Hairstyle Ideas

Not sure what to do with your hair? I finally got a break from my children and had a day of indulgence at a local spa. I left the kids with my husband and had a day to myself! It was a much needed break from the daily routine. While enjoying my day of pampering I got into a conversion with my stylist about what to do with my hair. I wanted something on the extravagant side and here are some really great ideas that we discussed. My hair is long but we discussed what the possibilities are if I cut my hair to a shorter length and I would like to share these ideas with you. I think these are fabulous ideas especially if you have a formal event to attend. Although I would recommend trying these styling ideas a few times before an event as you probably already know it does take a few tries to get your hair to co-operate with a new style. If you are having trouble gaining the look you want you might want to consider taking these ideas to your hair stylist and watch what they do closely - ask them about the products they are using and how much they are applying and so on. The idea being that your hair stylist earns a living at creating beautiful hair so slow them down, ask them questions - Get more than just a hair style - Think of your visit to the stylist as "hair school".

Short Hair Styling Tips

If you've got skills, try molded waves. Comb gel through wet hair and use a fine-toothed comb to mold shapes. Start at a side part, position one finger at the part and comb in a C-shape that curves back, then down. Hold your finger at the stopping point and create another C-shape by combing in the opposite direction to complete an S-shape. Continue down, and then do the opposite side. In back, comb opposing C-shapes top to bottom. Let hair dry naturally, then comb through lightly.

A great trick for short hair is to give it an updo feeling by putting the back in tight pin curls. Move up the head, misting on a product such as Sexy Hair Concepts' Smooth & Seal, and use an iron to create barrel curls. For a funky look, leave some pieces out.

By keeping the nape close and tight, and adding versatile curls in the interior where hair is longer, you get the illusion of an updo. Smooth & Seal eliminates frizz and resists humidity, which is a must for formal events.

Into a spiked look? Give it a spin by gelling damp hair and holding it straight up as you dry. Use your fingers and let ends curve over them. Leave hair for a wet look. Twists are another fun idea. You don't have to do them all over. Take just a few pieces on top, twist and secure with jeweled clips.

Mid-length Styling Tips

A smooth blow-out is classic, while a roller set gives you soft volume. But for something truly special, create a soft braid that swirls around your head. Start at a side part and create a braid around the crown, then let loose curls fall over the top.

The idea has tons of variations: Wrap a long braid around the top, secure it in place and leave the hair under it smooth for a Victorian feeling; for curly hair, incorporate strands into a 3-strand braid as you work in a wide circle around the crown.

The sky's the limit if you have thermal tools. Spiral wrap strands on rollers vertically for corkscrew curls, or use a curling iron to create random curls all over. No tools on hand? Give yourself a freeform set! Randomly grab sections of dry hair, mist with finishing spray, twist sections down to the scalp, then clip ends down. After about 10 minutes, un-twist each section and finger-comb.

Long Hair Styling Tips

Try a classic chignon or a French twist. For a chignon, wrap your hair in a low on-the-nape pony and twist the length round and round the base. Arrange hair to cover the band at the base as you pin in place.

A French twist isn't difficult either. Brush all your hair back, leaving a fringe or a few side tendrils free. Gather hair slightly right or left of center back, place a few bobby pins along the line and roll hair inward and over it. Secure with hairpins, then smooth the surface with gloss drops to banish strays. Or, create one or two braids and wrap them into a chignon or pin them straight up the back. Depending on how long your hair is, you can place the braid up and down, then tuck ends, adding a fresh flower to hide them.

You know you can roller set hair for fabulous curl, but if you want something special, try the slightly mussed updo. First, apply a finishing spray or a hair-refreshing product like P2 by Philip RefresHair to the entire head.

Lightly backcomb all your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Next, apply a few silicone shine drops, rub your hands together and smooth and sweep hair up into a loose twist or ponytail. Secure with a few pins, mist-on holding spray and you're good to go.

It takes a little playing, but when you like the results, you'll have the added bonus of knowing that no one else will have a style quite like yours.

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