http://www.bellasugar.com You're beautiful. en http://www.bellasugar.com/1043247 <a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/1043247"><img width=130 height=160 src='http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl0/2/20652/07_2008/ArmandBasi.large.jpg'></div></a><p><span class="inline left"></span>Yesterday afternoon, I checked out the Armand Basi fashion show at the historic Banqueting House in London. Just like the grand landmark setting, the behind-the-scenes area was really something to admire. This was by far the most organized and spacious backstage space I have yet to encounter this week. </p> <p>The models had a private changing area away from peeping photographers and media, and hair and makeup each had their own fully-equipped workstations. I spoke with lead hair stylist Paul Hanlon who collaborated with Armand to come up with big hair to complement the voluminous clothing. The look they went for was, as he put it, "young, fresh, teased, and fluffy - not lady-like."</p> <p><div class='gallery_thumbs ' ><div class=title><!-- gallery teaser --><a class=photo-count href='/gallery/228095'>View 7 Photos ›</a><!-- /gallery teaser --></div><ul></ul></div></p> <p>For a step-by-step guide on how to create this stylish ponytail at home, read more.</p> <ul> <li><strong><Step 1: </strong> Apply a generous amount of thickening spray to the mid-lengths and ends of dry hair and work it through using your fingers. Do not brush hair. </li> <li><strong><Step 2: </strong> Next, <a href="http://bellasugar.com/tag/tease" >back-comb</a> the crown and the sides of the hair starting from the roots to the mid-length in sections. Then, massage the sides of the hair to fluff it up. </li> <li><strong><Step 3: </strong>Using your hands, gather the hair into a mid-head ponytail and secure with a strong elastic. Begin to back-brush the ponytail using a <a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/tag/mason+pearson" >Mason Pearson</a> brush for added fullness. <strong>Tip:</strong> if your hair is very straight, use a curling iron on the ends of the ponytail to give hair extra body. </li> <li><strong><Step 4: </strong> Lastly, mist a medium-hold hairspray all over the hair. </li> </ul> http://www.bellasugar.com/1043247#comment Hair Ponytail backstage beauty 2008 Fall London Fashion Week Armand Basi Paul Hanlon Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:21 -0800 BellaSugar http://www.bellasugar.com/1043247 http://www.bellasugar.com/1043257 <a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/1043257"><img width=141 height=160 src='http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl0/2/20652/09_2008/Stretcrite.large.jpg'></div></a><p>Paul Hanlon, the talented and insightful lead hairstylist that I met backstage at the <a href="http://bellasugar.com/1043247" >Armand Basi</a> fashion show, gave me a great professional tip on how to prevent your ponytail from drooping. He often uses <a href="http://www.murraysewing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=7_9&amp;products_id=719" target="_blank">Stretchrite Round Cord Elastic</a> ($1.10), a five-yard piece of elastic that allows you to secure your hair tightly. <span class="inline left"></span> Just snip off the pieces as needed, wrap it around your hair a couple of times and then knot it. </p> <p>Paul claims that this thin elastic cord works better than a regular hair tie because you can create more tension; the result is that your ponytail stays perky. I can attest that all of the models did indeed have sprightly ponytails throughout the show, despite all of the product in their long hair that could have weighed it down. </p> <p>Stretchrite products are sold in most crafts or sewing stores, and they're inexpensive. Think you'll give it a try?</p> <p><br class=clear-both /></p> <p><div class='gallery_thumbs ' ><div class=title><!-- gallery teaser --><a class=photo-count href='/gallery/238003'>View 5 Photos ›</a><!-- /gallery teaser --></div><ul></ul></div></p> http://www.bellasugar.com/1043257#comment Hair Hair Accessories tools of the trade stretchrite Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:00:06 -0800 BellaSugar http://www.bellasugar.com/1043257