Summer is one of the toughest seasons to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. If it’s not chlorine and saltwater that strip away the luster from your locks, it’s the intense heat of the summer sun that leaves every strand looking bleached, dehydrated and dull. It’s a relentless battle against the elements of nature.

So, how do you get back your hair’s shimmering glow?

We suggest doing what celebrities and supermodels do---pamper yourself with a gloss or glaze treatment. Glosses and glazes are two very similar salon services that are designed to give your hair ultra shine. Both treatments are demi-permanent (meaning they’ll gradually fade over time) and both can be tinted with color, or they can simply be applied clear. So, you have the option of just amplifying your shine OR amplifying your shine + getting a hint of beautiful color along with it.

What’s the difference between a gloss and a glaze?

A GLAZE will sit on top of the hair while a GLOSS will actually infuse itself into the hair cuticle so the color and shine will last a bit longer---up to 8 weeks with proper care. In addition to high voltage shine, a gloss has other benefits. It can make highlights more pronounced, and if you’re looking for a way to camouflage or blend away gray, a gloss can do the trick there as well. A tinted gloss can cover between 50 and 70% of gray hair. Since the color gradually fades over the course of time, there’s no line of demarcation and no need for a root touch up on new growth as your hair grows out.


Spoil yourself with a gloss or glaze at our salon in Vero Beach this week, and experience serious shine! Our L’Oreal Professionnel collection, together with the talent and artistry of our stylists, will have you absolutely loving your hair!

Friend or foe? Some days it’s hard to tell with curls. They can be one of your most charming assets or one of your greatest aggravations. With their fabulous texture and volume, curls require a special touch to stay hydrated, defined, and frizz-free. Check out our helpful tips below.




Frizz Proof Your Locks

If you’ve got curly locks, you’re well acquainted with their tendency to frizz and poof into an out of control mess. NYC Stylist, Drew Schaefering says, "The key is to learn to control the curl, helping to keep it smooth." To do this, he recommends gently twisting damp hair (after showering) into curls with your fingers using a styling product like Tecni Art's Dual Stylers Bouncy & Tender. This will add a little extra soft definition without getting that crunchy, “I just used too much gel” look. Next, let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer with low heat and a diffuser. When completely dry, shake or gently rake out the twists with your fingers for a soft-but-defined look without the frizz.


Softer Is Better

Curls that crunch are out. Way out. Modern curls are soft, flexible, and bouncy. For naturally curly hair that is totally on point, NYC stylist Pepper Pastor suggests lightly combing in a styling gel while your hair is wet. "When you comb curly hair and put in a product like that, it starts to form a really beautiful wave pattern," she says. "Let that air dry, undisturbed, and you'll be left with a beautiful controlled curl once it's dry."


Get The Right Cut

In the hands of a stylist who does not understand the nature of curly hair, you can end up with a cut that doesn’t maximize the potential of your wavy locks. The most ideal cut and style is one that allows your hair to bounce and move instead of looking heavy and weighed down. Don’t subject your hair to an inexperienced stylist when it comes time for your next cut. Make an appointment with one of the stylists at our hair salon who understands curly hair and let us bring your curls to life.


Moisturize Like Your Life Depends On It

Curly hair tends to be drier than most other hair types simply because of its structure. Natural oils from the roots have a difficult time traveling down those spiraling strands, so hair has challenge staying supple and healthy. Because of this, adding extra moisture is a must. The curlier your hair, the more hydration it needs. A weekly moisturizing mask can work wonders. Applying an oil like Mythic Oil to the ends of your hair after showering can also be beneficial.


Shampoo Less

Less is more when it comes to shampooing. Washing curly hair about 3 times a week is all that is necessary for it to stay cleansed and healthy. Washing more often will strip away natural oils and precious moisture.
On your shampoo days, opt for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, preferably products that are sulfate-free. On your no-shampoo days, use a dry shampoo at the roots, if needed, to absorb excess oil. If your curls fall flat, you can re-dampen them and use a thickening product or mousse anywhere that you need a boost.
Stylist Drew Schaefering also offers another helpful tip: “When you're showering between washes, wet and massage your hair and scalp the way you would with shampoo, rinsing well, and conditioning the ends. This helps your hair's natural oils travel from root to end while rinsing away the salt that may build up on your scalp." He says you'll notice a cleaner scalp and less dry strands this way.


Skip The Dryer

Just as over washing is a no-no, so is over drying. Blasting your hair with the highest heat setting on a blow dryer is a sure-fire way to leave it fried and gasping for hydration. Curls do best when they are allowed to air dry naturally. Simply blot with a soft towel or jersey type fabric after showering, apply a styling product, and then let it go. If blow drying is needed, always use the coolest temperature setting and use a diffuser on the nozzle of the dryer.

If you’re in need of a curly hair specialist, come visit us at our hair salon in Vero Beach FL. We look forward to meeting you soon!

It’s a given.....when seasons change so comes the longing to do something different with our hair, whether it’s a new cut or color or simply a new way to wear an existing style. Need inspiration?  Check out what’s trending for 2016!



HOLLYWOOD WAVES

Spotted on the latest red carpets and runways in Paris and Milan, as well as in Zac Posen’s collections in New York, the Hollywood Wave has made its debut as one of 2016’s most alluring and glamorous hair trends. This ultra-feminine look, reminiscent of iconic film stars of the past, is perfect for special events where just-not-so-ordinary hair will do.


Hollywood waves are usually best created at the salon rather than at home. Very small sections of hair need to be curled and then brushed out in a specific way that is difficult to do-especially when it comes to the back of the head. By sleeping in a hairnet or on a satin pillowcase, though, you can often get two nights of wear from this gorgeous style.








BANGS

Wavy and layered side swept strands, baby bangs cut well above the brow line, or choppy angular sections often seen accompanying pixie hair styles-----we love bangs! Why? Not only are they ultra cool and one of this year’s most popular hair style trends, bangs can artfully disguise facial aspects that we’d like to hide or downplay. Have a forehead that is a little too prominent or a long, rectangular face? A little fringe helps to “remove” some of the length. Wrinkles above the brows? Get instant age reduction by adding bangs to cover those lines. Have a face shape with strong angles? Soften the lines with asymmetrical, layered, soft side swept bangs. They’re like a miracle cure.



BRAIDED PARTS

Braids have long been a favorite on the fashion runways and with girls who are smitten with the Boho look. This season, we’re excited to see a new trend--the braided part. Designed to make a statement, this dramatic style can be worn to the side or straight down the middle.


To get this look:
Begin with a rat tail comb and make two parts…one inch apart. To start the braid, simply separate the hair between those parts into three strands. French braid the strands from your forehead back to your crown. When the braid meets the crown, secure it with a small elastic band or use a couple of bobby pins to keep it in place.
Typically, it’s easiest to work with hair that has a little grip, so this type of braid is perfect for second day hair. If you’re working with freshly washed hair, you may get better results if you apply a dry shampoo like L’Oreal Fresh Dust or a volumizing product first to keep hair from sliding and to give it longer lasting hold.






Long hair with layers to add bounce and texture is another hair style trend for 2016. Think Cara Delevingne and her swoon worthy locks.

If you’ve already got a long, layered hair style, you can make the most of your look by strategically using products to create light and airy volume. Start by applying a frizz reducing product to your hair while it is still damp. (For fine hair, also add a  lightweight mousse or a product like VOLUMETRY Anti-Gravity Root Lift Spray to the roots of your hair to enhance volume.) Then blow dry in sections using a large barrel brush with natural bristles. Twist the round brush as you blow dry to create soft waves and add movement.





WAVY SIDE SWEPT LONG BOB

Perfect for the girl who wants it all! With the long bob, aka the LOB, you get a shoulder skimming cut that can be transformed into an up style on a whim—the best of both long hair and short hair worlds. Add side swept bangs to this cut, and you’re totally on point.

Long layered bobs look amazing on many different face shapes. Plus, if you’re a gal with fine or medium hair who’s looking for an easy style to maintain, this is it. You can get the tousled waves of the lob with relatively little product so there’s no worry about your hair being weighed down.

To style a long wavy bob:
Try using a wide curling iron to add waves. Be careful not to wrap strands to tightly around the barrel of the iron. (If your hair has natural curl, you can skip this step, but you may need a flat iron to help get those straight ends.) After curling, use your fingers and a texturizing spray to fluff and style, arrange bangs to the side and then mist with one of the flexible hold hair sprays that we have available at the salon.




SHORT BOB WITH SIDE SWEPT BANGS

The ever popular bob. It’s undeniably one of the most universally loved haircuts, so it’s no surprise that it continues to be another one of this year’s favorite hair trends. This style looks amazing with both straight and natural wavy hair, as well as fine, medium or thick texture. It’s also perfect for anyone with a narrow face or chin as it adds the illusion of width to the sides.

For fun, try experimenting with different size curing wands when styling. Different barrel sizes will create waves with a variety of dimension and texture. When you’re happy with the results, use a bit of extended hold hair spray at the ends (never at the root) to keep your style looking fresh all day. If you want to create a tousled look, try using a texture spray or sea salt spray.


HEADBANDS
Headbands are a way to instantly perk up ho-hum hair, and they're another style trend for 2016. A pretty headband can take lack luster locks from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds.

With so many options on the shelves these days, though, how do you choose? New York City stylist and L'Oréal Professionnel Ambassador Pepper Pastor says, "With headbands, the biggest thing is you have to gauge is its size." You should look for a width that compliments how thick and how long your hair is: Girls with a thicker hair should opt for wider headbands since tiny styles may not say put. On the flipside, finer hair types should steer clear of the large, heavy styles and instead try delicate, thin bands.
When it comes to width, Pastor also suggests going by the rule of thumb—literally. "You don't want headbands that fit behind your ears to be wider than your thumb or they will be uncomfortable," she says. Fabric headbands, on the other hand can be a little bit larger, but no wider than your wrist.

How do you keep a headband from slipping around and sliding off? Try using a product to give your hair a little grip before putting the headband in place. A little mousse or dry shampoo at the roots generally will give the band something to hold on to.

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For styles that are perfectly on trend, stop by our hair salon in Vero Beach FL anytime. We look forward to seeing you!

OILY HAIR

It seems like a harsh cleansing shampoo would be the best way to rid your hair of greasy build-up, right? The opposite is actually the case. Strong shampoos can send your scalp into a frenzy, causing glands to overproduce sebum, the substance that contributes to oily hair and scalp. The best plan of attack is to scale down and use a gentle shampoo that will balance your hair’s oil levels by gently clearing away impurities and build-up without stripping away the natural oils that keep your scalp healthy.

One of our favorite lines at the salon for oily hair is L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil collection. While it sounds counterintuitive to put a product containing oil on oily hair, Mythic Oil products actually work wonders for restoring balance. Mythic Oil Shampoo gently cleanses and reduces oil at the roots while Mythic Oil Nourishing Conditioner helps to nourish dry ends and help them to stay soft and supple.

OILY HAIR TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Follow a shampoo plan to “cleanse at the roots, condition at the ends”, especially if you suffer from combination hair-- oily scalp and dry ends. Using shampoo at the roots and conditioning only the ends will help restore balance.
• Don’t over shampoo. Shampooing too often causes your scalp to overproduce oil. Try to transition to shampooing every other day and use dry shampoo as often as you need it between washing. This can be a little tricky at first, as your hair will need time to adjust to a new routine and it may get worse before it gets better. Over time, you’ll notice a difference.
• Dry shampoo should be your constant companion. Keep it in your purse so that it’s on hand when oil and residue begin to build up around your scalp and roots. Just a quick spray or two at the root area will absorb excess sebum and leave your hair feeling lighter and less greasy. Our favorite at the salon is L’Oreal Fresh Dust. It has an amazing scent!
• Use styling products sparingly. They can leave behind residue that can weigh your hair down and aggravate oily hair conditions.



DRY HAIR

Dry hair needs tender care and intense hydration. This is not a job for an average shampoo and conditioner. Off the shelf brands can leave your hair starved for the hydration and nutrition that it needs.

At the salon, one of our favorite dry hair care options is Absolut Repair Lipidium Shampoo & Conditioner. Both products are formulated expressly for dry, damaged hair. The shampoo gently cleanses, while the conditioner lightly nourishes for instant softness and shine.

In addition to a nourishing shampoo & conditioner, a serum can also give dry hair a boost. Serums help resurface damaged fibers, seal split ends and add shine. We’re fans of Mythic Oil Nourishing Oil because it’s packed with Vitamins A, B1, B2, D and Omega 3 oils that deliver lightweight nourishment and a lustrous finish. It also contains Grape Seed Oil, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world to protect against environmental aggressors. Both of these oils are perfect for dry hair.


DRY HAIR TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Avoid daily washing. Dry hair needs cleansing only a few times a week. Shampooing every day strips dry hair of the natural oils that it needs to stay healthy and protected. On days when you don’t shampoo, use a dry shampoo like L’Oreal Fresh Dust to leave your hair refreshed and fragrant.
• Minimize heat styling. Heat is particularly damaging to dry hair. It saps moisture from every strand, contributes to damaged ends, and over time, it will leave hair lifeless and dull. Air dry as often as you can, and opt for heat free styling. On days when the blow dryer or curling iron is unavoidable, use a product such as Mythic Oil Sève Protectrice Oil-in-Cream Primer. It’s a wonderful heat protectant to help protect hair against heat tools and styling.
• Use warm or cool water for washing---avoid hot steamy water. Sauna-like shower conditions will leave your hair dehydrated.
• Treat your hair to a deep conditioning moisture treatment once a week to re-hydrate every strand.


NORMAL HAIR

Ah, normal hair. It’s the envy of all other hair types. It’s so easy to care for, and very rarely does it ever experience the struggles of dry or oily hair. Therein lies the rub. Because normal hair is SO easy to manage, women who have this hair type can often be lulled into complacency and ignore healthy hair habits.

To keep your hair looking amazing, don’t skimp on a cheap shampoo and conditioner. At the salon, we recommend Mythic oil Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, as it’s a perfect option for normal hair. The paraben free formula contains a rich blend of natural oils to keep your hair nourished, provide control, add softness, and leave hair with a brilliantly shiny, weightless finish.

NORMAL HAIR TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Keep your hair maintained with regular visits to the salon to remove split ends. Left unchecked, damaged ends will travel up the hair strand.
• Pamper your hair with a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks to combat stress from styling and day to day exposure to sun and wind
• Skip heat styling as often as possible, and let your hair air dry naturally.
• Don’t over clean. If you’re washing your hair daily, skip to every other day to keep the balance of natural oils in your hair at a healthy level.

New Year’s Resolutions….so easy to make, so difficult to keep! When it comes to your hair, though, it’s easy to make plans for the new year that are simple to do and that require minimal effort. Here are our top 7 favorite salon ideas for ringing in 2016 with healthy, beautiful hair!


DEEP CONDITION ONCE A WEEK

Treat your hair to a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to detangle, repair damaged strands and mend split ends. If you’re a styling addict and use heat tools on a regular basis, this is one of the best New Year’s gifts that you can give to your hair. A weekly conditioning treatment can improve the quality and texture of your locks and boost overall shine.

Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque by L’Oreal Professionnel is a great option.  Just apply to damp hair and wrap with a towel. After 30 minutes, rinse and enjoy your revived tresses. Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque contains Argan Oil, which is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3, as well as Cotton Seed Oil. Both of these oils will add nourishment and extreme softness throughout your hair and ends.


TRY SOMETHING NEW

It’s easy to fall into a mundane pattern of doing the same thing every day. The start of a new year offers the perfect nudge to explore new ideas for styling your hair. Learn a new braiding technique, buy some fun new hair accessories, try out a new volume enhancing styling product to give your hair the voluminous locks of a super model, or trade in your current style for something altogether different with a new cut and color!


OUT WITH THE OLD

We all toss refrigerator contents once they’re past their expiration dates, but most of us rarely think about doing the same thing when it comes to our styling products. The beginning of a new year is a great time to go through that stash of products in your drawers and cabinets, and toss anything that is either old or ineffective. Do this for old blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons, too. How do you know when a tool needs to be replaced? If it has been in use for several years, or if you detect a burning or unpleasant odor when you’re using it, it’s time to treat yourself to a new tool. New tools will allow you to style your hair with less damage and often in less time than tools that are several years old.


COMMIT TO USING A HEAT PROTECTANT

Blow dryers, curling wands and flat irons are three of your hair’s mortal enemies. It doesn’t take them long to transform healthy, shiny hair into dehydrated, dull, and fragile hair. If you heat style on a regular basis, one of the best ways to shield your hair from damage is to use a heat protectant. A high quality heat protectant will seal in moisture, make styling easier and prevent overheating. When there is no protection, the raised cuticle of your hair exposes your strands, and damage and breakage occur.

At the salon, we love Mythic Oil Seve Protectrice. It coats your hair with a nourishing and protective veil for heat protection up to 446 degrees. For best results, apply while your hair is wet, distribute with a wide-toothed comb, and give the product 10 minutes to soak into your strands before drying and styling.


GET ON A REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

When life gets crazy, it’s easy to neglect your hair by forgetting to make appointments to maintain your cut and color. Those salon appointments, though, are one of the best ways to keep your hair looking its best, and great looking hair is such a confidence booster. Resolve to get yourself on a hair schedule and keep to it this year. We promise you'll thank us for it later!


CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES

We remember to wash your hair, but usually we forget about the hairbrush, and what a difference a clean and well-maintained brush can make a difference during styling! To clean your brushes, start by using a fine tooth comb to remove old stray hairs that have become trapped in the bristles. Then use a toothbrush, sudsy shampoo and water to gently clean the base area of the brush around the bristles. When the brush is completely clean, rinse it with cool water and air dry.


SHAMPOO LESS

Any professional hair stylist will tell you---it’s generally not necessary to wash your hair every day. Unless your hair is oily, you can often wash it just one to three times a week. Why skip the daily shampoo? Excessive shampooing removes natural oils that keep your hair soft, shiny and supple. Switching to every other day will result in healthier hair.

Make an appointment with us soon at the salon! We resolve to help you be your most beautiful you in 2016!

One of the keys to getting the haircut that you LOVE is to choose a style that complements your face shape. If the wrong hair style is created for the wrong face shape, chances are it’s going to be a disappointment. This is why a haircut that looks absolutely stunning on one person can look not-so-stunning on another.

Getting the right cut for your facial shape involves using balance and an artistic eye to achieve the illusion of an oval shape, which is the most perfect and pleasing shape to the human eye. A flattering hairstyle is one that creates the illusion that you have a perfectly oval face. A well-executed haircut can make a round face appear longer, a long face appear wider, a square jaw appear softer and a tall forehead disappear!

Find your face shape below and discover what types of haircuts work best as well as what to avoid the next time you visit the hair salon.

SQUARE

Square faces have a linear shape and a strong, angular jaw. To balance the strong lines of your face, choose haircuts that will add softness and draw the eye away from harsh angles.

DO: Keep the length of your hair below your jaw. (Haircuts that stop at the jawline will make your face look squared off). Add texture in the form of curls, tousled waves, or choppy ends. Or add face-framing layers, romantic waves, or side-swept bangs. All of these will have a softening effect. A long bob (or lob) also works well, as the long textured layers soften cheek bones and help to mask facial width.

DON’T: Blunt straight-across bangs and bobs that are chopped off right at the jawline are both don’ts. They’ll emphasize the angular aspects of your face, making it look even more square-shaped.


OVAL

Faces with oval shapes tend to look good with just about any type of haircut and style.

DO: Consider your hair texture and choose a cut and style that will make the most of the natural structure of your hair. Other than that, oval faces can wear almost any hair style and look amazing.

DON’T: Extra long styles can disrupt the natural balance of your face. Avoid any style that is super long and also be careful about styles that add too much height on top of your head.


TRIANGLE

Triangular faces tend to be narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, with a strong distinctive jawline. This face shape can be easily balanced with cut and color techniques that draw attention away from the jaw.

DO: Draw the eye upward. At your salon appointment, ask for a haircut that add width at your crown and forehead to balance the width of your lower jawline. Add highlights at the temples, crown and fringe as an additional way of bringing the focus upward.

DON’T: Excessive fullness by your chin will only draw attention to the width of your lower face. Avoid choppy jaw-length layers, waves and curls near your chin, or anything else that adds width at your jawline.


HEART SHAPE

Heart shaped faces are like inverted triangles, with a delicate chin and wider cheekbones. (Think Reese Witherspoon.) The right cut and color looks amazing on this face shape.

DO: Draw attention downward. Balance your face shape with haircuts that add fullness around the jawline (like a chin length bob). Longer styles with choppy, chin length layers are also great. For color, try a look like ombre that has darker shades at the top blending into lighter shades from the chin down.

DON’T: Styles with lots of volume at the top should be avoided, as well as short boyish cuts and thick bangs. These styles throw off the balance of your face, adding weight on the top instead of the bottom.

CIRCLE

Rounder faces need haircuts and color that will help to elongate the face.

DO: At your salon appointment, go for softer styles that fall below your chin or longer. This will add length to a round face. You can also add height at the crown to create the illusion of length. Styles that are more asymmetrical than symmetrical work well for circular faces. Side-swept bangs and a side part work well, and so do choppy layers!

DON’T: Short curly hair and short wavy styles can make your face appear rounder. Chin length haircuts, blunt straight across bangs and styles that are parted down the middle can also add the illusion of extra width to a round face. Avoid these, and go for softer styles with length past the chin.


LONG

Oblong faces have consistent width, which can make them appear long and thin. The right haircut and color can add the illusion of width at the sides while helping to diminish length of a long face shape.

DO: Keep your hair full at the sides, with minimum height on top. Long waves, texture, and face framing layers that hit at the cheekbones and chin are a great way to add width. Opt for side parts and say yes to bangs, especially side swept bangs—they’re a great way to cover foreheads and help diminish length! For color, try highlights at the sides of your face from your temples to jaw area. This will create the illusion of width and roundness, too.

DON’T: Overly lengthy hair can cause a long face to appear even longer. Stay away from long hair styles that have no layers and no texture. Also avoid too much volume above your forehead -- this can add unwanted length to your face. Parts that run straight down the middle of the head are also not flattering for oblong face shapes.

Pixie cuts are not only totally trending right now, they're exceptionally versatile when it comes to getting a wide variety of looks.


One of our favorite methods of pixie styling at the salon involves using a sculpting paste to create definition and slightly disheveled texture. You can get the same results at home by using a matte sculpting product like L’Oreal Tecni Art Architexture.
Just take a small amount of the product and rub through your hands in the same way that you would apply hand lotion. Then, work your fingers through damp, towel-dried hair, moving from back to front, focusing on the roots. This will distribute the Architexture product throughout all your strands. Use a blow dryer to lift and style, moving your hair in different directions as you dry. Then use your fingers to twist, define and sculpt sections and pieces to create a contemporary, textured look.

For more hair styling tips, call or visit us anytime!   We're always happy to share professional secrets for getting gorgeous hair and our complete collection of L'Oreal hair care is the very best in Vero Beach FL!   Stop by the salon and see us soon.

We are absolutely in love with curls and waves this year.  If your hair leans toward the wavy and curly side, lucky you!  You can get some of this year’s most adored hair styles with practically no effort at all.   If your hair is not naturally curly, though, it’s simply a matter of choosing the right curling iron and technique to get those gorgeous spirals, ringlets and beachy waves.   
How do the pros do it?  Find out with our tips below.

#1:  START WITH A PROTECTIVE PRIMER

Before you begin curling, apply a heat protectant to your hair to shield it from damage.  Heat destroys vital proteins and depletes the natural oils in your hair.  A heat-protectant will help replenish moisture and defend against frying.  L’Oreal Mythic Oil Sève Protectrice Oil-in-Cream Primer is a favorite at our hair salon, and it works really well for this purpose.  It contains Black Cumin Oil, which coats your strands in a nourishing and protective layer and provides heat protection up to 446°F during styling.

You just apply a small amount of the product to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair after towel drying, detangle and comb through for even distribution.  Then wait for about 10 minutes until the product is absorbed, and you’re good to go with blow drying and styling.


#2:  NEVER USE AN IRON ON WET HAIR

A sizzle is a sound that you never want to hear when an iron touches your hair.  Never use a curling wand on wet or even slightly damp hair.  Make sure every strand is completely dry before heat is applied.   The outer layer of your hair cuticle can suffer severe damage otherwise.  

#3:  CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOL

 Ideally, you should use an iron that has different temperature settings as well as a barrel made of either ceramic or tourmaline.  Ceramic irons allow for even flow of heat while tourmaline irons help to control frizz by using negative ionic charges that seal the outer cuticle of the hair.  

The temperature control can be set based on your hair type.  If you have delicate, damaged, fine, or color-treated hair, choose a low heat setting (about 200 degrees).  If your hair is super thick or has a coarse texture, a higher temperature of between 250 - 300 degrees should work.  Never go above 400 degrees or you could damage your hair.



#4:  DIVIDE AND CONQUER

While your iron or wand is heating up, divide and clip your dry hair into manageable sections.  Then, work from the bottom up, curling the lower sections near your neck before moving upward.  Start with a small one inch section and wind it around the barrel of the iron.  Hold for up to 20 seconds depending upon the thickness and texture of your hair.  (Thinner and more delicate hair will require less time to curl than thicker, coarse texture hair).  

Make sure you are not curling too much at a time.  You won’t get an even distribution of heat if you try to curl a huge chunky section all at once, and your curls will end up falling apart.  
For a more natural look, try curling your hair away from your face.  That means winding the hair down and around the barrel of the iron in a clockwise direction on the right side of your head and a counter-clockwise direction on the left side.



#5:  COOL TO SET

Once you’ve released a curl from the iron, it needs time to cool in order to set.  Many of us make the mistake of touching or running our fingers through our curls immediately.  This can make all those lovely waves and ringlets instantly go flat.  For the best, longest lasting style, wrap each curl on a Velcro roller as soon as it is released from the barrel of your curling iron. This works well if you're going for a high volume look. Another method is to roll the curl back up on your fingers and secure with a clip. (You can place a small amount of tissue paper between the clip and your hair to keep the clip from leaving a crease or mark.)  
Let your hair cool in the Velcro rollers or clips for about 30 minutes or until completely set.  Then mist with a finishing spray.  (The L’Oreal finishing sprays that we use at the salon are an excellent option as they provide flexible hold that will allow your curls to move without being rigid.)  Use your fingers to gently separate the curls into your desired style. You can also lightly brush them for a smoother wave.   Voila!  Perfection!

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Need more tips on getting the perfect curls?   The stylists at our hair salon in Vero Beach FL  are always happy to share professional styling advice to help you get the most beautiful look!  Ask us for tips at your next salon visit.

After a long summer of sand, sultry sun and soaring heat, we’re excited that fall is just around the corner.   Not only because it means that the temperatures will be a little cooler, but also because of the trends that we’re seeing on the Fall 2015 fashion runways this year.   The catwalks are full of inspiring ideas guaranteed to give your hair that little extra something it needs to be simply swoon-worthy.

FAVORITE HAIR COLOR TRENDS FOR FALL 2015

BRONDE
There’s a reason why everyone is SO in love with this hair color trend.   It’s the perfect melding of blonde and brunette in a way that looks effortlessly natural and breathtaking.   To get the effect, you simply add highlights (or lowlights) in two or more color nuances that are very close to your starting hair color.  Brunettes can become brondes by adding slightly lighter ribbons of buttery blonde or caramel color around the hair line and ends.  Blondes can get the look by adding strands of cappuccino brown and slightly darker blonde tones.  The key is to have a lot of your natural color showing through and to have your highlights applied in a way that looks sun-drenched and realistic….as if the sun had naturally lightened the strands over time.

If you’re a little color shy or if you want a low-maintenance color option that fades beautifully and doesn’t require you to be at the hair salon all the time, this is it.  With bronde highlights, you won’t end up with roots that need to be retouched as your hair grows.



COPPER & METALLIC
This London-born color technique started earlier in the year, and it’s another favorite hair color trend for Fall 2015.   The metallic effect is created by having two complementary colors placed along your hair strands with a very gradual transition between the two, as one color subtly melts into the other.   For warm skin tones, the combination of muted auburns and bright coppers is the perfect pairing, especially when you add a gloss treatment on top of the color for a radiant  glow.  The result is absolutely stunning color that has the luster and shine of polished metal.   Think Bella Thorne, Emma Stone, and Julianne Moore.
Based on your skin tone, different hues can be used to brighten up your hair ranging from bronze, gold, strawberry or russet red, copper, and titanium brown.

CHOCOLATE, LATTE  AND CARAMEL
Latte, caramel, and rich chocolate—they’re not only sinfully delicious, they’re also some of this season’s most popular highlight colors for brunettes.   If you’ve got darker hair, you can add warmth, depth and dimension to your style with subtle, facing framing highlights in colors such as caramel, café au lait, or light cocoa.   Your hair will look positively decadent.


FAVORITE HAIR STYLE TRENDS FOR FALL 2015

THE LOB
The ultra-flattering long bob or “lob” is set to be the most popular haircut of 2015, and a number of high profile stars have already adopted this style.   If you’ve got long hair, the lob is a great way to keep some of the length that you love while adding some texture and movement.   It’s also a fairly low-maintenance look.  For styling, you just apply a L’Oreal Tecni.ART styling product on towel-dried hair and blow-dry using a vent brush to create soft texture and movement.  Then apply an additional texture product to the mid-lengths and ends and blow-dry with fingers, or diffuse for soft texture.  Easy as pie.  

LOW PONYTAILS
Worn sleek or messy, to the side or wrapped in metal, you just can’t beat the ponytail.  It is super versatile and a favorite look of models flaunting the fall runway collections of designers like Michael Kors and Dior.   The common thread of almost all ponytail styles this year is that they are typically worn low (either at the neck or past) rather than high.  

THE PIXIE
If you have small or fine features, the pixie cut is the perfect complement to the delicate features of your face.   With a few styling products from the salon and a flat iron, you can take a pixie from angelic to edgy in just a matter of minutes.  You can also get completely different looks by varying the style of bangs….from side-swept to choppy.



THE TWIST
Bid farewell to the bun, and say hello to the twist.   This year, messy twists are in.  Gather your hair into a loose knot or twist at the nape of your neck for an unfussy look that works beautifully with relaxed Boho styles.   You can secure it with a statement piece pin, thick ribbon, or just leave it simple and half undone.  Think Vera Wang.  
BEST ACCESSORIES
Fall’s favorite accessories all nod their head toward leather.   There’s a great mix of leather headbands and wrappings for ponytails in the fall collections of Honor, Derek Lam, Fendi and Tanya Taylor.  And if you’re not a lover of leather, then bobby pins and gold clips are also hot this season and a great way to perk up your ‘do with a little glam.  
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If you are in the Vero Beach FL area, stop by the salon and we’ll help you select the perfect on-trend haircut and color combination to complement your style.  There’s no better way to welcome a new season than with hair that looks drop dead gorgeous.

Having a good set of brushes is one of the keys to successfully pulling off an amazing hair style.  But knowing which type of brushes to buy can be confusing, especially when there are so many options on the market.   Our helpful tips will guide you toward selecting the best brushes for your hair type and style!
STEP ONE:  DETERMINE THE STYLE YOU WISH TO CREATE  

•    FOR LONG, SMOOTH & SLEEK STYLES, CHOOSE A PADDLE BRUSH
A paddle brush is usually quite large, flat, and wide.   This type of brush typically has bristles that stem from a cushioned base, allowing you to get a great scalp massage while stimulating the roots of your hair.  
If your goal is to get a smooth and sleek style, then this is your brush!   When used with a blow dryer, it can effectively smooth your hair, section by section, from the roots to the tips.   It will not create a lot of volume, but it will amplify shine and reduce frizz.

•    FOR VOLUME AND CURL, CHOOSE A ROUND BRUSH
A round brush resembles a roller with a handle, with bristles all the way around.  If you want big beautiful curls or an amazing blowout, then a round brush and a good blow dryer are the two essentials you’ll need.   Look for a brush made of ceramic or tourmaline with vents in the center, which will help to speed up drying, reduce static, and protect hair from heat.   
Round brushes come in different sizes, and the larger the barrel size, the bigger the curl you can achieve.   If you're going for volume AND curl, try a round brush with a barrel anywhere from 1 ¾ to 2 ½ inches when blow-drying.  To create a smooth blowout with lots of volume, use a round barrel brush with compact bristles to lift hair and create tension while drying.
When using a round brush for styling, always be sure that your hair is about 80% dry before reaching for the brush.  Then, wrap your damp hair around the barrel, roll towards your scalp, and blow dry with heat.  Before unwinding, give your hair a blast of cool air from the dryer to make the curl set.

•    FOR FLIPPED OUT ENDS, CHOOSE A HALF ROUND BRUSH
If you like wearing your hair flipped out or flipped under, a half round brush will do the trick.  This type of brush is flat on the back with curved bristles on the front.  If you have thick hair and you are looking for a nice wave without too much volume, this brush is a great option.  

•    FOR PARTS & SMOOTHING, CHOOSE A COMB NOT A BRUSH
Reach for a rat tail comb if you’re trying to create the perfect center or side part.  The pointed end lets you create a precise part every time!


STEP TWO:  CONSIDER YOUR HAIR TYPE

•    FOR THICK OR COARSE HAIR
Brushes with sturdy, wide-spaced nylon bristles are great for hair that is extremely thick or coarse.  Make sure that the bristles have balls or rounded tips on the ends to assure they’ll be gentle on your hair and scalp.  

•    OILY HAIR
Boar bristle brushes are very soft, extremely gentle, and effective for almost every hair type, especially oily hair.  The natural bristles help to distribute oil from the scalp to the ends as you brush.  The only type of hair that does not work well with a boar bristle brush is hair that is naturally very thick.  The natural bristles are simply too soft to penetrate very coarse or super thick hair.  If you fall into the thick hair category, it’s a good idea to look for a brush that has a combination of both nylon and natural bristles.  Then you’ll get the benefit of luxuriously shiny hair and oil distribution along with great detangling.

•    FINE, THIN HAIR or SENSITIVE SCALP
If your hair is fine and thin or if your scalp is sensitive, look for a brush that has a cushioned rubber base and widely spaced bristles.  A cushioned base allows the bristles to have more flexibility, and this makes a difference when smoothing, shaping and styling.  It can also reduce the static electricity generated during brushing, a common problem when trying to style fine and delicate hair.

•    FOR CURLY HAIR
Choose a wide tooth comb or your fingers instead of a brush if your hair is curly.   Fingers and wide tooth combs will detangle and style without disrupting the structure of your curls or causing static build-up.

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Once you’ve found the perfect set of brushes, take time to keep them in top notch condition.   Wash them regularly in warm water with a little shampoo to remove build-up, and then let them air dry.   With proper care, they should last for years!

Icy blonde, rose gold, vivid carmine red, deep espresso brunette…..how do you know what hair color is the perfect one for you?  With so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which shade is the perfect one to give your hair the wow factor.

Two of the most important things to consider when determining your perfect color are:  1) your underlying skin tone, and 2) your face shape.    Knowing your face shape and skin tone takes the guess work out of color selection and makes choosing the right hue a cinch!

STEP ONE:  CHOOSE A COLOR THAT COMPLEMENTS YOUR SKIN TONE
Generally speaking, it is always a good idea to allow for a little contrast between your hair color and the color of your skin.  Choosing a hair color that is a bit lighter or darker than your skin color will provide definition and create a beautiful frame for your face.    If your hair and skin color are too similar to each other, the overall effect is bland and boring, and your facial features will look as though they’ve disappeared.   

•    If you have light colored skin with warm undertones, go for golden and amber shades. If your skin tone is pale and cool, go for icy blonde or champagne shades.

•    If you have a rosy skin tone, avoid warm reds, auburns, and brassy gold hair color.   Instead, balance the warmth of your skin with shades that have cool undertones such as cool walnut browns or hues with ash or hints of violet.

•    If you have a dark complexion, choose a hair color that is either darker or lighter than your skin color. Deep brunettes and almost black espresso colors look amazing next to dark skin tones.  So do lighter shades that provide a dramatic contrast. Lighter Asian skin colors look fabulous with darker hair color as well.

•    Olive skin tones should opt for a hair color that is cooler instead of warmer.   Ebony browns, mocha browns or colors with violet undertones can be perfect for olive colored skin.  
STEP TWO:  CHOOSE A COLOR PLACEMENT TECHNIQUE THAT COMPLEMENTS YOUR FACE SHAPE

Having color or highlights strategically added in the just the right sections of your hair can make all the difference in the world.  Correctly placed color can play up your best facial features and down play areas that are not your favorites.

•    If your face is oblong (that is, if it’s more rectangular and narrow), ask your stylist for color that’s darker at the hairline and lighter from the temples down to jaw area.   This creates the illusion of roundness, which is great for long or rectangular faces.

•    If your face is heart-shaped, ask for a color application such as ombre that is darker at the temples and forehead, and lighter from the chin area downward.  This technique will bring visual balance to your face.

•    Is your face round?  Highlights are an excellent option for you.  Try highlights above your forehead, and a darker shade at the cheeks and jawline.   This will create the illusion of length.

•    Triangle shaped faces are smaller at the top and wider at the bottom.   To draw the eye upward and create balance, go for highlights at the temples and bangs, and use lowlights and darker shades near the sides of your face and below.




•    Square shaped faces also look great with highlights.  Keep your color a little darker at the temples and ask for layers and highlights at your cheekbones to add softness.  

•    Oval?  Lucky you!  Any color technique works for oval shaped faces!  

Need more expert hair color advice?  All of the stylists at our hair salon are accomplished colorists, and we would be delighted to help you choose the perfect hue for your hair and the best technique for applying it.  From color glazing to balayage, there are so many beautiful options for giving your hair a signature look!