Hi all, long time no see! We’re starting a series on Holiday Hair How-To videos. This time of year, there seems to be an uptick in events on everyone’s social calendars. So we’re here to show you some easy, fun hairstyles to try. Actually, celebrity Stylist Tommy Buckett is! And this guy knows what he’s doing. Working with top celebs such as Ashley Olsen, Sienna Miller and Rachel McAdams, and the former protégé of Oscar Bond and Sally Hershberger, Tommy is known for his trendsetting and edgy styles.

In this video, learn how to turn a fishtail braid into an extra special look!

Check back soon for more looks!

It’s that time of year again – Fashion Week in NYC. Even though the designers are showing for Spring 2012, it feels positively like Fall today (temps are in the 50′s!).

There is a ton of hair-spiration on the runways, per usual. The trend that I am loving is creative use of color. Not just for the clothes (lots of bold jewel-tones and pastels) but in the hair!

A few highlights, if you will:

Thakoon:

Marchesa:

Narcisco Rodriguez (these models are also demonstrating another trend – the “wet look”. Slicked back hair is everywhere, and its easy to do yourself. Use a generous amount of mousse or gel to get this look at home):

Leave it to the ladies of NYC to take a runway trend and make it perfect for every day. These three ladies are seriously killing it. They’ve taken the (now ubiquitous?) ombre trend and added a whole new level of amazing – delicate splashes of color. I really want to know what that brunette did to get that super-subtle purple tint in her hair because I want to be a copy-cat.

If you’re looking to play with color, Folica.com has you covered with our assortment of Hair Color products. Try Jerome Russell B Wild Color Spray for something completely temporary and super bright. Similarly, Splat Coloring Kits have the most vibrant hues around – a better option if you want something semi-permanent (or try Splat Extensions).

What other hair trends are you guys noticing?

This weekend I gave myself a much needed break from everything and spent my Saturday night inside watching old movies. It began with the creepy 90′s thriller, Sleeping with the Enemy – starring Julia Roberts. Honestly, I became nostalgic for the days when it was perfectly normal to see the lead actress wearing a floor length sundress that was in no way tight or revealing. Keeping with no theme, I then skimmed my guide and found Steel Magnolias – another great Julia Roberts, Sally Fields movie. It’s a wonder how I’ve gone 27 years without seeing this flick, so my fate was sealed and I was taking the turn from scary to super sappy with some peppered laughs thanks to the awesomeness of Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis. This movie was perfect – what an amazing cast.

So let me get to my point… as this is a hair blog I must comment on hair… seeing Julia Roberts in these old classics reminded me of the days I would fawn over her carefree locks. My natural hair is not a uniform type of curly… some parts decide to be wavy… some look like baby spring curls… I don’t try to understand it. All through the beginning of Julia’s career she had this long unruly mane that in my young female brain symbolized empowerment. She didn’t need to spend hours doing her hair because naturally it was big, fantastic and made a statement.

Where’d they go? The last trace of her natural curls that I can find is in Erin Brockovich back in 2000. Julia have you given in to the Keratin treatments and daily blowouts? My point is this- does everything have to be smoothed down and shiny to be healthy and gorgeous? In my mind – no… chaos is fun… so shake out your curls, waves, pin straight hair and let your locks do what ever the h-e-double-hockey-sticks they want (at least for a day). And seriously if you haven’t already, go see Steel Magnolias.

Thanks for reading!

Julie

Online Marketing Coordinator, Folica.com

There was a great article in the New York Times this weekend about naturally curly hair.  I’ve always been jealous of curly haired people – personally, I adore a head of wild, unruly curls. They’re totally sexy, carefree, and stunning. I have mildly wavy hair, which doesn’t really compare. Also, curls are really having their moment in the sun right now. Per the article:

“I’d like to say that curls are enjoying a renaissance; after all, for fall fashion week, designers like Rebecca Minkoff and Nicholas K were featuring something they called “next-day hair”: disheveled, slightly frizzy curls that one stylist described as “hair that looks like you’ve been living in the woods for three days.” Finally, my time had come!”

I can really get down with “disheveled” as a trend. Little effort = awesome in my book. But I can also understand the sentiment of not wanting to have to deal with that sort of hair you find unruly each and everyday. The author continues:

“But in real life, one always gets the sense that curly hair is the consolation prize. Products from Ouidad and Devachan, both specializing in curlies, seem to be patting us gently on the back and saying: “Listen, we know what you want. We know. But be proud. If you can’t have straight hair without massive amounts of time and effort, at least we’ll help you look like you didn’t stick your finger in an electric socket.”

Ladies (and gents) with curls – do you share this sentiment? The author goes on to discuss how rarely we see women in the public eye – be it politicians, or newscasters – letting their curls be totally free.

In any case, you should read the full article. In the end, along with the author, we at Folica encourage everyone to embrace their natural beauty!:

The New York Times – “Making Waves, With No Apology”

Folica.com has a Specialty Shop specifically for you guys – The Kinky, Curly, Wavy Shop. In the end, no matter what you feel about your hair, its our job to make it better! If you don’t have curls naturally, fake it! We highly recommend the staying power that the Sedu Clipless Curling Iron delivers, or browse our full selection of curling tools.

I’ve been going away to the Hamptons on my summer weekends, and my itinerary out there includes a lot of poolside activities, beach-going and party-hopping (all the fun summer stuff).  While out there, I love to relax and not worry about a thing, including my hair!  With the heat waves that keep coming, a good blow out before my weekend trip is key to keeping my hair under control.  And, if the blow out is good enough, it can take me through the entire weekend!

I consulted hair expert, Naeemah, at Blow Salon for pointers on achieving the perfect blow-out on your own that will last through the weekend.  I learned so much from her!  See below for the best blow out tips I received so you can get the perfect blow out at home.

-Take out excess moisture by blow drying hair without a brush for a bit before applying any product.

-If you are trying to achieve a voluminous blow out, don’t forget to apply mousse from your hair’s mid-shaft to the ends—this section needs product attention as well!  Try Blow Pro Body By Blow No Crunch Body Builder.

-Separate your hair and clip into sections, and blow dry each section one by one for a faster, more efficient blow out.

-Focus on your roots as you blow dry, making sure they are fully dry before moving on to your mid-shaft and ends.  This will prevent hair from frizzing out as time goes on from roots that are still a bit wet.

-Always blast a cool shot of air to each section after you have finished drying it.  This will ensure that your style stays!

-For a modern look, when blow drying the pieces that frame your face, make sure to blow away from your face, not towards it.

My Blow Out from Naeemah

Blow Products Used

From Hair Junky and Blow Salon, Happy Blow Drying!

Do you have them? Erinn says she doesn’t. Julie helps investigate:

Verdict? Couldn’t find any! Are you that lucky? I’m not. Try these products for damaged hair and split ends.

The last few months and this upcoming summer is all about braids! It is an easy way to wear your hair this summer that keeps your hair off your face, and looks awesome as well. Check out this braided look that was worn to the beach. Although this might be a tricky one to do on your own!

Who wants to give it a try? I do!

Hot rollers. Plug ‘em in, roll ‘em up, check your email, take ‘em out, hairspray, done. 10 minutes!

A few weeks back, I had a major event to attend; the MoMA Party in the Garden.  I anticipated a posh, super-glam night out and wanted to look my best for such a formal event, which meant leaving my hair to the experts.  Enter Blow Salon.

As a hair care buyer for Folica, a huge perk includes working with luxury niche boutique salon brands.  One of my fave brands (though I love them all!) is Blow.  Not only are they a fun styling brand with super-cute packaging, but I love the Sales Director, Diana, and knew I could trust her for a great hair fix recommendation for my fab party.  Diana directed me to the uptown Blow Salon on Lexington Avenue.

At first glance on the street, Blow Salon’s building seemed small, but as soon as I walked in, I knew I was in the right place!  Everyone was buzzing around busily, colors popped everywhere and women were walking out with a pep in their step and perfectly coiffed hair.

I wanted my hair down, but wasn’t sure if I should wear it loose or half-up.  I met with my stylist, Sonia, and we determined that based on the look I was going for (polished yet carefree), a simple blow out would do the trick.   I had my hair washed, then sat in my chair ready for Sonia to do her magic.  Magic it was—Sonia used a few Blow products paired with velcro rollers and a blow dryer, and voila, my hair looked amazing!  I was so happy with the results, and best of all, it was so quick—she blew it out in half the time it usually takes!

Before

After

I walked out of there with plenty of time to do my makeup, get dressed and go to the garden party.  I saw Kanye and Jay-Z perform, and also managed to get in a shot with Mayor Bloomberg himself!  All in all, a great hair experience that led the way to a wonderful evening.

At the MoMA

With Mayor Bloomberg at the MoMA

Uhoh, I just found a new place to spend my lunch hour—pinterest.com. Check out this search for “hair“. Here’s a good collection from Lara and another from Olivia. This is some good stuff, y’all. What’s your hairspiration today?