Demi Lovato Joins Bang Rage

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Crazy For Ombre

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Made famous by celebs like Jessica Biel, Ciara, and Lauren Conrad to name a few- Ombre hair has become a huge trend not to mention, highly sought after style for most of 2012. Although the trend is most popular within the beauty community (hair and nails), it’s also crossed over into clothing and fabrics.

“Ombre” is easily defined as different colors and tones shading into each other resulting in a color scheme that graduates from light to dark or vice versa.

So what does Ombre hair look like? The answer: dark roots that gradually get lighter toward the ends of your hair. The style can also be reversed.

In my case, I ended up with Ombre hair on accident I suppose. Or rather, I had the hairstyle before it was even a trend really. It was the result of not re-dying my hair after I lightened it. Go figure! After a few weeks my roots started coming through and I was left with slightly different colored tresses. That was fun!

Now if you don’t have the patience for your hair to grow out to achieve this look the way I did, you can always visit a hairdresser to request the style. I recommend bringing in pictures of styles that you like, so that the stylist can match you with shades complimentary to your skin tone, or in whatever colors you ask for.

And just in case you need something to reference, I’ve included pictures of celebs that have also gone Ombre.

Ciara

Lauren Conrad

Jessica Biel 

What do you think? Is this trend still hot? Or has it already fizzled out?

How-To Beach Waves Hair

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A popular summer hairstyle are trendy "beach waves". You know, that perfect hair you get after a swim in the ocean? Now, getting this style is also possible without even leaving the house! Read below to discover the 3 ways to achieve this 1 look. 

1. The Product: The Ocean

The Cost: Free

The Effect: The hair's most natural looking wave is created by the elements of the ocean (salt water). Go for a swim the next time you're at the beach, and try out this hairstyle.

Tip: Help the waves along by scrunching hair while it's still damp, this will also help to build body. *After your hair has been exposed to salt, it dries faster so don't wait too long before scrunching.

2. The Product: Goody Heat, Wave Creator curling iron

The Cost: 29.99 

The Effect: Loose effortless waves are created by a wave shaped barrel. Unlike ordinary curling irons designed with a full clamp, this styling tool's is only partial. Simply place the clamp on or close to the ends of your hair, and wrap the barrel upwards. Because of the iron's unique design, it is almost effortless to achieve the desired look.

Features: Reaches it's maximum heat of 410 degrees in 30 seconds.

Tip: To tame waves, I recommend using a smoothing serum before or after heat styling.

3. The Product: Beach Wave/Surf hair sprays

The Cost: Prices for each hair spray will vary by brand and location at which you purchase them. My DIY version however, is of course free (if you've already got the supplies at home). 

*What You'll Need: 1 teaspoon of epsom salt (epsom salt helps with sore muscles and stomach aches- so you may already have this at home), a few drops of olive oil, 1/4 cup of water and a spray bottle.

The Effect: A less precise and looser wave is created by spritzing the product onto damp hair. Scrunch hair to style and allow to air dry. Waves will form as hair dries. 

Tip: If making your own spray, I suggest going easy on the olive oil. Oil has the tendency to weigh hair down and/or become too greasy to hold any body. 

The Verdict: I've achieved this look using all 3 methods, but have been most successful going the natural route. Next, using the curling iron and lastly, the hair spray. 

The whole point of the beach wave hairstyle is to make it look like you actually spent a day at the beach. So the messier the look, the better! Complete precision isn't necessary for this hairstyle, so don't be afraid to let it get a bit unruly. 

Try it out and discover which method works best for you.

Hair Care Currents

Call me vain, but one of my biggest obsessions is my hair. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always had lots of hair and I've always kept it long. It starts in kindergarten when the little boy who sits behind you pulls your braid. And then it follows you to grade school when your friends want to play with your hair during recess. It continues through junior high and high school when you cut your hair for the first time or try out a different style. Hair is such a part of our identity. It's a reflection of our personality; of who we are. And because of that- it's the reason why I care about my hair so much. 

Now, I'm very fickle when it comes to this subject. I always like to try new products, new tools, different styles, different colors. Needless to say, I get bored after a while. The funny thing about this is, as much as I like change- I don't visit the salon very much. Number 1, I haven't found a hairdresser here in California yet. Number 2, I have to completely trust a person before I let them cut my hair. I'm a bit spoiled. I used to have an aunt that cut my hair while I was living in Hawaii, and before that I had a hairdresser in Vegas I always saw. (Both of whom work for the same salon :) ) Sooo....I cut my own hair for now. Trim might be the better word, I like to keep it maintained. And why not? If you know what you like, know what you're doing and can save big bucks- I say go for it!!!  Which brings me to the point of today's blog, my hair care currents. The products and tools I use on a daily basis or almost daily basis, excluding the sheers- wait about every 6 weeks to use those!

Cleanser

Currently I'm using Suave KIDS 2-in-1 Shampoo Smoothers in Fairy Berry Strawberry, a shampoo and conditioner. I'm really only using it because it smells good and because it's cute. Plus, I got it on sale in a variety pack of 4. On the other hand, it does its job as a cleanser, but because of the thickness of my hair I also use conditioning treatment. I believe these shampoos are fairly inexpensive, so if you just wanted to try something fun or use it for travel this could be an option. 

Products

The next product, I use directly after I towel dry my hair. It's Suave Professionals Weather Protection 360. An anti-frizz and flyaway cream gel, that shields against humidity, static and wind. I've used this product for about 2 years and it works well for me. It's the one product I need to use to ensure my hair will style the way I like it. Again, another inexpensive product that will run you maybe $2 at drugstores. I purchase this on base, so it ends up being cheaper. It smells nice and also works as conditioner. 

I'm sure everyone's heard of this next one. BIOSILK Silk Therapy drops. Retails around $13 (on base) for the smallest size 2.56 fl. oz. Silk drops serve as a smoothing serum and I use this product mostly when and if I wear my hair straight, just to keep it perfectly smooth and moisturized. A pea sized amount is all you really need, a little goes a long way with this product. And I don't mind spending $13 on something that's not full-sized if it will last me. I purchased this bottle in November, it's now August and I still have about 1/4 left. So it's a really good deal. It can be used on hair and skin while wet or dry, it smells amazing and it works. I highly recommend it.

Lastly is L'OREAL Paris' Elnett Satin Hairspray in Extra Strong Hold. This hairspray is designed to protect the style from humidity. It's salon quality and was only recently released in the US. It's only sold at Target stores and  comes in full size and mini. I purchased the mini size, 2.2 oz. for about $6, the larger size is around $13. I don't use this product every day, just when I need extra control to smooth something down or hold it in place. What's so nice about this hairspray is that it doesn't get hard or crunchy like other hairsprays. It leaves a firm hold without turning rock hard, and also it smells fairly decent. It doesn't choke you like most aerosol hairsprays can. If you don't use hairspray that often, I recommend this brand and this size. Very good buy!

Tools

Hot Tools Ceramic and Tourmaline Curling Iron in 1 1/2 in. barrel. This curling iron retails for about $40 give or take and can be purchased at places such as Hottools.com, Amazon.com, Sally Beauty Supply, etc. I had a 20% off coupon at the time I purchased mine so I was pretty excited about that. I've heard lots of things about this curling iron and I wanted to try it out myself. I really like it. I wouldn't say love because I think if I were to have gotten just a ceramic wand instead of the ceramic and tourmaline, it would curl my hair better. However, it does curl nicely, it comes in 1/2 in. to 2 in., heats up to 420 degrees and has a ridiculously long cord- which is one of its best features I think, because it gives you that range when need it. Ceramic is definitely one of the best heating sources for your hair, so I completely support this product, and not just because it's my favorite color ;)

Remington Pearl AC Professional Hair Dryer. Another great styling tool. This is another product purchased on base for $34.99. I don't blow dry my hair unless I absolutely need to. Since I curl my hair everyday, I don't like to add extra heat styling, so I let my hair air dry before I need to curl it. I find that my curls hold better if my hair has been air dried as opposed to blow dried. What I love about this dryer is that the grill is made out of ceramic and crushed pearl, which leaves your hair smooth due to its preferred heat source. The dryer has 3 speeds: Low, Medium and High as well as 3 heat settings: Low, Warm and Hot. It also has a 40% faster drying time than other dryers, which I need desperately since I have lots of hair. That thing gets heavy mannnn!

Split End Treatment

I'm not going to say much about this, since I don't use anything fancy. As you can see, I use a basic black comb that has both fine and wide teeth. I also like to clip my hair in sections when I trim, so I can keep track of what I've already done. And I use a pair of basic hair cutting sheers. I definitely recommend these over your basic household scissors. All items can be purchased at just about any store. Try Target or Wal-Mart for starters. 

Fresh Ends :)

And please make sure to cut/trim your hair while its dry. Remember, hair appears longer when it's wet, so to ensure you are cutting to the desired length PLEASE cut while dry!

So there you go, just a few of the items I use on almost a daily basis to keep these tresses in check. Let me know what you use...I'm always looking for new things! Till then, stay fabulous! XOXO