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

Finger waves: 3 ways to wear this look

Ready to let your finger wave flag fly? Check out these three 'dos which will help you rock this look!

What are finger waves?

Finger waves are 'S' shaped waves that adorn a lot of retro hairstyles. They originally appeared in the 1920s, but have since re-emerged as a popular way to bring some Va Va Voom to a range of looks, for both short and long hair. The easiest way to achieve them is to comb a curling gel like in damp hair to encourage the natural texture of your locks. Once you've sculpted the hair into the signature S shapes with a comb or thick barrelled curling wand, use a strong hold spray like to lock that look into place.

Flowing Finger Waves

You don't need to have the traditional 1920s flapper bob to be able to rock finger waves. Those with longer locks can now sport this style, by leaving the waves to flow free and elegantly frame the face. Brush your hair through with a loose comb (or your fingers!) before spritzing with hair spray, to make sure the style doesn't look too strict. From here, the waves can easily be lightly pinned back into a half up or full updo, the possibilities are endless! Try experimenting with a centre or side part to change up this look.

Finger Wave Fringe

One large finger wave along your fringe is a fantastic way to showcase this style. Make sure you curl all your hair in the same direction so that when you collect the curls together in one big finger wave, every strand is going the same way. Alternatively, you can use a foam roller with pin curls to set the section you want to get your finger wave on.

Long Luscious Retro Waves

This longer look can be achieved with gel and fingers over the top of your head, finishing with a curling iron along the lengths. The larger the barrel of the curling iron, the larger the waves. Start with creating a deep side part in your hair before incorporating gel through the roots and lengths, and then carefully creating each wave, curling away from your face when you use your iron. Gently rake through the waves to gather them together, and try a wet look spray like to give your style a super shiny and high fashion finish.

If you are stuck for finger wave inspiration, head to your nearest L'Oréal Professionnel salon to let a stylist work their magic!

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  

10 trendy hair colours you still need to try

Whether you prefer blonde, brunette, red or even a less natural shade, there's an option for you on our list of the top ten trendy hair colours you must try!

1. Cool ash brown

Perhaps one of the most trendy hair colours for brunettes, cool ash looks incredible on cool skin tones and light-coloured eyes. Keep any unwanted red undertones at bay with the for Brunettes. Alternate with your regular conditioner for healthy and shiny ash brown hair.

2. Beige hair

Cool sandy tones are the lighter equivalent of ash brown. Beige hair contains tones from the blue/green end of the colour spectrum, and is a particularly trendy hair colour for short hair. Keep beige from being boring with a stylish haircut: blunt bangs or layered lengths can lift your entire look.

3. Visible roots

Growing your hair out doesn't have to mean months of hat wearing to hide unsightly roots. In fact, the dark roots + light lengths look is actually a trendy hair colour combination all on its own these days! Because the focus is on the roots, don't let them get greasy. A dry hair shampoo will soak up any excess oils and give you a boost of volume.

4. Buttery blonde

A warm blonde that isn't yellowy, this creamy blonde shade will make you want to melt into its softness. Wear in shimmery long waves for a 1920s appeal.

5. Hair strobing

Update your look instantly with a few carefully-placed highlights using the "strobing" technique. Your stylist will use their expertise to place light sections exactly where the sun would hit. Put the winter months behind you with this ultra-flattering and subtle colour technique that looks as if you've spent some time on a sun-soaked beach.

6. Bronde

Hesitating between going blonde or brunette? Do both with bronde! It's not just a transitional shade, it's been one of the most trendy hair colour ideas this year. Bronde can be achieved either with an all-over dark sandy shade, or you can mix highlights and lowlights to give your hair depth and shine.

7. Auburn

There are different shades of auburn to suit your skin tone. It's up to you how much of the red you want to wear: from woody chestnut to dark ginger, it's all about rich natural shades. Red tones can look good on any skin colour, but talk with your stylist about whether you want cooler pink undertones or warm orange ones.

8. Rose gold

Rose gold, hands down one of the most trendy hair colours in 2018, can also exist in a brunette version with dark strawberry tones. If you don't want to go all-over strawberry however, a few subtle highlights of a dusky pink can really bring radiance to your complexion.

9. Copper

Truly shimmering metallic copper is an unforgettable colour. Keep your shine by using a serum or hair oil on the lengths and ends. We particularly love big copper curls!

10. Bright pink

You can't get a more trendy hair colour than shocking pink. Remember, to avoid your fresh colour fading or developing any brassy undertones, use a colour-protective shampoo and conditioner.

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

Why chocolate hair colour is the perfect choice for this winter

Chocolate hair colour is one of the most popular shades for colder weather. But why? Here we look at the top reasons why chocolate hair is gaining steam, how you can get in on the trend next year.

Three reasons to love chocolate hair colour

1. Warmth. The slight hint of red undertones in chocolate help to bring out the warmth in your complexion. This also explains why certain cool shades of hair colour (or the wrong one for your skin tone) can do the opposite: draining your face of warmth and making you look tired and ashen. Not so with chocolate!

2. Radiance. Freshly coloured chocolate hair colour is great for reflecting the light. This then makes the hair appear fuller and more voluminous – great for people with fine or thinning hair looking for an instant boost.

3. Thickness. Brown hair colour is gentler on your hair than lightening. Permanent lightening requires the cuticles of the hair shaft to be lifted and the natural colour removed underneath. Going darker, however, involves colour being deposited onto the hair shaft. Some people even find their hair feels healthier and thicker after dying it brunette.

Different chocolate shades to suit your skin

There isn't just one shade of chocolate hair colour! Your stylist will create exactly the right combination of pigments to suit your hair hopes and skin tone.

Chocolate hair colour with caramel highlights: if you're going from blonde to chocolate, or simply want a few bright streaks to give your hair dimension, this could be your solution. Caramel isn't too far from chocolate on the colour spectrum, so the highlights won't look to harsh.

Dark chocolate hair colour: For a really rich hair colour that will keep you warm through the winter seasons, opt for a deep dark chocolate shade. To keep the shine whatever the weather, apply a few drops of serum after washing. We love the Liss Control Plus serum by Tecni.ART.

Milk chocolate hair colour: A more neutral alternative when it comes to chocolate hair colour is a milk chocolate version. It has fewer red tones, so really suits those with naturally cool undertones to their skin.

5 ways to wear warm brown winter hair

So once winter rolls around again you're going to book an appointment with your stylist to take your hair to a new shade of chocolate brown. But how are you going to style it? Here are five of our favourite ways to wear this beautiful brunette colour...

1) Wavy bob: give your bob a boost with a modern matte finish using the Super Dust powder by Tecni.ART. Simply sprinkle into your palms and run through the lengths for mattified volume.

2) Big bouncy curls: if your hair isn't naturally curly, no problem. helps you create voluminous and natural-looking curls.

3) Textured pixie: short hair? Chocolate hair colour gives body and shine to short hair cuts. Consider trying a cool or neutral shade for a really contemporary look.

4) Sleek and straight: show off your brunette radiance with long sleek locks. If you use a hair iron, be sure to apply heat protectant beforehand to prevent any hair damage.

5) Fishtail braid: a braid is a great way to showcase the different tones in your hair – perfect for chocolate hair colour with caramel highlights!

With all the benefits of chocolate hair colour, as well as the numerous options for styling all different hair lengths and types, are you tempted to take the plunge and be a beautiful chocolate brunette later this year?

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

Here's why super-shiny glass hair is trending

When a hairstyle goes Insta-viral, you know it's worth a try. Popularised by Kim Kardashian, Lucy Hale and Hailey Bieber, the glass hair look is best described as modern, sleek and tidy. It's essentially a blunt bob, styled dead straight, with a high-shine finish.

This type of style will satisfy your inner perfectionist and the result is so shiny you can virtually see your reflection in it. It all boils down to the straight-edged cut, of course. If you're well overdue for a trim, you'll need a fresh cut to even things out and give you that blunt base. Typically, the look is just below the shoulder, but any length hair works so long as the cut is on point. Frizz and uneven lengths are an absolute no-no.

Once your hair stylist has nailed the cut, your work lies in the blow-dry and choosing the right products. To kick off, wash your hair using and Conditioner, which will render coloured hair instantly soft and purified.

Next comes the blow dry. Attach the nozzle to your hair dryer. As you raise it to your head, direct it down the hair shaft to remove all moisture and really make your locks glisten. As always, blow-dry your hair in sections with the help of a round bristle brush. This will condition your hair by distributing its natural oils and therefore boosting the shine factor.

To nail the glass look, run a small amount of an oil-based hair formula like through the hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. Just a few drops of this luxurious oil will enhance this look ten-fold. To fight the humidity that threatens to derail your glassy 'do, finish with a spritz of Messy Cliché French Girl Hair hairspray . It'll also fix up any rogue baby hairs if that's an issue for you.

While it may seem like an effort, this look is simple enough once you get the hang of it. We're confident you'll be sporting it on the regular.

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

BEST HAIR COLOURS FOR BRUNETTES TO COVER THEIR GREY HAIRS

When it comes to brunettes, grey hairs are rudely visible far earlier than on your blonder friends. Obviously, the darker your hair is, the more obvious the greys.

Today we explain the best hair colours that will cover grey roots on brunettes - what type of coverage will work best, and how to care for - and transition from – brunette to grey.

What colour brunette will suit me?

If you used to be a dark brunette, there's need to instinctively go back to your former shade of hair. Dark shades can make older skin look drawn and tired. This is because the colour of our skin changes as we get older: less-efficient blood circulation is responsible for the loss of that healthy pink glow associated with youth.

Instead, look for less intensely saturated shades which will also make any grey regrowth less obvious. Warmer tones are more flattering than cool ones, as they accentuate the blush of your cheeks and make your face appear more radiant and healthy. Colours like butterscotch brown, light auburn and golden brown, or ash brown for those with a cool skin tone, are all versatile brunette shades that aren't too dark and are some of the best hair colours to hide grey.

All-over colour or highlights?

 If you opt for all-over colour, your grey roots will become more obvious, and will lead to that tell-tale line of demarcation. Opt for lowlights and highlights instead, which are also great for the day when/if you do decide to make the full transition into grey, as they can be subtly reduced with each re-colouring process.

 The right highlights and lowlights work like makeup, bringing light to the face in all the most complimentary places. They are also great for bringing volume to the hair. As we get older our hair can become weaker and lose its natural body. Colour (and the right hairstyle) can be used to add depth and dimension.

Going grey, hooray!

If you're taking the plunge, embracing your greys and making the full transition to overall grey hair colour – hooray! Hair colourists recommend using increasingly lighter shades of brunette before celebrating your silver side to make the transition more gradual. Semi-permanent hair colour to cover greys can also be a way of slowly taking the step: as the colour fades out, the greys gradually appear.

How to care for coloured hair

 If you're not ready to be a silver fox just yet, here's how to prolong your coloured hair for as long as possible:

1. Tailored haircare for coloured hair

Your first step is to start using a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for coloured hair, such as the which also includes a spray and . If you've gone gorgeously grey, the Silver shampoo is perfect for you!

2. Don't over-wash

It seems obvious, but the more you wash your hair, the more quickly your new colour will fade, especially if it's semi-permanent. You're also more likely to strip the scalp of the natural oils that keep the hair fibres moisturised.

Try , not only soaks up excess grease, but leaves your hair voluminous and with a matte finish.

3. Dry with care

Rubbing at your head roughly with a towel can weaken the hair and leave it unable to retain its colour. Try to soak up excess water after showering by using downwards squeezing motions (to avoid literally rubbing the cuticle up the wrong way), ideally with a soft cotton material, not a coarse towel.

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

STRANDLIGHTS ARE THE MOST NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS YOU'VE EVER SEEN

Major changes aren't always big-ticket changes. Subtlety goes a long way, as these photos show. Before things looked good, but after ... wow! That is the subdued beauty of hair contouring.

Depth through tones

The artistry involved in hair contouring makes you into the masterpiece. Dark tones create shadows, and these visually reduce the length of the face and make it appear narrower, while lighter tones, which reflect the light, create the look of an elongated face. It's all about balance, creating the optical illusion of a more oval, more symmetrical shape.

Accentuate the positives

We've all learnt (or at least practiced!) how to mix and blend makeup to enhance our cheekbones and make our eyes shimmer. Before and after photos are always inspiring. And sometimes they're a little like a game of 'spot-the-difference' – we can see the change, but not always immediately know how it happened! Through tailor made colour techniques the "after" results of hair contouring are incredible, but still look natural, and are specifically created for each person.

Bespoke style

The individual approach that hair contouring demands is one of its strongest advantages. Your hair stylist works with you to identify the shape of your face and how to enhance your best features ... then through precisely applied colour and highlights, they frame your face to create your new look. The before and after won't be a shock, your friends will still recognise you – but Hair Contouring will be your best kept beauty secret. It's been the beauty go-to of the stars for a long time, and now you can experience Hair Contouring at exclusive L'Oréal Professionnel salons for yourself.

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