Finding the Right Outfit for the Right Haircut

Fashion is one of the things I like after hair because the two always go hand in hand when creating a look. When you’re building your personal style, you realize that certain outfits would look elevated with the right haircut. Here’s an example: Picture textured layers tucked in a sleek turtleneck top, with a few tendrils to frame the face. It’s a classic look that gives an “off-duty” vibe, perfect for everyday wear, especially during the fall and winter. Ahead, I rounded up my favorite outfit and haircut combos that would look amazing on anyone.

Modern Shag + Tailored Pieces

This popular cut from the ’70s is trendier than ever, and the fashion world can’t stop talking about it. I think this cut would look great with tailored or structural pieces like blazers, asymmetrical dresses, and block heels. For accessories, opt for geometric earrings or chunky chain necklaces to complement the boldness of this hairstyle.

Hairstyle Hack: After blow-drying your hair, finish with a flexible hold hairspray to lock your look in place. I recommend L'Oreal Professionnel Infinium 3.

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Pixie Cut + Soft Fabrics

The pixie cut is one of the most popular styles I do at the salon. It’s versatile and it gives an edgy look. I would pair this haircut with any outfit made from soft fabric. Think silk satin, cashmere, and linen. 

Hairstyle Hack: Use a texturizing spray or balm to add dimension to your hair. Reverie's Mediterranean Sea Mist is perfect here. Spray on wet or dry hair. Dry naturally, scrunching with your hands to encourage natural wave or curl.

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Bob Cut + Collared Tops and Dresses

Also a popular choice, bobs are a fun hairstyle to try all year round. Seeing the likes of Anna Wintour, this hairstyle can go with many outfits as well. I picked collared tops and dresses because I think they create a playful look against a bob cut. Whether it’s an asymmetrical or single-length cut, it will look great with any collared piece.

Hairstyle Hack: Smooth your tresses with a round or flat brush, try the Ibiza medium size brush styling and Reverie Milk serum for a sleek shine that will last throughout the day.

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Brushed-Out Waves + Flowy Silhouettes

Brushed-out waves are so versatile because they look fantastic no matter what you wear. However, I chose to pair this cut with flowy silhouettes for that disco-inspired look. If you have long hair, simply get a trim and style your hair as usual. Brushed-out waves add a dramatic flair to any look, which is why maxi dresses, long skirts, wide-leg pants, or kimonos would look great for this hairstyle.

Hairstyle Hack: Invest in boar-bristle brushes. They don’t cause annoying static or frizz, making them the perfect tools for brushing out your gorgeous waves. Try the Janeke travel size brush.

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Dare To Step Out of Your (Style) Comfort Zone

I am no fashion guru, but I do have a keen eye for proportions. These are outfit recommendations that I think would look beautiful with certain haircuts, so if you want to try any of them, you have my support. I love seeing my clients transform with their new cuts, more so if they combine it with their personal fashion sense.

Hairstyle Ideas For Teen Girls

Have you or your daughter, niece or granddaughter given up on trying to style their hair, or don’t have many ideas themselves on how to style their hair. The hairstyle ideas for teen girls below will help jumpstart your styling just in time for school. Share this article with them, print it out. Most of all, have fun.

Medium Base Ponytail

This hairstyle will always make you look fresh and youthful. This is one of the easiest and best hairstyles that you can try. You can try this hairstyle with ease at home and never feel out of step, as it is classic and so versatile.

How To Style

1.    On clean, dry hair, apply serum or pommade gently through the mid-length and ends of your hair. This will help add shine and secure the hair.

2.    Slightly tease the hair at the crown of your head to give it a tousled look.

3.    Use your fingers to gather all hair at the back of your head.

4.    Now, from the gathered hair, take a thin section of your hair from underneath the pony and leave it out as you secure the pony.

5.    Twist and wrap the separated section of hair around the base to hide the band.

6.    Use a bobby pin to secure the wrapped piece of hair.

Tight Knit Side Braid

This is one of the most popular teenage girl hairstyles. This hairstyle will make you look graceful and sophisticated. This hairdo is a good option to give your hair a new and different look.

How To Style

 1.     Part your hair on one side.

2.    Tease the hair at the crown with a comb. Apply Infinium #3 hairspray lightly.

3.    Gather all your hair to the side.

4.    Now start tying your hair to the side.

5.    once you have a grasp of all your hair, tightly braid the entire length into a regular braid.

6.    Use elastic to secure the ends. Spray again. You can use a little serum through the ends, like Lumi Control.

Dry High Ponytail

This hairstyle is perfect for you if you want to make your hair look more voluminous.

How To Style

1.     Apply a thickening spray, like Densite, throughout your hair. Blow-dry your hair to give volume to your hair, focusing on lifting roots away from the scalp with your fingers.

2.    Gather all hair at the back of the head and use elastic to tie your hair.

3.    Finger comb your ponytail to get rid of any knots.

Long Side Ponytail

Here’s how you can sport this hairstyle.

How To Style

1.     Make a deep side part.

2.    Now, take a brush and move all your hair in the opposite direction.

3.    Use a bit of Sleek and Swing on dry hair and use a flat brush to blow dry hair smooth.

4.    Use a flat iron to straighten your hair.

5.    Apply Mythic Oil through the ends to create shine.

6.    Make a ponytail by twisting the thin strand of hair and wrapping it around the rest of your hair.

Loose Ponytail

Give your hair a gorgeous look with this special trendy hairstyle. This dramatic hairstyle is great for everyday and special occasions.

How To Style

1.    First, spray the dry hair lightly with Beach Waves.

2.    Separate your hair into upper and lower sections by making a U shape parting from temples to crown.

3.    Now, pull out sections from the front and both the sides of the upper section.

4.    Gather the remaining bunches of hair in the upper section with a clip and secure them out of your way.

5.    Make a side part.

6.    Twist the side sections and secure them with bobby pins near the nape of your neck.

7.    Now, make a slight pouf after removing the clip by backcombing the hair in the crown to give height.

8.    Now, gather all the sections and tie them a couple of inches below the nape of your neck.

9.    Leaving a gap of about three to four inches, secure the hair with another hair elastic.

10.  Scrunch it up to create a bubble effect.

11.  Create one or two bubbles, depending upon the length of your hair, and you’re all set!

Side Braid With Bangs

This is a fun look and is still very popular. Braids are not going away anytime soon. So have fun with is look. 

How to Style

1.    Create a part on one side of your head.

2.    If you want a clean, polished hairstyle, use a serum, such as Nutrifier Balm, brush through and brush your hair to the other side, and braid it loosely.

3.    Now, tease your hair with a light touch to create a tousled effect.

4.    Pull out the bangs to frame your face.

Subtly Tousled Blonde Braid

Do you have light-colored hair? Then this hairstyle will make your natural highlights stand out and look fabulous, as well as adding more interest to the braids.

How To Style

1.    Apply a little Volumetry to dry hair and blow-dry a bit. Brush your hair backward.

2.    Tie your hair into a fish braid, starting a couple of inches below the nape of the neck. You may need to bring it to the front to finish off.

3.    You can loosen up the braid once you have it banded.

4.    Pull out a few thin sections of hair to frame your face.

Take your time with these the first time you play. If you get frustrated, take a deep breath, and try again. Sometimes it is helpful to have these styles shown to you by your stylist. Don't forget that your hair needs to be trimmed regularly, and good products are worth the investment for your hair to really show off these styles.

Hairstyling Tips Every Girl Should Know

Have you ever wondered how the hairstylists working backstage at fashion week make their fabulous styles last under the heat and clothing changes? Here are a few tips that will help you feel more masterful in your hairstyling efforts.

When curling, start with the mid section of your hair

Do you want your hair stay wavy for longer time? Spray your hair lightly with Infinium #3 about 12” from the head, spraying with the grain of the hair. Then start rolling from the mid section of your hair to the ends. It will help you get long lasting waves, and keep your ends healthy.

Keep your bobby pins in place with hairspray

You must use hairspray if you have sleek straight hair, and you are using pins. Spread out your hair pins on a towel and apply dry shampoo, such as the Volumetry SOS or Infinium #3 to them. This technique will help your hair pins hold in your sleek hair.

Use aluminum foil to help curl straight hair

If you hair cannot hold a curl, then try using aluminum foil. Spray the Infinium #3 Hairspray lightly as described above. Then wrap a section of hair with a long strip of foil, fold and coil the hair into a curl and tap, tap, tap with a flat iron. Let it cool in the coiled foil till you finish the whole head or where you desire curl. You will find your hair holding the curls better throughout the day. The hair gets really hot in the foil, so watch your fingers and don’t hold the heat too long.

Use dry shampoo before you go to bed

If any day you don’t get time to wash your hair in morning and you know your hair need a wash. You can apply dry shampoo such as the Volumetry SOS at night before going to bed. This technically is not a dry shampoo, but works wonderful. The shampoo will work itself into your strands overnight, resulting in healthy-looking hair in the morning with some texture and body.

Try hair extensions for temporary added length and color

You can use hair exertions if you have mid length hair and looking to add some extra length, color or volume to your hair. The option is good if you are going to any special occasion and provides many style possibilities. Hair extensions are not ideal for long term but are an easy and convenient option to get longer, fuller, or highlights quick.

Keep your brushes working optimally by giving them a good cleaning

Cleaning of your brushes is very important and help your brushes last. Much like your shoes needing a polish to make them last, so is true for brushes. In order for them to perform, you need to clean the hair out first, then use shampoo with another bristle brush or nail brush. Shake out the moisture, them rest them bristle down on a towel to dry. Take time from your busy schedule to get your brushes clean.

Use your bobby pins as graphic hair accessories

Bobby pins are a great way to play. They come in so many colors now. Try a triangle shape to give your hair, or line five of them in a row to give your hair a modern look. This can be done in the fringe, nape or sides of your head. This is a simple trick that you can try any time easily and get many different and amazing looks. Let your imagination run wild.

 

Get your hairstyle to stay using cool air

You don’t need to remain dependent on hot air always when you style your hair. If you want to set your hair style best, then set dryer to cool and alternate between warm and cold air.

Pat moisture out of wet hair with a towel

Remove extra moisture from your hair with the help of towel when you come out from a shower, make sure you don’t rub your hair and scalp, simply pat dry.

Leave the last half inch of hair unwrapped when curling

If you’re curling straight hair, leave the last half inch of hair out of your curling iron to get a more natural-looking, modern look.

Use the ponytail tricks for quick curls

This trick works well if you don’t have enough time to style your hair. Spray a little Crepe De Chignon in your hair. Put your hair in a ponytail anywhere that you want and divide in two three sections and twist into little buns, and pin or band. Set your ponytail free after sometime to get curly hair.

Another trick to getting a fuller ponytail: Use a butterfly clip

Butterfly clip helps you get a fuller look instantly. Spray your hair lightly with Second Day Hair. You just need to place butterfly clip underneath your ponytail to get a fuller look.

Create the perfect twisty bun

Spray your hair lightly with any of the sprays mentioned above and with your head upside down, pull all your hair to the crown of your head, and twist, then swing your head up, and band. Separate the hair is bun to get a little messiness to the bun.

Flat iron your braids to get curls.

If you don’t have time to intricately curl straight hair, lightly spray your hair with any of the sprays mentioned above, and separate your hair into six or so braids and then heat the braids with a flat iron. Undo the braids, and you’ll now have curly hair.

Use your hands to apply hairspray

The best way to use hairspray is to rub on your hands and then use on your hair for better results.

Know your brushes

Do you know the purpose of each type of brush you use? Each brush has different purpose. So you must know which brush to use at what time.Large brushes are commonly used for straightening, small for curling purpose and paddle brushes are used for making your hair smooth.

Happy styling!

Spring 2016 Shapes and Color

Emma Watson   Photo: UN Women, CC, cropped from original

When we look at what is happening on the runway, and what is displayed in the magazines, it is sometimes a challenge to figure out how any of it relates to us. However, we can use them for inspiration, whether using new tones for painting a room, or adding prints to your wardrobe, or choosing a new tone for your hair color.

Looking at the Pantone color charts is a fun way to get a sense of what will be coming down the runway. Then looking at how companies interpret these color charts into their products. Look at the color palette released by Sephora this season. Check out on line some of the beautiful mood boards that Patternbank creates.

In Meghan Willet's article for Tech Insider, she talks about the official colors of 2016.

HAIRCOLOR

You've noticed these tones in the hair everywhere, from muted and soft, to heavy saturation. We are also seeing a lot of melded colors in hair color as well. Yes, smudging colors together, so there are no hard lines. This can be done with natural hair color, as well as fun colors, to give an illusion of transparency.

Brondes are the new blonde, with rose gold effects, or golden, or icey, silver, "contoured" into the hair. Yes, contouring as you would with make up, creating highs and lows in the hair, but different than Foiling the hair. Using hair color to create depths and shadow with a less meticulous hair color application that creates a really pretty finish.

Rich browns are also a big hit, with choices that entice such as, Mocha, Coffee, and Chocolate. 

HAIRCUTS

Longer Bob shapes continue to be a look for this season. Shorter hair lengths will continue to be soft, or edgy, complemented with a bold color, whether it be a cool blonde, warm blonde, with a hint of pastels. Check out Sandra Bullock's very pretty Bob, and her hair color is gorgeous.

Short hair is still very much a chic statement. Check out Julianne Hough's short hair, or Emma Watson's growing out Pixie.

There is lots of fun to enjoy with this season's offerings in color and shape.

A Bit of Paris

I'll get to a bit of Paris in a moment, I need to give you the background first. I traveled to Austin for a week with my professional friends, and we immersed ourselves in professional development, readying ourselves for the big show, and then I actually participated as a student, then helped to run a room of hair styling for the students. My segment of the "big show" was to be inspired by Paris in the 20's. There were four of us from the National Team in this segment.  The rest of the photos are behind the scenes.

Modern Salon Magazine

Underground Fairy just made into Modern Salon Magazine today! We photographed in a secret location, and maybe you can even guess! We enjoyed ourselves immensely on this shoot.

My dear friend and talented photographer captured a whimsical series.

I used L’Oreal Professionnel Dia Richesse to tone lightened extensions and lots of Infinium Hairspray #3 and flower pieces I handcrafted.

As with any photoshoot, it takes a team of dedicated professionals to make it happen. Our model Monika Ka was a great delight, and we enjoyed working with her very much.

Photography by Kristina Varaksina

Lifestyle/Advertising Photo Shoot

We had a great time working in the studio for this Lifestyle/Advertising photo shoot with photographer Liz Caruana, a fabulous people photographer located in San Francisco!

I wanted to keep the hair looking relaxed yet with some texture for this photo shoot, using L'Oreal Professionnel's Texture Expert products. On dry hair, I sprayed Fresh Dust throughout the hair, then lightly dusted True Grip throughout the hair. My small crimping iron came in handy to give density and fullness to a side ponytail hairstyle.

Liz Caruna Photography

Working with photographer Kristina Varaksina opened my eyes to what it is like to meet your creative match and to see how hair can be a focus in fine art photography!

Try at home!

Liz Caruna Photography

Wedding Photo Shoot

Photo shoots are an excellent way for me to exercise my creativity. I love the camaraderie on a shoot, where "the team" is working on a common goal of getting fabulous pictures. The purpose of this shoot was to create a series of bridal looks.

The team consisted of photographer Kristina Varaksina, beautiful designs by Joseph Domingo, Makeup Artist Chloe Rainwater, Model Lindy Castro, and flowers by 7 Victoria Street. Great group of inspired creatives! In bridal looks, detail is everything.

'For this series, I began with the looks that were the softest in texture to allow me to build the hair up with products as the day progressed. This shoot was ALL DAY!

I worked with L'Oreal Professionnel products, beginning with Volumetry and Volume Envy Mousse. Second look, I used some Infinium hairspray.

Third look, more Infinium hair spray, and the use of pins.

Behind the Scenes at SNOW 3

SNOW 3 Another white fashion event!  January 28th, 2012- We were cooking backstage with 36 models, irons, back brushing, pins, and plenty of L'Oreal Professionnel Densite, Mousse Volupte, and Infinium #3!

Thanks to Scott Smith, Heather Jassem, Aviva Morger for their assistance, and expertise.  Thank you to Cari Borja, and Julie Schindler for their lovely designs.  And a great big thank you to Joseph Domingo, and all the others who made this event go smoothly.

SNOW 3 A White Fashion Event 2012

I joined SFBAfn this year, and have loved getting to know these local designers and those that work behind the scenes of SNOW, an annual event. We are crazy in love with creating beauty!

Warren Difranco Hsu photographer

SFBAfn - The Collection 2011

A few shots from The Collection 2011, produced by SFBAfn, of which I am a current member, and helped with the makeup.  Hairstyling by Umbrella Salon. The designs were stunning! I am so proud to be working with such a fine group of talented artists.

Daniel Sudar

Indian Rock

Angie Awayan Photography

Beauty shoot, then fashion outdoors at Indain Rock in Berkeley, CA.  Thanks to the team!

Cari Borja / Berkeley / Fashion

Photographer Gabriel Harber

Working with Cari Borja again, reminded me of the love of creating beauty. .

Cari Borja Designs Photo Shoot

Tear sheets were laid out for me.  Each of the three models, which included Cari,  needed to look different from the other.

I set up at 9:00 am, and started on the task of styling hair and applying make-up on our first model, finishing at 1:00 pm.

Cari's Designs are feminine, fanciful, and flirtatious, so we played with the idea of keeping the hair simple, casual, and approachable.

Cari's ease, charm, and adept storytelling skill made me realize she has crafted her life into one that is creative, and full, and that she is doing none other than what she is meant to do. How fantastic to be a part of the endeavor.

www.cariborja.com

NAHA Awards 2009

Just got back from Las Vegas.  I attended the NAHA awards ceremony at Mandalay Bay. I saw beautiful images of hair by some of the greats in the industry, like Vivienne Mackinder, Lucie Doughty, and Maureen Anlauf.

I felt inspired by these hair artists who are driven to execute their work to the level at which they do, and who then want to pass on their knowledge to those who are hungry to know.  I would love nothing more than to take a walk with a few of them, and hear about their creative process, see what they notice in their surroundings, what do their dreams reveal about their work.         

I sat in the audience, sometimes sad that there were not a more enthusiastic applause for the hard work, and hours of combing, teasing, and polishing hair that these stylists have spent on their creations.

And yet, the number of students present left me remembering the early days of my career, and wanting to be at every hair show possible.  They couldn't have chosen a more high caliber event on the West Coast.

Diana and I, the owner at Keter Hair Salon, shared in our mixed feelings of overwhelm, awe, and humility at the idea of even trying to compete next year.

Another Dee Conway Shoot

This time we shot with Trina. What a fun model...by the end of the evening, Trina was just warming up, she could have continued long past sundown. Dee, followed and calmly suggested her own ideas as well.

 April 18th. Amtrak station in Berkeley, blocks from Keter Hair Salon. The chill left me hugging my jacket shut, in between holding up the reflector for Dee.  Trina was playful, and able to accomodate Dee's gentle instructions of laying down on the tracks, sitting and standing on them, between trains.

A few onlookers stood around, but basically we had the place to ourselves.  I think our shots worked.  As usual, Dee is a complete pleasure to work with, and always so prompt in her delivery of images.

 Make-up by Pheakdey Bun.

The Up-Do Class that Re-Awakened Everything

Kiki, our manager at Keter Salon, taught an updo styling class back in April.I thought, "Fine, let's do it."  I always look for the next inspiration to get my creativity fired up.

Kiki, who comes from a family of stylists, and worked as a platform artist, is not only a master at exectuting an idea, but in teaching the idea.

I'm whipping through, my hands moving way to fast, and there she is, smoothing, refining, slowly, precisely placing the hair in place.

I have not been able to stop since then.  This driving force inside me to learn how to build hair is unrelenting.   And now, I have it in my head to compete in the NAHA awards. 

I have a lot to learn! 

This is what I came up with that day.   The beginning of using hair pieces.

Audacity of Change

This year has been all about the visual. I coordinated an Inaugural Fashion Benefit, called the Audacity of Change, for Destiny Arts in Oakland, California, Giselled Shepatin, and Keter Hair Salon.  I had six weeks to plan an event I had dreamt of doing for years.  Giselle Shepatin sat in my chair one night, and we talked about new ways for her to market herself, and so I suggested she come to the salon and have an event...before I knew it, I volunteered to create a benefit.

Thank you friends, loyal clients, and coworkers for all your support! 

Hair Can Undo It All

Over a bottle of Chardonnay and a seafood platter at the Martini Oyster Bar in Sonoma, three of us couples talked about everything.  We laughed so much that my cheeks hurt, and my eyes watered.  One couples are a husband and wife team that are clients of mine.  I commented on the fact that Joanie is a dream client.  She is a client of Julie Schindler's as well, she knew exactly what I meant.  Julie is a wonderful fashion designer and designs most of what Joanie wears.  They have known each other for a long time now.  And what we love about Joanie is her ability to trust in, and pull forth the best work of those who provide a service for her.  She loves to turn it over.  When I pull off the cutting cape and she goes to the dressing room to change, I wait to see the finished look.  She walks out looking stunning every time.  Why?  Because she dresses, and her hair always looks good. There are people whom I have never seen dressed in their best, and yet they may wear great hair.  But then, some dress well but never make changes to their hair.  We all agreed that the hair can undo it all, the hair is the crown and glory. It must come down to fear.  Fear of looking good, fear of not looking good, fear of change, fear of attention.  I know women who can spend thousands of dollars on a wardrobe, per season, and who refuse to dress when they come into the salon. They wear sweatpants and Uggs.  But not Joanie!  She is confident in who she is, and she doesn't need approval from anybody... but she receives more positive feedback where ever she goes.  When she walks into a room, people look, because everything is congruent.

Every designer I know works very hard and deals with quite a bit of stress, every designer needs to find what they love in what they do, and not waste time doing all the other stuff.  Julie loves designing for Joanie because she is appreciated, and Joanie wears her clothes with ease.

Julie's designs are fabulous!  Classic with a twist;  beautiful fabrics, lined slacks, interesting shapes, detailed finishing.  Julie has class, and provides quality fashion, for a modest price.  She, unfortunately, doesn't have a website yet. The success of her business manifested through word of mouth.

I wished I would have brought my camera with me.

Nymph in the Woods

We had the clothes, shoes and jewelry, location, and a wonderful model.  Everything went as planned.  Racheal arrived on time, and we met up with Dee as scheduled.  Then the fog cleared, giving us some sun highlight in all the right places.  We decided to go with two looks, complete with dress, lipstick, and hair changes. I even needed to let go of the updo concept I had prepared, because what was happening with the hair in the moment was lovely.     Shooting with Dee Conway was the most pleasurable experience I've had doing hair and make up on location. She has an amazing eye, she is flexible, she goes for what she wants with a light hand. She is creative with her direction, spontaneous, and unafraid to say what she is loving.  She could have walked off into the sunset with Racheal, clicking away.  I should have let her go down into the meadow.  Buy by then, Racheal was getting cold, we had shot for three hours, and I knew we had captured some beautiful images. 

Some things are worth doing, just to do it.  This shoot brought me so much pleasure, it was truly satisfying.  The vision of Racheal, in the woods, looking exquisitly beautiful made me teary eyed, and grateful for the opportunity to create beauty.  

 For more about Dee, photographer extraordinaire.  www.deeconway.com   

Thank you Dee, Racheal, and Cari!