May 2, 2008

hair ideas -Flat Iron Hairstyles Sweep the Nation

Flat Iron Hairstyles Sweep the Nation
By: Monica Tillman

Flat hairstyles have been sweeping the nation for the past several years as many celebrities have taken up the craze, probably doing more to promote the trend than following the trend. Celebs such as Jennifer Aniston, Hillary Duff and Jennifer Lopez are all recognized as being progenitors of this huge hairstyling fad. There are several reasons why this fad has become so popular and why celebrities often favor this hairstyle.

Part of the reason that this style is so popular is the simple fact of changing tastes. As with all style fads this one is born of the need to change the aesthetic from time to time. Remember when perms and curled bangs were all the rage back in the 80's. Or who can forget the 'rat-tail'. These classic hairstyles were all the rage in their day but have faded into fashion history as newer and fresher styles emerge on the scene. That isn't to say that today's hairstyles aren't influenced by the past, we have certainly seen the long straight hair as a popular choice in the past.

In fact this straight hair style is an outgrowth of the styles of the 60's and early 70's. Think hippie or Marsha Brady. These were fantastic styles back in the day and became the early proto-types of today's styles. This look is now updated with highlights and a slight swoosh that gives more body and fullness to the hair but maintains the same essence of the originals.

One of the bigger differences between the current straight craze and previous hairstyle movements is the care with which we approach our hair today. We now realize that perms were bad for hair and often led to over-processing that breaks down hair fibers and makes hair brittle and prone to split ends. The current trend in flat irons are products that use special heating elements that produce negative ions thus protecting the hair from heat damage.

Tip: Use these flatirons on thoroughly dry hair only as use on wet hair is more likely to cause damage as it limits the effectiveness of the negative ionization.

The other big change in hairstyles that has effected the popularity of this particular hairstyle, sometimes known as solia hairstyling is the huge growth in celebrity persona and the importance that celebrities play in developing current style trends. Our favorite celebs now dish out style advice whether intentionally or not every day of the week.

All in all I believe the popularity of straight hairstyles, or sedu hairstyles, is here to stay for a while. This trend has three big things going for it. First, there are a host of popular and classy celebrities that wholeheartedly endorse the trend. Second, it is just a great looking hairstyle. And finally, the style has non-damaging tools to help create it.

Monica Tillman is a beauty and style expert who has been operating an exclusive salon and day spa in the Los Angeles area for more than 15 years. She is also a beauty and style writer for www.GetBeautyTips.com.

Monica Tillman is a beauty and style expert who has been operating an exclusive salon and day spa in the Los Angeles area for more than 15 years. She is also a beauty and style writer for www.GetBeautyTips.com.

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May 1, 2008

hair ideas -Choosing hairstyles according to your face shape and personality

Choosing hairstyles according to your face shape and personality
By: Natalie Aranda

When you begin to search for that perfect long hairstyle, medium hairstyle or short hairstyle that will compliment your features you will first have to decide what shape your face is, the type of hair you now have, and of course your own unique personality. If you only go by the shape of your face and ignore your own personality then you may not be very happy with the outcome.

The basic face shapes include oval, rectangular or oblong, round, square, heart, triangular and diamond. To determine what your face shape is you will need to first measure your face crosswise the top of your cheekbones, next measure your jaw line from the fullest point to the fullest point crosswise, next measure your forehead crosswise, and last measure from your hairline to the bottom of your chin. Remember to write down each measurement as you go.

You should be able to tell with these measurements, which shape face you have. Now, on to deciding which hairstyle looks the best with your face shape.

An oval face shape gives you the opportunity to wear practically any hairstyle from long hairstyles to medium hairstyles to short hairstyles. Now this is where your personality kicks in. According to the activities that you enjoy you may wish to wear your hair shorter instead of pulling it back to enjoy participating in sports or keeping your hair out of the way for most activities. To get an example of celebrities with oval shape faces and the variety of hairstyles that look great on them take a look at Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, and Mariah Carey.

If your face shape is rectangular or oblong your best bet would be short hairstyles or medium hairstyles. Bangs will do wonders for giving your face a softer and more gentler look. Celebrities with rectangular faces include Kirstie Alley, Stephanie Seymour and Janet Jackson.

A round face should wear short hairstyles that sweep back away from the face, adds more fullness and height at the crown. Kate Winslet, Christina Ricci, and Drew Barrymore all have round faces and look great with a variety of hairstyles.

Square face shapes should wear short hairstyles to medium hairstyles and should stay away from straight long hairstyles. Celebrities with square shape faces include Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock and Holly Marie Combs.

Heart shape faces should wear hairstyles that are either chin length or long hairstyles and short hairstyles should be avoided. Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucy Lawless, and Claudia Schiffer all belong in the heart shape face club.

If you have a triangular shape face then this is the exact opposite of the heart shape face. You should wear short hairstyles. Kathy Ireland is a great example of a celebrity with a triangular shaped face.

The diamond shape face is as great to have as an oval. You can wear short hairstyles, medium hairstyles and long hairstyles and look absolutely gorgeous. Examples of this include celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Katherine Hepburn, and Linda Evangelista.

Natalie Aranda writes about health and beauty. Women have the desire to have their hair looking gorgeous each and every day and that is why female consumers spend billions of dollars each year buying hairstyling products.

Natalie Aranda writes about health and beauty. Women have the desire to have their hair looking gorgeous each and every day and that is why female consumers spend billions of dollars each year buying hairstyling products.

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March 31, 2008

hair ideas -Hair Extension Safety and Care Tips

Hair Extension Safety and Care Tips
By: Natalie Aranda

Understanding a bit about hair extensions can save you time and money especially with all the different types and styles available on today's market. Most people prefer human hair extensions since they are normally easier to care for than others out there. Using hair extensions is a great way to have long hairstyles without waiting months for your own hair to grow. If you are considering hair extensions for wedding hairstyles or prom hairstyles there are a few things you should know.

The way that hair extensions are applied is very important. It does not hurt! There is a track made with your own hair by creating a same braid. Then the hair extensions are actually sewn to your own hair track. This track commonly called a corn-row by hair stylists runs horizontally around the back of your head. These tracks are done in the middle of the scalp where no one will be able to see them.

For all prom hairstyles and wedding hairstyles, the crown area of your hair will cover the top track. According to how many wefts you decide on will be how many tracks you will need for the long hairstyles. Also according to how much hair you need to create the wedding hairstyles or prom hairstyles will determine how many tracks you need. After the hair stylist has created the tracks, the human hair extensions or hair extensions of your chose will be sewn to the tracks. Then the hair will be blended into your own hair. The hair extensions will now be treated like your own hair.

To care for your hair extensions you should treat it exactly like you do your normal hair. However, if you could not grow long hair previous for all those long hairstyles you desired you might not have been caring for your hair for new hair growth. Here are a few tips to help you care for your hair extensions so you can always have the long and glamorous hair you deserve for all the prom hairstyles or any long hairstyle you choose.

You should always wash, condition and moisturize your hair, including your human hair extension every 2 to 3 days. Your hair extensions will not receive the natural scalp oils so you will need to add moisturizing to your routine. If you do not remember to moisturize your hair extensions, they will become brittle which can cause them to break easily, leaving you with ratty and split ends.

Remember, hair extensions will not grow back! If you get them too hot with the blow dryer, curling iron, etc., you can burn the hair and damage your beautiful hair extensions and this will not help with any wedding hairstyles or prom hairstyles you had planned.

Plan to visit your hair stylist in around 6 to 8 weeks. They will have to remove the wefts and check the hair extensions for any build up from the shampoo or other products you have used. Then it will be necessary for the braids to be redone and the same wefts attached again as your hair grows about 1 to 1 ? inches in that time period.

Natalie Aranda writes on beauty and 2006 hairstyles.

Natalie Aranda writes on beauty and 2006 hairstyles.

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