We're happy to say that it appears Spring has finally sprung (please oh please don't let us be wrong) and we absolutely love basking in 70 degree weather. With the temperatures on the rise it's so much easier to slip into shorter hemlines and sleeveless tops not to mention those Spring whites, pastels and 30 shades of pink just feel right. We think it's time for a hair update - in fact, a three hour trip to the salon here had us walking out with highlights and a gloss gave a boost to our red locks with plenty of shine. Now it's your turn! Whether you're looking to chop off all your hair for a brand new look, try out a new color or - if you aren't willing to commit to something permanent - trade out your normal style for something on trend.
Chop it Off
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| Don't be afraid to try something completely new this Spring! Whether it's just trimming off a few inches or embracing the on-trend bob (rock and roll attitude is optional), a cut is sure to change things up. |
Bobs are in. If you want to be the it-girl that's totally on trend then this is the look for you. It is rather permanent so if you like the idea but aren't sure that it's for you print off half a dozen or so pictures that best represent the style you like, show them to friends you trust and ask their honest opinion. And even better option? Try on a wig in the same style that you're contemplating. It will give you a realistic expectation on what it will look like after you take the plunge and go in for the cut.
Make sure you ask your stylist what kind of upkeep your new look will require and how long it will take to style. If you're an in and out in five minutes kind of girl cutting off your curly locks into a stick straight bob may not be the best decision since the new style will mean a blow dry and flat ironing after every shampoo to recreate the look. Keep in mind that a cut doesn't necessarily have to be drastic - even a few inches can completely change up your look.
Change Your Color
These days there's no such thing as an off-limits color. Walk downtown in any large-ish city and you'll see manes in every color of the rainbow from blonde and brunette perfection to natural and not-so-natural reds to shades of pinks, blues and purples. We strongly suggest that any dye job be left to the professionals and you make an appointment with your stylist but if you insist on trying it at home don't attempt to go any more than two shades lighter or darker than your current color and if the final result requires bleaching head to a salon now!
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| From beautiful blondes to natural reds, these days you can dye your hair practically any color. |
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| Who says hair has to look natural? Red, blue, purple...we've seen it all. The only requirement is the self-confidence to rock it because people are certainly going to be staring at your fabulous new do. |
One downside to dying your hair - a potential allergic reaction. We speak from experience when we say that it's zero fun. Though no one knows exactly which ingredient causes it, one or more of the components from the chemical dye can react badly with sensitive skin causing itching, welts and swelling where ever the dye was applied, which unfortunately, is usually your entire head. If this sounds familiar, take some allergy medicine (benadryl works best) and rinse your head with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and massage your scalp with oil. It won't stop the reaction but it will help neutralize it to some extent. The most important thing you can do? Don't scratch! It will only make the itching worse and you can possibly cause an infection.
Some people have reactions and dye their hair anyway; if you find that it's too painful, there are more natural alternatives. Henna, for example, is a completely natural way to change your hair color without any chemicals but it should be used with care. True henna will only change your hair to some shade of red (ending colors vary widely and depend on what your current hair color is) although you can use a version of henna (which isn't actually henna at all but another extract that will turn your hair brown or black). Henna application is messy and time consuming but the results can be beautiful; do your research and make sure you know exactly what you're getting into. Purchase from a reputable retailer or online and make sure you're getting pure henna without any metallic salts. Using a traditional chemical dye after using henna is possible but it may take longer than hair that hasn't been treated with henna so make sure your stylist knows everything that you've done to your hair in the past.
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| Results from pure henna vary widely - but one thing is for sure: true henna will only change your hair to a shade of red. Make sure you do your research before you commit! |
A Difference in Styling
Maybe you're not ready to commit to a new length or color and there's nothing wrong with that. You can switch up your look just as easily by trying a new braid, type of ponytail or updo. Though these styles can take a few tries to master they do have the added bonus that if you don't like it, it's as easy as undoing it and trying something different. Check out all of the hair styles on trend for Spring 2014 here!
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| Plaits are one of the easiest ways to completely change your look without committing to anything. Inspired yet? |
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| Need something a little more formal but not uptight? Switch out your regular bun for a messy updo that's right on trend for Spring. |
Change doesn't have to be drastic but we love when it is! If you are going for a completely different look we strongly encourage you to head to your stylist, in the long run, the investment is worth it.
Photos courtesy of Huffington Post Canada, Henna Hut and The Polka Dotted Truth by Jacqueline Harbin.
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