Curling Irons Sure Have Changed!

Probably one of the first hair styling tools you ever owned was a curling iron. In fact, if you went to high school in the early nineties, a curling iron was essential in order to create those sky high bangs that were so popular. Do you remember how you choose what curling iron you should use back then? Probably not, but I would bet that you didn’t choose your curling iron based on how good it would be for your hair. In fact, it hasn’t been until recently that hair styling tools have actually benefited hair. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when you are looking for a curling iron, because they have come along way since you first started using them.

If you are thinking about getting a curling iron, don’t make the mistake that they are only good for curling your bangs up to great heights. Curling irons are useful for so much more than that. If you have always wanted wavy, sexy curls, then a curling iron is the perfect tool for you. Or maybe it’s tight, spiral curls you’re looking for? A curling iron is also the tool of choice for you.

Be sure when you are looking for a curling iron to choose the barrel width that’s right for the style you want to achieve. Because curling irons come in a wide variety of barrel sizes, from ¾” up to 2” barrels. If you are looking for tight curls, choose the smaller curling iron barrel size. But if loose waves are your thing, you’ll want the larger barrel. It’s important to note that if you have short hair, you should not choose large barrel sizes, they are only useful on longer hair. Shorter hair does better with smaller barrel sizes as they are easier to negotiate on short hair. If you have medium length hair and want to have some versatility when you style, you may want to consider a 1” barrel size because they are the most versatile and you can create quite a bit of style with this size.

Another consideration when you are choosing a curling iron is the material of the barrel. Look for a ceramic curling iron because ceramic is an excellent material choice. Ceramic is known for conducting heat evenly and quickly so you do not need to worry about any hot spots developing on your iron which will burn your hair. Ceramic also smoothes your hair as it styles, so your hair will not look frizzy or over treated.

Other features to look for in a curling iron include ionic technology which actually locks in natural moisture and oils to make hair look healthier than before. Silver technology is also a great feature, because the silver kills bacteria and germs that may be in your hair or on your styling tool so that your hair can stay as healthy as possible.

Curling irons have come along way since your early styling days, so take the time to research a quality hair styling tool before you make the investment.

No More Uneven Bangs with the Right Shears

Have you ever decided to give yourself a little trim in between salon visits? Perhaps you thought you could trim your daughter’s bangs for her so you could avoid a visit to the hair stylist? If you have ever thought that you could cut your own hair, or anyone else’s hair, you are probably guilty of scissor misuse. Come on. Admit it – you’ve done it.

 

If you’re like most people who think that they can trim their own hair, you’ve probably grabbed any old pair of scissors that you have lying around to do the task. Oh sure, you may have grabbed a “good” pair of scissors, maybe a brand new pair, or a pair that you only use for cutting fabric. Using the logic that these scissors are sharper than any other ones. After all, you wouldn’t cut your hair with the same scissors that your kids use for craft projects right?

 

Stop! If you feel the need to cut or trim your own hair for any reason, you must have the right tools for the job. Just like any other job, you must prepare yourself with the right tools. After all, you wouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail would you? Just like you shouldn’t use your kitchen scissors to cut your hair. Instead, invest in a quality pair of hair cutting scissors or shears.

 

So what’s the big deal? Why do you need special scissors? Well for starters, a proper pair of hair shears will cut your hair cleanly and smoothly. Ordinary scissors will tear, or pull your hair. They won’t result in a clean, smooth cut. You’ll end up with damaged and jagged ends. And even worse, your hair will be uneven. Have you ever seen someone who has really short bangs, and they’re still uneven? Sure you have. That girl didn’t use the proper scissors and kept trying to correct her mistake until she ended up with awful bangs. Don’t be that girl.

 

A proper pair of hair shears will make your simple trimming jobs easy and smooth. You will be able to comfortably and easily make slight adjustments to your hair, take care of any split ends or trim your daughter’s bangs. Of course you should still visit the hair salon for major cuts and styles, but little jobs can be done very well with the proper pair of shears.

 

Look for a student set of basic shears. You don’t need anything fancy, or any special scissors for thinning your hair, or texturing your hair. Keep it simple for your first set of shears. Look for the right set for your hand. If you are left handed there are scissors that have been designed with you in mind. Try them out if you can. Hold them and get a feel for them before you buy.

 

Once you have the right tool for the job, the easy trims will be simple and enjoyable and you won’t ever have to worry about being the girl with the uneven super short bangs.

A Simple Way To Change Your Hairstyle

If you are bored with your current hairstyle and yet you do not want to go so far as to do a major change in your appearance maybe you should consider adding bangs or changing your existing ones. The change that occurs in a hairstyle by just changing your bangs can actually be very dramatic. If you do not have any cut your hair so that you do or try styling the bangs you have differently. Use a hair straightening iron to remove the curl and wave of your bangs while you leave the rest of your hair naturally wavy. Really the possibilities are endless yet the drastic change that you would have to do your hair is minimal so give it a try.

Do They Make the Cut? The Case for Quality Shears

Most people go to a hair salon to get their hair cut or styled. But there are a few that like to do it themselves, or maybe just do the occasional bang trim or split end clean up without the hassle of a trip to the salon. If you even occasionally cut your own hair, trim your bangs or maybe take the scissors to your child’s hair – you should really invest in a pair of good quality hair scissors.

But my kitchen scissors do the job just fine. Why should I buy scissors just to cut hair?

The easy answer to this question is – why shouldn’t you? What do you use your kitchen scissors for? If you’re like most people, you probably use them for cutting wrapping paper, opening plastic bags and packages, and maybe even cutting plants. Do you really think that those will be the sharpest, best scissors for the job of hair cutting? No.

When it comes to your hair, you deserve to treat it right. After all, your hair and your appearance is one of the first things that people notice about you and if you present yourself to the world with shaggy, damaged hair that looks like it’s just been chopped with a pair of kitchen shears, what does that say about you?

Quality hair shears sport extremely sharp blades that give you precise, clean cut that won’t leave your hair looking damaged. Just using a pair of poor quality scissors once can give you split ends, tear your hair and give you an uneven cut, so even if you plan on only occasionally cutting your hair, you should invest in a pair of hair scissors so you no longer need to share with the kitchen drawer.

So what should you look for when it comes to quality scissors? Well, obviously price is an indication of a good pair of scissors, but it doesn’t have to be the only factor. If you only need hair shears for occasional use, you don’t need to break the bank. What you should look for is a sharp set of blades. An accurate cut depends on perfectly sharp blades. Generally for occasional trims, you won’t need any fancy blades such as beveled or convex blades; straight blades should be just fine.

You will want a comfortable handle and grip. This is especially important if you’re a lefty. There are specific hair shears designed for left handed people, so be sure that you find a pair that works for you. You aren’t doing yourself any favors if you cannot properly hold the tool. Thumb grips are largely a personal choice; many are removable and can be changed out.

Quality hair shears range in price anywhere from $60 to over $500, but you don’t have to go all out with your first pair. Starting with student shears is a great way to get a feel for what you need in a pair of scissors for a less expensive price. Also, if you are only using them occasionally – you likely don’t need the top of the line. However, remember not to sacrifice quality, even for occasional use. A quality pair of scissors will give you an even, precise cut without damaging your hair. Also, they will be comfortable and extremely durable. Quality is important, because your hair is worth more than the same pair of dirty scissors that you keep in your junk drawer!

Sassy Bobs

Bobs are coming back into style this fall but they are not the same short hair that your mom used to have. These bobs have all sorts of attitude thanks to the great hair styling tools that women have available to them now. Use a large barrel curling iron to give body to your bob, and then finish your look off by using a hair styling iron on your bangs for a fresh new look that everyone will love. The interesting contrast between the wavy bob and the flat bangs will create a look that showcases your face.

How to Cut Hair Layers

Step 1: Shampoo and condition your hair, towel dry but leave it a little damp. If you cut your hair dry it will dull your scissors.

Step 2: Comb your hair straight back

Step 3: Section off about one half inch of hair as though you are going to cut bangs, but continue the section all the way down your face to the front of your ears. The rest of your hair should still be combed straight back to keep it out of your way.

Step 4: Bring the top section hair forward and down in front of your eyes. Using your nose as a measurement for length, cut the section of hair straight across to just the outer edges of your eyes. Your starting cut should be at the tip of your nose, never higher than the bridge of your nose. You should now have a straight line from the outside edge of one eye to the other. This line will be your length guide for cutting the remainder of your hair. The further down your nose you make your first cut, the longer your final haircut will be.

Step 5: Comb the section you’ve just cut straight up. Holding your hair between your index finger and your middle finger in a scissor-like grip, snip off the tips of this section. What you are trying to achieve here is to get a straight line while the hair is held straight up. If you cut too much, you will end up with a shorter haircut overall.

Step 6: Comb the sides of the section straight up taking with it some of the hair you’ve just cut. Notice that you can easily see how the sides are longer than the cut section. Using the bangs cut as your guide, and holding the side sections straight up, make your next cut straight across. When you let the hair go you will notice that it falls easily into layers.

Step 7: With your comb, section off another small amount of hair from ear to ear combing it forward and keeping the remainder of your hair straight back. Comb the new section of hair straight up, pulling with it the first section as your cutting guide. See where the first section was cut and the new section that is needing to be cut? Cut the second section evenly with the first. Pull the side sections straight up again to cut it even with the bang area.

Step 8: Continue to section and pull the hair straight up and cut across using the previous cuts guidlines. Make sure to not section off too much hair as you will not be able to see your previously cut section. Continue sectioning and cutting all the way to the back of your head, pulling each section straight up until you have sectioned and cut all of your hair. Make sure that you use sharp scissors and keep your hair damp throughout the whole process. Make sure to not tilt your scissors, your hair will be longer on one side if you do. When cutting the top section of your hair make sure you keep hair at the previous guideline, it is easy to cut shorter and shorter the farther back you go.

Until next time

Good Luck,

niki

2008 Summer Hairstlyes

With Summer just around the corner perhaps it’s time to start thinking about a new hairstyle. If you saw my post on 2008 Spring Hairstyles then preparing for Summer will be easy as the Hot Hairstyle’s for Spring are hot for summer as well, with some minor adjustments.

The Angled Bob - think edgy, strong outlines and asymmetrical. Try one side longer than the other or start short in the back and go longer as you reach the front. A bob can be worn straight, wavy, curly or messy for an ultra sexy look.

Casual Layers - long, natural layers which add texture and movement. This style can also be worn straight, curly, wavy or messy making it an extremely versatile hairstyle.

Fringe - Bangs are a great way to make a simple change to any hairstyle. You want to choose a style which best suits your features so work with your stylist to determine which bangs will look best on you. The hot looks for summer include side swept bangs, blunt, choppy and soft and wispy.

For super straight hair flat iron it, a hair straightener is also perfect for the blunt bang styles above.

The Crop - Short and sexy with movement and volume is hot this Summer Season. Stay clear of the solid crop and work with your hairs texture for a natural flow with texture.

Hot & Popular Hairstyles for Spring 2008

With Spring comes change! Time to update the winter hairstyle and look fresh and vibrant for Spring 2008!

Popular hairstyles for Spring 2008 are feminine and lady like with tailored bob’s, short blunt cuts, long natural styles and unique up-do’s. Hot hair colors for Spring 2008 are natural shades or the complete opposite and bold and colorful!

Either way, healthy, shiny hair is the look this spring with any cut and color.

The bob hair cut comes in many lengths and can be layered and textured. For a sleek sophisticated bob like the pictures above use your flat iron to achieve this look.

Weather you stay long or go short with your hair this spring, another hot look for spring 2008 is blunt bangs.

Again, using a hair straightener, this look is simple to achieve!

UpDo Hairstyles-

Short & Blunt Hairstyles -

For the younger girls, the Emo Hairstyle is extremely popular. This look is sassy, fun and can be done in many different ways to show off your personality!

Emo Hairstyle Pictures -