Unlike years past, the top hair styles for 2016 are not only beautiful….they’re wearable and easy to achieve!




BOBS, LOBS & WOBS

Famous fashion icon Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion fades; only style remains the same.” This is true not only in the fashion world but also with styles like the bob. It’s a timeless cut, and always on point, regardless of other here-today-gone-tomorrow fads.

Whether you opt for a wavy bob (aka “wob”), a long bob (“lob”) or just the classic bob, you’ll be on trend for 2016. The versatility of this cut is what gives it such appeal with women of all ages—it can be worn tousled and textured, straight or wavy, and everything in between.





THE VICTORIA’S SECRET WAVE

Soft, voluminous waves that mimic the style of Victoria’s Secret runway models are huge this year. This is an easy style to create if you have thick hair with a lot of length, but even hair that lacks body can get the look of a Hollywood bombshell with the help of a high quality mousse (like L’Oreal’s Volume Envy), a blow dryer and curling iron. 

FOR STEP BY STEP STYLING INSTRUCTIONS, VIEW THE VIDEO:




TWISTS, PONYTAILS, AND BRAIDS

Still a favorite this year are braids and ponytails, especially peek-a-boo braids added as subtle texture, and low braided ponytails that begin at the base of the neck. Simple twists and low twisted do’s at the nape of the neck are also hot--Marchesa and Zac Posen models along with models from Givenchy have all been spotted wearing low buns and twists.



NATURAL HUES

This year’s best color trends all nod toward the natural. Artificial shades are on their way out, and natural looking highlights and hair color are this year’s sought after hues. Beachy balayage highlights, anyone?

The coveted balayage look gives you hair that looks as though you spent weeks surfing on the California coast as opposed to hair that seems like you’ve spent a few hours sitting in a salon chair with a head full of foils. Many of our salon guests are fans of this technique because it’s a low maintenance style. The roots grow out without a “line” like a typical color service, meaning fewer trips to the salon and less expense over time. Look exquisitely gorgeous for less!



HAIR ACCESSORIES

Favorite accessories this year include headbands, hair brooches, Roaring Twenties-inspired draping hair chains with rhinestones, 40s inspired Marc Jacobs pins, and metallic wire wraps like Alberta Ferretti runway models. For special events, a few charms can be irresistible. Think of them as fairy dust for your hair! Whether you want to embellish a braid or chignon or add just a little sparkle to long strands here or there, accessories are a fun and frivolous way to turn lackluster strands into hair that makes a statement.

What do you need in your styling arsenal?  Browse our list of easy to find tools and products that every woman needs for a great hair day every day!

Duckbill clips

They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and oh what a difference they make when it comes to styling your hair!  With clips, you can divide and pin your hair into sections, making it easy to focus on just one segment at a time.  This is the key to successfully curling, flat ironing, or blow dry styling like the pros at a hair salon.    When shopping, look for clips in various sizes so that you can manage both large and small sections of hair.  Also choose a clip design that will not damage, dent or leave an impression on your strands.   TIP:  After using clips to divide your hair, it’s generally best to start styling bottom sections first, and then work your way upward toward the crown.  You can re-position clips as needed to keep areas that you’ve already styled separate from areas that you have yet to straighten or curl.  If you have curly or wavy hair, you can also use clips to create lift and keep your hair from falling flat and limp at the top.  Just position clips at the roots while your hair is damp and then remove them when it’s dry.  


A Good Set of Brushes & Combs

With all the brush options on the market, it can feel like sensory overload trying to find the perfect one.  Your best bet is to get a variety so that you’re prepared for creating just about any look.  

Here are some of our favorites at the salon:

Boar Bristle Brush:  Boar bristles are great for almost every hair type.  The bristles are natural frizz fighters, very soft, extremely gentle, and they help to distribute natural oils 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.  

Flat Paddle Brush:  On days when you want to blow dry your hair straight, a paddle brush is what you will need.  It will keep your hair smooth and sleek as you dry.  Look for one with a cushiony base and flexible bristles.

Round Brush:   When paired with a blow dryer, the round brush can create killer volume and amazing blowouts.   Look for one made of natural boar bristle, or choose one that has a ceramic base and synthetic bristles with rounded tips.

Wide Tooth Comb:   A wide tooth comb is excellent for detangling your hair in the shower during the conditioner phase.

Rat Tail Comb:   The pointed tip of a rat tail comb is perfect for creating a straight part.   Use the closely spaced teeth to tease or backcomb sections of hair at the crown to get lift.  

NOTE:  A brush can be your hair’s trusty friend or its worst enemy.   A good brush will keep static at bay, distribute natural oils, and smooth and detangle without tugging and breaking.  A bad brush can cause friction, damage the hair cuticle, and create a frizzy mess.   For a complete run down on how to choose the RIGHT brush,  click HERE to view more brush tips.  

Shower Cap

A shower cap is handy to have for your “no-shampoo” days.   Of course, there’s always the basic no-frills shower cap like the complimentary kind that you find in hotels, but you’ll also find some caps with fun designs in the beauty section of most stores.  Using a shower cap and washing your hair every other day (instead of daily) will make highlights and hair color last twice as long.  


Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo (like L’Oreal Fresh Dust that we use at the salon), will refresh your hair between shampoos, so it’s an essential for your beauty tool box.    Just spray at the roots on the days that you skip shampooing, and the product will absorb excess oil from your scalp and leave your hair with a nice scent.


Velcro Rollers

Velcro rollers are a great way to create volume and lift and get waves without using heat tools.  To get a fast blowout, wind strands of hair around rollers, spritz with hair spray, and give each section a quick blast of air from your dryer.  Let hair set and cool for about 10 minutes and then remove rollers for amazing volume.   Be sure to unroll your hair gently without pulling to make sure your style stays intact and hair stays undamaged.

Flat Iron

There’s nothing like a flat iron to smooth away frizz, straighten curls and waves, and get luminous shine.  For best results, choose a high quality tool with ceramic or tourmaline plates, as well as a temperature dial that allows you to adjust the amount of heat being used. When styling, apply a heat protectant first, and make sure your hair is 100% dry before straightening.  


Conical curling iron

Conical curling irons are perfect for enhancing natural curls (if you have curly or wavy hair) or adding curls to hair that is naturally straight.  Always use a heat protectant on your hair, and make sure your hair is 100% dry before touching it with the iron.  Curling wet or damp hair can cause serious damage to the cuticle.


Volumizing Mousse

Mousse can be the best pal of hair that is fine or thin.  It creates thickness and shine and lifts fine hair without weighing it down.    At your next visit to the salon, ask one of our stylists for a recommendation, and we can help you choose the best product for your hair type, whether you need just a little extra body or full-scale super model volume.


Heat Protectant

Think of a heat protectant as a force field or shield for your hair.   A good heat protectant seals the outer cuticle layer and protects it from damage.   It’s a must before  blow drying or heat styling.  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.


Blow Dryer with a Diffuser & Concentrator

A good hair dryer is a staple in any styling tool kit.   For healthy hair, you’ll want a quality dryer and not a cheap device that will leave your locks fried and damaged.   A great dryer will have variable temperature settings including a cool-shot button that blows cool air, as well as ionic heat which helps to cut down on frizz and keep your locks looking sleek and smooth.

Just like the name implies, a Diffuser is a blow dryer attachment  that “diffuses” the stream of air from the dryer so that it does not damage your hair.   This is a real essential for safeguarding hair that is delicate, wavy, damaged, or curly.  A diffuser also keeps curls intact during blow drying, which is great on those days that you want nice defined curls, but you need the help of a dryer to speed up the styling process.

The Concentrator attachment is the opposite of the Diffuser.  It’s a nozzle with a flat end that “concentrates”  the stream of air from the blow dryer  into one specific spot.  The concentrator works well for blow dry styling with a brush.  Always point the nozzle down the hair shaft to the ends as you’re drying to smooth your hair and give it shine.


Hand Held Mirror

Your beauty arsenal is not complete without a hand held mirror.  You’ll need a large one, preferably about 12 inches wide (or more).   With this size, you can face away from a large bathroom or bedroom mirror and use the hand held mirror to see the back and side views of your head using both reflections.   No more missed spots in the back of your head!


Finishing Spray

While some styles don’t require hair spray, many need a light mist to control flyaways and keep those strands in place.   At the salon, our stylists use a variety of L’Oreal finishing hair sprays that range from light & flexible to super hold.   They’re amazing for keeping your look together without feeling sticky, stiff or tacky.  At your next visit, we would be happy to recommend exactly what you’ll need for your at-home styling needs!

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Need more styling tips?  We love sharing tips for styling at home.  Call or visit us at our hair salon in Vero Beach FL today, and we’ll help you select the exact products and tools that you’ll need for gorgeous hair every day.

Sometimes the only thing standing between a good hair day and a great hair day is the right technique. Check out our best salon secrets for getting amazing style!

#1  Pin like a pro.  

Styles like messy buns and twists need the help of a bobby pin or two to stay in place.  If you’ve ever used a bobby pin, though, you know it’s tricky to get them to stay put without sliding right back out.  That can be frustrating if you’re right in the middle of an amazing  updo.  How do stylists at salons do it?
Here’s the secret:  If you take a look at a bobby pin, you’ll see that one side is bumpy and the other is straight.  The bumpy side should always be the side that faces your scalp.  That keeps the pin from sliding out as easily.  You can also bend the straight side of the bobby pin in half so that it makes a V shape.  Then, when you insert the pin into a bun or twist, the bent V end will catch on your hair, keeping the pin in place and preventing it from sliding out.   How cool is that?


#2  Use dry shampoo for styling magic.

Dry shampoo is so much more than just dry shampoo.  Yes, it’s awesome for those days when you’re giving your hair a break from the normal washing & drying routine (or when you’ve accidentally over slept and you are limited on time for getting ready in the morning!)  But----it is also a nice little styling product.  

Dry shampoo can be used to give your hair grip and volume.   That extra grip comes in handy when you’re creating a French twist or when you want your ponytails and braids to stay neat and tidy.   It’s also helpful when you want a fairly voluminous look and you’re running low on mousse.

Just apply a bit of dry shampoo to your roots immediately after you shampoo and dry.  Your hair will get instant volume along with the perfect texture for an updo, plus the product will also soak up oil and debris from your hair as the day goes on.  



#3  Smooth static and flyaways.

Pesky static and flyaways can be exasperating, but it’s easy to make them disappear.   Just spray a little hairspray onto a brush and then smooth it through your hair.  You’ll get instant shine and those flyaways will be a thing of the past.  


#4  Detangle in the shower.   

When is the best time to detangle your hair?  In the shower!  Before you rinse out conditioner, use a vent brush or a wide tooth comb to gently brush your hair from root to tip. This will get rid of tangles without damaging your hair.  
Never try to detangle your hair with a brush when it’s dry.  This just causes friction, contributes to frizz, and can cause serious breakage and damage.


#5  Use Velcro rollers for an amazing blowout.  

If you’ve got a set of Velcro rollers, then you can create a great blowout in under 30 minutes.  This is perfect for when you can’t make it into the salon for a professional blowout, and for those crazy days when you’re running late and don’t have enough time to go through the entire shampoo, blow dry and style routine.

To get the look----wrap 2 inch sections of dry hair around large Velcro rollers.  Then give each roller a shot of warm air from a blow dryer.  Mist lightly with hairspray (we recommend one of the lightweight L’Oreal finishing sprays that we use at the salon) and then let the rollers cool down for about 20 minutes while you’re doing your makeup.  When you take the rollers out, you’ll have a gorgeous blowout with great volume at the roots and bend at the ends.


**Another fabulous tip:  Velcro rollers also work really well for setting curls when you are using a curling iron.  As soon as you release curls from the iron, wrap each one around a large Velcro roller and secure it.  Then let your hair cool for about 20 minutes and mist with a finishing spray.  This “set and cool” time will give you long lasting curls that won’t fall flat.


#6  Use cool air for shine.

The cool air setting on your dryer can be used to give your hair a smooth finish.  When you’re almost done drying, switch to the cool setting and blow dry for one minute to set your style and give it shine.   Another option is to set your hair in Velcro rollers immediately after blow-drying.  Let your hair cool in the Velcro rollers for a smooth finish.

Helpful tip:  When blow drying, point the nozzle of the dryer toward the ends of your hair. This directs the stream of air in the same direction that your hair grows, so it smooths the cuticle and prevents tangles.  


#7 Give up daily shampoos.

Daily shampooing is actually not healthy for your hair.  Washing your hair every day robs your hair of moisture and natural oils, and that can lead to dry, dull, fragile hair.   Frequent washing can also make your hair color and highlights fade twice as fast.  No one wants faded color or dry, dehydrated hair.  Begin washing your hair every other day (or less often based on your hair type), and your hair will stay healthy, shiny, and more manageable.

On your “no shampoo days”, try using a product such as L’Oreal Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo.   When applied to your hair and roots, the dry shampoo will absorb excess oil and leave your hair with an amazing fragrance.   You’ll get hair that feels clean, shiny, and refreshed without being subjected to unnecessary washing.  


#8  Sleep on a satin pillow case.
If your hair is especially delicate or fine, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase.  Satin won't snag your hair or cause friction like cotton, which can rough up the outer layer of your hair.  It’s the perfect choice for fine hair, extensions, natural hair, curls, and other hair types that need a little extra tender loving care to stay smooth and healthy.


#9  Give your hair a mid-day volume boost.
Hair styles often experience a mid-day slump.  To give your strands a quick refresh, flip your hair upside down and mist with hair spray in the middle of the day when your style starts to look droopy.  Then flip right side up again and lightly fluff.   Voila!  Instant  lift to make it through the rest of the day!


#10  Don’t style in a steamy bathroom.

It’s a mistake that many of us make all too often---we step out of a steamy shower, towel dry, and then reach for the blow dryer to start blasting our hair.  It’s like trying to style in the middle of a rainforest with that much moisture, humidity, and steam still in the air.
For best results, wait until the bathroom cools off or move to another room to style.  Waiting about 10 minutes to blow dry and style gives your hair a chance to air dry a bit and allows time for a heat protectant to soak into your strands.  It also keeps you from breaking into a sweat as you blow dry.  

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For more insider tips on how to get hair that looks amazing, visit us at the salon anytime!  We’re honored to be among the very best hair salons in the Vero Beach FL area, and we love to share styling tips with our guests. 

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.

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!