Ask Alzy: She Bangs

So this week continues the Facebook "hair challenges". Up next:

I can't ever seem to get that "swoopy" bang look (http://www.squidoo.com/avon-hair). Instead, my hair wants to go all D.J. Tanner from Full House. I've tried blow drying upside down, I've tried parting it on the the opposite side. No matter what, I get the Baywatch hair look, which is NOT what I'm going for...

 Dear She Bangs,

It's hard to say without seeing your part line and any callicks you may have. The hair needs to lay flat and forward.What you may try is blowdrying your bangs forward, and as you do so, you can rub your fingers back and forth...this will help break up any set pattern it likes to hold.

With some product, like Aveda's Control Force, mist your bangs, one section at a time, and flat iron straight down with a little curve, then brush to the side.

Speak with a stylist or have them do it on you to get a visual or to show you a few other tips!

Hope that helps!

Your friend,

Alzy


Have a question you want to ask alzy? Send it to askalzy@gmail.com or leave it in the comments below!

How To Tuesday: Cover Up a Pimple

Isn't that the worst? When you know you've got somewhere important to be and you wake up and bam! pimple. There's no denying it. It happens to us all.

Now using a little concealor and covering it up might be a no brainer to some of us. But I thought the same thing about braiding and yet I still meet people who don't know how to do it. So here we are, with a tutorial...which I, myself, find very educational.

The trick ladies, or gentlemen, is to find a concealor that has an ance treatment in it. For example, Murad Acne Spot Treatment has a dash of salicylic acid in it to zap that pimple up, plus it adds some nice coverage. Pretty much a miracle in a tube.




What kind of tutorials would you like to see next month? Tell me in the comments below!

Product Cocktails

Remember that time I talked about using too much product? Today I'm kind of on the opposite end of the spectrum, because I want to tell you about product cocktails.

What's a product cocktail you ask? Why, let me tell you!

product cocktail [prod-uhkt kok-teyl] noun: any various sort of mixed products, consisting typically of one or more hair products mixed with another hair product.

Need something simpler than my fancy, made-up definition? Basically a product cocktail is just as it sounds, when you mix two or more products together in your hair. Because let's face it, one product is just never enough, nor is just one pair of shoes. The key is discovering what products to mix. 

Mixology 101:

• light hold mousse + straightening cream = the perfect round brush combo
• curl enhancer + anti-frizz cream + gel = perfect curly hair cocktail
• heat protectant + hair spray + shine serum = your curling iron's best friend

Those are just a few combinations. There are thousands out there I'm sure, but just be aware that some products don't mix well together. So if you get any clumping, color change, or just weirdness in general, ask your hair care professional about it. Or just ask your stylist in the first place. Chances are they used a cocktail on your hair and can recommend the perfect one for you.

Currently I'm loving Aveda's Smooth Infusion Style Prep-Smoother and Glossing Straightener. They come from the same line and practically scream, mix me! What are your favorite products to mix together?

Ask Alzy: Summer Time Blues

Yesterday on our Facebook page , we asked about your hair challenges. Here is what our fans had to say:

For the next three weeks, we'll be answering these lovely ladies questions. First up:

 The gray in my hair grow out too fast, and I really like to wear it long. But during the summer all I ever do is put it in a pony. Suggestions for how to wear longer hair in the summer, without just putting a pony on it and tricks to get the gray at bay, until I get to the salon. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Summer Time Blues,

They make hair mascara in 3 colors that you can put on your part line and around the face. It washes out with shampoo, so it will have to be reapplied on a regular basis. However, it has a wax base so do not use it on the day you get your hair fixed up at the salon because it will resist the color.

Pony's aren't bad, but they do get old! Simple braids, buns, or headbands can be a fun way to spruce it up. You can always call the salon and see about setting up an appointment with a stylist for a lesson on a few quick ways to wear your hair and braiding techniques!  

Hope this helps!

As always,

Alzy

Do you have a hair challenge or a question? Send an email to askalzy@gmail.com

Photo 1, Photo 2

How To Tuesday: Braided Headbands

They say the braided look is going out, but I disagree. I'm still in love with a good ol' braid. So I thought I'd show you a couple of braided headband looks.

Hopefully you know how to french braid...




See? Simple and pretty!


What are your favorite braided looks?

Friday Link Love 2/17/2012

• Homemade hair removal wax. Ouch. Let me know if you try this and if it goes well...
• I laughed a long time at this...and then I realized there were 10 more pages. The most entertaining notes to neighbors. 
• Working at a desk all day isn't fun, so try some of these ways to stay active while at your desk.
• It's Girl Scout cookie time! Don't worry if your on a diet, here at the healthiest ones. 
• This website is fantastic and adorable. It shows you a new picture of a kitten after you write so many words. Kittens are enough motivation for me. 
• I haven't heard of using strawberries as a facial toner before, but it sounds interesting! 
• And just for you 90s lovers out there: 10 things 90s kids will have to explain to their children. 
• This bohemian updo is brilliant, and as a bonus, it looks super easy! 
• Cooking mistakes are frequent in my life. I might just have to print out this list of common cooking mistakes. 
• This week, news came out that the FDA found lead in over 400 shades of lipstick, but think it isn't a concern. Not a concern? hmm...
• Filed under "open when bored": catastrophic, and sometimes funny, things that have happened to Reddit readers. 
• All you experienced DIYers out there: how to make your own perfume. 
• Beauty techniques made easy. Thank you Woman's day!
• This website will create any text you want in a "ransom style" note. You know, magazine clippings? Pretty awesome.

What did you see online this week? Send me your link loves to cassidy@onstagehairdesign.com 

The Perfect Cut For Your Face Shape, Part Deux

After reading my post from yesterday, I hope that everyone went home--or to their bathrooms--and measured or drew their way into discovering their face shape. If not, well that's okay too. You get an E for effort. Or is it A for effort? I can never remember.

Now it's time to determine the perfect cut for you and your new face shape.

Oval

All you ovalers out there rejoice! Because having an oval face means you can pull off almost any haircut or any length. Congratulations, you won the face shape lottery. 

But if you want the perfect cut, try something with long layers that enhance your natural body. When your hair is too flat to your head it can make your face look even more elongated. 

Want something more bold? Cut yourself some full bangs! The bangs cover part of your face, which automatically makes it look shorter. 

Round

Rounders, here are the rules:

Way above the jawline, or below it. Cuts that hug the jaw can make your face look wider, but if your hair hits around the collarbone than it helps slim your face down.

Or if your up for it, cut a super cute pixie like Ginnifer's. Choppy pieces on top can help lengthen your face.

Square

Sqaure-ies...think feathered layers. The feathered ends keep things from being too blunt and bringing attention to your sharp features. 

Also, try some side bangs like lovely Salma up there. They soften up your look.

Heart

Hearts, you're going to want to keep things moving and fun. Much like the Square-ies, your jaw is prominent and that is something you'll want your hair to compliment.

Bangs can help conceal the wideness at your forehead and to offset the narrowness at your chin.

A chin length bob that flips will create the illusion of a wider area around your chin as well.



There you have it my friends! Are you following these face shape rules? Or do you make your own rules like I do?