11 Winter Hair Color Tips And Trends You've Gotta Read ...

By: Lisa Washington

Are you ready for some winter hair color trips and trends? I know, winter seems far away, but before you know it, you’ll be finishing up your last minute Christmas shopping and getting ready to find a sexy getup for New Year’s Eve. Don’t get caught unprepared! If you love staying on top of hair and beauty trends or you just want to see what’s new in the world of hair, get all the info you need below on winter hair color tips and trends.

1. Strawberry Blonde

When it comes to winter hair color tips and trends for 2013, everything old is new again! We can only dye our hair so many colors, right? First up in hot hair color for winter is strawberry blonde. This is an easy transition for darker blonde hair and it really jazzes up your hair without a drastic change. It also complements most skin tones so it’s easy to say yes to strawberry blonde!

2. Dark Chocolate Brown

Any hair color name that has the word chocolate in it is a winner in my book. Not only is this shade gorgeous for winter, it’s a perfect shade for the woman who wants a darker hair color without going full-on black which can be too harsh for some. Try this hair color with some subtle highlights mixed in and you’ll have a head of alluring, almost-raven hair that begs to be admired.

3. Cinnamon Red

Another hair color that looks stunning pretty much any time of the year, but especially in the fall and winter is cinnamon or copper red. It’s deep, warm and so darn ravishing! This is another hair color that’s really elevated by some soft, face-framing highlights. Cinnamon or copper red is a fab choice for brunettes who want to refresh their hair color.

4. Honey Blonde

Honey blonde is one of the winter hair trends that’s guaranteed to help you stand out from the crowd. Some might say honey blonde is best for warmer weather, but sporting an unexpected hair hue is fun and refreshing. Don’t feel confined by certain hair colors in certain seasons, it’s your hair after all! There are so many versions of this color so there’s a shade to suit just about everyone.

5. Chestnut Brown

Chestnut Brown hair might seem a little more modest than the others, but it can make just as bold of an impact. Whether you have dark blonde hair or dark brown hair, chestnut brown is a great middle-of-the-road hair color that’s not too dark or too light making it ideal for the wintery months.

6. Cherry Coke

This hair color wasn’t exactly seen on any runways, but it’s such a captivating color that I had to show it to you! The Cherry Coke color is a reddish brown color that is absolutely beautiful and so striking. This color is particularly flattering on olive skin tones, although ladies with medium skin tones can certainly rock the heck out of it, too.

7. Preserve Color

Now that we’ve discussed some winter hair trends in color, let’s get into hair care. If you have color-treated hair, it probably cost you a pretty penny to dye it so it’s of utmost importance to preserve the color. Look for and use shampoos that are designed to be color protectants so they don’t wash away your hair color. Tresemme, Pantene and Redken all make some pretty terrific color protecting shampoos.

8. Wash Less

Washing your hair every day can be quite a chore, plus you run the risk of your hair color fading faster. Stick to shampooing every other day. Your hair color can start to escape as soon as you wet your hair so with color-treated hair, less is always more. In addition to looking for a color-safe shampoo, make sure it’s gentle and doesn’t contain any sulfates or sodium chloride that can strip your color.

9. Deposit Color

Another way to keep your hair color going strong is to use a color-depositing shampoo in between your visits to the salon. Color-depositing hair products temporarily deposit color onto your strands after each wash so you’re covered in between touch-ups. John Frieda, Ted Gibson, Aveda and L’Oreal all offer color-depositing shampoos and conditioners that are worth a try.

10. Lay off The Day

Of course you want to style your freshly colored hair and make it look all fancy-like. But I must warn you, using too many heat tools on your hair is a big no-no when it comes to keeping your hair color fresh and vibrant. The heat from blow dryers and similar tools can roughen the hair cuticle making your hair look lackluster. Prevent dull hair color by using heat tools with tourmaline and ceramic which can help smooth the cuticle as you use it.

11. Deep Condition

Last but not least, deep condition those lovely strands! Hair can get dry in the winter from the drying cold air or the moisture-sucking heater so treat your tresses to a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Oh, and avoid using hot water to rinse your hair. Hot water is said to allow the color pigments in your hair to escape more easily so stick with lukewarm water if you can.

Were you surprised by any of these winter hair color tips or trends? Although it’s fun to stay on trend with hair colors, I think anyone can pull off just about any color they want, no matter what the season. If a certain hair color or style makes you feel good about yourself more than others, then by all means, do it! Do you plan on changing your hair color this winter?

7 Stylish Suggestions on Styling a Pixie Cut ...

By: Lisa Washington

If you’ve always had long hair, the thought of getting and styling a pixie cut might seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! Pixie cuts are super chic, edgy and quite versatile despite the fact that you have pretty short hair with the cut. Pixie cuts aren’t all just wash and go like some might believe, there are many ways to style this short, sassy ‘do. Read about all the different ways on styling a pixie cut below and get inspired!

1. Messy

One of my personal favorites in styling a pixie cut is to wear it messy and top it off with a headband. A messy pixie cut looks bold, daring and the headband adds just a splash of feminine style. Tousle your locks a la Halle Berry with a hair wax or other styling product and just muss it up in every direction possible. Tidy it up a bit, or not and top it off with a headband.

2. Faux Hawk

A wonderful thing about having short hair is the ability to be able to create a bold faux hawk whenever the mood strikes. In my personal opinion, faux hawks are pretty awesome when worn with a pixie cut because it’s just too bad-ass for words. You just need to create two parts on either side of the head, tease and spray it down with hairspray. You can create a faux hawk that’s super spiky and edgy or full and feminine like a pompadour.

3. Change Your Part

Changing your part can make a major difference in how you pixie cut looks. If you typically wear your part to the left, change it to the right or part it in the middle. Do a super deep part or create just a slight one. You can even eliminate your usual part by just blow drying and brushing your hair to the back. Parting your hair in the opposite direction that you usually wear it will give your hair lift and volume which is always a plus!

4. Textured

Adding some texture to your pixie cut is another fab way to wear it. Textured is different from #1 as you’re just adding some texture and giving your strands a more piece-y look. After you wash your hair, mist on a texturizing spray and blow dry your hair. Get some wax or pomade to piece out the ends of your hair and tousle. This style is charming and easy to create when you need your hair done in a hurry.

5. Sleek

Keep your hair straight and rock a sexy, sleek look. This style works great for daily wear or even formal events. After you get out of the shower, apply a styling cream and comb it through. Blow dry your hair. You can always use a flat iron to smooth out any areas that need it. You can sweep your hair across your forehead, away from your forehead or give it a part.

6. Slicked Back

The slicked back pixie is elegant and very chic. I always think of the 80s music video, “Addicted to Love” where the models sported wet, slicked back ‘dos. To recreate this look, use plenty of gel or mousse on your hair and comb it back towards the nape of your neck. Rock this look with a bold red lip and you’re sure to make heads turn!

7. Wavy

Wavy pixies are soft and romantic. If you have a natural curl to your hair, this style is obviously very easy for you to wear. However, if you have straight hair, you can create this look in just a few steps. Start by adding some gel or other styling product to damp hair. Next, cut some strips of fabric to create the waves in your hair. You’ll probably need about 12 strips. Roll thick sections of hair to the root and tie it up. Sleep with the rolls in your hair and undo them in the morning. Use your fingers to form soft waves and you’re done!

Who says that just because you have short hair, you can’t have fun styling it? All of these pixie cut styles are fun, fresh and fairly easy to create. What’s your favorite way to wear your pixie cut?

7 Hot Holiday Hairstyles for long hair...

By: Megan Correia

Get glam this season with hot holiday hairstyles that’ll withstand every type of celebration, party, or festivity. As invitations begin coming in for fashionable fetes, Christmas soirees, family gatherings and chic cocktail parties, you’ll need several hairstyles to make the rounds all through the night. So toast to the season and ring in 2013 with style in these party perfect 7 hot holiday hairstyles.

1. Glossy Waves

Get gorgeous glossy waves for the holidays to show off your glamorous side this season. For head turning volume and locks that scream va-va-va-voom, create large, soft and smooth waves that command attention. Post blow dry, curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron, twisting the hair around the clamp to avoid ringlets and create full waves. Afterwards, gently comb through the spirals with a brush or your fingers to create a more soft and natural look. Finish off and polish your look with a shine serum or spray to lock in your style for the rest of your festive evening in hot holiday hairstyles that shine.

2. Side Swept

Show off your romantic side in a sultry side sweep. Tease your hair at the top of your crown to add volume and a bit of drama. Then, like you would create a ponytail, only pull half of the hair through the elastic to create a low bun style. Pin up any loose strands and cover the elastic by wrapping your hair around it. Leave some strands loose to frame your face for a relaxed look that’s soft and romantic for evenings. [ read: 7 Gorgeous Sideswept Styles That You Should Try This Season ... ]

3. Low Textured Pony

Keep your look relaxed and effortless for everyday during the holidays with a low-slung textured ponytail. For a modern, youthful and fun way to wear the classic ponytail this season, tease hair and curl it in a way that adds texture and volume for a simple yet sexy look. Randomly curl pieces of hair and comb them out to add shape and playfulness. Gather hair at the nape of the neck with an elastic and conceal it by wrapping hair around it with a bobby pin for sophisticated ease with soft feminine flair.

4. Relaxed Topknot

For a young and trendy, fun new hairstyle to try for the holidays, opt for the relaxed topknot that celebrities and fashionistas alike are turning to instead of the ponytail this season. Create your topknot in a relaxed and loose style with wispy strands around your face for a playful, pretty look that’s effortlessly chic. Begin your topknot by flipping your hair over and secure it in a tight ponytail at the crown. Separate your hair into two sections, wrapping one around the base of the pony and securing it with a bobby pin. Then take the other section and wrap it around in the opposite direction, pinning it in place to create the perfect relaxed topknot that can take you easily from day to night.

5. Side Braids

To create hot holiday hair that’s party perfect and dance floor ready, play around with cool side braids this season. Part your hair down the middle and begin a thin French braid on either side of your hair using the front strands and stopping at the tip of your ears. To amp up holiday style with glamour and added drama, tease your hair around the braids and add hairspray to create volume and texture to rock a night out on the town.

6. Half up, Half down

Amp up the holidays with hot hair that’s tantalizingly tousled in a half up, half down style. Tease hair at the crown to create volume and sultry appeal in an effortless manner that’s soft and sexy. Then, on either side of the face, pull back sections of hair from the back of the ear and pin it in place at the back of the head. Allow layers and pieces of hair to fall naturally around the face to perfect rumpled bedroom hair for a coquettish sex kitten vibe.

7. Ballerina Bun

Add an air of elegance and simple sophistication to hot holiday hair this season with a pretty ballerina bun. A sleek bun is ideal for formal occasions where fabulous frocks need to stand out and shine in the spotlight. Using a sock bun or hair doughnut tool, slip hair into a perfectly round shape and secure any loose ends with bobby pins or an extra elastic for added hold throughout your holiday soirees.

Party season means it’s time to try a stunning new style for your festive shindigs and these hot holiday hairstyles shine at all celebrations this season. From glamorous waves to sexy side sweeps and endless up-dos, take some strand inspiration from these holiday hairstyles and stay in the soiree spotlight all night long. Which of these hot hairstyles will you be testing out at your holiday festivities?

11 Unique Fishtail Braid Hairstyles To Inspire You

By: Zinnia

 

Fishtail braided hairstyles are a common show on the Runways and Red Carpets.  This is mainly because this Braid hairstyle has undergone a lot of changes in fashion and glamour over the generations. Many hairstylists have added a touch of their own flavour to this classic form of hairstyle.

 

Now there are many styles of fishtail braids some of which are easy and some not so easy. But all are good for not just evening occasions but also for formal parties. Even as an office hairstyle this can be a total show and a great change from your regular ponytails.

  

Here are a few of the fish tail braids styles that you can choose and sport:

1. Front Bangs and a Messy Fishtail: 

 

Got simple long hair? Give it a touch of front bangs.

Now add glamor and style by doing a normal but messy fishtail braid.

Tie up a bow and leave some hairs on the other side to hang loosely. You will love this sweet look.

2. Half up Half Down Fishtail

This half up and half down fish tail braided pony is a must try on as it is easy to do and sport.

Can go pretty good with normal sleek hair or a messy hair as well.

3. Braided Side Fishtail

 

Got thick medium length hair? Try this side braided fishtail on. Perfect for a First date,

or a romantic candle light dinner.

4. Thick Fishtail Braid Pony

Try pulling your hair in from all sides, Go twice left to right and right to left,

take the ends in and tie in a pony. Secure with pins to get this awesome

jazzed up yet a very formal braided look.

5. Braided Fishtail Head Gear

 

A side dragged fishtail pony can be wrapped and secured around the head

in form of a head band. Do not worry about the messy feel. It will only add to the glamour.

6. The Relaxed Fishtail Braid

A messy relaxed look, easy to do and just as awesome to sport. 

 A grand favourite for the Red Carpets.

7. Fishtail Bun

If you have thick hair, which is long enough for a jazzed up fishtail braid,

and then try doing a fishtail braid either from one side or from the absolute

end point of your head. Wrap around the head in form of a head gear.

Keep securing with hair pins and bobby pins as you go on wrapping it around.

8. French Fishtail Braid

A classy look. Can be great if you know how to do french twist pony tails

then this should come easy to you.

9. Conch Fishtail Braided Pony

A very different look with 3 different twists. Do a loose start for a pony with a

conch shell beginning and tie the forefront of it. Now do a tight fishtail half up half down braid and secure the braid to form a pony tail. Cool isn’t it?

10. Tight Rock star Fishtail Braided Pony

Do a low hung tight fishtail pony and you are good to go. A classic “on the road”

look and a great hairstyle for a live rock show.

11. Fishtail Braided Headband

I’m pretty sure my heart skipped a beat or two when I happened upon this gorgeous fishtail braided headband of This Chick’s Got Style. I’m particularly fond of this ‘do because it works well for various hair lengths and textures.

Fun Braided Hairstyles to Try …

By: Amber Oliver

I always want a fresh, cute style, and braided hairstyles are totally a great part of that. I love braids in a hairstyle because they add dimension, different textures and a different appeal to your look. I love that they can be elegant, messy, fun, girly or sporty. Here are some of my top choices for braided hairstyles to try!

1. Fishtail Braid

This braid is great because it’s versatile. It can be elegant and classy or laid back enough for a day at the beach. It’s really easy to achieve and pull off too! It only takes minutes. It can work for most hair lengths too! It’s a no-brainer that this lovely look ended up on my list of the cutest braided hairstyles. [ read: 11 Unique Fishtail Braid Hairstyles To Inspire You... ]

2. French Braid

A french braid can be worn so many ways! It can be at the front, or simply straight down. It’s an easy way to get your hair out of your face so we can admire your beauty! It frames the face well, and looks put together! It can be worn anywhere really! This one is great for people with longer hair! It looks great when side swept too.

French braids, when well done, make very attractive hairstyles. This short and concise video expertly takes you through the process of learning to do your own French braids.

3. BOHO Braid

A Boho braid is mostly seen at the crown or front of the hair. It has a laid back, down to earth feel to it. Think Nicole Richie or Drew Barrymore. They often incorporate Boho braids into their styles. Maybe they can give you some inspiration! It would look great for a day at the park, or at a music/cultural festival.

4. Cornrow Braid

This fun braided hairstyle is great because it can done on most hair types! It works especially well for those with wavy or curly hair. And that’s great, because sometimes those hairstyles can be hard to come by! It adds flare to your hair compared to a regular braid. It would look great for a day out and about or on a fun active date!

5. Braided Bun

A braided bun is a great hairstyle for all occasions. It’s an updo, so it’s pretty enough to wear to a formal event like prom, a gala, a business chic party or a charity event. It’s great for a day at the office too. It adds a little more style to the classic bun look. I love it!

6. Diagonal Dutch Braid

This is a cute variation on the classic dutch braid! It’s similar to the one Prim wore in Hunger Games. It’s fun, funky and sporty. I like that it has a different design along with the braid. It’d be great to wear at the gym or a day outdoors. It’s great to rock on a casual day.

7. Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braids are awesome because they add depth to your hairstyle. It sweeps across your the rest of your hair diagonally and gives you a very romantic, fairy-tale like look. It would look so pretty cascading down your back! It’s great for a party or a romantic date!

8. Tousled Braid

Braids are so popular right now! Ever since The Hunger Games came out, braids have exploded and this braid is no exception! If you're looking for an excuse to braid up your beachy waves, this is it! This tousled braid is just basically taking your beachy waves and braiding them up into a loose braid! It's perfect for the beach!

9. Braided Headband

This braid is so unique, so different and it's ideal for a wedding, for a night out on the town or even if you just want to be a little different! You do have to have really long hair for this one, but it's still so much fun to do!

10. Milk Maid Braid

This braid is so, so cute! It's basically two braids that have the ends hidden and that cross along the top of your head. It's an adorable braid that looks so cute with your little black dress or even with your favorite suit!

11.  Braided Chignon

The chignon is something that is so easy to do, as long as you know exactly what you are doing, but a braided one? Genius! This braid is ideal for the office or even if you are just looking for an excuse to spice up your braid!

12. Double Braid

This braid is almost like the braided headband but instead, it's a double braid that goes from one end of your head to the other -- and the other braid goes in the opposite position. Jessica Alba perfected this particular braid and it looks amazing on her!

13. Knotted Braid

This braid is actually really cool looking! The knotted braid is the technique of the braid and it almost looks like loops in your hair. It's really cool and totally easy to do, once you get the hang of it!

I love braided styles because they’re a chic way to add some fun and spunk to your hairstyle. They’re especially great for warmer seasons when you don’t want your hair in the way! What is your favorite type of braided hairstyle? Would you try any of these?