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Whether your on the hunt for the perfect hairstyle for your big day, or you’re looking for a style that will suit all of your bridesmaids, 2018 had provided some stunning new bridal hair trends.

Read on to discover five bridal hairstyles for 2018…

1. Textured Low Updo

This is a 21^st century update on the bridal updo. It’s unfussy, pretty and feminine, and will stay in place all day.  Think of a stylish combination of loose french braids and a simple chignon. At the front and the roots create soft and pretty volume, and soften the style by teasing a few strands of hair our around the face. Leave the look simple, or finish it with a vintage jeweled slide.

2. The Undone Bun

The bun is still one of the most popular bridal styles, but it also works brilliant for bridesmaids too. Think soft and feminine, rather than neat and tight. Try a chignon at the base of the neck. The hair should be swept back from the forehead and twisted to create volume. This is the perfect whimsical updo – just finish by teasing a few pieces of hair out around the face and out of the chignon for a soft finish.

3. Plaited Waves

When you have long hair, you want to show off your locks. Consider wearing your hair down for your big day, adding a fairytale finish with tiny braids. To create the look, part the hair in the middle and wear wavy and soft. Add a few small but lose plaits through out the hair. Try adding a few under the bulk or your hair, and a few on top to. This look shouldn’t look too styled or uniform.

4. The Low Pony

This look is perfect for brides who prefer a sleeker but low maintenance look. Leave the length of the hair soft and a little fluffy, rather than smoothing it down. This can be achieved by adding soft waves to the hair. Sweep the hair back at the crown and keep the hair on the head smooth. Secure into a ponytail at the base of the neck, and wrap a strand of hair around to hide where you are secured the ponytail for a natural finish.

5. The New Half Updo

Rather than opting to put up all of the top half of the hair, consider this softer approach. Take the hair on one side, starting about an inch back from the face. Split into two sections, leaving the bottom half of the hair free. Then twist or plait the upper section towards the back of the head, securing in the centre of the back of the head with pins. Wear the hair wavy and natural, and ensure the hair at the back covers the pins so that the braid naturally merges with the rest of the hair.

This year it’s all about romantic, soft and feminine bridal hair. Try a whimsical style, or opt for a sleeker version to suit your own unique style.

A new season often leaves us longing for a hairstyle update. Spring/Summer is the perfect time of year to consider a new style and many of us opt for a style refresh to welcome the new season.

Each year new hairstyle trends influence the cuts, colours and up-dos that we go for, and 2018 is no different. Read on to discover the hairstyle trends for spring/summer 2018…

Brushed Out Curls

As seen on the Cynthia Rowley catwalk, brushed out curls are officially in. After years of beach waves and loose curls, it was unlikely that the corkscrew curl would be in. Brushed out curls are the update for this season. Think adding tight curls to your hair, and then brushing them out to create a soft and symmetrical wave. This look is smooth, pretty and a little romantic.

The Fringed Bob

This year the hairstyle to take note of is the fringed bob. This isn’t a neat cut with a blunt fringe though, it’s all about the undone look. Think casual, natural and simple, with fringes on the long side and a little messy, and the length of the hair wavy – essentially, a bed head bob.

This is a great style to try this year as the longer fringe means you can still part it and tuck it back, or clip it back if you decide it’s not quite right for you. It provides a great way to experiment with your look, and is actually ultra-wearable and flattering on most face shapes.

Statement Parting

The middle part has been popular for a while now, but this year it’s bigger than ever. Think neat, blunt and ultra straight, a messy parting just won’t do here. Create a dramatic look by growing locks all to one length for a sleek finish, style straight, part in the middle and smooth down any fly away.

The Bowl Cut

Believe it or not, the bowl cut is on the radar for 2018. We’re not talking 5 year old boy hair here, the bowl cut can be feminine, or it can be super edgy. Think pixi crop with a blunt fringe. Go edgy in black or dark brown and keep the look smoothed down and neat, or make the look more feminine with soft and natural highlights and a messy finish.

Beach Waves

It wouldn’t be spring/summer without the beach waves! The update for the season is the middle part, and natural roots. The general look is still the same though – waves with texture with a messy ‘unstyled’ vibe.

Which hair trends will you be trying this year? Comment and let us know.

A new season means new colour trends, and it’s safe to say we’re pretty excited about the latest additions to the hair colour spectrum. Hair colour just seems to get more and more creative, and new trends, methods and shades present us with the perfect opportunity to create some striking and swoon-worthy looks.

Read on to discover our top pick of spring/summer 2018 colour trends to try this season…

1. Ash-violet

Ultra violet was named the Pantone colour of the year, and the shade is everywhere. From interior design to fashion, of course hair colour wasn’t going to get left out. Taking inspiration from the grey violet shade, ashy-violet is the latest newcomer in hair colour. Think ashy, muted shades of violet that are much more wearable than brighter shades. We’re loving this colour painted on tips, but also from root to tip too.

2. Strawberry Blonde

On-trend hair doesn’t have to be all about multiple tones, highlights and lowlights. This year since-processed hues are also on trend, with creamy strawberry blonde being the top of the hot list. Think soft, pretty and natural. If you’re blonde or have red hair, a strawberry blonde update could be the perfect way to welcome in the new season.

3. Face-framing Balayage

This year it’s all about face framing. The balayage of last year was seen throughout the mid and long lengths of the hair throughout, but in 2018 a few face-framing sections of warm caramel blonde or cool ash blonde are all you need. If you’re not keen on dramatically changing your hair colour, this is the perfect update for you.

4. Auburn Ombre

Ombre is still going strong, but it’s getting an auburn update this summer. If you’re brunette think dark roots blended with auburn through the mid and long lengths. For blondes think strawberry blonde through the length of the hair. As you already know, ombre is the more subtle version of a dip-dye, so keep the look natural, but opt for fiery auburn tones or vibrant strawberry blonde.

5. Exposed Roots

Platinum is still big this season, but in 2018 it takes a grungy update with dark exposed roots. If you’re naturally blonde head to the salon to have dark roots created. If you’ve got dark hair think about adding some natural highlights through out, but leave your roots natural and dark.

With so many new colours to choose from this season it’s difficult to choose just one! What will you go for?

If you’ve done little in the way of beard grooming you might not be aware of what a difference a little extra styling and maintenance can make. Just a handful of tools and products are often all you need to create a stylish beard look. With so many different styles of beard to choose from, just spending a little time here and then can ensure that yours looks neat and styled, instead of unruly and out of control…

Know how and when to trim

When it comes to styling your beard, it’s important to know what you’re doing, to avoid any styling mishaps. If you plan to style it yourself at home invest in a good quality trimmer – something that allows precision is ideal. It’s important to trim regularly to keep the shape of your beard, even if you are trying to grow it. If beard trimming is new to you, or you want to improve your skills, why not book in for a trim with your barber and get a few tips.

Wash it

Keeping a clean beard is particularly important during the early stages of growth, due to trapped crumbs and skin cells irritating the skin and causing itchiness. To ensure your skin stays healthy underneath your beard scrub it a couple of times a week with a specialised beard wash. It’s easiest to do this as part of your routine when you are in the shower. Wash your beard last and gently pat it dry to avoid creating frizz and split ends.

Train your beard

It’s unlikely that your beard will automatically grow into your desired shape, and to create this you will need to regularly trim and groom your beard. A daily comb with a beard comb or brush will loosen stubborn hairs and encourage them to grow downwards, rather than across.

Learn to love beard oil

Nothing keeps on top of beard maintenance better than beard oil. Designed to smooth, soften and condition the hair, beard oil also adds a fresh scent so that you can be sure your beard smells great in between washing. A beard oil will be particularly good if your beard is wiry and unruly.

Style it

Despite all of your efforts to keep it clean and growing in the right direction, your beard will still need a little daily polishing. The good news is this doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and will ensure that you look fresh and neat every day. Smooth and shape your beard and mustache into place using a little beard wax to keep your beard stylish and smooth.

Selecting the right hairbrush for you may not seem like a big deal, or something that requires too much thought, but the truth is selecting the right hairbrush for your hair is key to the health of your hair. There are many options available on the market, and in some cases it is necessary to own more than one hairbrush, but how to you know which style is right for you and when each brush can be used?

Read on to discover the full guide to hairbrushes, so that you can make the right decision for you…

The Oval Cushion

This is an everyday brush that many of us already own, but it’s possible you could be using your brush wrong. The oval cushion is ideal for detangling dry hair, teasing and adding shine, but shouldn’t be used on wet hair as the bristles often aren’t strong enough and can snag at wet hair. If you have fine to medium hair and you don’t mind having to buy a different brush for your hair when it is wet, the oval brush is a great option.

The Round Wooden

This round barreled brush is perfect for styling and blowdrying, but not idea for everyday brushing. If you regularly blow dry your hair and style as you go then this brush is a must to help you add shape and body.

The Round Ceramic

If you’re a slave to the straighteners then this brush is an essential as it can help you smooth, detangle and guide the hair as you style. This brush to to be avoided by those who have fragile or very fine hair as it can snag on thiner hair types.

The Flat Paddle

This is probably one of the most popular brushes, and it is a great all rounder. It’s best for detangling wet hair, but can be used on dry hair too. Try to avoid styles that have ball tips as these will often fall off quickly once you start using the brush. Instead invest in a more expensive brand with sturdy bristles. This brush is also particularly good for thick hair.

The Half Round

Perfect for shorter styles, this brush is ideal for drying fringes and sleek bobs, to follow the curve of the head and shape at the ends. This brush isn’t great for styling long hair though, but can be used to brush long or short hair for general everyday brushing.

Whether you buy one brush or you have several, it is worth investing in a good brand as your brush will be something that you use on a daily basis.

Few of us are blessed with naturally perfect curls. For some curls are unruly and for others the hair is naturally straight or frizzy. Curls is the most sought after hairstyle, but regularly curling your hair using wands, tongs or straighteners will cause heat damage that could result in split ends, breakage, dry and unmanageable hair. If you prefer to wear your hair curly, but want to avoid using heat every day, how can you achieve fantastic curls without heat styling? Read on to find out…

1. Lazy Curls

For those who want heatless curls without a lot of fuss, this is perfect for you. Start by tying the hair back into a high ponytail, then take a section of the ponytail that’s about an inch wide and spray with water until damp. Wrap this section around two fingers, starting at the ends of the hair and ending at the top of the ponytail, then slide your fingers out and clip the curl to your head to secure. Take a second section, but this time use one finger to wrap around before pinning the curl. Work your way through your pony tail, alternating from one finger curls to two finger curls.

When you’ve done all your hair, spritz it with hairspray, then leave to dry. It should take around 30 minutes to an hour to dry, once dry remove the clips and then remove the hair band used to secure the ponytail. Shake your hair out to breakup the curls, then spritz with hairspray to hold.

2. Wonderful Waves

If you prefer a wavy and natural look instead of a curled look, try this to create heatless waves that will stay put all day. Split your hair into two sections and bring your hair forward over your shoulders. Take the right section to start with, and take a small section of hair (around 1-2inches) from the neck, clip the rest of the hair back and out of the way. Spray the section with water until damp. Wrap the section of around around two fingers from the ends up to the roots. Take your fingers out and continue rolling up and then clip to your head to set. Take another section and do the same thing, keep going until you’ve done the entire left side of your head.

Now repeat on the right side. Once all of your hair has been rolled and clipped up spritz with hairspray. You can do this first thing in the morning and wait for the waves to dry while you do your make-up or have your breakfast, your hair should be dry enough to take down within 30 minutes. Take the waves down and shake them out a little. Take a little hair wax and rub it between your palms and scrunch your waves to help sculpt them and make them last longer.

Heatless curls and waves really are achievable. If you currently curl your hair using heat, try swapping your heated style for heatless at least a few days a week to help the condition of your hair.

Winter weddings can be absolutely beautiful, but they can also be tricky to dress and style yourself for. The weather can be unpredictable, which can make styling hair tricky. Whether you’re a guest or the bride, here are some winter wedding hairstyles that will stay in place no matter the weather…

Half up half down

Something to consider for a winter wedding is the fact that it might be cold. Up-dos are great for a winter wedding as you can worry a little less about the weather, but this leaves your neck exposed to the cold. If you’re worried about feeling cold during the day, try a half up half down look to keep hair neat but your neck warm.

Try curling the length of the hair with a large barrel tong, then tipping the head upside down to shake the curls out to create waves. Back brush the hair a little at the roots and especially around the crown, before sectioning off the hair at the temples. Using your fingers to section off, move your fingers from your temples to the back of your head in an upwards motion, so that you take more hair from the front of the head than the back. Tie with a hairband and plait the hair in the small ponytail that you have created. Wrap the plait around the band on the back of the head and pin so that it sits flat. Finish with a touch of hairspray to hold in place.

Low chignon

Keep your neck warm with an up-do that sits low down with a low chignon. This is a super-chic look and will ensure your hair is kept neat all day. Start by parting your hair in the middle, smoothing it behind your ears and gathering it at the nape of your neck. Begin to twist the hair from the neck right through to the ends, then start to coil it in a counter-clockwise circle. Continue to twist your hair as it starts to form a bun shape, using your index finger to hold it in place as you go.

Secure your hair with large grips in all four corners, for thick or long hair you may need to use more pins. Gently pull at the edges as you go to create your desired shape and pin into place. If you want to create a more romantic bohemian look pull a few strands free in the bun and around your face. Finish with hairspray to hold.

For brides a chignon is easy to accessorize – try adding pearl embellished grips within the bun and through the hair, or add a large embellished clip to one side of the head, ideally positioned just above or behind the ear.

A trip to the hairdressers might seem like a pretty average thing that you’ve done many times before, but there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Whether you’re going for a cut, a colour or you need some advice regarding styling or the condition of your hear, here are five things to consider before your trip to the hair salon…

1. Know your shape and style

What many of us don’t realise is that your face shape and hair type dramatically effect which cuts and styles will suit you. Once you know your face shape you will then know the styles that will suit you. While many hairdressers are trained in understanding how a cut can flatter the face, it is also their job to deliver the style the client is after, and so understanding what suits you yourself will help you ensure you never end up with a flattering cut.

To determine your face shape stand in front of the mirror and look at your jawline. From this you will be able to determine whether your face is oval, circle, square or heart shaped. You can then look up the different styles that will suit you, and go armed with this knowledge to the hairdressers.

2. Consider your lifestyle

When you are thinking about a new cut or colour, have a think about your current lifestyle, and whether you’d be able to take on a cut that needs more maintenance and care. It’s always worth having a think about this before hand, and having a conversation with your hairdresser about what you can and can’t manage.

3. Book a consultation

If you’re trying a new style or colour it is always worth booking a consultation to discus your ideas with a professional before taking the plunge. This will mean that if the look you wanted to go for isn’t realistic or achievable you will have time to think about your hairdressers suggestions, rather than having to make a decision then and there at your appointment.

4. Aim to be as truthful as possible

It can be easy to get swept up in ideas and just go along with what your hairdresser is saying, but that can result in you having a cut or colour that you didn’t actually really want. Before you go to the hairdressers, think about your limits. It is possible that the look you wanted might not be achievable, and so your hairdresser may recommend some alternatives. Think about what would be acceptable and what you would want to avoid before hand, so that you can be honest about any suggestions you don’t think will work for you.

5. Have realistic expectations

This is where knowing your hair type comes in – if you’ve seen a look in a magazine with long straight and glossy looks, when your hair is shoulder length and curly, this might not be a look that will be easy to achieve and keep on top of. Consider your current situation, and the options available to you. If in doubt, as above, book a consultation to discus your ideas and get some professional advice.

One of the most sought after things is silky glossy hair that looks effortlessly healthy and strong. The truth is really shiny hair isn’t just about treatment and styling, it’s also about the health of your hair, your diet and hydration too. Here’s how to achieve silky shiny hair, that looks beautiful but is also strong and healthy too…

1. Stay hydrated and nourished

Our skin and our hair start to suffer when we are dehydrated, causing both to become dry and dull. If you haven’t over processed your hair with heat styling or dying, yet it looks dry and flat it may be down to hydration. Try and drink 2 litres of water a day to provide your body with the water it needs, you’ll soon start to see an effect on your skin and hair, as well as your energy levels too.

Your diet can also determine how glossy your hair is. Try adding an extra portion of fruit and veg to your daily diet, and take fish oil supplements to give hair a natural boost.

2. Cold water blast

When you wash your hair, try blasting it with cold water for 30 seconds at the end. The cold water will seal the cuticle making hair look glossier all over. If it’s super shine that you’re after, use a shampoo and conditioner that inject moisture and smooth all over. Try to go for quality brands and avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair as this will only cause it to become dry, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve!

3. Wear it straight

Straight hair looks glossier as it reflects the light better, so if shiny is what you are after go for a straight finish. After washing and blasting with cold water, follow a similar method for drying your hair. Rough dry to start with, then using a paddle brush blow dry straight. Once hair is dry finish off with a three minute blast on the cool setting of your hairdryer to add extra shine.

4. Use a serum

Serums are a great way to add an extra hit of shine to your hair. Try a 2-in-1 serum that also offers heat protection to avoid split ends from heat styling. Argan oil, coconut oil and other serums that use natural ingredients are the best options when it comes to boosting gloss without applying harsh chemicals to the hair.

5. Treat regularly

It’s almost impossible to achieve glossy hair if your hair isn’t in good condition, so it’s important to keep on top of things. Try to apply a treatment mask every 1-2 weeks to give your hair a boost of moisture and strength. Opt for all natural at home remedies or invest in masks from quality brands. Once every 3-4 months book in for a trim at the hairdressers to keep split ends at bay.

Just a few simple steps can ensure your hair is strong, glossy and healthy, with a natural shine that is boosted with a few key products.

Dry hair can be extremely difficult to manage, making it hard to style and generally unruly. Some of us may find we have naturally dry hair, whereas others may end up with dryness as a result of over styling or over exposure to the sun. Dry hair can benefit from a trim to tidy up split ends, but when all of the hair has become dry it will need more than a trim to bring it back to life.

There are some fantastic treatments that can go a long way to softening your dry hair, making it silky and manageable again…

Avocado Mask

There is a variety of ingredients that you might find at home or in the supermarket that can work miracles for your dry hair.  Avocado can provide a lot of benefits to the hair, due to the fact that it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that will help restore your hair and add shine too. Mash one rip avocado with one egg, ensure it is mixed well and then apply to wet hair. Leave for on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Try this remedy once a week for damaged hair, or once a month for healthy hair to maintain shine.

Olive Oil Treatment

Just like coconut oil and shea butter, olive oil is great for the hair. Just one treatment can lock moisture back into parched strands and add a healthy shine. Treat hair once ever other week by warming half a cup of olive oil (do not allow to boil), and massaging it into the lengths of the hair. Twist your hair up on top of your head and cover with a shower cap or plastic bag, then cover with a towel to keep all of the heat and moisture in. Leave on for 45 minutes, then shampoo and rinse well.

Professional Treatment

If a makeshift mask isn’t really your thing, try investing in a mask made by a well known brand, or have a professional conditioning treatment at a salon to give your hair the best chance of becoming healthy and strong again.

If you over processed your hair, try the Kerastase Discipline Maskeratine Smooth-in-Motion Masque, which is specifically designed for hair that has been damaged with bleaches and dyes as well as heat styling. The masque delivers a huge shot of moisture to strengthen locks and make hair easier to style and manage.

For really dry hair consider a trip to Soul Hair, to create an action plan to bring your locks back to life. Ways in which a professional might do this is trimming split ends followed by a deeply conditioning treatment, and you may be required to return for regular treatments to get things back on track.