Trendy Outlook

If you’ve ever cut your hair short and then decided to grow it long, I’m sure you know the horror I’m about to describe. As your bangs get longer, your hair starts to wander into a limbo zone where it’s neither long nor short and the results are pretty damn annoying.

It doesn’t feel right and the hair in your eyes makes it near impossible to walk without blindly running into things. So, what do you do during those awkward months when the slow growth of your bangs tries your patience? Well, you aren’t forced to sit back and take it – there’s a number of things you can do to make life with growing bangs more bearable.

In the early stages, there’s one option that actually works really well and may even show you a new style that you like. Instead of keeping the bangs separate, use a side part and push the bangs to one side of your head.

They probably won’t be long enough to tuck behind your ear, but you can do one of two things. Either use a little hair spray to keep the bangs in place or a clip to affix it to the hair on the side of your head for a consistent wave.

This latter option is a great way to incorporate your growing bangs into a complete style without having them stick out like a sore thumb.

In the early stages, there’s one option that actually works really well and may even show you a new style that you like. Instead of keeping the bangs separate, use a side part and push the bangs to one side of your head.

They probably won’t be long enough to tuck behind your ear, but you can do one of two things. Either use a little hair spray to keep the bangs in place or a clip to affix it to the hair on the side of your head for a consistent wave.

This latter option is a great way to incorporate your growing bangs into a complete style without having them stick out like a sore thumb.

In addition to not being able to see, the other majorly awkward problem of growing out your bangs is knowing when to cut them. The temptation will always be to let them grow as much as possible, but the truth is they will need a regular trim to stay healthy.

You probably don’t want to pay a stylist for what amounts to a handful of snips or go insane trying to do it yourself, so enlist the help of a friend that you can trust with your hair.

All that’s needed is to keep the hair at its healthiest during the growing out process is a few quick cuts to get rid of the dead or split ends.

To make the time go faster, make sure you have a plan for what you’ll do with your new longer bangs. Look for styles that will bridge the gap as your bangs grow and use these cuts as a way to experiment with different ways to wear your hair. Chances are you’ll probably enjoy playing with different styles so much that those awkward bangs-growing months will quickly become a distant memory.

Whether you’re an NYC native or just planning a trip to the Big Apple, knowing the right hair salons to visit is an important piece of information. For the latter, going to New York is like taking a journey to the epicenter of the hairstyling universe and you should definitely make it a point to try out one of the top studios in the world.

Yes, prices can be high, but probably not as high as you imagine. Even though you probably can’t shell out $600 for a session with legend hair designer Sally Hershberger or another top name, the truth is that all of these salons have cheaper options.

Instead of taking a chance, the following salons are ones that you can trust to get your full money’s worth and a haircut that you’ll love. Garren New York If luxury and a once-in-a-lifetime experience are what you’re looking for, then Garren New York may be the salon for you.

A favorite haunt of Victoria Beckham, Madonna, and Drew Barrymore, celebrities routinely pay Garren’s $705 price tag for an appointment with the master. In the same impressive salon, a cut from one of the other stylists will likely be little more than $150, a much more affordable affair.

Each of these stylists are true talents and many will eventually become the hottest hair designers in the city. Garren New York is a breeding ground for the best in the business and finding an up and coming star for this price is an incredible steal.

The salon can be found in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel on Fifth Avenue and is decked out in Travertine floors and Italian crystal in a minimal design that adds to the feeling of luxury.

Whittemore House, Of course, high-end talent and luxury salons are not the only ones that can deliver the haircut of your dreams and it’s usually an altogether different kind of salon that specializes in the hottest styles of the planet.

One such NYC location that generates rave reviews on a regular basis is the Whittemore House Salon. Located in the heart of the West Village, everything in the place, from the furniture to the stylists themselves, has a funky air that translates directly to their hair creations and exquisite colorings.

Victoria Hunter and Larry Raspanti are the heavyweights, commanding a $50 fee for the consultation alone. The real value is in the newer stylists, like Eugene Park and Reagan Breinholt, both of which charge around $100 for a cut.

Sam Brocato Salon If your budget is pressing some serious limitations on your salon of choice, a great way to get a high class cut at bargain-basement prices is to check out the Sam Brocato Salon in SoHo.

Famous for the best bobs in the biz, the Brocato Salon is often where new hairdressers come to pay their dues and hone their skills. The Salon is also home to an education center where potential talents are trained and guided to success.

This means that you can experience the best of the best before they rise to international acclaim. Prices for a standard haircut are based on the experience level of the stylist and range from $55 for an appointment with new talent to $300 for a date with Sam Brocato himself.

In NYC, you’re never far from a hair salon, but the difference in quality can vary wildly. Do your research and you will be rewarded with a salon you can trust and a hairstyling experience you’ll never forget.

Ombre, dip-dye, or whatever else you want to call it, there’s no denying that this hairstyle is hot and getting hotter by the minute. The ombre movement first started to gain some traction in the summer of 2010 and since that time, it has exploded, gracing the heads of women everywhere.

What is ombre? Essentially, it’s a partial coloring where the hair changes color from the top to the bottom, either over a gradual transition or at an abrupt point. An ombre style can take on tons of different forms, which is one of the reasons that the cut has stayed popular for nearly two years.

Some sources are saying that ombre is on the way out, but its continued appearance on celebrities says that this trend hasn’t reached its peak yet.

At its most extreme, an ombre style can combine a natural hair color with an extreme one to create an attention-grabbing appearance, such as the one seen on music sensation Jessie J.

The dynamic combination of black and red may not work with every outfit, but it commands respect every time the artist takes the stage. As flamboyant as Jessie J’s ombre look is, there are lots of other ways that the style can stand out.

On the other side of the scale, some of the best ombre cuts are the ones that aren’t immediately noticeable. Betty Wright plays this card to perfection, with an easy transition from her natural red too much lighter blond hair at the ends.

This style works well because of the sheer size and volume of Wright’s hair and the gradual change is a subtle way to incorporate the ombre technique.

At the same time, long hair isn’t a prerequisite and there are plenty of examples of how ombre can fit a shorter cut, such as the following shot of Alexa Chung.

Chung’s style takes ombre into a more hip and edgy direction, leaving loose ends and setting up a laid-back and low maintenance appearance, which is half the beauty of the ombre movement.

The whole idea behind the technique is that it’s really easy to maintain and doesn’t mean that a woman will need to make constant visits to her local salon. Instead, the color will stay in place and the hair can be fixed as normal.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making a switch to an ombre style.

If you’re thinking about trying on the ombre look for a change, remember that you most likely will need to start with your natural color.

With treated hair, color correction will be necessary to make sure that the tones come outright. Definitely don’t try to cover a dye-job at home and go to a professional salon to avoid some potentially ugly mistakes.

As the sun comes out to play for spring and summer, go for a more vibrant and bright color and leave the ashy tones for the winter months. At its current popularity, it appears that the ombre craze will be with us for quite some time. Why not check it out and see how it could enhance your appearance in 2012?

In the last few years, few television shows have built up the reputation and the impressive number of viewers as Desperate Housewives.

This interesting take on the dark side of suburbia, complete with affairs, murder, and complicated personal relationships has somehow made a connection with audiences, who hopefully don’t have too much in common with its main characters.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest elements that have led to the success of the show is its attention to hair and how the external styles reflect the inner attitude of the characters.

With the series slated to end after this season, the upcoming final episodes may be the last chance you have to take inspiration from the main stars of the show.

Teri Hatcher’s character of Susan Delfino is obviously the romantic center of the show and gives a firm emotional base to make the extreme behaviors of the other characters more believable.

As such, her hairstyle is relatively understated and is meant to reflect more the “girl next door” look. If you fall under the hopeless romantic category, this hairstyle may be a new idea you might want to try.

The side part and gentle waves give an appearance of being down-to-earth while still keeping a bit of a sexy edge.

If full-on sexy and unashamed-to-show-it is more the hairstyle you’re looking for, then Marcia Cross’s role as Bree Van de Kamp should serve as adequate inspiration.

The striking red color and voluptuous styling make it clear that Bree is on the prowl. However, the style is used perfectly in the show to provide balance to the character’s perfectionist nature and show that looks are not always what they seem.

If your hairstyle is too one-dimensional, it may be time to spice things up by following Cross’s lead and taking a new vibrant color or adding some curves to your locks.

If Susan Delfino is the emotional rock of Desperate Housewives, then Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria, is the show’s unbridled sexual appetite and her haircut does absolutely nothing to hide that fact.

The long flowing mane has turned Longoria into a veritable star and her image is synonymous with Hollywood sexuality.

While not every woman can pull off this look well or would want to deal with the implications of the overly-sexy appearance, there are some for whom it is a viable option. If getting more attention is the goal, then this long, full-volume look will certainly turn more heads in your direction.

For supermoms that want to feel like they’re still in the game, the sophisticated hairstyle worn by Felicity Huffman is a way to bring refinement and sexuality together in an elegant combination.

While the character of Lynette Scavo is often seen as a stressed and somber woman, her carefully crafted locks reveal a much more complex character.

Being a mom doesn’t mean that you have to abandon the idea of looking good and this hairstyle is ample proof. For an interesting change, ask your hairdresser to recreate this style and bring a new dynamic attitude to your appearance.

The roles played on Desperate Housewives are an excellent microcosm of suburban life and their hairstyles have been painstakingly created to reflect the truth about who the characters actually are.

So, what does your hairstyle say about you and can you improve the message that’s being sent? Take a closer look at the Desperate Housewives hairstyles and you might discover your perfect style just waiting for its chance to shine.

If you’re a high school senior, then most of your waking (and dreaming) hours at this time of year are probably being spent thinking about the prom – what dress to wear, who your date will be, and most importantly, how your hair will look.

The high school prom is a truly American rite of passage and most women still remember that special night and its place in their personal history. Since it carries such a fairy tale atmosphere, why not take it to the next level and create a look that shows off the princess you are.

Here are a few princess haircuts that will help you get at least one part of the equation right for a perfect prom night. Nothing screams princess or fairy tale quite like a complicated braid, so think of your prom as a chance to go crazy with braids.

Halo braids are definitely in fashion this year and are all the rage in fashion shows, so they will make an excellent choice if you really want to stand out from the crowd.

Look for a version of braid that will be unique or come up with your own design that will be impossible for anyone else to copy. Just keep in mind that preparing a complex braid can take time and make sure that you have several hours dedicated to getting ready for the actual event.

If you think that a fairy tale princess haircut for your prom has to be complicated, think again. Long wavy hair, like this style worn by Taylor Swift, can just as easily evoke the idea of a princess, especially if you can pull off that Snow White, just-walked-out-of-the-forest look.

The secret to making this princess style work is to just keep it simple. Let your natural hair shine, avoid using too many products, and do just a little bit of light volumizing. Showing up with a hairstyle like this will all but guarantee that the boys will be lining up to get their chance to dance with you.

Of course, if elegance is what you’re going for in your princess look, there really is no other option but to pick a truly regal updo. It doesn’t need to be caked in hairspray to look classic and many of the best princess updos are relatively simple to achieve and can be held in place with pins and possibly a tiara or other headpiece to accentuate the noble appearance.

What an updo does is show off your face and inspire a natural feeling of grace. If you’ve decided on an updo as your prom hairstyle of choice, try and pair it with a nice dress that features a plunging neckline and a good matching set of necklace and earrings. The result is timeless and your date will fully believe that you are a princess, at least for one night.

The great thing about a princess haircut for your prom is that there really are no limits and you can pick and choose whatever elements will make you happy. This example shows how a braid, updo, and longer hair can all work together to create a stunning appearance.

In addition, all of these aspects work together to get the full princess effect you’re looking for. While it may be convenient to just replicate a look you’ve seen here, the best option is to use these ideas as inspiration to create something unique for your prom that fits your natural facial shape and individual style. With this type of creation, your prom will be one to remember for the rest of your life.

Our interview this week comes from the city of Belgrade where the top stylists are quickly earning their place on the hair map. Milica Maksimovic, who also goes by the name Shishalica, is among those top talents that are already generating impressive client lists and bringing more interest to the styling scene in the Serbian capital.

Her hair designs have been featured around the globe and have landed Shishalica a coveted sponsorship from American-based Manic Panic NYC as well as a publication in prestigious magazines like Head1st, Bangstyle, and Peluquerias.

We had a chance to speak to the up-and-coming stylist about some of her interesting opinions about hair.

Q: How many years have you been a stylist?
A: I started cutting hair when I was very young, eleven years ago.

Q: What made you choose hairstyling as your profession of choice?
A: I love cutting hair and I was good at it.

Q: Did you go through formal training to become a stylist or are you self-taught?
A: Yes, I went to beauty school here in Serbia, but it was only the beginning. I learned many useful things by working at hairdressing salons in Belgrade.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
A: I draw inspiration from the world around me, music, people, movies…etc.

Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while cutting someone else’s hair?
A: A client of mine farted. You can’t imagine the embarrassment – the situation was awkward for a moment, but fortunately, she laughed like crazy and, after all, it was one of those situations you can’t control.

Everything turned out great and we became very good friends over time. She is still my client and all of her friends came to me, too. 😉

Q: What is your favorite part of being a stylist?
A: I love it when my clients leave my place happy with their hair. A good haircut makes a person feel full of confidence.

Q: What is a product you’re addicted at the moment?
A: I don’t have a favorite product because I always try out new stuff.

Q: If you could style anyone’s hair in the world, who would it be?
A: Most definitely Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters) and Rooney Mara (actress).

Q: What is the most difficult part about your profession?
A: The most difficult thing for me is that I stand all day long while I work. My feet are killing me sometimes. Other than that, there is nothing I find to be difficult.

Q: What hairstyle is “in” this season? Why?
A: “Ombre hair” in different variations. Why? I think the beauty of this particular hairstyle is that it looks natural and women love it. 😉

Q: Do you have any advice for men and women who color their hair?
A: I have often been in situations where clients come to me after they tried to color their hair at home on their own and ended up being sorry and looking bad, so I guess my advice is to always ask for professional help, you won’t be sorry and trust me, it’s cheaper that way”.

Q: What is the biggest problem you see with hair today?
A: I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but hair quality has changed. I think it all has to do with the food we eat, the products we use, and our health in general.

It may come as a surprise to you, but I don’t encourage my clients to use a lot of hair products. On the contrary, I encourage them to use less, especially when their hair is damaged. I take very good care of my clients.

Q: What are your favorite styles to work with?
A: Geometry and asymmetry.

Q: What is the worst thing a person can do to their hair?
A: I’ve done everything you can possibly imagine to my hair when I was younger. I have long natural hair today and the worst thing I can think of now is to cut it short.

Q: What is the best thing you can do to keep your hair healthy and beautiful?
A: As I said earlier, avoid using a lot of hair products and cutting it a little from time to time helps. Also, by all means, avoid using hair straighteners frequently.

Q: What is the most popular style you perform on a day to day basis?
A: It all depends on the clients and their wishes, but I do a lot of short asymmetrical haircuts and coloring in natural tones.

Q: What are some products that you use regularly?
A: I really don’t have favorite products. In my opinion, every manufacturer has some good products, but not all of them are great. I tend to experiment a lot with colors from different manufacturers, which proved to be a good thing because now I can work with anything and get the desired result.

Q: For women who can’t afford big-budget hair care, are there any cheaper, store-bought products that you would recommend?
A: I don’t believe that a big budget is needed for quality hair care. I live in Belgrade/Serbia, so obviously I don’t know much about the stores from abroad, but I guess it is the same everywhere. I think that products from stores and a good hairstylist will do just fine.

Q: What has been your favorite era in hairstyling?
A: The 1930s.

Q: Do you have any tips to prevent/overcome bad hair days?
A: If you take good and regular care of your hair, there is no such thing as a bad hair day.

Backed by critical acclaim nearly across the board, New Girl is a television series that is quickly moving up the charts to be one of the most-watched shows in the entire United States.

While clever writing and real-life situations may take some of the credit for the overnight success of the show, the centerpiece is no other than Zooey Deschanel, a multi-talented celebrity that has shown she is equally at home in an acting role or on stage to display her musical skills.

Her talents have obviously won fans over the years, but it is her unique hairstyle that has left an indelible mark on millions. Deschanel’s hair has become a veritable trademark in celebrity hairstyles, and for good reason – her locks represent unconventional beauty and a willingness to buck trends in favor of classic style.

Like Deschanel herself, the main character of New Girl, Jess Day, is an eccentric woman with a vivacious and outgoing person who has an uncanny knack for getting involved in strange situations.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Deschanel’s hair manages to evoke the same offbeat personality and childlike innocence. Although she has been known to sport pulled-back hair from time to time, the classic Deschanel look is with long, slightly wavy and tousled tresses and her trademark long bangs.

For the flatter feel of the bangs, a hair straightener should be used lightly to gently put the fringe into place and a quick light hairspray will be more than enough to keep the texture right all day.

The next step is to use a curling iron to create waves along the length of the hair and away from the face. The finishing touch is to comb out the curls and give a light shake with the hands. This will make the waves look more natural and will also add some extra volume.

A woman with lighter hair may want to give a once-over with a light hairspray, but thicker hair should stay in place reasonably well.

Zooey Deschanel and her hair have been well received with the New Girl role. The actress and the show both picked up Golden Globe nomination nods after the first season and broadcasting company Fox made the easy decision to renew the series for a second round. With a hairstyle perfectly mirroring the unconventional of the actress her role, it is no wonder that the show has done so well.

Viewers can relate to a star who has seemingly natural hair and the awkwardness of dealing with many modern situations. Zooey Deschanel is fast becoming an international sensation and can add New Girl to the list of her successful endeavors.

In what may truly be one of the weirdest hair trends to ever hit the streets, pink hair has changed from being a novelty fad into a full-on revolution.

Every day, more and more women make the decision to dye their hair pink, whether it’s just a few highlights, a la Rachel McAdams or a crazy pink retro do like the one worn by singer Katy Perry. Why pink instead of another color? Who knows?

The only thing certain is that pink is showing no signs of slowing down. For your pink hair consideration, let’s take a look back at how this whole thing got started, where it is today, and how you can become part of the movement.

Dipping your hair in Kool-Aid for a dose of pink color may have been commonplace since the 1970s, but it wasn’t until aptly-named singer Pink started experimenting with the color in the early 2000s that a celebrity championed the pastel color as a viable choice for the hair.

Ranging from this under-dye job to a raging bright mohawk, the singer tried on different hairstyles on a regular basis, usually incorporating the pink color in one way or another. This early experimentation with the color helped pave the way for where pink hair is today.

Even though there are tons of different ways to add pink dye to a modern hairstyle, the most common is the more conservative (if pink hair can be conservative) method is just to add a few highlights to create some dynamic contrast.

This technique works exceptionally well with lighter-haired women, such as in the above picture of Rachel McAdams. The famous actress is well-known for her pink affinity and a similar look will work for many different types of hair textures and styles.

Mixing old and new, nobody rocks the pink hairstyle quite like Katy Perry. Featuring an over-the-top rockabilly cut, the pink color has an amazing effect. Recalling the old days of pinup girls and burlesque shows, the haircut manages to have a balancing effect that shows off Perry’s prominent facial features.

Getting this style is not as easy as it looks and a woman who wants to imitate the cut should plan for several hours in a top-notch beauty salon. So, how does an ordinary girl go about getting a pink style of her own?

Well, that really depends on the style you want. Adding pink highlights is a relatively easy way to mix up some radical color with your normal hairstyle, but if you want to go full punk, you might as well do it right.

Getting a short spiky punk cut may be the best choice and you can guarantee that it will draw plenty of attention. Just remember to go with a good coloring salon and to have a clear idea of what you want when you schedule the appointment.

In short, there are countless options for pink hair and you’re sure to be able to find a suitable match. With the trend only growing, you still have time to get in on the pink hair craze and join the revolution

Ahh, summer, filled with rays of the sun, trips to the beach, and cool drinks in the shade. And mountains of sweat if you have long or even medium hair. There’s a reason why tons of women each year decide to cut their hair short as soon as the weather outside starts to heat up and it has more to do with function than form.

A short cut allows the hair to breathe better, which can make all the difference between tolerating a hot day and wilting in the sun. For women with curls, a short cut makes even more sense, but the right style must be chosen. These are a few of the short styles for summer that will help a woman beat the heat and stay comfortable all season.

The Edgy Curled Pixie

It may be a bit too out there for many women, but for those who are willing to take a chance, this style could work wonders. The edgy cutlets the curls seem to go aimless, but there is some method in the madness.

Look closer at the style and you can see that the sides are shorter than normal to allow even the smallest breeze to keep a woman cool. In addition, the spread of the curls on top achieve the same effect and their sprawling nature easily lets heat escape.

This cut can be created with a single tone, but it works much better style-wise when combined with highlights or even an ombre dye job. Maintenance of this style is extremely easy and its carefree attitude is treasured every year by women who know what they want.

The Marilyn Bob

As a play on the signature Marilyn Monroe hair, this cut trades the famous actress’s stylized waves for natural light curls. The result is a do that shines during summer, but can also be worn well throughout the year.

There are a few keys to getting the style perfect, but they are relatively easy. The sides will need to be curled and an anti-frizz product should be used to keep the texture right even on humid days.

For the stylized top portion of the hair, a little gel or mousse can deliver the desired effect but look for a brand that will stand up to the higher temperatures. All in all, the Marilyn Bob will take a little more effort, but the cut will keep a woman in style all summer long.

Short Shaggy Curls

It may seem like these haircuts would capture way too much heat, but the truth is that they work very well during summer. The layered volume effect creates plenty of space between the curls, which means that it will weigh much lighter on the head.

If you want to give this cut a try, be sure to ask your stylist to thin out the hair to make it as light as possible without sacrificing any summer style. The beauty of this cut is that it has almost universal appeal and will work with the vast majority of facial types and hair colors.

Short Shaggy Curls

It may seem like these haircuts would capture way too much heat, but the truth is that they work very well during summer. The layered volume effect creates plenty of space between the curls, which means that it will weigh much lighter on the head.

If you want to give this cut a try, be sure to ask your stylist to thin out the hair to make it as light as possible without sacrificing any summer style. The beauty of this cut is that it has almost universal appeal and will work with the vast majority of facial types and hair colors.

If you’re a high school senior, then most of your waking (and dreaming) hours at this time of year are probably being spent thinking about the prom – what dress to wear, who your date will be, and most importantly, how your hair will look.

The high school prom is a truly American rite of passage and most women still remember that special night and its place in their personal history. Since it carries such a fairy tale atmosphere, why not take it to the next level and create a look that shows off the princess you are.

Here are a few princess haircuts that will help you get at least one part of the equation right for a perfect prom night. Nothing screams princess or fairy tale quite like a complicated braid, so think of your prom as a chance to go crazy with braids. Halo braids are definitely in fashion this year and are all the rage in fashion shows, so they will make an excellent choice if you really want to stand out from the crowd.

Look for a version of braid that will be unique or come up with your own design that will be impossible for anyone else to copy. Just keep in mind that preparing a complex braid can take time and make sure that you have several hours dedicated to getting ready for the actual event.

If you think that a fairy tale princess haircut for your prom has to be complicated, think again. Long wavy hair, like this style worn by Taylor Swift, can just as easily evoke the idea of a princess, especially if you can pull off that Snow White, just-walked-out-of-the-forest look.

The secret to making this princess style work is to just keep it simple. Let your natural hair shine, avoid using too many products, and do just a little bit of light volumizing. Showing up with a hairstyle like this will all but guarantee that the boys will be lining up to get their chance to dance with you.

Of course, if elegance is what you’re going for in your princess look, there really is no other option but to pick a truly regal updo. It doesn’t need to be caked in hairspray to look classic and many of the best princess updos are relatively simple to achieve and can be held in place with pins and possibly a tiara or other headpiece to accentuate the noble appearance.

What an updo does is show off your face and inspire a natural feeling of grace. If you’ve decided on an updo as your prom hairstyle of choice, try and pair it with a nice dress that features a plunging neckline and a good matching set of necklace and earrings. The result is timeless and your date will fully believe that you are a princess, at least for one night.

The great thing about a princess haircut for your prom is that there really are no limits and you can pick and choose whatever elements will make you happy.

This example shows how a braid, updo, and longer hair can all work together to create a stunning appearance. In addition, all of these aspects work together to get the full princess effect you’re looking for.

While it may be convenient to just replicate a look you’ve seen here, the best option is to use these ideas as inspiration to create something unique for your prom that fits your natural facial shape and individual style. With this type of creation, your prom will be one to remember for the rest of your life.