A High Ponytail For Long Hair: Maximum Impact With Minimal Styling

The high ponytail, one of the signature looks of the nineties, is back. Popping up in pop culture, it has taken over the runways of the world's most famous designers. Let's take a look at this super-graphic must-have style for long hair!

The most minimalist of all XXL hairstyles

The high ponytail might look simple, but don't be fooled. This is not the scruffy version we wore as kids. Today, the high ponytail is slicked back from the brow (even wet-looking) and super smooth behind. It's a chic version of the look that was the nineties pop stars' go-to do. Its appearance on Dior's spring/summer catwalk was proof that is back and in a big way!

The secret of the high ponytail: thick long hair

According to Delphine Courteille, hairstylist at L'Oréal Professionnel, this style requires as much length, as thickness. Otherwise, the contrast between the slicked-down front section and the smooth volume at the back will lack balance. There is good news, though – it's a universal style: 'All hair colours can wear it, and round-shaped faces have nothing to fear from it.'

A minimalistic hairstyle with a lot of variations!

This 'simple and effective' high ponytail has many advantages: you can play around with textures, colours, and even accessories. Want a wet-look effect at the front? Why not! And why not try dip-dye and ombré hair colorations, creating the very on-trend two-tone effect. Of course, you could also experiment with hair jewellery, a popular choice with both today's pop stars and backstage haute-couture hair stylists!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

Sideswept hair: Curtain bangs redux

Remember when curtains bangs à la Brigitte Bardot were top of the trends when it came to hairstyles? If however, like us, you weren't around for the 60s parted-fringe sensation, now's your chance to hop on the bangs bus and try out the retro take on sideswept hair with a chic pair of curtains!

Left, right or bang in the middle?

Ever fuss over whether to style your hair to the left or right, and which is your "good" side? Well, now you can forget all that, as curtain bangs offer a balanced solution – right down the middle. But instead of giving you a rather strict centre part, the subtle curve of the bangs is just as flattering as a side-swept style, without having to pick sides and (we won't tell if you won't) without you even needing real bangs in the first place...

The key to the look? It's all about forward thinking.

How to style curtain bangs

Celebrities like Bardot (and her modern-day counterparts Alexa Chung and Hailey Baldwin) committed to the curtain bangs by getting their hair cut so that the shortest part of the fringe fell right at the center of the face, tapering down in length to form an inverted V shape. But even those who don't want to snip can work the faux curtain version. Here's how:

Step one.

Wash and condition hair with smoothing products to prevent frizz. The offers a variety of smoothing formulae for different hair types and concerns.

Step two.

Dry the front section of hair over your forehead. When half-dry, apply a small amount of from Dual Stylers.

Step three.

Comb the hair into two sections, separate at the centre, then finish drying using the concentrator nozzle on your blowdryer.

Step four.

Tuck the ends of the two sections behind your ears, allowing the lengths to drop slightly to form a curve. Close your eyes and finish with a spritz of , and secure the ends behind your ears with bobby pins if needed.

Now that's a hairstyle truly fit for a curtain call... Applause!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

Caramel blonde: the next delicious hair colour you should try

Peachy keen for a new hair colour? Caramel blonde is your next shade! Here's everything you need to know about the different ways to wear caramel blonde hair colour, and how to keep it looking sweet for longer.

What is caramel blonde hair colour?

Caramel blonde comes in a variety of shades. It can be light, bright and golden, or a darker, more autumnal shade. Think about the different grades of maple syrup, and you'll understand the variations of caramel blonde.

To create caramel blonde hair, it depends on what your base colour is. Usually, caramel is achieved by subtly adding different shades of blonde colour (not one all-over "caramel" shade). Combining different caramel colours is a great way to achieve a really personalised finish to flatter your complexion.

Your stylist will choose a colouring technique that best suits your desired look, face shape and skin tone: from strobing, strand lighting and ombré to balayage, highlights and lowlights. The last two options are the most popular colouring techniques when it comes to caramel blonde hair.

Caramel highlights for blonde hair

To turn naturally light blonde hair into a warmer caramel shade, your stylist will pick two-to-three shades of blonde that are darker than your natural colour, and sometimes even a lighter one to add more depth to the overall look. Sand, dark honey, golden beige and just the tiniest hint of strawberry undertones all contribute to creating a caramel blonde ensemble that looks healthy and natural.

Caramel highlights on brown hair

When it comes to turning brunette into a lighter shade of caramel, the technique isn't quite the same. If you want to lighten your hair by more than 5 levels, you'll have to take out the natural colour first, and then add the blonde caramel over the top. However, if your hair is a lighter shade of brown, it is possible to play with different warm blonde colours to achieve a darker caramel look.

Different varieties of caramel blonde hair

These are some of our favourite caramel creations.

1. Dark brown hair with subtle caramel highlights around the front sections.

2. Dark butterscotch/caramel can take a beachy, summery blonde into autumn-winter.

3. Slightly cool-toned caramel lowlights on the lengths and ends that give a glowing radiance to the face.

4. Long bronde waves can be given body and depth with infusions of caramel.

5. Naturally light, ashy blonde really warms up with caramel colours using strandlighting.

6. A dark brunette shade that transitions using balayage or ombré into a delicious caramel at the tips.

How to care for caramel blonde hair

Caramel blonde has warm undertones. However, whenever your pigments are on the warm side of the colour scale (red, orange, yellow), there's always a risk of brassiness. Brassy undertones (that unwanted orange tint you might recognise) can develop for multiple reasons: if the colour isn't properly applied; if you haven't used the right product; chemical reactions; sun exposure and so on. Luckily, there are ways to prevent your caramel blonde from turning brassy.

For blonde caramel hair, use the Ceramide Shine Blonde Shampoo by Serie Expert. Enriched with Ceraflash technology, it helps neutralise unwanted yellow tones and restores brightness. For brunettes with caramel highlights, the Vitamino Color A-OX conditioner is ideal. It gently washes the hair without stripping it of its colour or exposing any reddish undertones thanks to its paraben/silicone/sulfate-free formula.

Visit your stylist to learn what colours you're best suited to, and get a full hair diagnosis, then tuck in to a spoonful of delicious caramel blonde hair colour!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

The bob with a side-swept fringe

Not much effort is needed to change the appearance of your face. A classic bob with a straight fringe compared with one with a side parting and fringe are very different looks. But it's not a one-or-the-other decision: they both come from the same cut!

Swept to one side, a fringed bob brings softness

Contour some softness and curves into your clean-cut fringed bob. For this, the parting should be moved to one side, with the fringe sweeping to the opposite side. This creates the effect of a rounded bob, gracefully and subtly surrounding the face.

Length and body: the all-in-one bob

According to Denis Holbecq, hair stylist ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel, the side-swept bob is 'the right length to elongate a long face and give it some character, but also to balance out a triangular face'. Clearly no matter what the face shape, this cut brings a sophisticated shape to hair.

The side-swept fringed bob: a relaxed yet posh look!

This cut is a celebrity favourite. Not just for its relaxed yet chic appeal, but also for its easy maintenance. Perfect for today's hustle and bustle when a hair faux-pas is absolutely not on the agenda!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

How to recreate these preppy wet look finger waves

The 1920s were a decade full of fashion firsts and iconic hairstyles, of which perhaps the most well-known are the slick and shiny finger waves. With retro hairstyles as popular as ever, we take a look at how you can easily recreate the wet look finger waves at home, and give some vintage glamour to your look!

6 steps for wet look finger waves

You will need: shampoo, conditioner, comb, long bobby pins, wet look gel, hairspray.

Step 1. Wash your hair with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner such as those from the Liss Unlimited collection by Serie Expert. After rinsing, comb through your wet hair very gently to remove any tangles and make a centre part. Do not blow-dry.

Step 2. Separate a section of hair (roughly 3-5 cm wide) at the side of your head, by the hairline. Tie up the rest of the hair to keep it out of the way.

Step 2. Take a pea-sized amount of gel (or more if your hair is particularly thick/rebellious) and apply to the separated section. We recommend the . Make sure the gel covers all the section, from root to tip.

Step 3. Comb this section through and hold the ends straight with one hand. With the other, take your comb and position it in the hair, 2-3cm from the roots.

Step 4. Push the comb towards the center part so the hair naturally bends into a deep curve. Replace the comb with a long bobby pin to secure in place. Place the comb another 3cm further down the hair and repeat, with the bend forming in the opposite direction. Secure with another bobby pin.

Step 5. Repeat every 3cm until you reach the ear level, tucking any remaining hair behind your ear. Blow-dry the rest of your hair and tie into a loose messy bun.

Step 6. Once the rest of the hair is dry, carefully remove the bobby pins and use a high-shine hairspray like L'Oréal Professionnel's , a favourite for the catwalk, to secure your finger waves in place.

That's all there is to it. Shiny, wet look finger waves inspired by the 1920s!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

The braided crown, a reigning hairstyle for long hair

You don't need to marry a prince to wear a crown! To gracefully reign over the hairstyle kingdom, long locks are all you need. Let's take a closer look at the braided crown, the key to stylishly ruling this season's hottest trends...

Everyone wants to wear the crown!

No need to invest in a bejewelled band to wear a crown: a braid, plaited all the way around your head, is a much finer option. Those lucky ladies with lots of hair can even cheat a little, wrapping a regular braid along the contours of their face. Regal or bohemian, you get to choose how to wield your royal power.

Hair born for the throne

According to Delphine Courteille, hairstylist at L'Oréal Professionnel, all shades of long hair can try the braided crown. Rather, it's the type of hair that can make or break the style: 'For this look, it's best to have medium to thick hair, and lots of it, to create the necessary volume so the braid doesn't fall flat.' For layered hair, this style is best avoided, as holding it up would require too many pins!

Long live the hairstyle

You need more than regal posture to keep your crown in place. So that sections of the braid don't slip out and undo completely, like Rapunzel in the tower, you need to add grip to the hair using texturising products. Delphine Courteille recommends Next Hair Day or Texture Dust by L'Oréal Professionnel for both professionals and amateurs alike.

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com  

HAILEY BALDWIN'S HAIR SECRETS REVEALED!

Hailey Baldwin is a current reigning style icon. Boasting over 8 million Instagram followers , the model has become renowned for her bold, urban chic style that echoes through her outfit, hair and make-up choices. It's not uncommon to see Hailey teaming a leather jacket with a comfy sweatshirt and sneakers one day, only to switch her style to fierce micro-shorts or a figure-hugging beaded dress the next. As for her hair? Hailey's constantly evolving style and colour keeps us on our toes! Clearly the offspring of Stephen Baldwin knows that the right hairstyle can make or break a fashionable look.

Hair Secrets Revealed

Want to know a bit more about Hailey's gorgeous mane? Here the model reveals a few of her insider secrets...

# 1 Her favorite hair colour is blonde: Hailey confirms that her signature blonde locks are her go-to hair colour. "Blonde reminds me of my hair colour as a child. It symbolizes innocence and truthfulness. I often ask my hair colorist to go blonde."

#2 She uses an oil-based product to keep her locks glossy: "I can't live without my Mythic Oil Crème Universelle with its delicious argan and almond oil fragrance. I use it to relax my hair after a shoot, or as a hair cream before styling."

#3 She's a hair colour chameleon: Blonde may be her favourite hair colour, but Hailey is also a fan of experimenting. "It's amazing how something as simple as hair colour can change everything. I feel that my mood is completely different."

Hairstyle In Focus

If there's one look we absolutely adore on Hailey, it's when her hair is fashioned into glossy textured waves. As seen in the above image, this hairstyle perfectly encapsulates Hailey's modern and sultry look. What we love most is how incredibly healthy her hair looks, even with a slight tousle through the mid-lengths and ends. Styling the hair with a middle part is a masterstroke, giving the look an air of sophistication. Meanwhile the hint of darkness at the roots is a nod to Hailey's naturally easy-going personal style. Overall this style is the epitome of a look that will take you from day to night.

Its official - Hailey Baldwin, is our new hair idol when it comes to playing with colour and style!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com  

Date Night Hairstyles: 3 Hailey Baldwin Red Carpet Looks

Image courtesy of L'Oréal Professionnel 

Looking for the ultimate date night hair inspo? Take a page out of Hailey Baldwin's red-carpet playbook.

Getting glammed up for an evening out with that special someone is all part of the date night experience. Whether it's for Valentine's Day or another occasion, the goal is to channel a look that's romantic, alluring and just a little sensual. If you're feeling stuck for hairstyle ideas then look no further than our favourite 'It' girl, Hailey Baldwin. The newly named international spokeswoman for L'Oréal Professionnel has proven time and again that she's a master of sexy statement red carpet hairstyles. Take your pick from these date night worthy looks...

Tousled top knot

It's not quite a pony tail and not quite a bun – but it's undeniably gorgeous! This fun and flirty tousled topknot almost looks like a high ponytail due to the loose locks cascading out of the base. Hailey's styling choices are spot on too – she's paired her 'do with a chic ensemble and sophisticated make-up. The best part about this look is its polished yet low-maintenance, making it a versatile look for wherever date night takes you.

Messy ballerina bun

Image courtesy of L'Oréal Professionnel

As far as date worthy hairstyles go, this feminine ballerina bun is a classic. Follow Hailey's lead by incorporating loads of volume at the roots for maximum impact. To make it happen, use a tail comb to tease the front section into a bouffant before fashioning the lengths into a ballerina bun – and don't forget to finish with L'Oréal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray. Also, note how this style shows off Hailey's artfully-placed blonde highlights. Perfection!

Sleek, chic lengths

Image courtesy of L'Oréal Professionnel

Up-do's aren't your only date night option! If you prefer to wear your hair out, then why not dabble with this sleek, wet-look hairstyle. The secret to striking the perfect wet-look finish (without going overboard) comes down to concentrating your product application around the roots. Take a small amount of gel and rub between the palms. Then slick it over the sides of your head above the ears and then use a comb to distribute.

How to get more out of your color

Perfecting your date night hairstyle is about more than just styling – it's also about making the most of your hair colour. To give your current shade a boost, try adding the L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil range into your hair care routine. Inspired by the tradition of Indian oil bathing, the Mythic Oil collection leaves your hair thoroughly nourished and super shiny. Take a few moments to truly indulge your locks before you get dressed up for a night on the town!

---

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com