“Last season, we saw a lot of conventional looks – super sleek, tamed texture, perfect twists and classic chignons,” said Hallie Bowman, Pantene Stylist. “When I think spring, I think unexpected playfulness, so I’m excited that the hair trends I’m seeing are in sync with the essence of the season. Classic styles will go to the extreme or, as I like to think, depressed winter hair is finally ready to be exposed again, yet looks will still maintain a genuine romantic feel that reflects the positive mood of warmer weather.”

Here are some more Spring Hair Trends from Hallie Bowman st Pantene…

· Expect to see classic looks, deconstructed. Everything from deeper, more oddly angled side parts to random messy strands off to the sides will be added to enhance those been-there-done-that styles.

· My term for a favorite trend I’m seeing – “Urban Romantic.” Hair is tightly pulled back in a pony with lots of wisps in front to frame the face. Instead of a completely sleeked-back method, adding texture can show off your personality. Crimp for attitude, wave for elegance or spiral for romance – style how you feel!

· Lots of frizz will be in, frizzy curls included. Don’t bother repressing wild texture: embrace it, live it, love it. Free your frizz with intention and purpose, but don’t forget to polish your ends, try the Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum, as you don’t want to lose total control.

· Bows will be out in full force for spring, think huge 80’s-style Madonna bows. To counter an angelic sentiment bows usually portray, it’s time to be clever with your bow style. Disheveled, punky hair surrounding the bow gives a carefree, yet put-together look all at once.

· Be prepared for the relapse of the thick, heavy eyelash touching bangs…it’s coming back.

· The most playful trend I’m seeing – especially with the younger crowd – touches of pastel colors in hair. Take a section of hair underneath your nape, bleach it a pastel color and, voila, it’s a hidden treasure! Ashy colors like lavender, blue and purple tones will be popular.

Since it’s actually been cold in Miami, I’ve been wearing my hair straight a lot. It’s a nice change to not have to wash it everyday. I can go several days even! See, PGH isn’t so bad after all.

But finding the right products is key to maintaining straight, frizz-free locks. I polled two girlfriends who I have known for over 10 years and both battle daily with PGH.  Here’s what they recommended:

The Chi product line. This brand is probably most well-known for their amazing flat irons. But they also make some great products for straightening your hair. Personally, I’ve tried the Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray and I really like to use it on my ends to make sure they don’t fry off from 400+ degrees of heat.

My other girlfriend swears by all things Redken…well, before she started getting the Keratin treatments to tame her mane. Products to try: The Iron Silk Straightening Spray, the Smooth Down Detangling Spray, as well as the Smooth Down Conditioner. I used to use Redken many years ago but haven’t given the brand another chance. Think it might be time to.

Tracy Guthrie, Manager of Salon Technical Training at the Salon at ULTA says, “Our stylists and guests LOVE Keratin Smoothing Treatment. Before we launched this service, we offered expert training and hands-on experience at all of our salons nationwide. Because of this education we’ve seen a tremendous increase in appointments and satisfied guests due to our highly-trained stylists.”

Visit http://stores.ulta.com/store/ to find a store near you.

1. Divide  soaking wet hair into sections

2. Blow-dry using a round brush starting with back sections

3. Once each section is dry, run a straightening iron over hair once or twice

4. Curl hair under (like your using a roller) and pin

5. Move to next section and repeat steps

Once all the sections were done, Celia removed the clips and I let my mane down! My hair was full and straight with a tad curl at the ends. She then pulled back the front pieces and secured with several bobby pins.

I was really happy with how my hair turned out. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding two years ago and I got the worst up-do ever. My hair was a giant frizzball my the end of the night.

So, take my advice. If you have thick hair, don’t try to pile it all on your head. A more natural approach is always best for weddings.

Photo: Naturallycurly.com

We all know that we shouldn’t wash our hair everyday, but it’s not as easy for us curlies. Our strands get knotty and frizzy, and all we want to do is jump in shower and shampoo! So, we decided to put together a guide on how to tame your second day mane.

1. Keep hair down when you go to sleep. Overnight hair ties cause major creases and can even cause breakage.

2. In the shower, wear hair up in a shower cap like Benefit’s Satin Cap or use a Tassi. Point the shower nozzle downward so you can shave your legs without getting your hair soaked.

3. Don’t even attempt to brush. Instead, smooth out frizz and detangle with a couple drops of serum like Ken Paves Shine Serum.

4. For stubborn strands that shape your face, re-wet using a spray bottle and re-style like your normally do.

5. If oily hair is your issue, try using a dry shampoo or The All Nighter Styling Powder – a color matched, gently scented silk powder that absorbs excess oil.

6. Still not happy? Before you throw your hair up in a bun, try a headband or a pretty hair clip. France Luxe has a great selection!

Got some more tips? Leave us a comment!

Photo: Self.com

We just came across this great article from Self.com all about H20 styling secrets. Here are some key tips that will help keep your locks hydrated all summer long.

Catch waves Like watermelon and flip-flops, a tousled, low- maintenance look is a summer staple, and a little H2O is the styling secret. Dampen hair, then comb a small amount of mousse or texture spray through it, says Luke O’Connor, celebrity stylist in Los Angeles for Suave. Loosely wrap 1-inch sections into tiny buns and secure with bobby pins. Let hair air-dry, then remove pins and shake ringlets out with your fingertips. “Water plus styling products molds strands into a shape,” O’Connor says.
Revive strands Got bed-head? Water reactivates yesterday’s styling product by temporarily breaking down its hold on hair. Simply mist from root to tip, so strands are slightly wet, then restyle as usual. Once dry, your goop’s grip is restored.  (Great tip for PGH!)
Help hydrate “It’s a myth that conditioner’s sole purpose is to moisturize,” says Gary Howse, co-owner of the Gary Manuel Salon in Seattle. “It traps water, plus smooths the cuticle, allowing strands to reflect more light.” But like a sponge, hair can get too full. Wring out water before applying conditioner.

Avoid the washouts

Stop mop top. If roots are even a smidge damp, your style will fall flat minutes after blow-drying, O’Connor says. Aim the nozzle at your scalp, count to three, then move it down strands. An ionic dryer can speed up styling sessions. (Negative ions are said to shrivel positively charged H2O, turning water into vapor in a flash.)
Fight fading. Just as throwing a T-shirt in the hot cycle washes away its vibrancy, steamy suds strip brunette, black and red hair, too. Flip the faucet to lukewarm when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner; step away from the spray to turn up the heat. (I always remind myself to do this, but sometimes the hot water feels so good…)
Brighten blonde. Golden hues don’t lose luster from the same culprits as dark shades, but they also have water woes. “Tap water contains chlorine, salts and minerals that turn lightened hair brassy,” O’Connor says. Attach a filter to your showerhead—a virtual Brita for your hair—to get H2O squeaky-clean. (Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System, powers your shower for three to six months.)

The Brazilian Blowout is the only smoothing treatment in the market that actually improves hair’s condition.

It doesn’t completely straighten the hair. The hair still has plenty of volume and body and can still be worn curly or wavy. 

It’s a formaldehyde-free formulation. 

Takes approximately 90 minutes and the result lasts for 10 to 12 weeks.

You leave the salon with beautiful, frizz-free hair with amazing shine.

Beneficial and suitable for all hair types, especially for damaged and chemically processed hair because it enhances the absorption of the brazilian blowout solution.

Can cost about $350. For more info, check out this great post on Glamour’s Blog.