As recently as a few years ago, women of all ages were seeking out any cures they could find for gray hair. The belief that gray hair is a bad thing and should be eradicated at all costs is a concept that goes back many generations, perhaps to the invention of hair dye. But in the past year or so, trend-setters from all realms of celebrity have begun to not only embrace their ivory locks, but flaunt them with pride.

Perennial award winning actress Meryl Streep has been openly rocking her beautiful graying hair since 2006, when she said in an interview with Hollywood foreign press that she feels very confident and normal underneath gray locks. Just a few weeks ago she unleashed a new short-haired look at the 2012 Academy Awards, and once again all eyes in the building were glued to her.

Having the love of millions of adoring fans and the attention of the fast-moving fashion world, anything that super-celebs such as Streep do that can qualify as out of the ordinary is sure to become a trend, so salons all over the nation are stocking their shelves with products that can accentuate gray hair. Many salon owners expect women with gray hair to cease asking for it to be colored and those without it requesting it now that it is quickly becoming a national trend.

Indeed, the gray hair wave is building up to tsunami-grade, and a bevy of products have recently been released that are designed to allow you to get the most out of your lighter shade. When treated and conditioned correctly, gray hair can have a luster and a shine that is unrivaled by other hair tones, allowing it to draw a lion’s share of the attention in any social situation.

The current popularity of gray hair may sever a double purpose as it allows women that were once made to feel self-conscious and perhaps even inferior to feel comfortable in their own skin and underneath their natural hair colors.

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Deciding to chop off locks that you have been walking around with for years can be a lot like jumping off the high dive. It seems like a very scary concept at first, but the thrill and sense of freedom that comes with it can actually become addictive.

Short hair has been showing up on celebrity runways for a handful of years now, but the trend is coming through in full force in 2012 as stylists all over the country are turning long locks into short and stunning looks. Spring has clearly sprung, and many women want to embrace its gentle touch by letting the breeze flow across their face and through short hair. A woman with a great short hairstyle will attract the attention of the masses in a crowded room, and many women that go short often have a slight boost in their overall confidence and moxie as a result.

Aside from being on the cutting edge of fashion and trends, getting your hair away from your cheeks and jawline will give you a clean and refreshing look while showcasing your natural beauty. The short bob and the pixie are some of the classic short cuts for adventurous and bold women, but a quality stylist will be able to do a number of variations of those two styles as well as many others while creating a look that best suits your natural tones and angles. Going choppy or layered are two options currently growing in popularity that stylist learn in hair schools. Creams and waxes can be utilized to create shine, shape and clear distinctions between layers.

It would be easy to make a case that braids never actually disappeared from the radar screen of hair trends over the past 50 years, but it is quite clear to see that they have recently made a resurgence. The variation of braids worn by public icons has run the gamut from neon weaves to naturally messy and wild creations, of which no two are alike.

After being spotted on the likes of Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian, it is clear that the messy and wild side braid is currently the hottest trend in the North American fashion world. Here are a few reasons that a messy side braid might be the perfect new look for you.

Separate Yourself from the Pack

While it may seem silly to suggest that someone should follow the latest trend in order to separate themselves from the pack, the truth is that many women lack the gusto and confidence to rock this messy side braid look. Whether it is a result of a conservative approach or a job environment where co-workers would scoff, the vast majority of women choose to enjoy the latest trends by witnessing them on others as opposed to embracing it themselves. Go boldly in the direction of individuality in upcoming weeks with the messy side braid. Fortune favors the bold.

Get the Attention of Adventurous Peeps

Much like the male peacock spreads it wonderful array of feathers in an attempt at gaining the attention of the most coveted mate, side braids can be worn at bars and clubs in order to garner the attention of potential mates. Only those with an appetite for adventure and uniqueness will be drawn toward a woman rocking a side braid, and only the most confident and charismatic people will be comfortable approaching her. In short, you can scare off the riff-raff and lure in the Mr. Rights.

An In-Home Cosmetology Lesson

Creating a look such as the messy side braid involves a handful of steps, but you will become more familiar with your hair and how to manipulate it throughout the process. It begins with a light coat of spritzer or wax spray on a deep side part, which can be volume-ized with a quick blow dry while the hair is still damp with product. Next, divide the section of hair into three or four parts and simply weave them together, making sure not to be too delicate or consistent with your technique. A personal touch can be put on the entire braid and the loose hair below it by teasing or curling, which creates the signature look of messiness and confident disregard for detail.

If you are interested in a creative beauty career in which the possibilities for advancement are endless – a hair career may be perfect for you. And choosing one of the many reputable hair design schools to get your education is the first step!

Courtesy JonathanLGardner via Flickr

Big hair is back, as evidenced by the trendsetting hairdos of the stars like Beyonce and Cheryl Cole. The backcombing, bumps, and beehive looks have actually given hairspray sales quite a boost. UK publication the Daily Mail reported that hairspray sales hit a record £173 million this year (just under $268 million).

With finances as tight as they are in this economy, women are searching for savvy ways to imitate their favourite fashion idols without breaking the bank. The majority of women simply cannot afford the regular salon visits required to achieve and maintain the look they want. Nearly four out of 10 women colour their hair at home, and among those aged 15 to 24, that number is closer to half. Home perms and DIY dye kit sales have made a 12 percent jump just in the last year. Home perms can enlarge a woman’s hair without shrinking her purse.

Money is not the only motivator, however, among the list of reasons for styling product sales. Many women report feeling more in control over the shades and tones of their hair when the color power rests in their own hands. Other women herald the timesaving benefits of at-home hair care. As DIY methods gain popularity, more and more blogs, videos, and websites are offering tips on how to get great locks on a budget. Many are finding they can follow a YouTube video and walk away with a fantastic do.

No longer gracing only the red carpet, big hair is all the rage everywhere these days. Voluminous, sexy locks are easy to achieve with a bit of teasing and a lot of hairspray. Hairspray alone accounts for 60 percent of hairstyling product purchases, making a dramatic comeback in recent years.

Big hair is not a new phenomenon. The ’60s rocked the beehive and the ’70s saw the afro. The keyword for the ’80s was volume. With plenty of diversity in cuts, styles, and colours, bigger continues to be better.

Courtesy JonathanLGardner via Flickr

Bouncy locks full of life and luster sends the message that though the wallet may be suffering, the hair certainly isn’t. For women who want to add some pep to their step without breaking the bank, there is good news. Big hair can be done on a small budget with a high-quality hairspray, root booster, and the right techniques. Backcombing and teasing can really add the volume.

For a night on the town or as the perfect juxtaposition to skinny jeans, big hair can make any woman feel absolutely gorgeous. Big hair exudes sexiness and epitomizes style. For an inexpensive way to look amazing this year, grab a can of hair spray and tease away.

The fashionable hair trends for the spring and summer of 2012? Streaks of color throughout slightly tousled hair. The color of the streaks depends on the individual’s overall hair color, but popular shades include peaches, light pinks, bright blondes and even some muted orange.

These streaks of color have been popular with celebrities for some time. It is now infiltrating into the fashion industry as demonstrated in Peter Som’s most recent fashion show.

Colored streaks can be added to pencil straight hair or hair with wonderfully flowing waves. The addition of these highlights will give any hairstyle an edge. At Peter Som’s show, the darker hair was enhanced with lighter color streaks, and the lighter hair was adorned with light pink and peach strands.

Amazingly, this fashion statement can be achieved without ever dying your hair. Colorful extensions are available that can be placed on one side of the front section of your hair. These extensions can be worn effortlessly with almost any hairstyle. However, hair that is a tad disheveled adds even more edge to this look.

Hair Chalking with Wax Pastels or Traditional Chalk Another way to obtain color streaks without the commitment is by chalking your hair. This is a relatively new technique, and it works very well. You can wet small sections of your hair or soak the colored piece of chalk you want to use. All you do is rub the chalk on the sections of hair that you want to streak. If you are using a traditional chalk, you need to apply hairspray prior to beginning this process. If using wax pastels, set it by using heat.

You have the option of just coloring your bangs or the tips of your hair. With very little effort, you can color your luscious locks from top to bottom.

The nice thing about these techniques is that they are not permanent. You can go crazy at your bachelorette party with rainbow streaks in your hair and still be the sophisticated bride with the up-do the next day!

This spring, make sure your hair is on-trend with some of the most stylish and easy-to-wear hairstyles for 2012. As winter fades, the spring will usher in a return to lady-like perfection with sleek ponytails, elegant updos and soft waves. Another big trend for spring are interesting hair accessories like feathers, metallic cording and natural stones. These fun and exciting accessories pair nicely with messy buns, intricate braids and complicated twists, which will also be a staple this spring.

Ponytails
One of the most elegant hairstyle trends for Spring 2012 are sleek ponytails. At the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this fall, designers from New York to Milan showcased models wearing a variety of sleek and straight ponytails. One of the most popular looks on the runways were low ponytails that were secured toward the nape of the neck. Another popular variation of this hairstyle trend was the three-part ponytail, which features a series of ponytails that are connected down the middle of the head similar to a French braid. If straight and sleek is not your style, you may want to consider a voluminous ponytail of curls or waves.

Elegant Updos
Dress up your ponytail with a sophisticated bun or updo. This romantic hairstyle trend can be achieved a number of different ways. Try looping your hair into a messy bun or opt for a more structured chignon or French roll design. Either way, your tresses will be on-trend. Add emphasis with a series of herringbone braids or loose twists. Give your simple ponytail a little extra oomph with statement accessories and embellishments. Secure your ponytail with interesting hair ties such as a leather band or flat barrette. Or, make your upswept style stand out with pearl-tipped hairpins or soft feathers.

Loose Waves and Voluminous Hair
Loose textured tresses are a classic look that never seems to go out of style. The spring breeze will help to showcase loose curls and full body waves, which will also be a popular trend as the weather warms. To achieve this carefree look, before you go to bed, simply part your hair into two sections and braid each section into loose braids. When you wake up, release the braids to reveal flowing, wavy hair. In addition to loose waves, another big hair trend for spring are voluminous, bouncy blowouts reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s.

Wet Hair
In direct opposition to the full hair trend, the wet and wild look will also return with a vengeance. While this look may not be suitable for the office, it’s the perfect look for the woman who is constantly on the go. To create the look, use a combination of mousse and high-gloss finishes. The look can also be achieved with glossing creams or serums.

Photo by Upstate Options Magazine via Flickr

You’ve seen them on Steven Tyler. You’ve seen them on Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus. You’ve probably also seen them around town. Feather hair extensions are a red hot trend everywhere.

But do you know where this flashy and colorful fashion is coming from? And the controversy behind it?

Feather extensions – which clip into your locks and can last for a couple of months – come from roosters, or more specifically, from the backs of roosters that are specially bred to produce unnaturally long and striking saddle feathers. Before the trend explosion over the last year or two, they were used almost exclusively by fly fishermen as part of their tackle. But the rabid new demand for feathered tresses has made them expensive and difficult to come by.

And it has led to the slaughter of thousands of roosters a week.

But, you may say, that can’t be true – birds don’t have to be killed in order to get their feathers. That’s absolutely correct, but a lot of times, these roosters are. Thomas Whiting – head of Whiting Farms in Colorado, which is one of the largest producers of feather extensions – told the Orange County Register that the roosters “aren’t good for anything else,” so after they are de-feathered, they are euthanized and turned into compost.

And just to give you an idea of the scale: Whiting Farm alone ships out feathered bird hides to the tune of around 65,000 per week.

65,000.

The good news is that if you want to sport the look without supporting this brutal process, there are options. Do a quick search for “cruelty-free feather extensions,” and you’ll find that there are quite a few vendors out there who are taking a greener approach to the trend. Mostly, these vendors are getting their feathers from people who raise birds in safe, comfortable, no-kill environments and procure feathers naturally when the birds molt them. It is being embraced as a great alternative for those who keep an eye both on fashion and animal rights.

So before you clip in that bright-colored plumage on yourself or your clients, take some time to research your vendor. Don’t just succumb to the feather hair extension clamor – first, make sure you’re comfortable with where they’re coming from.

Feather trends…are HUGE right now!  Have you noticed that everywhere you turn you see feathers?  The feather trend is roosting on hair clips, purses, clothing, shoes and jewelry.

The types of feathers you’ll see range from flashy bright colors, classics like black or peacock, or muted neutral tones seen in pheasant feathers.

Tips for wearing feathers?  Keep the rest of your outfit understated if you’re sporting something feathered.  Because feathers are showy and theatrical they can make a great statement but can turn into plumage overload with too many feather pieces.

Five Ways To Wear the Feather Trend:

1)    Hair – Ever since Ke$ha graced us with her feathered-hair presence, it seems all of Hollywood has been embracing this boho-hipster accessory.  If you’re not as bold as Ke$ha, or would prefer to not look like you’re a dream catcher, there are more understated ways you can incorporate this look.  Try a head band with feathers or a small feathered hair clip with an up-do.

2)    Clothing - Everything from shirts to dresses are growing feathers these days.  A lot of feathered clothes almost mimic a “ballet” look thanks to the recent movie, “Black Swan.”  Feathered clothing is soft, elegant and ladylike while being whimsical at the same time.

3)    Shoes - Shoes that feature feathers can add a touch of elegance to your look.  The key is to be subtle.  You don’t want anyone to think you have a chicken on your foot. Black is the easiest color of feathered shoes to get away with if you’re not Lady Gaga.  Try wearing a solid-black dress with black feathered shoes.  Where else are feathered shoes making a scene? Weddings! Check out some beautiful frilly, white plumes for your feet if you’re tying the knot soon.

4)   Purse – Feathered purses are a fun throwback to the days of old Hollywood glamour.  Many women who would never consider donning a feather dress love toting a feathered purse because they see it more as a fun accessory they can pair with anything from jeans to a fancy dress.

5)   Jewelry – Probably the easiest way to include the feather trend in your look is with a piece of jewelry.  Adding a small pin, earrings, necklace or bracelet is temporary and understated when paired with your everyday outfit.  If you’re reluctant to have feathers brushing against your neck all day, try earrings to add pizzazz.

Will you be rocking the feather trend this season?

What has science done for the beauty industry lately, you ask?

Well, for one, scientists in Australia have recently discovered a “curly hair gene,” AKA the trichohyalin gene. This gene, discovered by scientists at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), is the one responsible for creating straight or curly locks.

Based on research done in Europe by Professor Nick Martin and Dr. Sarah Medland of the QIMR, 45 percent of Europeans have straight hair, 40 percent have wavy hair and only 15 percent have curly hair. As a curly-haired guy, himself, Professor Martin wondered what genetic variations were responsible for hair texture.

To learn more about these genetic processes, the team analyzed data collected from a 30-year study of 5,000 twins in Australia. When the twins’ genome maps were compared, twins exhibited the same types of variations in the trichohyalin gene depending on if they shared either curly hair or straight hair.

What else has Professor Martin concluded? Because the trichohyalin gene creates an amino acid change, which in turn influences the hair’s texture, it may be possible to develop treatments to make hair straighter or curlier as an alternative to heated hair straighteners or chemical hair treatments like perms. Maybe someday soon, we’ll all be popping pills instead of ironing out those curls every day or heading to the salon for a perm. (Of course, you could always embrace your natural curl instead!)

Science. What will they think of next?

One whiff of hair dye and you know that the stuff you are breathing in cannot be good for you.  That nasty smell is most likely ammonia: a chemical that preps hair strands to receive color.  Ammonia used in hair color can cause a variety of side effects including:
• Coughing
• Nose and throat irritation
• Skin and eye irritation
• Destruction of hair cuticle
• Damage of Tyrosine in the hair shaft

But don’t worry! Starting in 2010, hair coloring fanatics can opt for hair color sans ammonia without sacrificing results.  L’Oreal will be introducing “Inoa”, their professional ammonia-free hair color line.  Inoa, (Innovation no ammonia), replaces ammonia with a combination of monoethanolamine, oil-based gel and a cream developer.  And after years of research, L’Oreal claims this formula to be as effective as traditional ammonia hair color.

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