Monday, January 9, 2012

It's a 'do! (Your hair, that is)

Often I have clients ask me to help them get ready for certain events - whether it be networking events, first dates or even the People's Choice Awards. 
While the clothes play an important role, how you wear your hair can be equally important. 

Hair up or down? Which looks best? Honestly, it depends on your outfit, the time of the event, and your hair type - but here are some simple guidelines. 

I am a fan of the idea of "hair up for evening, down for daytime." I don't always follow this "rule" but it helps when I'm unsure!

Here are some great up dos that will look stunning for evening. 

- Low ponytails - make them loose fun a fun, flirty, yet classy look. I like both Blake and Jennifer do a dramatic side part - it ads a little more effort to the look. 


- Upside down french braids. I know this one sounds hard, but it creates a great look. Make sure that you tease your hair at the crown of your head so that it adds volume on top. To achieve this look, flip your hair over and literally french braid, but from the back up, rather than from the top down. Finish by pulling it together in a somewhat-messy bun and spritzing with hairspray to keep the flyways down. 



- A "ballerina bun" - this is a very classic look and the key to pulling this off is to make sure that your hair is completely smooth all the way around. This 'do looks best with dramatic makeup and a more simple clothing ensemble. 



- One other look that I love is the side ponytail. Curl hair to make is a little dressier. You can even add a bohemian-style braid across the front to give it a little more detail. This look is best with a dramatic side part (on the opposite side of the ponytail). Dangle earrings complete this night-out look. 




During the daytime, I think that hair is best kept down. Curled or not - I love the way loose and flowy strands look!

Regardless of length, pin-straight hair is always a good option and can be achieved fairly easily with a good flatiron and some shine serum. (This look can be done for evening as well).


- Side braids are a favorite of mine. This is an easy option if you don't have a ton of time to get ready (or shower)! The key to making this look daytime-friendly is to let the loose pieces fall where they like. Keep it loose and flirty. I like both the conventional side-briad and the fishtail braid. 


Here are some steps to help you with a fishtail braid. You can also find step by step directions by entering it in the search field on YouTube. 


- Let's not leave out beachy waves. This style is surprisingly easy to create and looks as effortless as a day at the beach. 




You can achieve this look with some texturizing spray and a flatiron. 


Finally, we have curls. For those born with naturally curly hair - let it shine! I love the look of free-flowing curves, especially for daytime. For those who weren't born with curly hair, use a curling iron or rollers to achieve the desired look. Remember, the thinner the (curling iron) barrel, the tighter the curls will be. For daytime, it is best not the have too tight of curls!



Keep in mind that most of these hairstyles can go either way (daytime or evening) and that when it comes to fashion (including hair), there really are no "rules" that you have to ALWAYS follow. It's your style and your look - do what feels the best for you!

Here are some products that I recommend to help you achieve some of the looks shown above, as well as some other products that will help your hair stay healthy and keep it looking good, no matter what the occasion. 

Goody makes some great products available at drugstores that help you create a great spiral bun, french twist, etc. 
Goody bobby pins that match your hair color are a great choice for up-dos.
At most beauty supply stores, you can get synthetic hair buns, ponytails, etc. that just clip in on top of your hair to give you that perfect style. 
Synthetic hair braid headbands are a great way to get a clean, fresh braided look. 
Clip-in hair extensions can help give you perfect curls. 
Clip-in hair extensions in single strands are a great way to add length and can be pretty affordable. 
Not sure about bangs? Clip-in bangs are a fun way to try the look or to have it for just a night or two. 
I love my CHI flatiron. It has many different heat settings and can tame just about any hair type!
Texturizing spray is really helpful in getting those beach waves. There are many great brands that work!
Hot Tools curling irons are a great way to curl your hair. 
Biolage hair shine protector is great to spray on hair before using heat products - it will help your hair have a healthy shine and will protect it from heat damage. 
The brush is called the "Tangle Teezer" and is a great way to get those awful knots or tangles out of your hair. You can get it from www.stylezilla.com or at most beauty supply stores. 
It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask is my FAVORITE way to help my hair recover from all of the styling. Leave it on while you shower and you will feel a huge difference in the health of your hair after just a few uses. 
I love TIGI hair products, especially their "Hard Head" hair spray. It works wonders with keeping those flyaways down and making sure your 'do stays in place all day (or night) long. 




Happy hair styling!

Xo, Kristin @Kristin Golden Image Consulting




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