Category: makeovers

4.9 — Preschoolers Need Style Too!

Posted on May 27, 2010 · Filed Under makeovers · 75 Comments

Meet Anders.

Anders’ hair:

Straight
Fine
A tad bit straggly

From his “email:”

Dear Sarah (Mom),

I’m in need of a new look for summer. Don’t get me wrong – I like my longer hair and get compliments on it, but it’s really bugging me now that the weather is heating up. I mean, I’m a busy guy! Swimming, playdates, birthday parties, park visits…all of this hair on my neck makes me a little crazy. Plus, I soon will be in possession of the coveted title of Big Brother. I take that designation very seriously.

And really, can we talk about the UPS store incident last week? I strutted in with my banged-up knees and monster trucks and the employee remarked to you “what a beautiful girl” I was. REALLY? What’s up with that? Now granted, that UPS chick looked like she might be missing a few marbles, but still? A GIRL? I’M ALMOST FOUR.

Please send me into the summer months in style! Oh and please, no clipper cuts. I am a Man of Distinguished Style, you know.

Love,
Anders

Well, Anders, you have come to the right place. I will have you looking dapper in no time.

My issue with Anders’ hair is that although I like it longer, it tends to look a little stringy. And although it would be a breeze to get out the good ol’ clippers, that happened once and it just did NOT work out. Trust me. The super short cut did not suit him AT ALL.

So what do you do? I knew I wanted to take the sides and the back much shorter, but leave his bangs longer in the front to keep the overall style from appearing too short. Lo and behold, I saw this child in the J. Crew catalog and was instantly smitten.

I loved the messiness, the longer bangs and the fact that the sides and back were much shorter for the summer months. But most of all? I liked that it wasn’t your run-of-the-mill preschool boy haircut.

I emailed the photo to my stylist and told her we were coming in ASAP.

Let’s stop right here. I know some of you are asking yourself a few questions. Namely:

1. Why is this woman searching for haircuts for her 3 1/2-year-old boy?

2. Why is she emailing photos to her stylist of potential haircuts for her 3 1/2-year-old boy?

3. Does she really request her stylist (who doesn’t usually cut children’s hair) to cut and style her 3 1/2-year-old’s hair?

And my answer to you is:

I RUN A WEBSITE COMPLETELY DEVOTED TO HAIR. WOULD YOU EXPECT ANY LESS FROM ME? REALLY?

So! We visited the lovely Tera and good lord, she did not disappoint!

Look at that hunk of love!

That Tera’s a keeper, I must say. She nailed it.

And the best part? You can make the style all funky or just let it chill out.

Another Hair Thursday success, don’t you think?

(How beautiful is that boy? Yeah yeah yeah, I might be a LITTLE biased…)

4.8 — How To Keep Your Hair Color Vibrant

Posted on May 20, 2010 · Filed Under makeovers · 6 Comments

This is Addie.

How adorable is Miss Addie? I want to pinch her cheeks. And then cut off all of her hair and make a wig for myself.

Addie had a couple specific questions regarding her hair style and color. From her email:

My question is about side bangs. I have had them for a while but they are starting to get long. I am wondering if I should keep them or let them grow out. If I cut them, what length should they be?

Also, I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help keep my hair this color. A lot of natural red hair fades into blonde or brown eventually. I am pretty sure its just genetics, but I still thought I’d ask. Thanks!

From the rest of Addie’s email, I can tell she knows what’s best for her hair. She cuts tons of layers to emphasize her gorgeous waves, she uses organic shampoo and knows not to EVER change her hair color. For it is unbelievable, right?

Let’s address her questions, though. What about the sideswept bangs? I definitely think Addie should keep them. I love how they sweep across her forehead and that extra layer gives her waves more definition and bounce. If that front layer was longer or all one length with the rest of her hair, her waves could look a little flat.

Addie could definitely take off about an inch of those bangs too. A good reference is to have the bangs trimmed to eyebrow length towards the middle of the forehead (or side of the nose) and then have the bangs angled downward towards the ear, thus getting longer as they sweep across the forehead. This ensures that the bangs will blend nicely with the sides of the hair and create that swoop. (Blunt banged gals can attest to this: if you bangs are cut straight across, they are not going to sweep across the forehead easily.)

As for the color of Addie’s hair, she is right. Red LOVES to fade. In fact, it is the hardest color to keep vibrant over a long period of time. Go ahead, ask anyone who colors their hair red. The maintenance is brutal! The good news for Addie is that her hair isn’t artificially red, so she won’t need the upkeep that faux redheads need to maintain. However, here are some ways to keep her hair looking vibrant for as long as possible! (And this goes for other shades too!)

UV PROTECTANTS

What’s the #1 hair color enemy? SUN. If you aren’t a fan of hats, these UV protectant products are perfect for keeping tresses intense and lively. Summer is right around the corner, you know…

From left to right:

1. Cutler Protectant Treatment Spray, $21.00

2. Citre Shine Color Prism Anti Frizz Serum, $6.99

3. Pureology UV Colour Defense, $17.99

4. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Hair Serum, $3.79

5. Oscar Blandi Acqua Marina Styling Gel, $19.00

I think a UV protectant is the best way to go in Addie’s case (I wouldn’t want to alter her color at this point), BUT for others who are looking to keep their color vibrant or even add a little oomph, here are some color-depositing shampoos to consider.

FYI – All of these shampoos come in different formulations for different hair colors, but the ones listed are for red/auburn hair.

COLOR ENHANCING SHAMPOOS

From left to right:

1. Klorane Shampoo with Pomegranate, $13.00

2. Alterna Caviar Red Shampoo with Seasilk, $34.00

3. Aveda Madder Root Shampoo, $26.50

4. Ted Gibson Captivating Copper Shampoo, $19.95

What do you use to keep your color vibrant? Any additions for these lists?

4.7 – Long or Short?

Posted on May 13, 2010 · Filed Under makeovers · 10 Comments

Take a look at Jessica’s hair both long and short.

Jessica’s hair:

Thick, straight
Normal condition
Can go several days in between washes without looking dirty
No preference for length – (that’s where you come in!)
Doesn’t spend more than 10 minutes styling
Doesn’t use styling tools
The above photos are without any product and air dried
Doesn’t wear ponytails

Soooo…what do you all think? Long or short? I have to admit that if her shorter style looks THAT smooth and glossy with no effort, I’m leaning towards a shorter cut.

Here are some above-the-shoulder options to get your brain working.