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How-To: Create a Looped Ponytail in Two Minutes

bellasugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:00:50 -0800

My sister has a full-time job, twin boys, and not a whole lot of time to spend on her hair. So, she asked me to help her create a look that was fun, easy, and — most importantly — fast.

Since braids and twists are trendy and flattering on just about everyone, I used that concept as my inspiration. And as she worked from home over the holidays, I got out the basics: a brush, some hairspray, and a ponytail holder. Here's what we did:

Spray hair with hairspray to create a smooth surface. Next, pull hair back into a low ponytail.
Using your fingers to separate hair above ponytail holder, create a hole.
Lift ponytail up and over ponytail holder, right into the hole you created. Push hair all the way through.
Pull ponytail outwards to tighten, and you're finished.
Optional: Loosen twist by lightly separating with fingers for a softer effect. Add a barrette à la Nicole Kidman for a fancy finish.

How-To: Learn a Four-Strand Braid

bellasugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:00:55 -0800

It can be tricky to visualize how to do a hairstyle without actually seeing each step in action — just imagine trying to explain braiding to a pal over the phone! One of my favorite ways to switch up a traditional braid, which uses three strands of hair, is to use a woven, four-strand version. Trust me, it's not as hard as you may think. To help you get started, I created a slideshow and numbered each of the four sections so you could follow along from pictures and numbers. Stepping in as my latest hair model was a Sugar staffer with the longest locks of them all, geeksugar. Grab a pal of your own and get to braidin'.

Which Hills Star's Hair Do You Like Best?

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:25 -0800

The stars of The Hills were all out in NYC last night to celebrate the fourth season finale of their dramatic show. OK, so maybe I shed a tear or two. Spencer did do the right thing and Heidi was teary most of the episode, so it's justifiable, right? As they walked the red carpet in their finest gear, Lauren fancied up her look with a tucked-under updo, Heidi and Audrina took a more classic approach, and Whitney — she went for a hippie-flower-girl kind of style. So tell me, which of these waved hairstyles is your favorite? Source

Which Hills Star's Hair Do You Like Best?

Lauren Conrad

Whitney Port

Heidi Montag

Audrina Patridge

Doing Drugstore: Conair Instant Heat Compact Styling Setter

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:00:39 -0800

Have you planned your New Year's Eve hair yet? I'm no stranger to procrastination (or impulse buys), but spotting this product left me imagining myself ringing in 2009 with cascading waves. The set was on sale and small enough that I could bring it anywhere – if NYE had me jetting off to LA for the night, I could pop this in my carry-on and go!

I got home fingers crossed and went for a trial run. Even though it says instant heat, I gave them about 10 minutes (hunger called). Picking up the rollers found them hot to the touch – don't wrap your hand around them and squeeze – but far less hot than I expected. I liked the large and small sizes for different sections and went all out, adding the entire set of 12 to my head.

Find out what happened next when you

Which Hairstyle Do You Like Best on Alyssa Milano?

bellasugar — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:01:45 -0800

Growing up, I always thought Alyssa Milano was so cool. She was a few years older than me, and in my then pre-junior high opinion, she had the best claw bangs around. A few years back, Milano played around with her style, cutting her typically long hair into a short pixie. And now, several years later, she's returned to her signature locks — this time with a bang. At the LA premiere of Yes Man I was loving her fringe. So, what do you think? When it comes to Milano's hair, which style suites her best? Source and Source

Which Hairstyle Do You Like Best on Alyssa Milano?

Short and sweet — I liked this funky style.

Straight down — This classic 'do is the best.

Long and wavy — The sexiness is undeniable.

Straight with bangs — This look is so fresh and modern.

How-To: Fake Short Hair Like Rosario Dawson

bellasugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:55:25 -0800

I can't say enough about the hairstyle (and gorgeous earrings) we saw on Rosario Dawson at the premiere for Seven Pounds in LA. At first glance, it looked like a chopped change from her recent Lucky cover but, once I zoomed in, I realized it was a nip and tuck.This style's a baby step for commitmentphobes who want a cut, but aren't quiiite there yet. The trick to the illusion of short hair: large hair pins. Taking a mix of the classic pins (the ones that are rigidly straight with ridges) and the ones that look more like a bendy "v", tuck sections of your hair starting with the bottom and loosely layer the top until it's all pinned under.

Why jumbo? Find out when you

Get Madonna's Wavy Hairstyle, Straight From Her Stylist

bellasugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:31 -0800

Madonna is in the last weeks of her sold-out Sticky and Sweet tour, and after seeing her dance around the stage, all I have to say is, 50 seems like a lot of fun — and it looks pretty good, too. M's makeup artist, Gina Brooke, showed us how to get the tour makeup look earlier this fall, and now hair stylist Andy LeCompte shares the scoop on Madonna's sexy, wavy hair.

Work with your natural texture. "Every time we set a look for tour, I always try to do something that is wavy," LeCompte explains. "Madonna has naturally wavy hair, so I consider sweat, moisture, and humidity — all of the elements in a live show."

For maximum bounce, keep your products simple. "In the show, I avoid using sticky products and sprays that weight the hair down. The only product I use is Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist ($3.99). It's a salt water and silicone-based product that I mist in Madonna's hair to give it a bit more texture."

Use the right tool. Skip the curling iron and use a tool specifically designed to make waves. LeCompte swears by the Revlon 3-Barrel Jumbo Waver ($18.83), which creates S-shaped waves. "I also used it on Britney for the 'Human Nature' video to give her Madonna-like waves," he adds.

Source

The Best Looks of 2008: Rihanna's Risk-Taking Hairstyles

bellasugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Short hair doesn't get nearly enough love as it deserves. Just ask Rihanna, who chopped off her locks without telling her record label — a choice that helped make her stand out from other pop stars. Proving that short cuts are every bit as versatile as long locks, she set some big hair trends this year. Take a peek back to see her styles over the past year.

Source

Tori Spelling's Braids are E-A-S-Y

bellasugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:00:20 -0800

I love how simple and playful Tori Spelling looked at the premiere of Waiting in Beijing. And I really love how easy it is to steal this hairstyle. It's an easy look that works on the red carpet as well it does when worn with jeans and a tee.

Start by working a frizz-fighting product (such as Mario Russo Finishing Lotion) through damp hair, then dry. Follow by creating an extreme side part. Then braid a small section of hair, keeping it fairly tight and close to the hairline. Temporarily secure the end with a clip, then repeat the process on the other side of the part. Tori pulled her braids and the rest of her hair into a simple ponytail at the nape of her neck, but if your hair is longer, you could consider twisting it into a bun.

Source

Trend Alert: Super Slick Ponytails

bellasugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:17 -0800

With wispy tendrils falling all over the place nowadays, I figured it was high time to give the bangless babes some love, too. I'd say polar opposite of the bohemian up-do would be the tightly together ponytail. Just this week alone, I spotted these three ladies wearing similarly sleek looks that focus on their face, makeup, and bone structure.
To bring this trend home, grab a high hold gel, paste, or pomade and comb your hair back so it's fairly smooth. Apply the product and then again comb it, this time fixing it up in your ponytail. Wrap and tuck part of your hair to hide the elastic, then style it wavy like Scarlett Johansson and Ashanti or stick-straight like Kim Kardashian. Lastly, I'd choose fun dangling earrings to lessen the severity of the 'do, but whether you leave your ponytail straight or curled is up to you.

Source and Source

InStyler Turns Hair Right Round, Baby, Right Round

bellasugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Another Saturday, another wild and crazy night for Bella. That's right, instead of heading out after dinner, a friend and I headed back to her place to test out this hair product – the InStyler. (There may have been a small amount of wine involved.) You see, I happened to mention it while we were eating and, since she'd seen the infomercial, she was willing to be my guinea pig. Perfect.

The point of this brush/flatiron/curling iron hybrid is to use less heat than traditional tools, with three adjustable settings providing fewer stresses on your tresses (ha). When you plug it in and clamp down on a chunk of hair, the barrel section rotates while you pull the bristles through the locks. We started with hair that had air-dried to its natural, wavy state seen here. I set up my "salon" (read: her living room) and got to straightening.

See the after photo and get our reactions when you

Which Hairstyle Do You Like Best on Nicole Kidman?

bellasugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:30:12 -0800

Whether it was promoting her movie Australia or attending an awards show event, Nicole Kidman has been out in full force these past few weeks. The actress, known for her tailored, classical style, is bewitching with a wide array of hairstyles. From smooth and sleek to teased and wavy, which is your favorite? Source and Source

How-To: Molly Sims's Wispy Updo

bellasugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:59 -0800

Messy, textured updos are all the rage these days, and Molly Sims was in on it at the recent CNN Heroes ceremony. Lorenzo Caldaron, a stylist with Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles, created this beautiful, easy look. The good news for you: he says that this look's quite easy, especially for a reader who's not trained in hair. "Make it look fun and flirty, softly pulled back and messy or use less texture for a more smooth, classic look," he said. "I's very versatile and up to you. If you think about it too technically and overwork it, it's going to go to a whole different place and look too done."

Kick off this look with clean, shampooed hair and get his step-by-step instructions when you

How-To: Alicia Keys's High-Performing Braid at the AMAs

bellasugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:00:34 -0800

Since most of you weren't fans of Alicia Keys's red carpet accessories, what did you think about her performance hair later that night? Personally, I've gotta give the gal credit for always switching it up and testing out new styles. The trio featuring this songstress (alongside Queen Latifah and Kathleen Battle) was one of my favorite medleys of the night, and Alicia's slick braid stood out, too.
This look's fairly easy to re-create so grab a comb and three rubber bands, then get the instructions for yourself (or a willing pal) when you

Trend Alert: Asymmetric Hair at the American Music Awards

bellasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:09 -0800

Last night's looks from the American Music Awards were very much your standard red carpet fare — wavy curls from the likes of Taylor Swift and Christina Aguilera or loose updos à la Miley Cyrus. Pretty? Yes. Daring? Not really. However, there were a few ladies that lived up to a more rock-and-roll style. Ashley Tisdale wasn't quite as edgy, but her twisted side ponytail was different and chic, while the others played up short asymmetric styles. Rihanna curled it up, Natasha Bedingfield pieced it out, and Pink did a little of both. I'm liking this slightly off-kilter look — it is the music biz, after all.

Source

How-To: Bohemian Double Braids (For Shorter, Layered Hair!)

bellasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:00:17 -0800

Who else would have a bird feather in her hair but PetSugar? She was so inspired by Nicole Richie's earthy double braids that she set out with some bobby pins and rubber bands to create her own.
Worried that she didn't have enough hair to properly recreate the original look, she tweaked it and made it work. Get her modified version for shorter, layered hair when you

Get the Right Bangs For Your Face Shape

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:00:54 -0800

No matter your face's shape, try some framing layers on for size – after all, bangs can serve as the baby steps to changing your look without committing to a full chop. Just click on your type, read my tips, then head off to the salon with a picture to get more bang for your buck! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Bangs For
Square Faces

Bangs For
Round Faces

Bangs For
Oval/Long Faces

Bangs For
Heart-Shaped Faces

How Much Do You Know About Gray Hair?

bellasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:10 -0800

Perhaps you've found your first gray hair — or you already have a head full of them. Many women begin to spot gray hairs around age 30, but others start becoming silver foxes as early as their teens or as late as their forties. Think you know all there is to say about gray? Take this quiz to find out.

Source

How-To: Nicole Kidman's Australia Updo

bellasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:44 -0800

One movie premiere, but double the hairdos for Nicole Kidman! Though she wore long, loose locks at the screening of Australia in Sydney, she chose this beaded style for the photocall beforehand. I'm here to help you re-create this look for any evening out – all you need is two rubber bands, pretty barrette optional.To get the look,

Use the Hair Dryer on Products, Not Just Your Head

bellasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

My pals with choppy layers often sing the praises of dense styling products in creating their piecey looks, but don't have as many kind words for the wax itself. When one recently complained that, no matter how vigorously she rubbed her hands ("like I was trying to start a fire between them"), it still clumped when she went to put it on her head. Not so pretty.

If this sticky situation sounds familiar to you, simply hold your blow dryer up to the mouth of the jar a couple inches away and skim the top layer with circular motions for about 10 seconds. This softens the product so you can scoop and smooth easier than ever. Simple!

How-To: Nicole Richie's Laid Back and Natural Braid

bellasugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:20 -0800

At the 18th Annual Environmental Media Awards, Nicole Richie was all laid back and natural with her delicate French braids wrapped like a headband. If you're feeling this sexy, bohemian style, I've got the how-to below. And for another hippie-esque take on the look, try out Sarah Michelle Gellar's more twisty, less braidy updo from earlier this year.

Slightly dirty hair is easier to work with than freshly washed hair, but you can create "day-old" hair with a texturizing product. Lightly sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($23) on the roots, working through to ends.
Next, part hair down the middle, stopping right before the crown area.
On one side, start French braiding. Gather pieces of hair as you move down, wrapping around to the opposite side, stopping before the ear. Hold together with a clear elastic band ($3.99). Don't worry about loose ends. Leave them for later.
On the other side, French braid — still gathering pieces as you go down, wrapping around to the opposite side like before. Focus on hiding the clear elastic band from your previous braid by tucking and intertwining loose ends from this braid. Use bobby pins to secure. The whole look is earthy, so be creative. The more you weave pieces from each braid together, the more organic and "flowy" it will feel.

Source

Trend Alert: Bowl Bangs Make A Big Comeback

bellasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:02:44 -0800

Three different ladies with three distinct styles come together with one big similarity – bowl bangs. As I type this, I'm getting flashbacks of hours spent trying for that perfect curl and, while it's a look I don't want to see staring back at me in the mirror, I appreciate their interpretations of the reappeared trend.Take Paris Hilton who (for once) shows the least dramatic variation. Her eyebrow-skimmers are slightly bumped under for a wispy curl, then tousled for less pronounced ends. Then there's Iman with even bangs slightly shorter than Paris'. The curl causes this face-framing cut to bring out her beautiful features – doesn't she look amazing at 53?! Lastly, we have Christina Aguilera whose style can be recreated with one hot curler. Her bang shape is distinct and it looks like her roller was tossed away minutes before the flash went off!

If you've got a favorite of these three, I'd love to hear it in your comments below.

Source

Easy Tips on Preventing Product Buildup

bellasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:00:07 -0800

Some — but not all — low-priced products give your hair that silky feeling and light-reflecting gloss by coating the shaft with a wax, which doesn't always wash off completely. The result is a buildup that can keep hair from absorbing color or holding styles, dandruff, and breakage. During this time of year, piling on serum, spray, gel, cream, and mousse to protect hair from the wind and dry air can actually make it even drier.

According to New York City stylist Antonio Prieto, a common cause is using a larger quantity of styling products than recommended, especially if the product has alcohol high on its ingredient list. His solution? Use a clarifying shampoo and higher-quality stylers, especially ones with water soluble ingredients. Try washing hair with Bumble & bumble Sunday Shampoo ($18 for eight ounces), which removes residue, hard water minerals (another cause of dullness), and pollutants, or Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo ($23 for eight ounces), which rinses out buildup while nourishing with apple, verbena, rosemary, and kukui nut oil. Those with color-treated hair might stick to an even more natural shampoo, since it probably won't include stripping sulfates, like EO Clarifying French Lavender Shampoo ($6.59 for eight ounces).

Doing Drugstore: Conair MiniPro 1/2-Inch Ceramic Straightener

bellasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:28 -0800

I'm not usually one to travel with a heat-styling tool, but when I saw this little guy ($19.99) I had to give it a go. The possibilities seemed endless: Cowlick be damned, I could get bangs! Amazing, thick, brow-grazing Joni Mitchell bangs! Or maybe I could finally master that Nicole Richie trick that many of you seem to be pros at already! Or maybe I could straighten my hair from a hotel in Seoul, as long as I had the correct power adapter, and without sacrificing precious luggage space!

My excitement was slowed down soon after plugging the MiniPro in. As promised, it heats up in 30 seconds, but doesn't have any heat settings, nor that cool-tip design that I am so used to — I almost burned my fingers. The tiny, tiny size hardly made a dent in my hair (or took one out). The carrying case it comes with, a black floral number with a cute hanging heart toggle, turned out to be the best part of the purchase — meanwhile, secretly creating perfect bangs under my desk or in my office bathroom will have to remain a distant dream.

Mix Up Some Cocktails For Your Hair

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:00:25 -0800

Who doesn't love cocktails? While boozy concoctions will make you feel a little tipsy, I have some other "cocktail" recipes that will make you feel all fuzzy inside — without the crushing hangover.

These cocktails blend a base hair product with one or more products to add maximum oomph to your style. And since it's pretty difficult to find just one hair product to do it all, why not try a little mixology of your own? Just blend the ingredients and they'll make your hair products work even better. Apply the following mixtures to slightly wet hair, starting from the back of your head working forward. Let's say you have a gel on hand — Korres Lime Styling Gel ($15) will do. Now, find out how to create your own super gel when you

Hair Color Dos and Don'ts From Celeb Stylist Johnny Ramirez

bellasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:00:34 -0700

After chatting with Posh's colorist, Johnny Ramirez, I learned he is a mayjah proponent of soft and natural looks. With high-profile clients such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariska Hargitay, and Hilary Swank, it's clear to see that Ramirez's take on hair color certainly lives up to this simply sophisticated approach. Take a look at his tips for having beautiful color.

Pack in the color: After coloring a client, Ramirez coats the hair from the outside with a gloss. "It stays really, really soft and pretty," he says. "This makes the color stay for a long time."
Get a conditioning treatment: "I do Kérastase conditioning treatments afterwards to everyone that walks out of my chair," he says. "When they are due to come back for their color or highlights, their hair is always thick and healthy."

For what not to do,

Moisture or Protein — What Does Your Dry Hair Need?

bellasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:00:07 -0700

During a salon visit in my old stomping grounds of Chicago, I asked my former hairdresser to recommend a weekly conditioner — one that would restore, revitalize, and deep-condition my dry "winter hair" all at once. "Great," she said. "Let's give your hair an elasticity test to see if you need more moisture or protein." I was game, but what did it all mean?

To determine what your hair is lacking, gently pull out a few pieces of wet hair from various parts of your head. Holding each hair separately between both thumbs, lightly pull. How does your hair react? Is it gummy, does it snap or appear brittle, or does it return back to its original state?

If it's gummy: Repair damage with protein-based conditioner. Try Frédéric Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Conditioner ($23 to $38), which helps to mend hair, all while adding hydration.
If it snaps or appears brittle: Put moisture back in with a deep conditioning treatment. Try Jonathan Hydrating Mask ($26).
If it returns back to its original state: Congratulations. You've got some healthy hair on that noggin. Use shampoos and conditioners for your hair type (curly, limp, colored, etc.) to maintain.

Source

Trend Alert: Visible Roots

bellasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:08 -0700

Three women, three different ways to get down to the root of things. Jessica Simpson, Beyoncé, and Mary-Kate Olsen each have distinctive styles, but they share one thing in common: A refreshingly low-key attitude when it comes to touching up their roots. Each of these blonde stars can afford to have that "I just left a salon" kind of color, but letting a few roots show feels thoroughly modern — particularly in an economic cycle where pricey highlights are a luxury that many people can't take. So the next time you think about booking a color appointment, go ahead and postpone it a week or two. Judging by these trend-setters' hair, you'll be in good company.

Source

Halle Berry Is a Curly Girly

bellasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:01:49 -0700

Healthy Halle Berry was spotted leaving Whole Foods in Toronto yesterday, and I love this hairstyle on her. Lately, she's been wearing her hair long and straight, but these tight curls are a gorgeous change. My guess is that they're extensions, since she's known to wear them and it's a drastic difference from the length she sported just a few weeks ago.

If you don't have Halle's stylist on speed-dial, but you are blessed with beautifully natural curls, you can mimic her look by using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner such as Carol's Daughter Hair Milk ($12). Comb it through damp hair, and the nut oils and shea butter will keep curls frizz-free and shiny. (As for finding a handsome model beau and having an adorable baby girl like Halle, though, I can't help you.)

INF Daily

In Which Bella is Tricked by Shampoo in the Jungle!

bellasugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:37 -0700

My trip to Belize was amazing on so many levels, especially because I got to hang out with adorable animals like this Aztec parakeet. Since it was the low season, I managed to score a good price at a swanky hotel in San Ignacio. When I checked in, I was offered a glass of rum punch. (Yes, please.) And my room was gorgeous — huge, pristine, luxe. Right away, I hopped in the shower, where I smiled at the sweetly coconut-scented shampoo in the wall dispenser. It left my hair clean and smelling fresh, so I figured it was some sort of spendy spa formula.

And then, a snag. Turns out I'd been given one of the more expensive rooms by accident, so to get the lower rate, I had to move to a smaller, simpler room overlooking a parking lot instead of the jungle. No big deal. But instead of a posh wall dispenser for shampoo, the bathroom simply had a bottle out for guests' use. Lo and behold, the "spa formula" I'd imagined was none other than Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut shampoo ($2.49). It isn't moisturizing enough to use every day without conditioner, but the scent and cleaning power are great — and with all the money I'll save using a drugstore standby, saving up for another trip to Central America won't take long at all.

Milk Does a Beauty Good

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Heidi Klum will be the latest addition to the long list of celebrities who have appeared in the wildly popular "Got Milk?" ad campaign, Vogue UK reports. The German model and Project Runway host will be featured wearing a customary Bavarian maid outfit, alongside a milking cow — just in time for Halloween.

All this talk about this healthy, white drink got me thinking, just what is it about milk that does a body good, in terms of beauty, of course? According to the California Milk Processor Board, people have been using milk for beauty purposes for hundreds of years. In fact, Bella favorite, Cleopatra, used to bathe in milk for radiantly smooth skin. Check out some more milk beauty benefits below:

Milk has . . .

Proteins, lipids, vitamin A, B6, calcium, biotin, and potassium to make hair soft and shiny. Drink away.
Alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acid that, when applied to the skin, help to exfoliate. Psst — this also translates to antiaging benefits, too.

For three more benefits,

Talking Soft and Natural Hair Color With Posh's Colorist

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The other day, I had a chat with the ultrafriendly celeb colorist Johnny Ramirez, of the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills, about techniques and products he used for his high-profile client, Victoria Beckham. Ramirez, who trained under famed color guru Michael Canalé (of Jennifer Aniston caramel highlights fame), also talked about where he gets his inspiration, along with color trends for Fall. Here's what he had to say:

On his approach to hair color:

"I look at my 4-year-old daughter's hair. She's got Gisele [Bundchen]'s hair color. It's an illusion. It looks really, really blonde, but when you crack it open, it's dark blond underneath. It's so natural — she's born with it. So I take that (inspiration from my daughter) and do it on someone that's older."
"When someone comes back from vacation, and they have virgin hair (meaning they have no artificial hair color), I always look to see their hairline and how their hair around their face looks. I duplicate that. Sunkissed highlights around the face are so subtle. I'll do (bleached) tips at the bottom, too. . . and comb to blend. When you do this it creates the illusion of soft, beachy hair — like you've been hanging out at the beach all month."

Regarding trends for Fall:

"Soft and natural hair colors just make your skin glow like you were born with it. Soft and natural — you just can't go wrong with that. Anytime you go really light or too dark it just doesn't look right, so just keep it very soft."

Photo courtesy of Johnny Ramirez.

Guess the Mullet-Wearing Celeb

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:00:11 -0700

Whatever clever nicknames you can conjure up for the mullet, it is definitely one unforgettable style. Yeah, it's the butt of many jokes, but you know what? If it's cut just right, the mullet can look rather awesome in a punky kind of way. Take my fun quiz below to see if you can guess which female celebrities have worn some version of what my wisecracking hairdresser often calls — the "moo-lay." What a truly unique style! Source

Question 1

1 of 6

Which actress feathered her mullet up right in the mid-1980s?

Do You Get Student Haircuts?

bellasugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:00:48 -0700

I owe any hair successes and failures from my college years to the Bumble and Bumble University's Model Project. I'd offer my hair up to stylists from around the country learning how to do updos using hair powder. Afterward, I'd roll into my Gender, Economics and the Media class with a full-on bouffant. The cuts and color I got were also usually amazing, and I have friends who go to the Aveda Institute for services. Have you ever left your 'do in the hands of a student? Source

Do You Get Student Haircuts?

Yes

Paul Cucinello on the Science of Brassy Hair Color

bellasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:48:37 -0700

While I was talking to hair color guru Paul Cucinello about hair glaze, the conversation turned to preventing brassiness, something I hear concerns about a lot. First, Cucinello broke down why it happens in the first place. "When you are using anything chemical, after six weeks the hair totally normalizes to its original state," he explained. The cuticle lifts back up so the product is released from the hair."

So why does red hair looks less red and blond hair look so orange? There's a perfectly logical explanation: "Red, yellow and blue color molecules are in your hair, and the first to come out is the smallest molecule — which is blue. That's why you see so many violet conditioners for blond hair, to control the pigment." Presumably, this means blue hair would be the hardest to maintain. Wonder how that Marge Simpson does it...

Source

Get a $5 Haircut, Help Stop Domestic Violence

bellasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Here's a silver lining to the dark cloud that is the economy: This Saturday, you can get a student haircut for just $5 — and your donation will raise money to help stop domestic abuse. Empire Education Group, a chain of cosmetology schools, is raising money for local women's shelters and for Cut It Out, an arm of the Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund nonprofit. All proceeds from hair, skin, and nail services — not just the $5 specials — will go to fund this cause. (Search for a location near you to buy the $5 haircut card in advance.)

Why are salons and beauty schools involved, you ask? It actually makes sense: Women often have a close relationship with their hairstylists, and stylists can offer a safe space to talk or reach out for help. If you need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE. If you want to help other women, join the RESPECT! group on TeamSugar, where we're working with the Family Violence Prevention Fund to stop abuse.

BellaSugar's Top Five Getting-Ready Beauty Tips

bellasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:03:49 -0700

No, I don't shake up a martini every morning, but I do make a cocktail of sorts during my daily getting-ready routine.

Throughout my time in the beauty scene, I've chatted with hairdressers galore and makeup artists aplenty. So, check out this list to see which professional beauty tidbits become such favorites, I now use them every single day:

Cocktail hour — To get the results I want from my hairstyle, I mix up a "cocktail" of two to three hair products while my hair is damp. One of my favorites is to create a blend of light-hold gel, a shine serum, and a styling lotion. The effect is smooth, healthy-looking hair that stays where I want it.
Magic wand — Instead defining my eyebrows by filling sparse areas in with a brow pencil, I use a disposable mascara wand instead. Lightly apply the brow pencil (or eyeliner) to the wand itself, then brush over brows for a fool-proof, enhanced look.
Warm it up — I add just the slightest amount of liquid bronzer to foundation for a warm, soft, and shimmery glow. This is also a great way to darken foundation that might be just a shade lighter than you'd like.
Splish-splash — After I'm done applying my makeup, I spritz on a little toner. Not only does it feel refreshing, but it sets my makeup, while giving a hint of dewiness. It's also the perfect time to blend any areas that need to be softened with a makeup sponge.
Ready, Steady, Go — To set my eyeliner, I gently use an eyeliner brush to tap an eye shadow of the same color over the liner. The results? Eye makeup that lasts all day.

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The Frizz Pendulum Swings Back

bellasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:00:11 -0700

I was a little surprised when TeamSugar member KEG asked for a how-to on the runway hair on this week's Gossip Girl, since it was kind of a daring look — pulled back at the very top with the rest of the hair frizzed out and tucked under itself above the shoulders. Of course, what I'd really like to know is how all the socialites got identical hairstyles in ten minutes (do they teach you that at Chapin?), but I digress. It seems like KEG was onto something, as frizz has already made an appearance on a couple of Spring runways. Sonia Rykiel showed very '70s brushed out curls (right), while Louis Vuitton sent models down the runway looking almost poodle-like.

Since you've likely spent your life (or, at least, the better part of the '90s) trying to get rid of frizzy hair, you may need a refresher on how to get it. Skip conditioner and apply a salt spray on wet hair (you can buy one, or just mix salt and water in a spray bottle). Backcomb where you want more volume and keep shine at bay with a hair powder. That's it. If only braces were on Gossip Girl and Paris runways, a whole generation of girls might make it through puberty that much more smoothly.

Gossip Girl Still Courtesy of the CW
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Spotted! A Cute, Easy Twist on Braids

bellasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:00:32 -0700

Everyone has a few quick, two-minute hairstyles that we throw together when we're running late. But few of mine look as cute as this one. While backstage at the Karen Walker Spring 2009 show, I spotted Teen Vogue Beauty Assistant Maura Lynch sporting this cool twist on braids. "I was in a rush this morning," she said of her hair. Maybe so, but it's a cool hairstyle.

Recreating this style is so quick and easy that you could practically do it in your sleep. Gather your hair into two plaited pigtails at the nape of your neck. Tie the ends with small hair elastics; Goody's Ouchless are great because they're clear, so they won't stand out. Then, loosely weave the braids together, securing them with bobby pins. Very easy, very chic — and very Teen Vogue.

Runway Hair Gone Wild

bellasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:31 -0700

It wouldn't be the runway without some dramatically wild looks. After all, fashion shows are meant to showcase avant-garde style. All this week, models have been strutting their stuff during Spring 2009 Fashion Week in Paris, and I've put together a collection of some of the most extreme hairstyles thus far. While most of these looks aren't for everyday wear, they're sure fun to see — or not see, in the case of Maison Martin Margiela.

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How-To: Prevent Greasy Bangs

bellasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:22 -0700

Right after my freshman year in college, my high school friends and I decided to have a girls-only Mexican dinner at the local Chi-Chi's (remember that restaurant?). As we were getting ready for our big night, I reached for a can of what I thought was hairspray to finish off my look, and my bangs just kept getting greasier and greasier. Oops — I had grabbed my friend's high sheen finishing spray, instead!

Needless to say, most of the photos from that night showcase my Jennifer Aniston "The Rachel" haircut, complete with stick-to-the forehead bangs. If I had only known about these tips below, maybe I wouldn't have to have lied that it was my birthday just to get the free sombrero gift just to cover up that oily fringe.

Dry shampoo — Use a dry shampoo or powder between shampoos to tame the oily factor, such as Bumble and Bumble Hair Potion ($34), which comes in a variety of colors, Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($23), or Johnson's Baby Powder ($5.69).
Pin it back — Obvious, yes. Greasy bangs? No. Try a cute hair accessory instead. These Leafy Barrettes ($9.95) from Anthropologie should do the trick.
Just wash your bangs — A shampoo with an oil control formulation will work wonders for bang only cleansing. Try Matrix Scalptherapie Cooling Mint Shampoo ($12).

To see more tips,

Crack, For Your Hair

bellasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:22 -0700

At Chicago's Asha SalonSpa, clients are going for a service known as "The Crack," in which a one-inch-wide and three-inch-high section right above the nape of the neck is shaved (sort of a stripe up the middle, from the neck up). Kathleen Bucci Bergeron, the salon's co-owner, explains: "We're an Aveda salon, and every year Aveda does something called Congress, where all the hairdressers see new trends. They shaved the four-inch section of hair, the concept being that it's very liberating to have this little thing that's almost like a tattoo, you can flaunt or not."

The idea of leaving some hair in the section and cutting it on an angle for a feathery look came from a stylist at Asha named Angela, who also thought to add color. "The coloring piece adds flair and becomes more user friendly because it's pretty instead of just radical," said Kathleen. "We have one or two people per location doing it, but next week we're training everyone. It hasn't been formally rolled out. We have five locations, so I think we're going to see it all over Chicago. Since you can hide it, you might start seeing it on soccer moms!" And they call it "shy town!"

More photos of "The Crack" if you

What About Bob?

bellasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:00:22 -0700

News flash: The Beckham bob (and its many copycats) is on the way out. According to many superstar stylists like Garren, Ted Gibson and Tommy Buckett (who works out of Sally Hershberger and is a personal favorite), collarbone-length hair is where it's at for Fall. While some are going for conservative takes on the length, a la Gwyneth "GOOP" Paltrow, most of the stylists interviewed prefer a choppier version. According to the article, those who went for the power pixie are either growing it out to this length (Anne Hathaway, Jenny McCarthy) or snipping even shorter (like Katie Holmes and Beckham herself). The former is much more universally flattering (and weather appropriate). Will you go for it?

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Definition: Single Process and Double Process Color

bellasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:00:13 -0700

Say you're at the salon looking over the color treatment service menu, and you get a little puzzled. Should you have the single process color, or should you go for the double? Well, one thing's for sure: single process will probably take a little less time and save you a few pennies.

Single Process means that a new color or toner is applied all over to create a new base color. The hair is lifted and deposited in one easy step. It's the most common out of the two, and it's wonderful for covering grays and adding shininess to dull hair. Plus, it's also great for the home hair colorist.

Double Process is typically used when lightening hair by more than two shades. First the hair is bleached to remove natural or colored hair pigments, and then pigment is added into the hair to create the desired shade. To avoid hair drama, leave this one to the pros.

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Doing Drugstore: Garnier Hydra-Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

bellasugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:00:48 -0700

It's somewhat bunk when directions say to use a shampoo or conditioner from the same line together for best results (skincare can be a different story). But I decided to do so when trying Garnier Hydra-Curls, because at under $4 each, I could. While I highly doubt my positive-ish results were from using the shampoo and conditioner in tandem, I thought it was worth noting.

Also worth noting is the little plastic bubble on the cap. Such a small thing, but when you've been unscrewing tops and sticking your wet hand in tubs of $30 deep conditioner (thus watering down the product), it's a reprieve. The scent of Garnier Hydra-Curls kind of reminded me of free gym shampoo, but I can't argue with the fact that my hair dried really soft and wavy, but smooth. The detangling abilities of the conditioner are stellar — I barely needed to brush my hair. Eight bucks is a small price to pay for that.

Doing Drugstore: Charles Worthington Big Waves Definition Creme

bellasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:00:49 -0700

Contrary to what Beyoncé says there are some things that are irreplaceable. I have been trying to find a low-cost alternative to Bumble & bumble Grooming Creme ($25) at the drugstore for ages. Often, other products are too heavily-scented, which at least is detectable without taking out my wallet. I had high hopes for Charles Worthington Big Waves Definition Creme ($5.99), which promises "defined, wavy, super shiny, full hair." The scent was stronger than I'd like but not offensive, so I gave it a try.

The first thing I noticed was that it didn't smooth through my hair as much as I wanted it to. When you have waves — or are trying to create them — getting product evenly over your hair is key. The directions say to apply "liberally" with fingers, but combing it through is definitely a better idea. With leave-in defining products, even application can easily be the difference between success and failure, which is why I gave this Big Waves Definition Creme a second chance after my hair dried with, for lack of a better term, glue-y chunks. I love other Charles Worthington products, but this didn't do it for me either time. Bummer.

Bella Quiz: I'm Not a Hairdresser, But I Play One on TV

bellasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:00:55 -0700

Or the movies, for that matter. Do you remember which actors and actresses have played hairstylists or salon staff, whether on the small or big screen? Take my quiz to find out if your knowledge is sharp or if you fall a little flat.

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Hair Static Dilemma: Avoid "The Einstein"

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:24 -0700

I love when I get to dabble in the advice-giving role, much like our DearSugar does on a daily basis, so when I got the following question from TeamSugar member hottpink, I just had to help. She writes,

I have very fine hair that's about chin-length. When I wake up every morning, my hair looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket! It literally stands up and out making me look like Albert Einstein. What can I do so that I won't wake up looking like a crazy-haired monster?

I've always had a soft spot for ol' Albert's mane, but I can see why it might not fly all of the time. For my genius advice, just

Heidi Klum at the 2008 Primetime Emmys

bellasugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:49 -0700

Project Runway's Heidi Klum went through six outfit changes at last night's Emmys, which means — you guessed it — six hairstyles. Her stylist, Helena Faccenda, played off each dress and took inspiration from past big screen stars Brigitte Bardot and Veronica Lake. While Heidi went home without an Emmy, she wins praise for her variety of looks. Read on to find out more about each hairstyle.