces of hair from the head. With great control, colorists gently apply the lightener on from roots to ends or just roots alone.

Rainy Day Hair-do

Don't let the rainy weather get you down! Going out in the rain makes most of us less motivated to do our hair. If you're forced to go out, don't leave your hair looking drab, try one of these three easy rainy day hairstyles. 

Upcoming Trends for Fall 2013

Fall 2013 Hair Trends - Best Hair Trends for Fall 2013 

Previews at the fall runways reassured by the simple elegance of messy low ponys at Oscar de la Renta, easy texture at Proenza Schouler, and barely-there waves at Pucci. Those of us who like a little surprise looked to Anna Sui’s over-the-top updos (visible only from the back) or Rag & Bone’s insta-bangs, created with a clever side part—no scissors in sight. This season, there’s something for everyone. As reported, spring ponytails were positioned at the nape and ironed to emphasize their sleekness. For fall, the position stayed put but textures differed. At Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Richard Chai Love and Rachel Zoe, pieces were pulled down around the face or tucked behind the ears to emphasize the style’s haphazard ease, while at Chloé and John Galliano, the hair was swept back and sharply parted. Stylists at Ralph Lauren and Moschino, on the other hand, created girlish, bouncier versions. Going for this new look is simple for any type of hair. Just pull your hair back in a low-pony and style it, you can look runway ready in minutes.

Trend of the Day: Messy Hair

It might not sound like it could possibly be a hairstyle trend, but messy hair is  massive for Summer 2013. Create your bed-head look by using hair straighteners to give your hair an effortless style.  Then add a volumising product to give your hair extra oomph. We recommend Kenra Root Lifting Spray, a volumiser that gives hair maximum body and style support. 

We'll be taking a one week hiatus, but visit our blog again next Saturday to learn about predicted hairstyle trends for this fall!

Trend of the Day: Extreme Side Fringes

On the other end of the spectrum, today our trend is the extreme side fringe. The parting should sit close to the temple and sweep across the forehead to create a dramatic look. Side fringes can appear like bangs without the long-term commitment and upkeep. 

Trend of the Day: Centre Part

Hairstyle trends change just as much as fashion trends do, if not more. They’re constantly being influenced by the catwalk, as models are judged not only on the designer clothes they’re wearing but also on their hair and makeup. So this week we're going to introduce a new hair trend of the summer every day this week. The centre parting has come back into fashion. After years of side partings being the go-to style for a lot of ladies, centre partings can now be worn in a multitude of styles for an on-trend appearance. Consider creating soft waves with a curling iron or wearing your hair in a low ponytail to mimic the equestrian-style trends seen on the catwalk as of late. 

Tip of the Day: Layer Up

www.behindthechair.com

What’s the best way to liberate your client’s long locks and enhance her features? By creating lovely long layers, of course! Some blending here, a little slicing there, and suddenly your client looks like a superstar. But when you’re confronted with a sea of long hair, how do you keep your head above water and create the best layered look for your client? Begin with these tips from Joico International Artistic Director Damien Carney.

Scissors Only: I’m a purist and I stick to my shears—no razors or texturizing shears when layering so texturizing is kept to a minimum. Therefore the original technique/concept is not altered and the original design concept remains intact. The secret to layering is removing weight, and with scissors one can remove weight and create any effect that can be done with razors or texturizers, but the integrity of the hair is maintained.

Layer First: Keep in mind that hair will fall to its heaviest point. If the outline is solid, it is difficult to soften or lighten a line once it’s established. So create your internal layers first; by doing so you will create your outline at the same time. What’s more, the outline will be softer, your layers will be fluid and your look will be modern. (Tip of the Day: From www.behindthechair.com)