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Summer in the City pt 1
Finally! We can ditch the layers and hip scarves for flip flops and sunscreen! It’s late spring, leaning toward summer which means hot weather and sun beams. It’s also the time for updating your look, keeping your hair healthy and protected, or maybe your locks could use some repair and tlc.
Simple Style Updates
If you are looking for just a simple update to your look and not a major change, work with all the great hair you already have. I looked around the web and found some easy styles for a casual meet-up or even a fancy dinner.
Braids
It seems so basic that I think many of us overlook this versatile style. You can go for the straight forward braided ponytail, maybe the Pipi if you’re feeling brave, the classic french braid, or maybe you’re more into more of a boho vibe and like messy braids.
If you have longer hair, a side braid is an easy and elegant way you show off your face. In this picture, Nicole Kidman accentuates the braid with a long, layered, wavy bang. To achieve this look, use Smudge, from White Sands on your towel dried hair and dry. Don’t worry about your hair being perfectly straight, the beauty of this look is its softness. The Smudge will add texture and control frizz, without adding weight. Gather your hair into a low pony on the side and braid. Grab your rat tail comb and pull out some small pieces around your face for a soft and airy frame for your face.
A braid as headband is making its way back as a hair trend, and I’m glad to see it. This style works for almost any length of hair, is easy to do and has great results. Before braiding, I would recommend, especially with shorter hair, working Glaze Plus, from White Sands into damp hair, then braid and let dry. The Glaze Plus is flexible, while supporting hair, and is alcohol free so it won’t flake.
Here is a tutorial I found for Maiden Braids:
Steps 1-2: Braid two strands on each side of a center part.
Steps 3-5: Wrap braids around the crown of your head and pin in place with one pin each.
Step 6: Arrange braids so that they cover the front of your head like a headband. Pin into place more securely until you feel comfortable.
Steps 7-8: Pull the rest of the hair into a ponytail and pin it into a cute messy bun. Note: This step is optional. You can also wear your hair down like my photo below.
Step 9: Add final pins and spray. Enjoy!
You can see where I got this tutorial from by clicking here or on either of the images.
For a spray use Infinity, from White Sands, it’s a great finishing spray with flexible control
More than just a brush with success
With so many different types and styles of brushes out there, what do you choose use? Here’s a quick brush up (sorry, had to) on brushes.
Paddle Brush
Want to tame curls a frizz? Paddle brushes are great for brushing and detangling, especially on longer hair, with their wide, flat bases. You’ll get smooth, more straight hair; this is not the brush to use if you want volume.
Vent Brush
With it’s wide teeth and open design, the vent brush helps the heat distribute through your hair better, speeding up the drying process. The option of using a flat or round brush open up the styling possibilities. Both can give you lift and volume, use the flat brush to quickly style and dry straight hair, or the round brush can be used create sleek, straight hair, and soft, flowing curls.
Boar Bristle Brush
This type of bristle is much softer on the hair, not to say that the plastic or metal bristle are bad, but some of them can tear at the hair rather than brush through it. The soft bristles massage your scalp and help to evenly distribute the oils on your scalp, leaving your hair shiny and soft. Any type of brush can be a boar bristle brush, and really, I would still use plastic if I still had long hair, for serious detangling. Think of this more as a finishing brush.
Styler Brush
The styler brush, also referred to as the Denman, has a the recognizable half moon curve to it. Use this brush at the roots of wet hair to get monster lift and volume while drying. Or, you can use a small 3-row boar bristle styler to tease and style the hair for even more lift.
Thermal Brush
The thermal brush is typically a round brush but can also be found as a flat or vented brush. These brushes work by having either a metal or ceramic core that is heated by your hair dryer. This heats up your hair internally as well as externally, helping it to dry even faster. Using a high quality thermal round brush is actually almost like setting your hair on rollers. Be careful if you have fine, damaged, or chemically treated hair, it would be wise to stay away from this type of brush as it can scorch your hair.
Brushes come in different combinations of types and styles, as well as brands, colors, bristles and more. So, what’s your favorite brush that you use? Is there a brand you’re partial to? Got any tricks or tips? Share your knowledge and help improve others.
