Oscar Hair: Mila Kunis – 30s Screen Siren

Image Courtesy of Getty Images

We loved Mila Kunis’ Red Carpet hair at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. A few finger waves with a semi messy bun loosely pinned in the back to make it modern – it was a very current look at the 30s. This is a look that changes slightly each season so it continually evolves. Pulling hair back softly works for Mila as it shows off not only those fabulous eyes but her bone structure as well.

1. This look is suited for all hair types, though curly girls will have to blow hair out with a large round natural bristle brush first.

2. Once hair is blown out it is time to curl it with a medium sized curling iron. This is to help add movement which will be needed to form not only the bun but the waves along the sides.

3. Once curls are finished use a vent brush to relax the curls into waves.

4. Add a bit of a pomade-like product to the sides and ‘pinch’ them into waves.

5. We suggest using hair pins to hold waves in place so they can set slightly.

6. Loosely gather up hair at nape of your neck and begin pinning hair into a loose low bun. Most important is the shape you create, not where each curl sits.

7. Once you are happy with the shape and have secured it with bobby pins remove the clips, give it a quick spray with Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray and voila, modern 30s screen star.

 
 
 

BEAUTY AND THE SUBWAY: CASE 2

By Marilisa, Artistic Director for Marc Anthony Hair Care

As I continue on a subway trek across the city, I am quite impressed with the fashion sense of my fellow transit patrons. Put together with such ease and only a splash of designer in the mix. But what’s a fashionable ensemble without the perfect hair to match.

CASE 2: Miss Understated

Elegant flats and a designer bag, thin-leg pants all in shades of brown, rust and cream. It really looked lovely, even her nails had a nude beige tone to them. Her hair – just out of bed, messy, partially held back with a jaw clip and with sparkles no less. I assumed it belonged to her daughter.

The Fix…

A sleek ponytail would be the perfect fit to complete this look. The look needs to be straight not flat, so you so you’ll need to flat iron in larger sections. Spray Style Straight Flat Iron Spray lightly through hair. Flat iron hair directly out from scalp – not down – so that it does not lay overly flat. Once this is finished add a bit of Moisture Gloss Daily Drops for added shine.

Pull hair to the nape of your neck, tie it back with an elastic band then take a small piece of hair from under the pony and wrap it around the band to hide it. Bobby pin that one piece in place and you are now understated elegance from the head down.

 
 
 

Romance

Secret smiles, flowers, dinner a deux, and your best sexy girl outfit. All we need now is the perfect hair style.  Let’s look to some classic love stories and how to get the look.

Courtesy of TheWrap.com

Letters to Juilet: Seriously cute… two generations worth of romance.

How to get the look: Wash and condition with Marc Anthony’s Style Straight Collection.  Start by partially rough drying hair.  Once hair is fifty percent dry, add product that works best for your hair type. Keep in mind that less product is better on partially dried hair as it allows for better distribution.    If you have fine hair, add a bit of Marc Anthony Instantly Thick Full Blow Out Lotion to pump up the volume a bit.  If you have Curly or Wavy hair we recommend Style Straight Blow Straight Potion for a salon blow out every time.

The perfect blow dry tip:  Use a large natural bristle brush, make sure that the nozzle of drying is above the brush to ensure that cuticle stays closed as you dry (this gives more shine and less tangle as cuticle lays flat). Clip each section when dry, this is a simple way to ‘set’ your look. If you want a smoother finish gently run a flat iron through hair, but keep in mind that you should not remove body and/or  make it too straight; this look works because it does have a bit of movement to it.  Once dry remove clips and add a bit of  Moisture Gloss Daily Drops to your fingertips.  This will add shine and control static.   Run fingers through hair and voila….smooth silky Valentine’s worthy hair.

Courtesy of Moviephone.com

Princess Bride…as you wish.

How to get the look: Wash and Condition with either Marc Anthony’s Instantly Thick if you hair is fine or Style Straight if you want to control your hair.  Fine hair should be dried with large round natural bristle brush to get the most volume while curls should be dried with a paddle brush to get length without too much volume.

Once hair is dried apply Moisture Gloss Daily Drops and use large barrel curling iron to get a natural movement.  Starting at nape, take approximately 2 inch sections and loosely curl around iron. Lightly spray each section with a bit of ProFinish Hairspray to help hold the tendril.  Keeping the section size different ensures a natural looking curl.  Always remember that you should also alternate the sections left to right, followed by right to left.  This will keep the look modern and less fussy looking.  Once finished place some more Moisture Gloss on your finger tips and gently break up the curl. If you want a full on buttercup vibe this Valentine’s Day,  clip your sides back loosely and wait for your personal Dread Pirate to arrive.

 
 
 

BEAUTY AND THE SUBWAY: CASE 1

By Marilisa, Artistic Director for Marc Anthony Hair Care

As Stylists we rarely see hair unless it is in our cutting chair. Seriously, when we are not working, hair has to be really bad or really amazing for us to notice it. But as I sat on the subway I was shocked at how much effort could go into the perfect outfit but not into the hair that looks best with it.

CASE 1: The Parisian…

There she was with her black stilettos and patterned stockings; her frock a 1940’s inspired bit of black with white boarder on it. She had this amazing little peplum style jacket over it but her hair was a long frizzy mess. Now I understand sleeping in as much as the next girl but honestly, if you don’t try at all it would have been better. It was long, layered and dry looking.

The Fix…

If you don’t have time to start from scratch in the morning use a refresher like 2ND Day Revitalizer and blow out the top portion so that it is smooth. Give it a side part, spray hair with some Pro Finish Hairspray and add some Velcro rollers while the hair is still warm. For a bit of extra hold you can spray each section. This is your time to finish getting ready, put on some makeup, clothing etc. Give it about 20 minutes to set.

Once it is ready remove rollers and add a bit of Moisture Gloss Daily Drops on your fingertips and run it through your hair. Tousle hair clipping shorter part behind the ear and let the hair on other side swing over one eye. Voila! A true Parisian.

 
 
 

Winter Hair Woes – Dryness, Frizz and Static

Winter’s dry air definitely adds to the drama of hair stress, robbing hair of a healthy balance of moisture which in turn creates frizz, static and flyaways. Here are some tips from our Celebrity Stylist team to sail through winter with fabulously healthy hair.

1. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture!

When rinsing out your conditioner, leave a little bit in to add moisture. Then, use a moisture rich styler like Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream for all-day hydration. Even though it is a curl product, it also works wonderfully on straight hair to quench dehydrated tendrils and smooth frizz.

2. Don’t Over Wash

Try not to wash your hair every day. Over washing can strip your hair of moisture and colour. Instead, use a no-wash cleanser like 2nd Day Revitalizer between washes. This will also help to prevent frizz and static.

3. Take Care with your Hat

Your winter hat might absorb some of your hair’s much needed moisture. If wearing a hat try to compensate for moisture loss with a light moisturizer like Moisture Gloss Daily Drops. Another little trick is to spray some Smooth & Straight Heat Protect Flat Iron Spray inside your hat – it helps tremendously in controlling static.

4. Camouflage with Colour

If you dye your hair, using darker, richer shades in the winter can help to camouflage dryness. Light bounces off of dark hair wonderfully, giving it the appearance of shine and health. Try taking your blonde or brunette a bit darker than you would in the summer.

 
 
 

The Road to Healthy Hair

Top signs that your hair is in need of major TLC.

1. Damaged hair has an overall dry, brittle texture, looks coarse and frizzy and in general cannot hold colour well. Your hair has a life of about 2 to 6 years, which is a long time to keep hair healthy. What you do today has ramifications that can last up to 6 years. For example, though it may be months since you’ve highlighted your hair, the chemical mess left behind is still present in the hair strands.

2. Healthy hair has elasticity. If you take a strand of hair and pull it, it should stretch slightly. Damaged hair does not do this. It becomes very fragile and can break off in simple everyday styling or in severe weather. Weak and brittle hair will break in your hands rather than stretch. This is a clear sign that you need to improve the condition of your hair.

3. Lack of shine.There is an unmistakable shine to healthy hair. If your hair has lost its sheen it may be a sign of damage.

PREVENTION

Your hair combats many enemies on a daily basis; sun, chlorinated water, dry indoor heating, dry winter air, among others. If you add extra chemical treatments to the mix you need to be prepared for some extra care as well. Here are some tips:

Try not to wash your hair every day. It will strip away the natural oils from your scalp which are needed to keep the entire hair strand moisturized. Use a product like 2nd Day Revitalizer, which is a gentle mist that lets you recreate your style without washing your hair, plus adds moisture and nutrients. If you need even more hydration, use a daily leave-in like Strictly Curls Leave-In Detangling Conditioner.

Wet your hair completely before swimming in salt or chlorinated water. By ‘filling’ hair with water it is less likely to absorb salt or chlorine.

Protect from the elements. Environmental stress, including the sun can give your hair and scalp a beating. When possible keep your hair away from stress like harsh sun and wind; hats, scarves and caps help.

Filter hard water. Hard water can not only suck the shine out of hair, it can damage it. Chemicals in hard water can keep the cuticle open exacerbating damage by allowing everyday pollutants to get in. Using a filter for hard water can make a huge difference.

Do not over dry your hair with the blow dryer as it will strip your hair of moisture. Leave your hair slightly damp instead of blow drying it 100%.

Be sure to use quality products for your specific hair type and/or problem.

When in doubt, talk to a professional to help create a program to get your hair on the road to recovery.

 
 
 

Perfect Hair to Ring in the New Year

The countdown is on. The perfect outfit demands perfect hair. Here are some tips for a fashion-ready 2011.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

No matter the occasion, a good blow out is a must for full on New Year’s hair. Before you begin you style, apply stylers to clean, damp hair. Use Instantly Thick Hair Thickening Cream for fine hair or Style Straight Blow Straight Potion for wavy to curly hair. Blow your hair out using a round brush. Now, on to styling.

QUIET EVENING WITH FRIENDS…

With our busy lives an evening at home with friends becomes more popular each year. For this we love soft waves ala ‘Carrie Bradshaw’.

Once your hair is blown out add Moisture Gloss Daily Drops from roots to ends for high voltage shine.

Take large sections of hair and twist them around a large barrel curling iron, switching directions for each section. Keep the size of sections random so that your finished look will appear natural.

Once finished add a bit more Daily Drops to your finger tips and gently break up your wave so that it doesn’t look too contrived. A light spray with Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray and you are ready to greet your guests in style.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN…

Dancing the night away takes some preparation to deliver well. Think of Fergie’s fabulously famous high full ponytail. This can give you a runway look that stays in place for as long as you want to stay awake.

Once your hair is blown out you are now ready to set your tresses with Velcro rollers. We like to use large rollers to achieve a bit of wave with our volume. The larger the rollers the smoother the finished look. Take smooth sections of hair and pull them tight around the rollers. Spray each section with a bit of Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray. Leave the rollers in your hair for 20-30 minutes as you finish getting ready. Once your hair is set, remove the rollers and section out a portion of hair the size of a fringe at the front. Leave it be for now as you will need to work with this piece later

(Elastic with bobby pins)

With a firm brush pull the rest of your hair into a high ponytail. Take your time as this has to be smooth and tight to work well. Use a bit of hairspray as you brush it up to help keep it orderly. Once your hair is all smooth secure it with an elastic band. (PRO TIP – take the small elastic and add two bobby pins to each end for a do-it-yourself bungee hook. Take one of the bobby pins and anchor it to hair at the base of the ponytail. Pull the elastic tight and begin to wrap it around the pony. With the other hand hold the first pin in place. Once you have a good hold and the elastic is taught, take the other end with the pin and anchor it into hair. You now have a fool proof pony that will stay in place all night.)

Now, take the bit of hair you have left out at the front and gently add a bit of volume by back brushing (teasing) from the underneath; keep the top smooth. Move it back towards the pony keeping it a bit loose so that it gives you a bit of height. Wrap the rest of hair around the pony and pin in place. Now you are ready to dance all night long.

 
 
 

Fabulous Hair is All You Need for the Holidays

This holiday season, put down your bling and opt for a sexy updo instead. When your hair makes a statement, there’s no need to accessorize. Try this look with a nude ear and neckline.

Prep

If your natural hair has a wave or curl, wash and condition with Style Straight™ Unwind Shampoo and Frizz Away Conditioner, followed by Instant Straightening Cream which will help to relax any kink. If your hair is fine prepare for more volume by washing and conditioning with Instantly Thick™ Hair Thickening Shampoo and Weightless Volumizing Conditioner, followed by Hair Thickening Cream for added lift.

Dry

This holiday look should have shine and movement so take your time when drying (it is, after all, for a special occasion and not to be rushed). Blow dry with a large round brush so that your hair is pulled straight and smooth.

Set

Once hair is dry it’s time for old school hot rollers. Yes, dust those babies off – they work best for this look. If hot rollers are not part of your fashionista kit then a large barrel curling iron is a nice alternative.  Have hair clips laid out on standby as each section of hair needs to be set securely to get a good large curl.

This look should have a polished finish so a neat set is a must. Make clean sections and comb each one out all the way to the ends before winding it around the rollers or iron. Clip each roller in place. If you are using a curling iron clip each section up immediately after removing the iron and while the hair is still warm – you want to mimic the shape of a roller. Spray each section with Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray to give it substantial hold.  Once finished give it a once over spray and leave it to set until well cooled. About 30 minutes while you finish getting ready.

Style

Remove the rollers and/or clips carefully trying not to disturb the curls. Do not brush it out. Instead, add a touch of Moisture Gloss™ Daily Drops to your fingertips and gently gather the curls to the centre-back of your head, keeping the front fairly loose. The Moisture Gloss will add shine and allow your fingers to glide without catching on the hair. Hold it with one hand and gently bobby pin around to get the gathered shape to hold. Once it feels firm take a mirror (any makeup mirror will do) and check the back to ensure the shape is to your liking. Tweak it if you have to. Once you are satisfied with the shape, take a few extra pins to ensure it will hold all night.

 
 
 

The Waltz! Rhythmically Inspired Holiday Hair

Every girl needs at least one good Waltz in her life. This look is perfect, with the high society feel that has become synonymous with the Waltz. The beauty of this timeless classic is its ability to stay modern while maintaining an underlying structure of clean, elegant distinction.

1. Wash: Set the mood by shampooing and conditioning with Style Straight™ Unwind Shampoo and Frizz Away Conditioner. This will set the foundation for a smooth, clean finish.

2. Dry: Add a touch of Style Straight™ Blow Straight Potion and blow dry with the help of a large round brush which will get the hair straight while keeping a bit of fullness.

3. Section: Once hair is dry, separate it from ear to ear, leaving the front free for the moment.

4. Twist: Pull hair back as though you were going to make a loose ponytail. From the nape, begin to twist your hair up toward the crown, keeping it tight to the scalp. Pin as you go and once you reach the crown tuck in any extra bits of hair, securing them with bobby pins.

5. Part: Place your part wherever you like. Take the smaller section (unless you have chosen a centre part, in which case you can take either section) and twist it up pinning it to the back. Take the second front panel and sweep it so it lies where you like. Twist the rest toward the back and pin it neatly.

6. Finish: Complete with a good spray of Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray and a dab of Moisture Gloss™ Daily Drops for a lustrous finish. You are now beautiful and ready to fill your holiday dance card.

 
 
 

The Salsa! Rhythmically Inspired Holiday Hair

This sexy number will keep you cool no matter how late you go. Notorious for synchronizing contrasting beats and movements, this Salsa gives you the best of both refinement and ruffle. With windswept waves gathered in union to form a low, sophisticated chignon, this look gives you a sexy type of elegance that only a Salsa can.

1. Wash: Begin your warm-up by washing and conditioning with Strictly Curls™ Curl Defining Shampoo and Frizz Sealing Conditioner.

2. Scrunch: On damp hair, apply Strictly Curls™ Curl Enhancing Foam, and gently scrunch to get a bit of texture going.

3. Dry: Allow to dry naturally or if time is an issue, use a diffuser.

4. Curl: Use a medium to large barrel curling iron and twist random bits of hair around it. Do not curl all of your hair as you do not want the look to end up overly finished. Instead you want to keep a natural sort of messy vibe. Add a small amount of Moisture Gloss™ Daily Drops for a high shine.

5. Bun: Use your fingers to loosely pull hair back to the crown forming a low ponytail, and then use your fingers to make a low, loose bun while pinning it in place. Feel free to leave a few pieces out as the mood suits you; after all, sexy is as sexy does.

6. Finish: Complete with a spray of Pro Finish Ultimate Hold Hairspray to hold the look in place as you shimmy on the dance floor.