Great Ways to Tame Frizzy Hair

For me, frizzy hair and summer time seem to go hand-in-hand. Normally, my hair is slightly wavy, but not particularly out of control. Add a little heat and humidity into the mix, though, and you've got yourself a fine, frizzy mess.

So how do you go about taming the frizz-monster? Fortunately, there are a few handy tricks you can try to calm your tresses and soothe them into a smoother, more manageable style.

Use products specifically designed for frizz.

This might seem like an obvious tip, but I know plenty of women who are determined to keep using their regular beauty products in order to avoid spending money on things that they only need occasionally.

Specially formulated shampoo and conditioner can help, but smoothing pomades are perhaps your best bet.
While your hair is still wet, place a small amount of product in your hand (about the size of a quarter) and then gently work it through your hair and style as usual.

Take care of damaged hair.

Coloring, highlights, blowouts, and chlorine from swimming pools can seriously stress your strands. Since damaged hair is more susceptible to frizz, it's important to address hair health issues. Turning down the heat on your styling tools can help. I'd also recommend using a deep conditioning treatment once a week.

Embrace your hair's natural texture.

Are you a slave to your flat-iron? Well put down that straightener and learn to love your naturally curly or wavy hair. I'm not saying that you should avoid wearing your hair straight altogether, but giving your hair a break and wearing it in a more natural style is one of the best ways to fight the frizzies. Try loose, beachy waves for a relaxed look.

Some more tips for avoiding frizz:

• Don't brush your hair when it's dry. It not only stretch out your hair, it also lifts the cuticle, which is what leads to frizz in the first place.


• Use a heat protecting product (such as Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray -- 8 oz.) when you do use a blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener.


• Avoid products that contain alcohol. They sap the moisture out of your hair, leaving it drying and more prone to frizz.


• Keep a small bottle of detangling spray in your purse. If you notice that your hair starts to get frizzy by mid-afternoon, just spritz a little on and soothe through with your fingers.


• Use a silicon serum to help smooth your hair cuticle. I like Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum, Sleek & Shine, 5.1 oz

Image by o5com

Tips for Choosing a New Hairstyle

Changing your hairstyle can be daunting, especially if you have kept the same style for several years. Whether you are trying out a new color, going for a shorter style or adding bangs, it is certainly not a decision to be made lightly. While you can always make changes to a new style, it might take several weeks, months or even years to grow out.

So how can you take the guesswork out of choosing a new hairstyle? The key is to spend some time researching your options, think about your own style needs and experiment with different looks.

1. Do Your Homework Before Choosing a New Hairstyle

Your first step should always be to research different hairstyles in order to get a good idea of what you will like. Never walk into a hair salon with only vague ideas about what you want. In order to communicate with your stylist effectively, you need to know how to describe exactly what you want. Better yet, you should enter a hair salon armed with pictures of the new hairstyle that you want. The clearer and more specific you are, the more likely you will be to get exactly what you want.

2. Think About Your Own Needs and Preferences

Sure, that edge shag hairstyle looks fabulous, but will it really work with your busy lifestyle? If you aren't used to spending long periods of time each morning styling your hair, then you probably should not pick a new hairstyle that is high maintenance. Think about how much time you want to spend each morning on your hair, and then look for a new hairstyle that will work with your schedule. Also consider the amount of care and maintenance that will be required throughout the day. For example, if you work outdoors for large parts of the day, you certainly don't want your hair to be falling in your face all day. Think about these needs, and then plan accordingly.

3. Experiment With Different Looks

In the past, deciding which hairstyles would work with your face and features used to be a guessing game. Fortunately, today there are plenty of online tools that allow you to take the latest hairstyles out for a test drive. Start by taking a good picture of yourself with your hair pulled back out of your face. Then upload you picture to a hairstyle website and try on a wide variety of new hairstyles. The following are just a few of the places where you can try out hairstyles of different lengths and colors.

• Makeover-O-Matic
• Try-A-Hairstyle
• Hollywood Hair Virtual Makeover
  

3 Great Curly Hairstyles

Whether you are blessed with curly hair or create the curls using styling tools, there is no doubt that a great curly hairstyle can be romantic, sexy and modern look. One of the keys to achieving an attractive curly hairstyle is to choose a cut that works great for curly hair. Before you begin, consider the texture of your hair. If it is very fine, a shorter or medium-length cut would probably work best. For women with thicker or courser hair, a longer haircut is a great option.

The following curly hairstyles would work well for women with a wide variety of face shapes. Consider which style would look best on you, and then take a picture of the hairstyle into your stylist so that he or she can recreate the look.

Short Curly Hairstyle

This short curly hairstyle is a great option for women with shorter hair. Start by blowing hair dry, and then apply a styling product of your choice. Wrap one inch section of hair around a medium-barreled curling iron. After curling hair, pin curls up close to the head with a bobby pin and allow them to cool. Remove bobby pins after 10 to 15 minutes and finish with a few spritzes of hair spray.

Medium Curly Hairstyle

Actress Keira Knightely models a beautiful curly hairstyle that would work well for any woman with medium-length hair. Use a curling iron to create voluminous curls, wrapping some around the iron forward and some around backwards. Separate the curls by combing your fingers through your hair and finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold your curly hairstyle in place.

Long Curly Hairstyle

This gorgeous look seen on singer Taylor Swift is a great option for women with long hair. Those with natural curl will find styling a breeze, but you can also achieve this look by asking your stylist for a spiral perm. Perms have come a long way in recent years, and you can achieve a wide variety of curls without causing a lot of damage to your hair.

Many women long for curly hair, and a great style is not hard to achieve if you look for the right cut. Consider your hair texture and discuss your options with your stylist in order to find the curly hairstyle that will work best for you.

Jessica Simpson Bob Hairstyle

Bob hairstyles are very trendy right now, but they also offer a timeless look. It's important to remember that bobs can be extremely versatile. The typical bob can range from chin-length to just past the shoulders, making it a great choice for women who enjoy short hair as well as those who prefer a longer length.

In the image below, singer and actress Jessica Simpson models a great bob hairstyle that is sleek, modern and very feminine.

Jessica Simpson with a Bob Hairstyle

How can you achieve this great look at home? Start by asking your stylist for a bob haircut with a few layers to help add swing, dimension and depth. The longest layer should start at your shoulders. Some graduated layers around the face can help highlight great skin and a lovely smile.

The bob hairstyle seen here on Jessica Simpson can be worn in a wide variety of ways. Leave it down for a quick style, or try out a simple chignon for an elegant updo. For those busy weekends spend running errands, sleek hair back into a low ponytail and accessorize with a pretty hair clip for a touch of casual glamor.

Tips for Wearing Headbands

Headbands are back in a big way this year, and thank goodness for that. On days when you're just too tired or simply do not have the time to spend styling your hair, headbands offer a stylish solution.

However, wearing a headband takes a bit more than just throwing one on and walking out the door. Follow these simple steps to get a super-chic style in a matter of minutes.

Stylish Headband

Headband Tips

1. Choose a simple headband with great details for a day at the office.

A sleek black headband with a few jewels or other decorative features can help create a polished, professional look.

2. Use hair products to make headband styling easy.

Spritz a little hairspray or styling gel into your hair and comb through with your fingers. By adding just a little bit of texture to your hair, the headband will grip better and hold the style much longer.


3. Don't be afraid to try out a bolder headband design.

In the photo above, actress Leighton Meester demonstrates that even a dramatic headband can be stylish. Look for a headband that accentuates your outfit. If there is a lot going on with your outfit, consider selecting a headband that is the same color as your clothing in order to avoid having the two complete for visual attention.



4. Add a headband to a formal updo for an elegant and sexy style.

In the photo above, actress Drew Barrymore demonstrates how a simple headband can create visual interest in a formal hairstyle. For a special event, such as a wedding or prom, pick a headband than incorporates feminine touches such as glittering gems or delicate flowers.

5. Let your bangs down.

If you have fringe, consider separating it from the rest of your hair before placing the headband. Style your fringe as your usually would for a great variation on your daily style.