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It was the twirl heard ’round the world: Kate Middleton set off a media firestorm this week for daring to adjust a curl, in public, at an otherwise somber Remembrance Day event. Some labeled her insensitive; others lamented her vanity. Still others wondered how this could possibly be a news item. Well, I’m here to defend Kate’s honor, and her hair, with the help of Debrett’s “A-Z of Modern Manners,” a British guide to proper decorum.
If you have not yet seen the shocking images, you may picture Kate chomping on a piece of gum, using one hand to twirl her hair while checking her phone with the other. In fact, however, over the course of about three seconds, Kate spots a rogue curl, twists it around her finger, and lets it rest on her shoulder. That’s it. Was she showing concern for her appearance at a rather untimely moment? Yes. Did she do anything wrong? Let’s consult the book.
Debrett’s states: “Hair should be kept clean and free from dandruff.” Check. Kate’s hair looks spotless. Not a flake in sight. “Do not brush it or play with it at the table or near food.” Check. Kate is not in the vicinity of anything edible. “Avoid constant fiddling and twirling and never put it in your mouth.” Ah—constant. Kate only would have broken proper social standard if she had “fiddled and twirled” her hair incessantly, which she did not. And she did not chew, lick, or suck on a single strand.
Finally, Debrett’s has this to say about the royal family: “Assume that to royalty, being left alone is far from a discourtesy; it is a luxury.” The defense rests.
MORE: Do You Have Hand-in-Hair Syndrome?
For the latest in beauty news, visit Allure.com
Fall’s Sexiest Waves
Glossy, beachy, old-Hollywood—we’ve seen every possible variation of waves cross our desks. But none took our breath away like these pretty, messy ones created by Luigi Murenu for Allure’s November issue. They’re a stripped-down, roughed-up, insanely sexy version that we want to wear every day for the next four months.
Just remember to always apply a heat protectant spray before heat styling. And treat your curls to a deep condition at least once a week to keep them healthy.
Get the Look
- Apply a baseball-size mound of mousse (Murenu, a spokesman for Kérastase, likes the brand’s Mousse Bouffant“> on dry hair from roots to ends until they feel slightly wet. Using the mousse on dry hair will create a slightly uneven, matte finish, which is what you want here.
- Rough-dry the hair, then wind random sections around a one-inch curling iron, starting at the midlengths and leaving the ends free. Only hold each section for two to three seconds—you don’t want a ringlet, just a slight bend.
- Run a flatiron over the ends to make them sharp. Then finish with a light mist of aerosol shine spray.
I love a time-saving hair trick. No time to shampoo and blow-dry your hair in the morning? Mist on some dry shampoo, and you’ve freed up a few minutes for coffee. (One of my faves is Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray“>. And now there’s a whole new kind of product for making your hair look more polished: They’re called dry conditioners, and they soften and smooth hair with minimal effort. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
What do dry conditioners do?
Spray dry lengths and ends with dry conditioner, and you’re misting your hair with a fine coating of nourishing oils and hair-smoothing ingredients like emollients, explains cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. Dry conditioners are designed to spritz on just enough to make your hair shinier, smoother, and softer (kind of like a deep-conditioning treatment”> without the risk of overapplying or making hair greasy, he says. Bonus: If you flatiron or curl your hair after applying dry conditioner, the conditioning agents will help prevent breakage. Look for dry conditioners with argan oil (in Oribe Dry Conditioner“> or sunflower oil (in Suave Dry Conditioner and Oscar Blandi Dry Conditioner”>.
When should you use them?
Whenever your hair is looking dry or dirty. You can aim dry shampoo at the roots and dry conditioner over the length and ends, and your hair will almost, almost look like you took the time to blow-dry it with a round brush. They’re also great for smoothing flyaways, softening coarse or overly bleached hair, and making your hair look all-around more polished on days when you didn’t bother to style it.
Who shouldn’t use them?
If your hair is prone to looking stringy or limp, you’d be wise to steer clear, since dry conditioners can weigh down very fine hair. And even though they contain starch to absorb some grease, avoid misting them right at the roots. If you have curly hair, listen up: Dry conditioners do not smooth or boost curls. I know, it sounds like they would be awesome for that, but trust me—a very kind colleague tried it out, and it made her curls look fuzzy. Your curls may like these oils, but you will still have to use a styler for curl definition.
Read the Original Article on Allure.com
Ever wondered why you can’t French braid your own hair? Or why your version of a bulky fishtail looks more like a sad, skimpy minnow? We talked to James Pecis, a hairstylist known for his intricate weaving techniques, for help acing our braids.
1.Get low
If your braids are looking uptight, it’s probably because they are up and tight. Start braiding a few inches down from your ears. This is the biggest difference between a sexy laid-back look and a playground style.
2. Gain weight
If you want a thicker, lusher braid, resist the urge to pull it apart. “That loosens short, spiky layers,” says Pecis. Instead, gently massage it with your thumbs and forefingers until it’s big and bulky. And, if your hair is really fine, prep strands with dry shampoo first for fullness.
3. Lose the mirror
“It’s very confusing to try to follow what you see in the mirror, which is an inverse of what you’re doing,” says Pecis. Go by feeling instead. Yes, your braid might turn out a little less precise than you’d anticipated, but that messiness is what makes it sexy and cool.
4. Tie knots
Want a braid that looks totally different from everyone else’s? Try tying knots. Take a small piece of hair from one side of your head, divide it in two, and tie it into a square knot (like the first step in tying a shoelace”>. Continue all the way across, creating a chain-link effect as you go. Secure with an elastic. You can apply this technique across the back of the head, the front of the hairline, or even down the top of the head for a unique twist. “It’s the best style to get through the end of a New York summer,” says Pecis.
For more tips on braids, ponytails, half-up styles, and more, check out the September issue of Allure, on stands now!
Could the key to thick, lustrous hair and radiant skin be as simple as eating more yogurt?
While researching the impact of probiotic yogurt on digestive health in mice, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology noticed that the animals’ fur had become “stunningly shiny,” says study director Susan E. Erdman.
They eventually found that mice fed either the yogurt or purified probiotic bacteria had improvements in hair’s growth and luster compared with mice on a control diet, and their skin was younger-looking and more luminous.
This may be a display of reproductive fitness, as the female mice with shiny hair also had lower pH levels, which have been linked to increased fertility, Erdman explains. Though human studies are needed, “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a similar effect in people,” she says, noting that the mice consumed the equivalent of a cup of yogurt with live cultures daily. It seems that the bacteria cause changes to the immune system and hormones that can affect skin and hair, she adds.
For the original article and for more Beauty News go to Allure.com.
If you’re going to straighten your naturally curly hair, make sure to do it right! Heat damage and loss of curl pattern are big, bad downsides to wearing your hair straight, so avoid these common mistakes next time you flat iron.
8 Common Flatiron Mistakes
1. Cranking Up the Heat – All the Way
“You don’t need 450 degrees,” says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins; “410 works for every hair type.”
2. Forgetting Protection
“Not enough people use thermal protectors,” says hairstylist Matt Fugate. Look for a no-hold formula, likeSuave Professionals Heat Protection Spray, Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, or Motions Straight Finish.
3. Running Over (and Over”> Your Curls
Get hair as straight as possible before ironing by stretching out each section with a brush. Then slide the iron slowly and steadily in a single pass. “Don’t stop and go, or you’ll get horizontal lines,” says hairstylist Garren. This is also known as the chase method.
4. Going Board-Straight
Instead of ironing hair straight, parallel to your face, move your arm in a C shape as you proceed down the hair, and bend the ends under.
5. Ironing Damp Hair
If you hear a sizzling sound or see steam, well…it ain’t good.
6. Thinking Bigger is Better
Hulking irons “make it hard to get to the hairline, where hair tends to be curliest,” says hairstylist Sebastian Scolarici. Instead, choose a straightener with ceramic or tourmaline plates that are an inch wide.
7. Straightening All At Once
Don’t try to straighten all of your hair at once, always work in sections. Dividing your hair into sections and clipping them away from your face will help you ensure you don’t miss any stops, as well as preventing the next mistake…
8. Losing Patience
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is losing patience. When you lose your cool, you are more likely to cut corners, which can lead to heat damage. If you find yourself in this situation, just put the flat iron down and walk away. Put your hair up until you feel motivated to finish the job!
We love nothing more than to set our curls, coils and waves free. But in the summer months, we’re always on the lookout for gorgeous styles to pull that hot hair back away from our faces. It can be tempting to fall back on the ponytail and the topknot, but these are our favorite woven hairstyles from the runways, and all the tips, tricks, and products that you need to achieve the looks.
8 Hot Summer Braids
Glossy Plaits
A dash of Victorian, a pinch of a Dutch painting, a splash of rich-lady hair and you’ve got the inspiration behind hairstylist Guido’s glossy plaits at the Valentino show. After blow-drying the hair straight withRedken Satinwear 02 Prepping Blow-Dry Lotion and parting it down the middle, he added extensions for length (if your hair is already rib-cage level, skip this step”>. He then combed the hair flat against the back of the head before pulling it over one shoulder. But here’s the really cool part: To give the look its sleek, shiny finish, he rubbed Redken Diamond Oil between his fingers before weaving the braids and securing the ends with an elastic. The result? A look that was luxurious but easy to achieve. Well, minus the extensions.
Braided Buns
If Princess Leia were a dominatrix, there’d be a lot of happy Star Wars fans…and she’d probably wear her hair like this: slicked, slicked, slicked back into two braided buns positioned in the back of the head. (Hey, she’s cooler now.”> The deep side part is slightly masculine and was offset by the polka dot bandanas on Miu Miu’s runway.
Fishtail Braided Chignon
Braided Half-Up
Upside Down French Braid
TUTORIAL: Kala’s Type 3 Tutorial for This Look!
Braided Chignon
Gilbert says “everyone should be able to do this look,” which is not surprising since she completed the braided chignon in about three minutes. We beg to differ. While the look is perfectly undone, it takes a bit of preparation. (Can you even see the braid? Exactly.”> Gilbert’s tip: “Empty your mind and [don’t] think too much about structure or steps. You just twist, pin, and do it,” she says. But really, the soft look involved horizontal parts and sideways French braids. Still, it’s pretty fun to look at.
Braided Crown
We’re used to seeing crowns of braids by now (and we can pretty much thank Sienna Miller for that”>. But Luigi Murenu’s version at the Viktor & Rolf show was cooler than most: It had not one but tworows of braids on each side of the head (which made it look a little tough”>, a mussed finish, and wisps around the face. The effect was edgy and feminine—call it the hair equivalent of the collection’s pleated leather skirts.
Fishtail Braid
If we told you that not a single hair product was used to create this look at Tory Burch’s spring 2013 show, would you believe us? It’s true: Hairstylist Eugene Souleiman simply added extensions, split the hair in two sections, and fishtail-braided each side. Try the look on second and even third day unwashed hair for maximum hold and ideal braiding texture, but don’t forget the dry shampoo.
A sunburn, peeling skin, and blisters from your cute new sandals won’t require an EMT but are still cause for panic. Here, a guide to the quickest, cleverest ways to address every hot-weather beauty emergency.
Summer Beauty 911
Oily Skin
Your skin is so slick, you could solve the world’s oil crisis by Labor Day.
Put down your powder puff—”you’ll just create a cakey mess,” says makeup artist Mally Roncal—and use blotting papers instead (we likeBoscia Green Tea Blotting Linens“>. “They soak up oil without removing makeup,” says makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci. The next time you know it’s going to be a scorcher, apply a thin layer of mattifying lotion (we like Estée Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer“> under makeup—the tiny silicas will absorb oil throughout the day.
At home, try a cleanser with 2 percent salicylic acid (such as Clearasil DailyClear Daily Facial Scrub“>, and use a retinol cream (try RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream“> at night: “Retinol minimizes oil production and prevents clogged pores,” saysJeannette Graf, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
MORE: Read This Before You Dye
Blotchy Skin
Your skin is so blotchy from the heat, people are mistaking you for a royal (Charles, not Kate”>.
Graf’s magic bullet: Grab an evening primrose oil capsule, puncture it, and smooth the contents on clean, flushed skin at night. “It’s very high in the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid, which restores the moisture barrier and reduces the redness in a few hours,” she says. To cover blotches or large areas of redness, Graf suggests mineral makeup. “The minerals help calm skin but still cover redness, because the pigment is concentrated,” she says. We like Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup.
A Sunburned Nose
The importance of sunscreen is as plain as the red nose on your face.
“The nose is one of the most exposed and vulnerable areas on the body—and one of the most common areas for nonmelanoma skin cancers,” says Graf. Even if you apply sunscreen, the skin there tends to be oilier than the rest of the face, so sunscreen breaks down faster. First, protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat. Then frequently reapply a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection (Graf likesEau Thermale Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50, or tryShiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream for Face SPF 55 PA+++“>.
Pimples From Breakouts
You slathered on sunscreen to prevent wrinkles, but the pimples it caused make you look like a teenager.
To prevent pimples and calm existing ones, wash skin with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. (One with benzoyl peroxide:Proactiv Renewing Cleanser.“> Let it sit on the skin so it absorbs before rinsing.
The fastest way to clear skin is to apply a prescription-strength acne treatment overnight (Brandt likes Duac Topical Gel, a blend of 5 percent benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin”>. The next best thing is a 5 to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion from the drugstore, such as Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Vanishing Treatment Cream. Avoid future breakouts by switching to a light, oil-free sunscreen—Brandt praises Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55.
Melting Makeup
You decided to walk to work during a heat wave, but once you got there, your makeup had called in sick.
First, hide out at your desk for a few minutes until you cool down, then use blotting paper “to absorb the excess perspiration,” says Ciucci. Don’t reapply foundation; just redistribute it with a damp sponge (Ciucci swears by the egg-shapedBeautyBlender“> using bouncy, tapping motions. Wipe off any rogue eyeliner, mascara, or shadow with a cotton swab. And if you need more lip color or blush, choose creams, which blend evenly; for durability, go with waxy eyeliner or eye-shadow sticks.
Ingrown Hairs
You waxed to get smooth, not to get red bumps.
Immediately after waxing, swab the area with an astringent containing salicylic acid (like Tend Skin Liquid or Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent“> to dissolve the dead skin that can trap hairs. Then layer on a hydrocortisone cream or aloe gel to reduce redness and swelling. If the red dots don’t go away after a week, you may be looking at an all-too-common case of folliculitis—an inflammation of the hair follicle frequently caused by bacteria. Washing with salicylic acid cleansers daily can help (Avon Clearskin Blemish Clearing Acne Body Wash has 2 percent of the ingredient”>. If there is pain, tenderness, or swelling, see a dermatologist to rule out bacterial infection.
Really, Really, Bad Sunburn
You screwed up. You got scorched. Now move on.
Take two ibuprofen to dull the pain and reduce swelling, says Brandt. Jump in a cool shower, gently pat skin dry, and then place bags of frozen peas over the burned areas. Dab on a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, and then keep skin well hydrated with a fragrance-free after-sun lotion (Graf likes Aveeno Skin Relief 24HR Moisturizing Lotion with cooling menthol and natural colloidal oatmeal”>. “Aloe soothes the skin and helps with inflammation, too,” says Brandt, who recommends staying out of the sun—as in, you are now a vampire—until the burn heals.
Peeling Skin
So you no longer resemble a lobster. Now you’re a walking biohazard zone, shedding dead cells.
First, hands off. “The worst thing you can do is pick at peeling skin,” says Jeffrey Dover, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “You’ll cause even more damage.”
Allow scaly skin to shed naturally, and focus on keeping the area well hydrated by slathering on a moisturizer rich in ceramides, such as Curél Sensitive Skin Remedy Fast Absorbing Daily Lotion for Dry, Sensitive Skin. “It will replenish the lipids you’re losing from the upper layers of skin that are peeling off,” says Brandt, who also recommends upping your water intake. “You lose more fluids when you’re recovering from a burn.” And avoid anti-aging ingredients until your skin returns to normal or you could develop a sensitivity to an ingredient.
Heat Rash
Your skin feels so hot and prickly, you’re considering actually crawling out of it.
The key is to chill out, literally. Take a cold shower, change into loose-fitting clothes, and avoid thick, heavy moisturizers, which can exacerbate a heat rash. Speed your skin’s natural recovery process by dabbing the affected area with calamine lotion—”the combination of zinc and ferric oxide helps keep it cool,” says Brandt. One thing to skip? Makeup. It can prolong the rash by blocking sweat ducts. The good news: You won’t have to stay in hiding for long. “Cool down, and the rash should clear up within a day or two,” says Brandt.
Streaky Self-Tanner
You picked bottle bronze over the sun—resulting in one streaky mess.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto a loofah and start scrubbing away dark splotches in a warm shower. If you have a few days before the area is revealed, smooth on a layer of body lotion containing alpha hydroxy acid (like AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion“> both morning and night. “It increases the natural turnover of the skin cells, which will speed the fading process,” Brandt says. If there’s no time to spare, disguise streaks with a mix of half self-tanner and half moisturizer to lighter areas only once a day until they catch up with the rest of your bottle bronze.
Swimsuit Strap Marks
Even the most meticulous applier of SPF occasionally winds up with strap marks.
Makeup artist Jake Bailey recommends exfoliating the edges of the strap marks to soften the borders, then dabbing a full-coverage body makeup, like Dermablend Leg and Body Cover orM.A.C. Face and Body Foundation, in a shade that matches your tan, along the pale skin, blending extra well at the edges. To finish, dust the area with a shimmering bronzer, such asPhysicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer. “This reflects the light and makes it harder to spot where the makeup ends and tanned skin begins,” says Bailey.
Blisters
Ow. Ow. Ow. Your blisters demand swift attention.
As much your blister may hurt, resist the urge to pierce it, says Rock Positano, a foot specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, because it will increase the risk of infection. To speed healing, wash your feet in mild soap and water, then cover the blister with a bandage (Brandt likes theDuoDerm bandage“>. If the blister breaks on its own, cleanse the area with an iodine solution, dab on Neosporin, and cover it up again. Next time, place a soft, gel-like blister guard (such as Band-Aid Blister Block“> or a blob ofChapstick on the part of your foot where the shoes rub to prevent blisters.
Dry, Brittle Hair
You’ve been making hay while the sun shines…right on top of your head.
The combination of salt and chlorine is usually behind strawlike hair. To camouflage the damage, grab a cream or pomade with a waxy texture (we like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty“> and dab it on the last two or three inches of hair to fuse split ends.
Then start a rigorous regimen of conditioning treatments; “they penetrate the hair and strengthen it from the inside,” says hairstylist Odile Gilbert. Once a week, she recommends massaging a walnut-size blob of deep conditioner (something like Pantene Medium Thick Hair Solutions Intensive Restoration Treatment mask“> into wet hair. Cover with a damp towel and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing away any residue. And (please”> consider a trim. “It’s the only way to get rid of split ends,” says hairstylist Garren.
Brassy Highlights
Your long, blunt bangs are sexy; your Sunkist-colored highlights are not.
Wash hair with a violet-tinged shampoo, likeClairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo, and let it soak in for a few minutes in the shower before rinsing. “The formula has enough violet pigment to start neutralizing the unwanted warmth and makes your blonde look crisper straight away,” says hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins. Then develop color-protecting habits: Don’t go into the sun without spritzing hair with a UV filter (Hawkins likes Phyto Plage L’Originale Protective Beach Spray“>, and always wet hair with tap water before you take a dip (so it doesn’t soak up the chlorinated or salty water like a sponge”>. And be sure to rinse well afterward.
Green Highlights
You’re sick blonde highlights are now sickly green.
The green tinge comes from mineral deposits in pool water, not chlorine, says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. To remove that color from hair, Hawkins recommendsMalibu C Swimmers Natural Wellness Treatment. A shampoo with gold tones, such asBumble and Bumble Color Support Shampoo The Golden Blondes, will also help counteract the Nicki Minaj vibe. If that fails, many salons offer deep-clarifying treatments that can help. Next time, coat dry hair in oil (baby oil will do, or try Kérastase Oléo-Complexe Versatile Beautifying Oil“>, and then rinse with tap water before and immediately after swimming. “To be safe, processed blondes should wash hair twice with a clarifying shampoo at the end of the day, too,” says Hawkins. We like Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo.
Oily Roots
Your hair crossed over from shiny to oily between your morning latte and lunch.
Target greasy roots with an oil-absorbing dry shampoo, like Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potionor Redken Powder Refresh 01 Aerosol Hair Powder/Dry Shampoo.“It absorbs oil without depositing color, so it’s suitable for brunettes as well as blondes,” says Hawkins. You can also press facial blotting papers along your part. On a daily basis, wash with a gentle shampoo (we likePureology Hydrate“> and only condition the mid-length and ends of hair. Then choose the right styling products: “Thickening sprays and volumizing mousses counteract greasiness,” says Hawkins. (We likeSally Hershberger Plump Up Collagen Thickening Mist and John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse.“> Hawkins’s favorite trick is misting roots with sea-salt spray (we like Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray“> before styling. “The minerals act like an astringent, keeping roots dry and textured,” he says.
Faded Hair Color
Your faded denim shorts are a reminder of the long summer days; so is your faded single-process color.
“You’re crazy if you color your hair but don’t use a shampoo and conditioner to protect it,” says hairstylist Kevin Mancuso, who likes Nexxus Color Assure Replenishing Color Care Shampoo.Mancuso also suggests using the color-refreshing treatments included in many at-home semipermanent hair-color kits, like Clairol Natural Instincts. “It takes five minutes in the shower and will buy you a few more weeks,” he says.
Deflated Hair
By the end of the day, your hair is as limp as a Dane Cook monologue.
Before clocking out, “flip your head upside down and blast the roots with some good old-fashioned hair spray,” says Mancuso. (Try Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray.“> At home, prevent lethargic hair later in the day by conditioning before you shampoo, says Hawkins. “You still get the moisture boost, but you’ll wash out the residue that can weigh hair down.” Limit your hair products to a little detangler (like Paul Mitchell Lite Detangler Lightweight Detangling Spray“> spritzed just on the ends in the morning. Alternatively, you can lift up random sections of hair and smooth in a small blob of volumizing mousse (likeDove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse“> on the roots before finger-drying.
When heat and humidity strike, the last thing you want to do is spend an eternity styling your hair, only for it to end in the F word: frizz. But that doesn’t mean you need to settle for a ho-hum hair day. These ten hairstyles are quick, simple, and not the least bit boring.
10 Easy Summer Hairstyles
Loose Curls
Zoë Saldana
Forget perfectly sculpted curls: The best summer waves are laid-back. To capture Saldana’s easygoing look, hairstylist Kerrie Urban recommends making a middle part and blowing hair dry with a smoothing cream (she loves Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream“>. Spritz hair with a light-hold spray, such as Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray: “It will give hair a little grip and help the curls keep their shape,” says Urban. Next, take a one-and-a-half-inch section of hair in front and wrap it around a large-barrel curling iron, like BaByliss Pro GT Gold Titanium 1 1/2″ Spring Curling Iron (twisting away from the face”>, and repeat on the other side. For the rest of the head, curl similarly large, random sections, starting at the midshaft. Finish with a light mist of shine spray.
Carefree Waves
Jennifer Lawrence
Rumpled Waves
Miranda Cosgrove
Smooth Ponytail
Hayden Panettiere
Roughed Up Low Ponytail
Blake Lively
Mixed Textures Ponytail
Jennifer Aniston
Voluminous Bun
Kate Mara
Headscarf Updo
Piecey Fishtail Braid
Jennifer Morrison
Skinny Hairline Braids
Zoë Kravitz
9 Secrets to Gorgeous Long Hair
Cut It More Often
“The ends of long hair have been styled and colored so many times that they get dry and frizzy quickly,” says hairstylist Serge Normant. Ask your stylist to snip less than a half inch every other month (since your hair grows faster than that, you won’t lose any real length”>. If you wait too much longer between cuts, split ends could resplit, which means you’ll have to trim away more later on.
Care For Your Scalp
Cut It Right
Dry Shampoo & Dry Conditioner
Add Color
Avoid Topknots
Give It a Boost
Long hair is heavy. “Without a volumizer, the roots will fall flat,” says Normant. After every shampoo, massage an apricot-size dollop of lightweight mousse (we likePaul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip“> into the roots while they’re damp to give hair some lift without turning it crunchy—even if your hair is thick and you’ve never needed to use a volumizer before. Skip the strong stuff, though. “Strong-hold styling products actually weigh down long hair,” says Fugate.
Prevent Split Ends In Your Sleep
Take a Pill
If you’re pining away for sleek, straight locks, don’t read this. Behold, the curly-hair ten commandments: the best tips, products and cuts for making the most of your (glorious”> natural texture.
10 Must-Know Curly Tips
Shampoo Less – Or Not At All
The best way to wash curly hair is with a 100 percent sulfate-free shampoo (like DevaCurl No-Poo Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser“>. Sodium lauryl sulfate, the key ingredient in most traditional shampoos, is both a salt and a detergent—an effective cleanser that’s too harsh for most curls. “Without enough conditioning agents, it can lift the hair’s cuticles,” leaving hair dry and frizzy, says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. For those looking for even more hydration, consider a so-called “co-wash” formula.
Co-washing (our curly community’s term for washing hair with conditioner”> has resulted in the rise of cleansing conditioners; we like Ouidad Curl Co-Wash, which blends water and oils in lieu of abrasive detergents. Neither approach will produce a rich, satisfying lather, but both will result in a mound of bouncier, glossier curls. For fine hair, cleanse every other day; those with thick strands can usually go three or more days without a wash.
Condition, Condition, Condition
Did we mention condition? The curlier the hair, the longer it takes for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends, causing the lower half to appear dry and frazzled. Start adding moisture in the shower with L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Hydracharge Conditioner, then protect and hydrate every inch with a styling product that doubles as a leave-in conditioner, such as Hair by Tippi Shorter D Tangle Spray.
Just be sure to pick the right formula to deliver moisture without weighing hair down. Hairstylist Tippi Shorter, whose clients include Rihanna and Alicia Keys, recommends sprays for soft curls (we like Bed Head Foxy Curls Spray“>, thicker gels for medium to big curls (such as DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel“>, and denser creams for crimpy coils (try Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme“>.
Style Your Hair When It’s Sopping Wet
Hands off your bath towel for just one more minute—you can stave off frizz and prevent a stiff, sticky feeling by applying products before you’ve even stepped out of the shower stall, says Ouidad stylist Morgan Willhite. Use your fingers to rake products through from roots to ends, then scrunch and squeeze upward toward the scalp.
Limit Alcohol
MORE: Good and Bad Alcohols
Leave It Alone
Don’t Blow, Diffuse
A regular nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time, while a diffuser dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look. After applying a heat-protecting product, flip your head upside down and “diffuse right at the roots and midlength,” says hairstylist , making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. “Do the ends last,” and leave them only semidry, she says. “Because the ends tend to be more damaged, let them air-dry more.”
Throw Out Your Brush
“Bristles fray the hair, disturb curl formation, and create a cloud of frizz,” says Massey. Use your fingers to tousle curls, and refresh wilting ones with a spritz of curl reactivator. (We like Redken Curvaceous Wind Up, but you can also make your own by combining one part of your regular conditioner with four parts tap water in a spray bottle”>. Mist it all over and then gently scrunch, says Massey. Un-snag tangles with a wide-tooth pick.
Always Cut Dry
“Curly dry hair and curly wet hair are two absolutely different things,” says Massey. Curls retract significantly when dry; some pieces may coil tightly, while others hang a bit looser. A dry cut won’t spring any surprises—you’ll know exactly how every strand will fall.
Take Down the Heat
“Excess heat alters the proteins that give curls their spiral shape,” says Procter & Gamble Beauty senior scientist Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson. “Over time, curls become more limp.” Limit blow-drying to just twice a week, and if you use a flatiron, never go higher than 400 degrees. If you notice your curls have lost their bounce, abstain from heat-styling entirely and use a conditioning mask in the shower (like L’Oréal Paris Power Moisture Rush Mask”>. “Once hair is exposed to moisture, new hydrogen bonds begin to form and restore the curl pattern,” says Wilkerson.
Switch To Silk
Cotton soaks up moisture from your hair, causing frizz. Cotton fibers also tug on hair as you toss and turn, which can lead to breakage, says Wilson. A silk or satin pillowcase cuts down on friction and keeps things smooth.
