Now that’s a HAIR costume! Thanks to the lovely Rita Ora, who posted her Halloween costume on Instagram. Love!

We never tire of seeing gorgeous ringlets, and this voluminous, spiraled silhouette is truly beautiful! Part of Wild Life Hair – SoGo’s  haute couture Haze Collection, curls spring from a deep side part into a bodacious, shoulder-grazing profile.

Hair: Piet Pantano; Makeup: Simone Leigh Bush; Salon: Wild Life – Sogo/www.wildlifehair.com.au; Fashion Stylist: Dan Jones; Photos: Lara Milenko.

Helen Mirren has been named the new U.K. face of L’Oréal Paris! The 69-year-old actress appears in the beauty brand’s campaign looking absolutely beautiful. Shares the star about her new role: “I am not gorgeous and I never was, but I was always OK looking and I’m keen to stay that way. I have always loved the L’Oréal Paris brand, and I hope I can inspire other women towards greater confidence by making the most of their natural good looks. We are all worth it!”

Cut! Jessica Simpson revealed shorter locks on her Instagram this weekend, saying “Short hair don’t care.” While it may look a little long to some of us who sport pixie snips, you have to remember that the singer and fashion entrepreneur is usually known for her down-to-there tresses—to her, this is super-short! We think it looks great, and can’t wait to see how she styles it up for different events…

Stylistas everywhere…check out this amazing hair design by stylist Brian Gallagher of Gallagher Horner Hair. We love the artistic vision showcased in this auburn curl explosion paired with perfectly shaped braid work. Magnificent! Photography by Andrew O’Toole.

If you haven’t checked out our big 36th anniversary issue you must do this weekend! Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide‘s regular columnist and celebrity blogger, Kimberly Caldwell, shows us how to create a fabulous look at home…just like her! More? Hundreds of styles to choose from, free products, the latest celebrity news and more! Hurry…this issue will be sold out soon. Thank you so much for your support!

Enter a world of hypnotizing beauty with unique nail designs from CND exclusively for The Blonds Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Show. With a modern twist on a variety of cultural references, these fierce fingertips push the boundaries of artistry and showcase exaggerated glamour.

CND took nail design to a whole new level for The Blonds, fully accessorizing each look that walked down the runway with a distinct over-the-top nail style on every model.

The elite team of artists handcrafted the nails and their dramatic embellishments by using high-shine color, and they blinged-out the innovative 3D looks with filigrees, oversized gold chains, medallions, tassels, lace, porcelain and over ten thousand stones, gems and jewels!

How fierce! Which digit design are you loving? Looks like it’s time to head to the nail salon…

Did you just get a fabulous blow-out? Want to keep it for a few days? David Babaii, Partner, Blo Blow Out Bar, (that’s him above, giving Gwyneth Paltrow her signature blow-out!) offers 10 tips and tricks for making your fabulous blow-out last for several days.

1. Have your stylist start with a shampoo and conditioner that is designed for your specific hair type. My motto has always been that a great hair day starts with a clean canvas. If your hair is oily, you do not need a hydrating shampoo, and you should only condition the ends.
2. When you go to bed at night, consider a silky pillow case.  They allow the hair to move freely while sleeping so you can prevent flattening the volume you love.
3. For those sleek straight blow outs, use a scrunchie to gently secure hair into a low ponytail at night. For longer lengths, try wrapping covered elastic bands mid-center and at the ends of the pony. Also, a great flat iron is a must to rid your blow-out of any imperfections, humidity or daily side effects from the elements.
4. When you wake up in the morning, you can freshen your scalp several ways. For my natural beauties, create a small mixture of water and lemon juice. Then, take a cotton ball moistening it slightly, making sure to squeeze any left-over juice out. Next, gently start by cleansing the hairline followed by parting small sections and cleaning the scalp area only. This will absorb and clean away any access oils while giving your hair a fresh scent. For my busy working gals, a dry shampoo is quick and easy to use.
5. In the shower, loosely wrap your hair into a soft cotton towel to keep any moisture and humidity from seeping into your do. Shower caps are great but I feel they tend to flatten your hair and cause your head to sweat; a cotton towel allows your head to breathe.
6. To refresh your volume or waves, invest in Velcro rollers (jumbo to medium sizes). Before your first cup of coffee or stepping into the shower, simply roll your fringe on a jumbo, lifting the section to a 90 degree angle so you can maintain volume. Do the same for the top, sides and back. If needed, you can add a few more. Allow the Velcro rollers to stay in for about 30 minutes, then remove and finger comb your hair into place. For beachy waves, opt for a professional grade beach spray then after spritzing, twist strands in various diameters to bring life back into your Bo-ho chic look.
7. A round brush (medium for short to chin length hair and large for longer hair) can also quickly smooth any flaws from sleeping or a shower. It can also be used to retouch your fringe. Simply use a nozzle attachment on your blow-dryer to have more air concentration; then take your round brush on dry hair, wrapping your fringe evenly over the brush. Follow this with a blast of hot air then a shot of cool. Roll the brush a few times if your hair has a stubborn streak to it. You can use the same technique anywhere your hair needs a quick touch-up.
8. Do not overuse products in-between blow-outs. This causes the hair to not only weigh itself down, but the build-up soils your hair and scalp quicker.
9. Try not to run your fingers through your hair or play with it when bored. This increases stimulation to the scalp for unwanted oil. Also, the day-to-day soot on our hands will add some nastys.
10. If you wish to change your style in-between blow-outs, accessories are always the easiest and fastest way to make simple alterations. A headband, decorative pins and clips, plus great hair ties can do the trick. Try putting your hair to one side in a ponytail, or creating a faux bob. All these styles will still help to maintain your original blow-out.

What did you do this weekend? Sarah Michelle Gellar got a fab bob snip, complete with wispy layers around the perimeter and a multi-view post on Instagram. The star, who most recently starred in last year’s series The Crazy Ones, and whose voice can be heard as various characters on Robot Chicken, was sporting below-the-shoulder locks until she took the plunge and snipped off several inches. SMG is the most recent in a growing line of celebs heading to the short side, and we have to say, we’re loving it! You?

We love this look by master colorist Shirley Gordon, who took one of our favorite hues and made it happen when combined with a cool cut. The sparkly dress? Fabulous!

We love this time of year that makes us want to change our cut, color and style! If you’re thinking about a new look for autumn, you must pick up our big anniversary issue featuring hundreds of ideas, like this look by the very talented Douglas Carroll David of the Douglas Carroll Salon in Raleigh, North Carolina. Can’t find us? Check out Where You Can Find Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide at the right of this post! Now you’re on your way to a whole new vibe!

Did you know the health of your scalp determines how fast your hair grows? Heavy build-up on the scalp due to overactive sebum, excessive product usage and dryness can lead to blocked follicles; when left untreated, the scalp can become irritated and itchy, and inhibit hair growth. To ensure a clean, flake-free and healthy head, cleanse and condition properly by following these do’s and don’ts, courtesy of HairMax…

DO start by rinsing your hair with warm water for about three minutes. The extra rinsing time will loosen up product residue, allowing you to use less shampoo.

DON’T comb your hair while shampooing. The stretching and pulling creates unnecessary stress on strands. DO save detangling for when the conditioner is in.

DO choose the right shampoo and conditioner. For example, the HairMax for den•si•ty Collection contains ingredients like peppermint oil and tea tree oil, which help stimulate circulation, maintain scalp health and prevent excessive oil build-up.

DON’T pile hair on top of your head while shampooing. DO apply the shampoo by smoothing it in a downward motion.

DONT’ rough up your hair while drying. Rather, gently squeeze out the water with a towel.

Who doesn’t love a good ponytail?! Jenny Balding, Cutler/Redken Stylist shares one of her favorite ponytail, featuring a sleek and low vibe with tons of texture. “This look is easy to do yourself and doesn’t take long with a little ‘know how.’ It immediately gives you the glam effect with minimal effort,” says Balding. “The texture in the ponytail is key to this look as it creates a point of difference from just an ordinary low ponytail.” Here’s the how-to… 

• Start with day-old hair, as it will be easier to manage and look better.
• Create a low side-part on whichever side suits your face shape best. Mist hair with a light spray all over to smooth and eliminate any flyaways.
• Gather your hair at the nape and secure it with a covered elastic into a low ponytail, making sure to keep the top area really smooth and sleek.  I love Cutler Flyaway Stick to use over the part and crown to create a sleek, beautiful sheen to the hair.
• Take a small piece of hair from the under section of the ponytail and wrap it around the base to cover the elastic; pin in place.
• Using a mini crimper, take small sections of the ponytail and crimp each section.  Mist a light hairspray on each section to give a little hold.
• Brush hair through with boar bristle flat brush to create the perfect juxtaposition of the two textures—the sleek top and the textured, crimped tail.

As a businesswoman and entrepreneur, Ivanka Trump knows the power of shoes can help a woman feel like she’s ready to conquer the world. This year, the successful fashionista is lending a hand to help fight breast cancer through her involvement with QVC Presents “FFANY (Fashion Footwear Association of New York) Shoes on Sale.” During the month of October, donated shoes from over 80 brands (including Ivanka’s collection) will be offered at amazing prices to benefit breast cancer research and education.

“I am honored to be part of this important initiative, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help women come together for this significant reason, through something we all love…shoes,” says Ivanka. “Breast cancer, unfortunately, impacts so many lives, but it is liberating and comforting to know that we can help fight back and tackle it one step at a time.”

Th event is scheduled to air live on QVC tomorrow, Oct. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. During the three-hour broadcast event, shoppers can choose from more than 200 styles being offered at half the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. In addition, each weekday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET during the month of October, buyers can shop the “Shoe of the Day” on air, online or on the QVC apps. A minimum of 80 percent of the purchase price will benefit various breast cancer research and education institutions!

Ready for a little shoe shopping while helping a good cause? We are!

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture (TUBC) celebrates the 10th anniversary of its flagship campus this month! Beauty industry leader Mario Tricoci founded TUBC a decade ago, with the sole purpose to redefine beauty education. He launched the Chicago Northwest campus on Harlem Avenue in 2004 and then went on to open nine more campuses across Illinois and Indiana.

Says Tricoci, “I’m proud of what we have achieved over the past decade and it has been amazing to watch TUBC grow across Illinois and Indiana. The whole TUBC team deserves recognition, including our talented team of instructors, dedicated students, and successful graduates. Education is everything in the beauty industry, and we should never stop learning.”

Congratulations!