Tips: Get Shiny, Healthy Hair This Season

Shiny, glossy and vibrant - 3 hair attributes every girl would kill for. But how do you achieve it?

With temperatures dropping, a lot of us have more time to dedicate to primping and maintaining our appearances; and with these tips from Italian born Pirri brothers, gorgeous glowing tresses are not unattainable:

Wash your hair properly: You could be doing this simple daily regime all wrong. Washing your hair properly keeps it healthy and shiny, while keeping your scalp free of dandruff. Are you washing away the dull and bringing in the shine? You may not be. To properly wash your hair, you must completely soak your locks with lukewarm water, rinsing for about a minute or two. Rub a small amount of shampoo, about the size of a quarter, into your hair and massage your scalp gently. Completely rinse your hair of all shampoo. Grab a wide-tooth comb and gently comb out any knots prior to applying conditioner. (Be sure to comb from the ends of the hair up to avoid knotting) Rub a small amount of conditioner, about the size of a quarter, and leave in hair for about 3-5 minutes. With your wide-tooth comb, brush once more and rinse your hair. Be sure to rid your hair of any products by rinsing thoroughly. End with a rinse of icy cold water. The cold water will close the pores of your hair so you end up with shinier hair as it dries.

Dry your tresses properly: Now that you have mastered washing your hair (haha), it does not end there. With the cold weather, air drying is a big no-no, so you must blow out your hair properly to achieve the best results. Gently pat you hair dry with a towel after showering, removing any excess water. Brush and detangle your locks by gently brushing with the same wide-tooth comb used in the shower. When blow drying, point the nozzle down from scalp to ends of your hair. You should make sure your hair is about 70% dry before using your brush. As you polish your blow-dry, the nozzle should steadily follow your brush at a 90 degree angle leaving you with smooth, shiny hair. Be sure to thoroughly, but not over-dry your hair.

Maintain shine: Over-brushing your hair will only lead to a greasy mess. With the wind at its peak this season, try to avoid brushing your hair regularly. Put on a hat or style your hair back to avoid tangling from windy weather. Keep in mind, touching your hair frequently will also deposit the natural oils secreted from your fingertips, leaving your hair feeling greasy. Avoid blow drying your hair on a daily basis. To protect your hair, apply a heat protection spray when blow drying or using hot tools. And, don't wash your hair everyday.

Trim it: Don't be scared of a trim. A regular trip to your hair salon can really transform your hair. So grab your coat and coffee mug and drive to meet your favourite stylist to trim off those split ends that otherwise will result in a dry, damaged look. Have some extra time? Ask your stylist to deep condition your hair. You will leave flaunting a shiny and healthy looking 'do.

Homemade mask: Cold weather got you cooped up at home? Create a mixture of mayonnaise and avocado oil. For every half cup of mayo, use 1 teaspoon of avocado oil. Apply for at least a few hours prior to showering, cover with a shower cap, and rinse thoroughly prior to applying shampoo.

Fall 2012 Bridal Hair Trends and How-To's

One of my favourite sources for anything and everything hair-related is behindthechair.com
Highly recommended to any fellow stylists, or those interested in the Fashion industry and wish to keep to date on current trends.
Today I came across an article which was posted, entitled "Fall 2012 Bridal Hair Trends and How-To's", and I couldn't help but share it on my blog. Stephanie Brinkerhoff of Hair and Make-Up by Steph was asked to compose four key trends brides will be coveting this fall. With an emphasis on soft, romantic styles, she says that fall wedding hair is all about easy, relaxed femininity. So here it is.

Trend #1: Undone Finger Waves

"I think easy-going, no-fuss brides will love this style," says Stephanie. "I picture it with a soft, flowing dress at a casual outdoor wedding." 

Get the Look:

Using a Jose Eber inverted tapered curling wand, start at the nape and curl small small sections of hair layer by layer, all in the same direction, until all of the hair is curled. Next, comb through the curls, forming an undone wave pattern. Finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 and Moroccanoil on the ends. "St. Pucchi showed undone finger waves at Bridal Fashion Week," notes Stephanie. "I wanted to make the style a wearable for everyday brides, so I made it look a little less runway and a little more Taylor Swift!"

Trend #2: Bouffant

"This is the perfect hairstyle for brides who want a retro feel to their wedding," says Stephanie. "I picture this style with a cute tea length wedding dressing and a pop of color on the lips. Maggie Sottero showed a lot of bumped up hairstyles on her fall 2012 runway."

Get the Look:
Prep the hair with Big Sexy Hair Powder Play to add some texture.  After applying the powder, backcomb the entire head of hair and apply Unite Second Day through the ends. Create a small, messy bun at the nape, pulling on the sides and top to make it messy and to add more texture. Finish the look with Kenra Volume Spray 25.

Trend #3: Faux Bob

"I picture this look on a modern bride," explains Stephanie. "Someone who isn't afraid to step out of the ordinary updo and try something unique."  

Get the Look:

Loosely curl the hair with a GHD professional styler, then loosely backcomb all of the hair. Next, take medium-sized sections and roll the hair up and under, pinning it section by section at the nape. Make sure to keep the top layers of the hair soft and airy to make the bob look more believable. "I saw a lot of faux bobs on the fall 2012 bridal runways," says Stephanie. "I loved the couture faux bobs, but I made it more wearable for everyday brides by softening it and adding more curl."  

Trend #4: High Bun

"This hairstyle is for brides who want a feminine, classic look," says Stephanie. "It's dainty, a little playful, and timeless."

Get the Look:

Start by putting the hair in a high ponytail, leaving out the fringe and a small section on the side for a braid. Proceed to backcomb the ponytail and form it into a high bun, securing with bobby pins. After the bun is secure, take the small section of hair that was left out and braid it across the top of the head, resting it on the part line of her fringe. Finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25. "This look was inspired by the always-chic Audrey Hepburn," Stephanie adds. "I love how timeless she is and I wanted to create a modern version of her look for today's brides."

Bridal hair is one area of styling that I enjoy the most. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you have contributed to someone's special day.

A lot can be said for the atmosphere when you're surrounded by a handful of individuals experiencing such a crucial milestone in their lives. Emotions run high and often the tension can be cut with a knife.

Any stylist specializing in weddings is sure to have several stories of the "Bridezilla" who despite looking perfect with her 40's inspired waves, which happen to compliment her over-the-top dress (which probably cost more than the average car) just could NOT be satisfied.

But then you have those other clients. The one's who are so enamoured in every second of the experience, they bring us fulfillment and awareness; and knowledge that sometimes the "perfect moment" is just a culmination of joy. It's the moment you are made aware of all you have to be thankful for.

Alternative Hair Show 2012

I have always been an avid enthusiast of fantasy hair design; so much time and meticulous planning goes into bringing these creative visions to life. 
In tribute to my love for anything "outside of the box", I've decided to post some photos from the The 30th Anniversary of the Alternative Hair Show, held during Salon International in London. Top teams from TIGI, Sassoon and more showcased the very best in boundary-pushing, awe-inspiring hair.
Take a look!

First Post.

Well, here goes.. My first attempt at (seriously) blogging. Any past experience goes no further than the LiveJournal account I seldom complained to during my angsty high school years.
That being said, recent events, which could ultimately be blamed on the panic setting in along with my impending adulthood, have led me to formulate a plan.
So what better way to start than by creating a platform in which I can share all of my experiences and adventures, as well as tips and tricks I pick up along the way?
I will post as often as possible and try to cover a variety of topics including trends, styling tips, home care and weekly product reviews.
Any questions, suggestions or ideas can be sent to me via email at adriannasoares@hotmail.com


- A