The Perfect Cut: Rules of Hair to Live By

When it comes to style, there are no hard and fast rules. The same holds true for your hair. While there are specific haircuts that complement particular face shapes, sometimes taking risks and trying something new pay off!

Gad Cohen, who has styled for fashion magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle, shared a few "Rules of Hair" to live by in an interview at Parents Connect.

* Have a great cut four times a year.

* Curly, wavy, or coarse hair needs more conditioning than other types.

* For curly hair, shampoo less frequently but wet hair daily to rinse and add a leave-on conditioner to maintain control.

* For fine hair, only condition the ends.

* For flat hair, you should use a product that pumps up your hair. I like Prograine (from the makers of Rogaine).

* Let your color enhance, not detract from, your face.

* Color coordinate. When dyeing your hair, don't go too far out of range from your natural hue.

* Always get highlights done at a salon if you can (a professional single process will look better than anything out of a box.)

Model is wearing No Slippy Hair Clippy's Ramie Clip. Photographed by Amanda Elkins.

Bang Bang!

I've always thought bangs are cute. So I had my hair cut to have bangs on them. Then it turns out my forehead doesn't think they're so cute after all. My skin is too picky with my hair styles, I tell you. Somehow, it abhors any contact with my hair! One wrong move and boom: major breakouts. The breakout that developed quickly on my forehead was a pretty clear sign to me that it's time to do some damage control. But then there's not much I can do but to wait for the bangs to grow out. And boy, do they take time to grow out...

If you're having trouble growing out your bangs too, here are four tips from Teen Vogue to help you (and hopefully, me):

#1 Pin Em' Back!
Brush the bangs back toward the back of your head. Then, push them forward so they pouf up a bit and bobby pin at the crown. Swipe on pomade or gel to smooth flyaways.

#2 Do the twist!
Pull your bangs up, give them a twist, pin to one side and spritz with spray!

#3 The split and tuck
Part damp hair down the middle, coaxing your bangs away from your face. Draw back on each side bobby pin about two inches from your forehead then just slide the rest of the hair over the telltale pins. It's a clever little trick!

#4 Sweep them up and away.
Work gel into damp hair and blow dry it straight back. Comb hair into a low ponytail, pin, mist hairspray to keep them blended.

More handy hints in Teen Vogue's site. Visit their site here!

*Model is wearing No Slippy Hair Clippy Ryan Silk/Organza Beaded Flower Clip in dark brown.

D.I.Y Hair Food

Say that again?

That's do-it-yourself hair products using ingredients just lying around innocently in your kitchen! Here are two "recipes" from Teen Vogue that you can try at home. (Although you might want to ponder the mayonnaise. Read on.)

FOODIE HAIR TYPES: TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I know a LOT of you lovely ladies are beauty mavericks and are willing to DIY-it-up with food products. I, it must be admitted, am a beauty scaredycat. I stick to things that have been, um, made for me by Big Business (or, in most cases, Small Organic Businesses). Anyway, for those of you who are brave-brave-brave, here are some kitchen-friendly hair trips from the gurus at LA-based salon The Parlour on 3rd.

To create an olive oil moisturizing treatment:

1. Take 1/4 cup olive oil and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

2. Part your hair into four sections and apply the warm olive oil to your scalp, section by section. Make sure to work the olive oil from the scalp to the ends of your hair.

3. Put a plastic cap on your hair and let the olive oil work its magic for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the cap. Shampoo, condition, and style your hair as usual.

To creative a healthy hair mask:

The easiest, cheapest, and most effective hair mask secret known to stylists is mayonnaise. Who would have thought? Mayo is composed of egg yolk, lemon juice and vinegar, which can strengthen and moisturize your hair. Avoid commercial brands. Stick with organic for best results. Place a plastic bag over your hair after you apply. Leave it on for 30 minutes. If you don't mind smelling like a ham sandwich, the end result is worth it!

This article was originally posted here!

To see more fashionable hair accessories for women like the one above, visit www.hairclippy.com!

Freedom from Frizz

I don't know about you, but when my hair gets static-y I don't get ecstatic over it. As much as I want to have picture perfect hair like all those shampoo commercial girls, I am unfortunately just a meek human being. Nevertheless, there is hope for you and me! Teen Vogue clues us in on solutions to static hair:

1) When styling hair, try not to use a plastic or metal hairbrush. Instead opt to utilize a brush with all natural bristles.

2) When brushing hair, first spritz the brush with spray gloss to avoid hair standing on end. Using the spray gloss isn't as greasy or harsh.

3) If it's a cold day outside and you need to wear a hat, to avoid the static cling flyaways, store a travel size styling wax in your bag. A tiny amount (on the fingertips) will go a long way.

This article was originally posted here!

To see more chic hair accessories like the ones above, visit www.hairclippy.com!

To Color or Not To Color?

I was never the type who was daring enough to color my hair. Thanks to hair horror stories from friends who got entangled in a hair damaging mess, I've always stayed far away from coloring products.

It also helps that I'm quite fond of my dark hair, actually. But sometimes, I do wonder how it would look if I gave it a just hint of a softer color.

If you're a bit braver than me and actually want to plunge into a color makeover, here's a hair color 101 from Teen Vogue to guide you through it:

HAIR COLOR 101

Hair coloring can be a lengthy and daunting process. I know that whenever I decide to make a dramatic color change, I'm always nervous about whether or not my hair will turn orange, or worse, fall out! Luckily, I caught up with Frauke Neuser, a senior Clairol scientist, who helped clear up some hair coloring myths and provided some really great advice for teens who want to change up their do's without permanently damaging their locks.

What are the most common types of hair and how do they differ?
The latest research suggests that there are 3 main types of hair: fine hair, thick hair and curly hair. Their differences in texture and protein structure not only lead to different sensorial properties, but also to specific needs in terms of caring for and treating the hair.

Is there a hair type that accepts color better than others?
Fine hair has the thinnest diameter and therefore accepts color the best. Thick and curly hair require more color or longer exposure times to get similar color results.

What should girls do before getting their hair colored? What about after the process to protect it?
Don't wash your hair right before coloring - the natural oils on your scalp protect it against possible irritation. However, do brush out any styling product residue. After coloring, always apply a specialized color conditioner... to lock in color.

How often can young women color their hair? Does coloring it a lot in your teenage years do long term damage?
Many women color their hair every 4-6 weeks - depending on how fast the hair grows (and how quickly the roots become visible). Normally, color is then only applied to the roots, where hair hasn't been colored before (and only pulled through the lengths for the last 5-10 mins).

If you want to completely change your color and therefore have to apply color all over your hair every time, you really shouldn't do that too often - depending on the hair length about every couple of months. Coloring only damages the visible part of your hair, it has no influence on the hair bulbs or future growth. So extensive coloring in your teenage years might be stressful for your hair at the time, but shouldn't have any effect on how your hair looks in your 20s and 30s.

What should you look for when picking out an at-home coloring treatment?
Be clear on what you want - if you want to enhance what you have, choose a demi-permanent colorant to start with. If you're ready for a commitment and don't want your color to wash out,
choose a permanent color. Either way, make sure the color on the package is no more than two shades away from your natural color.

How do you cover up or reverse a color that you do not like or are ready to change?
It depends on what color product you have used. Demi-permanent colorants wash out over time - so all you need might be a couple of thorough shampoos. Don't try and cover up a fresh color with another color at home. If you really hate it, go to a hairdresser for advice. If you have had the color for awhile and feel ready for a change, try to not move too far away from where you are now.

To read the rest of the article, click here!

To see more hair accessories like the one above, visit www.hairclippy.com!

What do Men Really Think About Your Hair?

Let's face it. When we take a long time fixing ourselves in front of the mirror, it's not just about making ourselves look good. It's also about making ourselves feel good--especially with the right attention from the opposite sex.

But what do the guys really feel about all our painstaking efforts (or sometimes lack of it) to fix our crowns of glory? A recent article from Cosmopolitan.com posted on Yahoo!'s Shine! network clues us in on what guys think about our hair:

WHAT MEN REALLY THINK ABOUT YOUR HAIR



From uncensored opinions of men to scientific evidence about what turns them on, here's what dudes are paying attention to. We asked 100 guys on the street about these hair trends— and were a little surprised by their answers.

Signature Styles
We asked, do you care if a girl styles her hair the same way every day? 71 percent said no. 29 percents said yes. Jennifer Aniston sticks to her signature style, and hey, it works!

Boho Braids
Are boho braids cute or cuckoo? 83 percent of our guys said cute. 17 percent said cuckoo.

Hair Up? Or Down?
Actually, it might be the action that matters just as much as the style! 43 percent of guys said they love watching a girl put up her hair, while 37 percent said they enjoy watching a girl let down her hair. 20 percent said both are equally hot and Leighton's covered either way!

Asymmetrical Haircuts
When we asked, what do you think of asymmetrical haircuts? 76 percent said they love them. 24 percent said they hate them. Dudes definitely go for Gwyneth's edgy, uneven ends.

Mega-Long Hair
Guys always say they like long hair best, but there has to be a cutoff point, right? When we polled our dudes, 55 percent of men found Lauren Conrad’s mid-length locks sexier than her mega-long mane.

You can read the original article here!

And since fun and flirty hair accessories are back in fashion right now, I wonder what guys would think about feminine floral headbands like Leighton Meester's?


I don't know about you, but I think there's always something appealing about such a pretty, dainty style.

While we can't even begin to fathom the price tag to that lovely piece, here's something that looks close enough but is equally fab AND affordable!

Show Stopper (Large Sheer Petal Flower on Swiss Velvet Band)

Jennifer Aniston image from sedu-hairstyles.com; Leighton Meester image from blogthecoast.com

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
What's your signature hair style? Do you stick to one style or like to change it up every now and then? What was the best compliment you've received about your hair?

Cheerios!
Rach

Hair Cut Short Cut

I never have enough time (or audacity) to try out new hairstyles. So I am pretty much stuck to one-length bobs until my hair grows long enough to merit a trim. It's simple, it's easy, it's practical and... it's boring!

Since it's the official Keep America Beautiful month (you read that right!), I'm here to help you out. If you feel stuck in a style rut like me and want some new flair to your hair (but don't want to go overboard with it), check out these three DIY tips from Bella Sugar.

* Tool Time
Been eyeing that odd-looking blow-dryer attachment for quite some time now? Make the investment in a new beauty tool and see where it takes you. Who knows? A change in curling iron barrel size might be all you need to get over a ho-hum hairstyle.

* Just a Little Tuck
As simple as it sounds, just by tucking one side (or both sides) of your hair behind your ear, you can create a variation on your look. For more drama, first create a deep part and tuck the non-heavy side behind your ear. To create faux bangs, loosely tuck and pin about two inches of your hair on the heavy side behind your ear, allowing the hair on top to cascade over.

* Change of Part
Whether you part on the left side, right side, or middle, your hair can get accustomed to lying a certain way. A switch in the way you part your locks will not only frame your face in a different manner, but it'll give you instant volume, too.

And here's a fourth one from us!

* Accessorize!
Sometimes, all it takes is one irresistibly adorable hair accessory to instantly update your hairstyle. Not only will it play up your style, it will also hold your hair in place so that it won't bother you. Just make sure that it's guaranteed non-slip! There are plenty of designs to choose from, depending on what suits your personality best. Fashion + function = what are you waiting for? ;o)

Here are a few favorites from No Slippy Hair Clippy's selection for Women and Teens:

Wendy - Hearts with Tails
(in Red)

Tara - Sequin/Beaded Flowers
(in Turquoise)

Michelle - Medium Sequin Flower
(in Gold)

Julie - 4" Felt Jeweled Butterfly

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
What was your most daring hairstyle? Have you had your hair cut that you regretted having?

Cheerios!
Rach

Best-Kept Hair Secrets

Putting your best foot forward is all well and good. But then once you have it forward, you'll have to make sure that the rest of you is at its best too!

One of the first things that people notice is hair. Whether you have stick straight or crazy curly or somewhere-in-between hair, here are the best-kept secret tips for improving your hair from MSN Lifestyle (get ready to take notes, there's 33 of them):

The 33 Best-Kept Hair Secrets

To create volume...
Mist your roots at the crown of your head with a volumizing spray when your hair is dry. Then blow-dry the section of the hair in the opposite direction that it normally falls while using your fingers or a brush to lift the roots up and over. Once dry, flip the hair over and gently smooth it out with a brush. You can do this on small sections around your entire head for even more major results.


For sleek and shiny hair...
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner on damp hair before drying. For medium to thick hair, apply a bit of styling cream to keep strands smooth. Use a flat brush to go underneath your hair and keep the dryer aimed downward. When the section of hair is almost dry, switch to a round brush so that you have some bend at the ends. If it's humid outside, mist your hair with a protective styling spray and run a flatiron from your ears down.



For beachy waves...
Start with towel-dried hair and apply any kind of volumizing product to your roots. Put a quarter-sized amount of styling cream on your ends, working in small sections for even coverage. Take a small section of your hair and twirl downward, repeating all over your head. Blow-dry by pointing the dryer down toward your head a few inches away from hair, twirling sections around your finger. When you are finished twisting each section, scrunch your hair while blow-drying to amp up the volume and texture. For a more defined look, wrap sections of hair around a medium-sized curling iron.


For a faux bob...
Make a low, loose ponytail. Tuck the tail under and secure with hairpins. Let your face-framing pieces hang loose and curl with a smaller-sized curling iron. Voilà! Short hair, no cutting required.


Read the rest of the tips here (includes loads of helpful tips, like what to do when you're growing out short bangs!)

Of course, there will be days when you'll feel the need to look extra special. So add flair to your hair by topping it with lovely hair accessories!

If you think No Slippy Hair Clippys are only for little girls, think again! You're missing out on our line of sophisticated styles for women! Still with our signature non-slip feature, these "grown-up" clippys are available in Pinch Clip (for wispy hair) and French Clip (for thick hair).

Meredith - Sequin Flowers and Butterflies
(in Cream and Brown Butterfly)

Wendy - Heart with Tails
(in Shocking Pink, Lavender, Red, and Brown)

So play it up a little and don't be afraid to accessorize with hairclips that bring out that sweet little girl in you (but with a sophisticated flair!). More hair clips at headbands at out site!

Eat Your Way to Gorgeous Hair

Did you know that you can EAT your way to gorgeous hair? Now, now, I don't mean chugging down your shampoo! That's dangerous!

If you're a busy-bee-momma, I'm sure you don't have time to blow-dry your hair to perfection everyday or tinker around with bottles of styling products.

But you can still make your hair look great on a daily basis by eating certain foods! And here's a HUGE plus: these foods will make your body healthy too!

I recently read from Yahoo! Health the following "superfoods" that would get you on your way to incredible hair (and a healthy bod):

SUPERFOODS FOR INCREDIBLE HAIR
Iron
Iron helps bolster hair growth. Find it in meat, shellfish, fortified grains and leafy greens.

Protein
Protein is the building block of every strand, but it can be high in fat. To keep your saturated fat intake low, opt for lean cuts of meat, mix light meat with dark, or choose seafood.

Biotin, B6 and B12
Biotin, B6 and B12 promote new growth within the follicles. Good sources include whole-grain breads, oatmeal, skim milk, lowfat cheese, eggs, salmon, nuts and nut butters.

Zinc
Zinc strengthens natural oils that coat the hair shaft, creating shine. Feast on meat, nuts, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and yogurt.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps promote cell renewal in the scalp. Get your fill in the form of brightly colored fruits and veggies. Strawberries and kiwis are surprising super sources, as are raspberries, mangoes, oranges and red bell peppers.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also a hair helper; look for it in apples, apricots and sweet potatoes.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in herbs, dark chocolate and fresh berries promote a healthy scalp by sparking cell turnover.

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here. There's also breakfast, lunch and dinner menu suggestions there so don't miss out!

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
Got tips of your own? What's your beauty regimen for your hair? If you could have any celebrity's hair, whose would you choose?

Cheerios!
Rach

Sexy in 3... 2... 1....

So maybe it's not as easy as ABC to get a sexier body. But while we're working on it, how about a little "cheat"? Get sexier hair! And here are 10 easy ways that you can achieve it according to the beauty gurus at InStyle magazine.



1. Add Volume
"Sexy hair should have natural texture and volume," says LA hairstylist Giannandrea, who has created sultry looks on stars like Eva Mendes and Drew Barrymore. He suggests spraying hair evenly with volumizer and combing through before drying. However, since movement is key to sexy hair, he warns against additional products because "heavy styling aids can cause the look to go limp."

2. Lots of Layers
There's a reason wind machines are a photo-shoot staple: Hair that's tousled is more provocative than stiff, straight planks. So fake the breezy effects of a blower with swinging layers. If you have medium to thick hair, ask your stylist for choppy layers all the way around your head. If you have fine strands, all it takes is a few chin-grazing pieces in front.

3. Condition First
For silky strands, apply a treatment mask to dry hair for 10 minutes before you shampoo. This allows natural oils to penetrate the cuticle and soften it from within. After rinsing, lather your scalp with a gentle shampoo to remove dirt and residue.

4. Knotty is Nice
The most appealing looks aren't perfect. Gisele Bundchen's mane man Harry Josh tells us how to re-create her signature rumpled style: "Flip your hair upside down and give it a good shake. Then flip it back over, scrunch the crown, and finger-comb the ends."

5. Veer Off Center
"A low side part works on every face shape," says Josh. Use the end of a rattail comb to draw a line from the hairline at the outer corner of one eyebrow diagonally back to the center of the crown. It creates a sultry swoop in front while maintaining balance on both sides.

For the rest of the tips, check out the article here!