(MS) - As you prepare for yet another year end full of holiday
events, such as cocktail parties and corporate galas, what
better way to look your best than to get the hottest trends
straight from the celebrities' source?
This year's holiday styles will vary from classic/vintage
looks to full sexy "come touch me" hair, say experts.
Achieving these looks is easier than you might imagine. Here
are a few insider tips and techniques from stylist to the
stars, Billy Lowe, who is known for producing classic elegance
to cutting- edge runway style.
"I've always said the more natural you look, the more
beautiful you'll feel," offers Lowe. "Your hair
is an accessory and an investment, so what better time than
the holidays to show off beautiful, healthy looking hair?"
Short Hair Styles
"Short hair styles look great on a petite lady and are
often defined by a spiky, edgy look."
1. To style, shampoo and condition as usual.
2. Apply a light styling gel and blow-dry hair completely.
3. Use a mattifying wax to add definition and texture, and
finish with a light- to medium-hold spray. When using wax,
apply a little to your fingertips and warm between your hands.
Apply it lightly through the tips of hair and shape as desired.
Soft, Tousled Curls
"This look is just as hot as ever for a holiday trend
and will certainly be seen everywhere this season. There are
several ways to achieve this look, depending on your hair
type, and how much you want to see in the way of curls or
volume."
1. Shampoo and condition hair as normal, and apply a root
boost product at the root to achieve fullness and lift at
the root.
2. Apply a volumizing/shine serum through to the ends for
added body and movement.
3. Begin drying the root area first, lifting sections up
for more volume.
4. Remove 70 to 80 percent of the moisture from the rest
of the hair, and use a round brush to begin drying. As each
section has been dried, wrap that section in Velcro® rollers
or in barrel curls around your fingers and secure with small
clips. The smaller the roller (or barrel curl), the tighter
the curl. The larger the roller, the looser the curl.
5. When all the hair is set, spray with a light-hold spray
and allow 10 to 15 minutes for hair to cool down (this helps
lock in shape). Then remove rollers or clips and lightly blow
out hair (with fingers) using cool air settings on your dryer
for added shine.
6. Finger style, and spray with a medium hold spray as needed.
For added fullness, take sections at the crown and sides and
tease lightly.
Vintage Styles
"These styles evoke days gone by and can add glam appeal
when stepping out for the holidays or other classy events."
1. Shampoo, condition and blow dry hair as normal. When dry,
create a side part.
2. Lightly tease the hair underneath partings to secure the
part and spray into place.
3. Using a medium-barrel curling iron, curl hair in 1-inch
sections to create soft ringlets (or corkscrew curls) throughout
the hair.
4. When finished, apply a light shine spray sparingly. Then
use a medium- to-firm hold finishing spray to secure this
classic look.
Can't-Miss Tips
"Regardless of look or occasion, these general hair-care
tips will keep your styles looking great."
· Less is always more. Simple pins or clips with simple
stones are always best, though no more than one or two.
· Too much hair spray causes hair to look flat, dry
and flaky and can end up collecting on shoulders, particularly
if you're wearing dark colors.
· For the full-figured lady, wear a style that adds
definition to your features (especially the jaw line) and
one that isn't round. Simple styles are best for this figure
rather than updo's that draw attention to prominent features.
"My No. 1 tip this holiday season is to carry a small
styling touch-up bag with you," says Lowe. "Keep
it in your car for last minute coiffing before making your
grand entrance. A touch-up bag can be as simple as using a
large zipper-lock storage bag with a few styling pieces. The
contents should include a regular or teasing comb, travel
size hair spray, small clips, and rollers in case you need
a last-minute lift (depending on the style you're going for).
For more information or style tips, call 310-430-4045 or
log onto www.billylowe.com.
CAPTION: Celebrity stylist Billy Lowe shares his secrets
for holiday hair success.
