Pixie Cut: Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton has resurfaced at the celebration for the new WE tv series "Braxton Family Values" at The London Hotel on April 6, 2011 in West Hollywood, California. Her amazing hair 'do stole the show. You can re-create the look if you have a relaxed pixie or wavy natural hair using Aveda Light Elements texturizing cream and shaping wax on freshly washed and conditioned hair. Use both products together to create a piece-y texture.

Rock the Look: Adrienne Bailon in NYC

Actress and singer Adrienne Bailon was spotted shopping in Manhattan looking sun-kissed and carefree. Recreate her beauty glow by using the tips and products below, straight from the hair and makeup pros who created it: Lancôme artist Ewa Szwed and Hair Rules Founder Dickey.

For her makeup, Adrienne wanted a very "J-Lo" inspired look—in other words: glowy, sun-kissed skin. To achieve this, Ewa utilized a warm palette of colors, a few lash flares, and sumptuous lips.

For her hair, Adrienne wanted to achieve an "intentionally undone" look, messy but still sleek, which is a perfect style for a shopping excursion.

Rock the Look:

For her skin the following products were used:
Teint Miracle Foundation
Ageless Minérale Powder
Maquicomplet Concealer in Dore
Tropiques Minérale Bronzer in Natural Copper

Her brows where then shaded in with:
Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe
Color Design Eyeshadow in Filigree (to highlight brow bone)

EYES:
Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black (3 coats)
Individual Lash Flares
Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony (smudged in upper and lower lash line)
Color Design 5-Pan Shadow & Liner Palettes in Coral Crush & Bronze Amour

CHEEKS:
Blush Subtil in Cappucine (for contouring)
Color Design Eyeshadow in Filigree (to highlight cheek bone)
Blush Subtil in Shimmer Pink Pool

LIPS:
Le Lipstique in Sheer Natural
L’Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Rich Cashmere
Color Fever Gloss in Flushed Rose

HAIR:
Hair Rules Blow Out Your Waves (pre-heat styling)

Using a cool setting on the blowdryer, Dickey removed 80% of the water from Adrienne's hair. "When you're working with someone like Adrienne, who has beautiful hair but has to change color frequently for various roles, it's important to always remember that the health of the hair is paramount. By gently taking out the water before heat styling, we're doing less damage." Next Dickey used a warm flat iron to smooth hair out to achieve a soft look, but one that still had movement. He finished with a medium barrel curling iron, wrapping small sections at random, to add to the "piecy" and undone look that Adrienne wanted.

Rock the Look: AnnaSophia @ Kids Choice Awards 2011

The beautiful AnnaSophia Robb of Soul Surfer looked perfectly natural and boho-chic on the orange carpet. As the buzz of her film, Soul Surfer (debuting this Friday, April 8th) continues to grow, AnnaSophia knew all eyes would be on her. To ensure her locks looked perfect, she turned to Jenny Cho, Suave Professionals Celebrity Stylist for the big night.

Cho pulled inspiration from AnnaSophia's gown, “Her sequence dress had this beautiful Native American print that I loved, so I wanted to play off that and make her hair look bohemian and natural.”

1. Apply Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Whipped Cream Mousse on damp hair and diffuse. To create volume, flip hair upside down and tilt head from side to side and diffuse until hair is dry.

2. Gently section off the hair from ear to ear without disturbing the diffused dried waves too much. With a 1 ½ inch curling iron, pick random pieces and give it a good bend, leaving the ends out. Mist the strands with Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray for shine, hold and protection before you curl. Stretch out the curl for a loose effect while the section is still hot. Work it all the way to the front in the same manner.

3. To add that extra bounce and sexiness, apply Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo on the roots, then spray a few mists all over for even texture.

4. Flip hair over, add a few strokes of Suave Professionals Vibrant Shine Spray to add that glistening glow and shake up the roots. Flip hair back and mist a little hairspray all over to hold the volume.

5. Take a strand from one side of the front hairline and twist the section, lifting hair from the crown area. Secure the twisted section with two bobby pins, criss-crossing them and secure in place. Finally, let the rest of the hair down to hide the pins for a Bohemian beachy texture.

This is vacation hair if I've ever seen it! Will you be recreating this look?

Spring Wedding Updos

At Sunday’s Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, Redken Creative Consultant Guido finished Milan Fashion Week by creating two separate looks – one feminine, a Sicilian-inspired loose twisted chignon and the other a bit more masculine, a French twist quiff. "The looks at Dolce & Gabbana were a classic play on femme fatale, where women played with their masculine and feminine sides, it is very fun and liberating. The feminine look is how I would imagine a Sicilian woman to put her hair up for the day in a soft updo – very matronly and womanly."

Create the Look's

Feminine:

- Prep hair with layer lift 07 for extra body and volume and roll 4 large rollers in crown portion of head.

- Take out rollers and create a big beautiful blow with messy center parting to help prep for the updo making sure to blow dry the front bang portion forward over the forehead.

- Lightly twist sections on either side until they meet in the back of the head and secure with pins.

- Gather rest of hair and twist into a very loose chignon pinning into a swirled chignon.

- Let bits fall out naturally around the face.

- Finish with forceful 23 for added hold but spray lightly as to not look weighed down or heavy.

Masculine:

- Prep hair with generous amounts of structure wax 17 classic styling wax.

- Leave out a section at the front and pin this up into the 50s looking quiff.

- Part on the side and gather hair at nape of neck and twist up toward top of head pinning as you go up. Until all hair is pinned in.

- Pull out bits on the side just in front of the ears and let drop down 2 inches to create 'sideburns' and then secure remaining end of hair back into the rest of the updo.

- Finish with heavy amounts of forceful 23 to hold the look in place.

Kate Spade Fall 2011 Collection Hair

It was Swinging London supermodel Jean Shrimpton who inspired the fashion, hair and make-up at the intimate presentation of the Kate Spade New York Fall 2011 Collection. Think Jean Shrimpton meets Grace Kelly for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “We took direction from the iconic photographs taken by David Bailey of his most famous muse, Jean Shrimpton, so the overall look definitely has a mod ‘60s vibe,” said the show’s fashion stylist Brad Goreski.

From a little black dress with a romantically ruffled neckline to swingy silhouettes in an explosion of bright lipstick colors, to ladylike cardigans and nipped-in, beautifully cut trench coats, Creative Director Deborah Lloyd’s collection captured what Kate Spade New York is renowned for: “retro debutante chic.”

The nod to Carnaby Street started at the top, with hair playfully coiffed into Shrimpton-style loose waves and side ponytails by celebrity stylist Matthew Monzon of Exclusive Artists Management. To create his fresh, modern take on mod style, Matthew and his team relied exclusively on styling products by René Furterer. “The interpretation is sexy, but a little looser than Shrimpton’s style. And because the make-up by make-up artist Romy is such a LOOK—black liquid liner and bright coral lips—we kept the hair easy and free.” Here’s how Matthew pushed the cool chic of the ‘60s into the easy elegance of the moment.

Rock the Look:

« First, I lightly misted hair with water, and then sprayed it René Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing No Rinse Detangling Spray, working it through to prep hair for styling.

« Next, I smoothed the ends with a little René Furterer Myrrhea No Rinse Silkening Fluid. I pumped out a generous amount of René Furterer Vegetal Mousse—the size of a snowball—and emulsified it in my hands.

« Then I worked the mousse through hair as I rough-dried it, using my hands and my T-3 blow-dryer. This creates volume with staying power. Mousse got a bad rap in the ‘80s because it left hair crunchy. But the Vegetal Mousse is one of my favorite products because it has shine enhancers and leaves hair silky.

« Once hair was dry, I used my medium-barrel Hot Tools curling iron to make loose waves. I left hair smoother at the crown, taking sections starting from the ear downward. I left the last inch and a half of each section uncurled so that the finished wave wouldn’t be too springy.

« After all sections were curled, I gathered hair into a low side ponytail and secured it with an elastic band. I kept the crown close to the head, but not too flat. The idea was to make hair look as if the girls had raked their fingers through their hair.

« Then I wrapped a small section of hair around the elastic and slipped in a small, one-inch bobby pin to hold the section in place.

FINISH:

« A dab of René Furterer Karité Intense Nourishing Conditioning Cream lightly worked into the ends added definition and shine. Last, I gave hair a misting of René Furterer Vegetal Finishing Spray, lightly ruffling hair with my fingers to keep it light and airy.

« For the hair looks that were left long and loose—no ponytail—I simply worked my fingers through each model’s hair as I sprayed it with Vegetal Finishing Spray—again, to achieve a beautiful, weightless look.

January Jones @ Unknown Premiere

Over the weekend I visited my local Cinema Suites and reclined in lazy boy recliners, snacked on mozzarella sticks and enjoyed a drink all while watching the movie Unknown, which I thoroughly enjoyed by the way.

At the premiere of Unknown January Jones broke out of her typical 'old hollywood' style and rocked a Alexander McQueen dress with an bold red lip and asymmetrical hairstyle. Jenny Cho, Suave Professionals Celebrity Stylist, created the hairstyle.

“We’ve all seen January Jones look stunning with beautiful retro hair styles so for this event, my vision was to do something as interesting and edgy as her Alexander McQueen dress. To compliment the strong military vibe, I wanted her to have a modern toughness to her hair but still have a sexy edge” says Jenny Cho, Suave Professionals Celebrity Stylist.

1. With a tail comb, section off the top of hair. Using the arch of the eyebrow as a guide, make a “V” shape to the other side for a deep side part. Leave this section for later.

2. Layer Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream and Volumizing Root Boost Spray on hair for texture and grip. Use a flat brush like the Mason Pearson and blow dry hair, directing it back and down for a chignon. Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo is essential for this particular step!

3. To put hair up in a chignon, make another “V” section in the back center of the head, keeping the sides clipped away. Tease hair in a horizontal section starting from the top of the “V”. Concentrate on the roots and mist Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray to keep teased sections in place. Brush this teased section down and make it flat to the head. Twist section and pin away.

4. Tease the sides, taking vertical sections and following the step above. Gently brush one side to the center back. Twist from the nape and secure with bobby pins linking them upwards together. Do the same on the other side but for this side, use “U” shaped pins for light grip so you don't disturb the shape.

5. Once the chignon is in place, take the top section down and blow dry layering a little more anti-frizz cream and volumizing root boost spray to the direction where you want the hair to stay.

6. Mist hairspray on this section and flat iron. Finish look with dry shampoo for extra texture.

Get Victoria's Secret Hair

Everyone loves a Victoria's Secret model, they always look flawless and their hair looks amazing. Thanks to Sally Hershberger Downtown stylist Rebekah Forecast, who works with the Victoria’s Secret models on their photo shoots, follow these easy tricks and tips to get irresistable, voluminous locks for a night out:

Morning Preparation:

1. In the morning, shampoo and condition your hair using a quality product to fit your hair type.
2. Either rough blow dry or let your hair air dry, depending on hair’s natural movement.
3. Flip your head over and secure hair high on head.
4. Twist hair around to create a top knot and secure with large open pins. This will create extra volume for your hair during the day.

Styling:

1. At the end of the day, take your hair down out of the top knot and shake out.
2. Apply a firm volumiser, focusing on the roots only. I love using Sally Hershberger Supreme Lift.
3. Rough blow dry the hair with your head flipped over to create maximum root lift.
4. Apply a dry shampoo through out the whole head. I recommend Orlando Pita Refresh Dry Shampoo.
5. Separate hair into 4 sections (2 front and 2 back) and begin curling hair, one section at a time. With a large 1 1/2" curling iron, make sure that the barrel of the iron is at a vertical angle to the head and curl the hair away from your face. Start from the root, positioning the iron a safe distance from your head, and twirl the hair around the iron. Leave the ends out of the iron for a natural, modern look!
6. Once you have curled each section, gently run your fingertips through curls and finish with hairspray.

BONUS: Rebekah always uses extra hair to create the models’ bombshell looks on every photo shoot. Grab some clip in extensions from a local wig shop and take them to your stylist so they can cut/color them to match your hair. Opt for human hair extensions – this way, you can style as normal and curl/flat iron without them melting!

Protective Style: Yacht Knot

Spring 2011 runways had some beautiful hair styles, but the Yacht Knot seen at the S/S 2011 Luca Luca show was to die for! It has the potential to be my favorite protective style, it's that beautiful. Perfect for every single occasion ranging from a night with the boys at the sports bar to a magicial wedding, hell it could even be the brides hairstyle. We have Celebrity stylist, Teddy Charles, to thank for this beautiful down do. I've got the deets on how to recreate the look at home. Teddy used the new Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic styling line to create the nautical-inspired “Yacht Knot” hair look that accompanied the breezy, ethereal runway collection for Luca Luca S/S 2011.

Rock the Look:
· Part hair down the middle
· Lightly crimp the roots and add curls throughout with the new Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Styling Wand (luckily most of us have amazing natural texture so we can skip this step, instead allow your hair to air dry for the most texture)
· Brush out the curls to create a wavy texture
· Section off the top and bottom and twist both top sections back into a knotted bun
· Wrap the remaining bottom section around the bun
· Pull out a few wispy pieces at the hairline for a touch of romance, spray with a little hairspray and cruise the catwalk!

Rock the Look: Monica at the 2010 BET Awards

While I don't usually tune into anything on BET, I always like to see what the stars looked like at any awards show and this was no different.  Monica's short do was on point thanks to Motion’s Celebrity Hairstylist, Ursula Stephen. 

Step 1: Relax the sides and back of hair with Motions Silkening Shine Relaxer System to give hair the foundation for great style. This is the first at-home relaxer kit that reduces breakage by up to 85% and moisturizes in each step.

Step 2: Then, wash and mold hair with Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion – it holds hair in place and keeps curls looking fresh!
Step 3: Curl small sections of hair with a small flat iron while randomly curling pieces in the OPPOSITE direction of the rest of the hair, allowing hair to “stand up.” This showcases the shape of the cut and creates beautiful texture.
Step 4: Add shine to hair by massaging a dollop of Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade in hands and rubbing through hair. The Pomade provides hold while shaping hair to create beautiful curls!
Step 5: Finally, to keep hair in place all day - finish the look with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz.

& yes!  Motions got a makeover!  Check out the new packaging below.

Braid-Out How To

A Braid-Out is a great way to wear your hair when you are looking to minimize the use of heat or want to change up your texture.  I'll show you how I do my quick braid-outs using pictures.  

 

1. Start with freshly co-washed hair and make three large braids on each side of your head. 

2.  I use a cold rod roller to create curl at the end of each braid

3.  Allow hair to dry thoroughly, I usually do this overnight while sleeping.

4. Take out braids, but don't detangle yet.

5. Grab each large piece and detangle carefully using fingers only. Repeat until you achieve your desired look. 

Typically, I don't wear my Braid-outs totally loose.  I usually throw on a headband and clip the ends up. 

Bridal Hair Trend: French Pleat

The ultra lavish Kenneth Pool put on a finale to the trifecta of shows that really wowed the crowd. To compliment the detailed and intricate beading and fabrics of the Pool designs, Redken Session Stylist Giovanni Giuntoli created a classic French pleat, but updated with slight texture and extra height at the crown of the head.

To create, dry hair was prepped with Redken touch control 05 volumizing texture whip and blow-dried through for added volume. Next, Giuntoli blow-dryed the rest of the hair towards the back of the head and gathered into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. To create the pleat, he twisted the hair in upon itself as he moved up to the crown of the head securing along with hair pins. To tuck the ends of the tail in, Giuntoli recommends curling the ends with a one-inch curling iron so they will easily tuck into the twist. Place the end pieces in and pin with hair pins so none of the ends can be seen. To finish spritz with vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray for shine.

Protective Style seen at Cynthia Rowley Resort 2011 Show

For her sophisticate-on-seaside-holiday collection, Cynthia Rowley took her ‘show on the road’ yesterday in New York City, bringing the ‘presentation to the people’ garnering big buzz and excitement by tourists and fashionistas. To compliment her collection of denim and chiffon patchwork, bold geometric prints, and bright metallic fabrics, Cynthia turned to Rodney Cutler of Cutler/Redken salon, for a remarkable hairstyle to complement each of the looks on the 9 models.
Cutler fashioned a trendy texturized top knot, loose enough to look like she woke up at her suite and styled her hair up to lounge at the pool.
 
Here is a step-by-step to achieve on your own!
 
Cynthia Rowley Top Knot How to:


1. Start by applying Redken spray starch 15 versatile ironing spray on damp hair, follow by blow-drying the hair using a flat brush in an upward direction to get the roots moving away from the hairline.


2. To create your ponytail, apply quick dry 18 instant finishing spray as you are brushing the pre dried hair up into a high-top ponytail.


3. Create a high-top ponytail that is clean but not slick allowing some of the texture in the hair to be visible.


4. From the ponytail, twist tightly into a high knot pinning as you get to the base and allowing the ends of the ponytail to poke out. This is to give the appearance of a do it yourself homemade look.


5. Finally secure the finished style with quick dry 18 instant finishing spray.

Bridal Hair Trend: Undone Chignon

When it comes to bridal hair, “Balance is key to everything,” says Redken Session Stylist Giovanni Giuntoli. “Just because a dress is simple or the gown is elaborate doesn't necessarily mean the hair has to be the exact same feel. Big gowns can work with simple hair and vice versa.”

The undone chignon at Christos put a playful spin on the classic bun,” remarked Giuntoli. To create, Giuntoli created a ponytail in the back of the head and prepped with Style Connection wool shake 08 gel-slush texturizer. Then, using a large barrel iron, he created a slight ‘bend’ in the hair by wrapping large pieces around the iron. Once hair was finished, he gathered into a chignon. “Make sure to pin as you swirl the ponytail around itself into the bun but leave a 1-2 inch section out of the updo.” Says Giuntoli, “This really puts a modern touch on the otherwise simple style.” To secure entire look, use a hairspray like headplay 12 pliable working spray to secure fly away without making the updo too shiny or sticky.

Rock the Look: Fishtail Braids

Rodney Cutler and his team of stylists did the hair for the Levi’s Fall 2010 Men’s + Women's presentation.  The look featured a fabulous fishtail side-braid which is so cute for Spring 2010

Rock the Look:

1. Spray Cutler Volumizing Spray into damp hair, and blow dry with your hands.
2. Secure a ponytail slightly off-center.
3. Fishtail braid the ponytail: Start by splitting the hair in two sections. On the right hand side, take a small outside section and bring over and under with the left hand side.
4. Repeat with the left hand side, and continue until you get to the bottom of the ponytail. Secure with an elastic, and lightly pull it loose to create a disheveled feel.

Not Quite Following?  Keep Reading for a simple how-to video style!

Rock the Look: Michelle Williams

Love it or Hate it - Michelle Williams has a funky new 'do that is attraction a ton of attention.  Kimmi Hendrix created a strong statement style to separate her from the Michelle of the yester years Destiny's Child. 

Get The Look:

1. Shampoo hair with White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Shampoo to infuse vital moisture back into each strand.

2. Follow up with White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Conditioner and leave on for 5-10 minutes. As a medium bodifier, this light weight formula will maintain an incredible moisture balance, body, and shine, while conditioning.

3. Rinse thoroughly and air dry for maximum fullness. Need a quick styling fix? Ruff drying using your hands to direct hair and create volume is the perfect alternative.

4. Apply a cocktail of your favorite leave in thermal protectant and styling agents massaging throughout hair from roots to ends.

5. Lightly mist entire head of hair with a soft to medium hold hairspray like IT&LY Hairfashion's Purity Design Pure Hair Eco with Vitamin B5 tocreate a smooth shine.

6. Use the H2pro 1² Presto Flat Iron to straighten small subsections in direction needed.

7. Finish with IT&LY Hairfashion's Purity Design Pure Definition Paste to define ends and provide a flexible, shiny hold.

Messy Updos as seen at the Oscars

Zoe Saldana rocked the red carpet at the Oscars with a awesome messy updo that I will actually be trying to recreate sooner than later so I decided to share the how-to. 

 

 Step 1: To create this look, the base is critical. Let 70% of the hair air dry and apply Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray ($18) from roots to end. Flip the hair upside-down and blow-dry on low mild heat.

Step 2: Secure all the hair at the nape of the neck with an elastic, using your fingers as a comb to separate the hair for a natural pulled back effect. Wrap individual hair sections around the ponytail and secure with hair pins for a undone chignon.
Step 3: Lightly pull out hair around the hairline to create a tussled loose frame around the face.
Step 4: Finish with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray ($23) for shine and a flexible hold.
 
Other stars had similar 'do that can be recreated by following these same steps.  Check them out and let me know who's your favorite! 
 
Jennifer Lopez


Faith Hill


Sarah Jessica Parker


Penelope Cruz

Spring 2010 Hair Trends: Romantic Updo

Diego Binetti’s Spring 2010 Collection screams romance. To develop the imperfectly perfect Grecian-inspired updo, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin adds a touch of disarray to structured braids for a modern twist. The asymmetrical pattern and haphazard positioning of the braids represents unique individualism and carefree youth.

Rock The Look:

• Apply Sebastian Professional Thickefy Foam to damp hair; blend evenly throughout.
• Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush, spray hair with flexible hairspray for added texture; section hair, and set with large velcro rollers.
• Take out pins, apply Microweb Fiber to hair, focusing most of the distribution towards the top of the head for lift and malleable texture. Clip top half of hair aside.
• French braid bottom half of hair starting behind left ear. Pull down top half of hair and pin pieces into french braid updo for playful positioning. Finish look with Shine Define for shiny finish and lasting hold.

Spring 2010 Hair Trends: 40's Inspired Faux Bob

Costello Tagliapietra’s Spring 2010 beauty look is a seamless combination of elegance, youthfulness, natural beauty and romance. The hair, both feminine and fresh, is loosely inspired by the traditional roll style from the ’40s with soft curls that sit just above the shoulder.

To put a modern twist on a ’40s staple, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin recommends a method of building texture and shape with techniques that keep the hair looking soft, romantic and not too “done.” Finish with an elastic touchable texturizer or flexible shine spray to create a look that’s elegant yet playful.

Rock the Look:
• Apply Sebastian Professional Texturizer to damp hair; distribute evenly throughout.
• Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush.
• Spray hair with a flexible hairspray for added texture, section hair, curl it with a medium-sized barrel curling iron and set.
• Take out pins, gently brush out the curls and then roll hair under, section by section, fastening it under at the neck with bobby pins.
• Apply Microweb Fiber to hands and gently work through the front of the hair to create an imperfect, lived-in effect. Finish by misting with a strong-hold hairspray.