Have a hair or beauty questions? Let us help you find the answer. Ask here for your pro advice!
BELINDA & FRANK GAMBUZZAThis styling duo own and operate Salon Studio Visage in Knoxville, TN. Belinda is know for her color expertise, and Frank excels in cuts and styles.
CARMINE MINARDI
Co-owner of Minardi Salon in New York, Carmine has worked on hundreds of celebrities, housewives and professional women.
DANIEL KEANE
A veteran educator, designer, editorial and platform artist, Daniel also currently serves as Academy Director for Italy Hairfashion.
SUZIE BONDA well-known pro in the color world for over 19 years, Suzie is also the owner of salon Perfect 5th in Mooresville, NC.
BETH MINARDI
In addition to being the co-owner of Minardi Salon in New York, she is a Joico color spokesperson for Vero K-Pak Color.
SOPHISTICATE’S HAIRSTYLE GUIDE
In our 33rd year of publishing, we’ve featured thousands and thousands of fabulous tress looks, talked to celebrity hairstylists, worked with top experts in all things hair and have learned a thing or two about what makes a woman look beautiful. We can help!
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i want a nice “emoish/scene” haircut…. but i dont know if it would look good on me. i dye my hair and i use a flat iron sometimes, but my hair becomes oily, dry, and dandruff starts up after awhile. i use mane and tale shampoo and conditioner. i also use head and shoulders dandruff shampoo, but i still have dandruff after i use it for over a week. im also getting a straight perm in a few weeks. please help me.
i also have a layered haircut that is a couple inches past my shoulders with side bangs. my hair is thin and the shortest layers are about 3-4 inches long. what could be a cute hairstyle/cut i can get/do.
Hi Ultra Violet:
We answered your questions in the Great Looks section under Cuts For Your Face Shape. Thanks for stopping by our Web site!
could you please tell me how the singer PINK gets that awesome platinum color in the April issue? my boyfriend does hair and he wants the color formula for my hair.
Hi, Sue!
Pink definitely undergoes some time in the salon for processing. Many platinum blondes sometimes require two or three applications to get enough lift out of the hair. The proper toning at the end is also equally important. I encourage your boyfriend to experiment with mannequin heads, as he may have done in beauty school, until he finds the perfect lift, tone and shade of blonde that he is looking for. Also, encourage him to ask other hairstylists what tips and techniques they are using for platinum blondes so he can see first hand how it’s done.
Hi there,
I wrote yesterday with incorrect information. I wanted to find out the manufacturer and purchasing info for a hair dryer that was mentioned a couple of times in this issue-the Twin Turbo. I am still searching for the perfect hair dryer for my keratin-treated hair. I want a professional strength dryer, and I have tried most (Chi, FHI, T3, Infrashine).
I hope you can help.
Elaine
Hi, Elaine!
Twin Turbo refers to the power of a given hair dryer; it’s not a brand. Most blow-dryers have turbo power, so you may want to visit your local beauty supply store and look for the word “turbo” on the box. All the brands you mentioned are great! However, choosing the right blow-dryer depends on your hair’s needs. For example, are you looking for a lot of attachments or a cold shot? No one knows your hair like you (and your stylist) do. Try asking your stylist for advice on what brand would be best for you!
Hi, I am in highschool and have thick, curly hair that I prefer to straighten because the curls are uneven and frizzy. I have glasses, a oval or square face, and medium brown hair with a bit of red in it. My hair is currently about 6 inches below the shoulders, with layers starting at my ears. I get tired of my hair often, but am indecisive and dislike making big chnages. Also, I have a maximum of 30 minutes to style my hair each day. any ideas?
thanks
Hello, Liz!
Seems like you are searching for the perfect balance of scheduling your day and managing your beauty routine all at the same time. Just remember—if you look great, you feel great—so it’s very important that you do take time each day out of your schedule to look and feel your best. Have you thought of any Keratin reconditioning treatments? These have worked wonders for people who are on time constraints or want simple solutions when running out the door. I recommend discussing these options with your stylist, or asking for a referral to someone in your town that specializes in these services and can offer you a free consultation. If you don’t have 30 to 45minutes a day to work with your hair or beauty routine, this can save you lots of time and effort.
Dear Billy Lowe,
I HATE MY HAIR!!! I need wisps but i dont know how their gonna look. and i want my hair at least down to elbows.
Hi, hair mishap!
First of all, “wispies” are actually fine strands of hair that are shaped to create soft, face-framing accents. As the hair grows longer, it can become finer on the ends and create a natural, wispy look. So be careful of growing it out too long. I know you want it down to your elbows but, depending on your hair type, it may look too thin and fine at that length. Then the “wispiness” can appear more thin, fine and fragile than healthy looking hair. Ask your salon professional if your hair would actually be able to grow to that length, then discuss some shaping options to give your hair and style that soft, wispy look. Longer layers and channel cutting can help create those wispy pieces, giving the hair nice natural movement and shape.
HI, I will be 40 soon, I’m looking for something different, I have always wore my hair long, pigtail. I’m tired of the same ole thing. I’m tall, long narrow faced, high check bones. Some new ideas would be great. I like some of the short hairstyles, but am scared of looking too manely… I have blonde hair and i keep it highlighted to keep it looking bright .. Any suggestions would be great … thanks BRENDA
Just waiting for your advice..
Hi, Brenda!
If your hair has always been long, going short could be a huge transition. Taking small steps can be a way for you to test the waters on short hair. You can always take more off, but you can’t put it back on. Get a cut that falls just below your collarbone (so you can still resort to the ponytail on those busy days), and add face-framing layers and bangs to give a little more width to your features.
Hello. I’m a teenage girl with thick curly hair, it’s a little hard to manage, but I got used to it. My main problem is the hair at my roots, it is very very very curly. If i tie my hair up or let it down to its back length height, the top of my hair will look like their are bumps everywhere. I try straightening that part so it won’t look so weird, but it’s hard because of how much hair I have and how thick my hair is. Any suggestions?
Hi, Jamie!
You can straighten it with a flat iron everyday and also use smoothing products to help, but your hair is always going to be the same texture unless you chemically alter it. The solution would be a chemical relaxer, which would lay the hair down and give you that straight appearance for four to six weeks. Since every hair type is different, we suggest you visit a salon for a more in-depth consultation.
i have very very thin hair and i want to get a lot of short layers. i was wondering if that will make my hair look even more thin or if it will help.
Wendy, Dawn and Nour:
We’re checking with Billy and will be back in a few!
It depends on your hair type as in: curly or straight.
If you have thin curly hair, a short layer would stick out and look terrible on anyone. If you go short enough so that you still have shortness and length, then you’ll be happy.
If you have straight hair a short cut with look magnificent, but if you have thin hair it does not change the fullness.
To get fullness there are various techniques that are used today such as:
Teasing,
Blow drying a certain way,
and straightening a certain way.
to tease: if it’s a top layer) Take a small strand or section and back comb underneath, then smooth it out. (if a mid section) separate the top layer on the top of your head and take a strand and start to back comb on top.
to blow dry: when you blow dry you wanna decide what direction you are comfortable with. most easiest way to get the fullness and body or volume is to take a strand of damp hair and use a round brush while u blow dry, and blow it out away from your head, and hold it in a slanted upward position.
to straighten: take a strand of hair and straighten in an upwards motion away from the head.
Hopefully I have helped with a few tips of trying to get fuller looking and feeling hair.
Hi, Wendy!
A short, layered haircut can be very beneficial to create volume and flatter facial features. If the hair is kept long with lots of layers, it tends to flatten out. I recommend a shorter style if you want to get lots of layers. Ask your hair pro for a styling lesson to learn how to use tools and products to get the most body out of your new cut.
My hair started going gray at the age of 22, I am now 42 and it is completely gray. Not just gray but white. It grows super fast and I have been dying it dark/medium brown for years but I am getting tired of dying it every 10 to 14 days. In my job I have to pull my hair back so the skunk line is really obvious. Should I just go blond so that it blends better.
Hi, Dawn!
Consider changing your brown to a lighter brown. You don’t need to go completely blonde to help with the blending. You will need to get that professionally done because the existing color needs to be lightened and you’ll have to retouch the new color. You could add some soft woven highlights around the hair line and down the part line. Those will help the blending to the new growth. Try to not make those white. A beautiful, gold/beige blonde will be enough to give you some relief to blending. I don’t know if you can wear bangs and not pull those back, but that’s also a consideration. Adding some layers and fringe to the front top of your hairstyle will allow you to fluff and camouflage!
Hello. I’m an almost 13 year old girl & I have unmanageable hair. My hair is curly, very thick/poufy, and medium length. I have my hair done in two layers and I have bangs. I don’t have much time to deal with it. I’ve always admired Selena Gomez’s hair. I want my hair to be more like her’s back when it was longer, thick but beautiful. Any ideas that won’t cost me too much? Anything I can do to style my hair more like her’s?
Hi, Nour!
Hair care starts with conditioning. Get a good leave-in conditioner, and work it thoroughly through towel-dried hair to the ends. This helps cut back any unwanted volume in your hair and gives a greater shine. As for your cut, we suggest long, even layers to give your hair volume without the “poof.” For the final touch, finding the right styling tool for you will go a long way. A good starting place would be a product to add definition and hold to your curl, such as the Curl Conscious line by Bumble & Bumble or the Tasai Cream by Shu Uemura.
hi, im 15 and i have naturally curly hair. and it is VERY poufy at times. i just want a way to style my hair in the mornings and not have to worry about it growing throughout the day, cause i usually dont blow-dry due to the fact is makes it bigger, plus i usually dont have time. along with the poufiness, i would like my curls to be shiny lik Taylor Swifts. can you help me pleasee?!?!
Hi Amber:
Yes, curly hair can have a tendency to swell throughout the day as it air dries (especially in dry winter months). Styling CREAMS are best for this control. Not mousses or gels. Be sure you are working with a heavier styling cream because these creams will help tame the cuticle and give hair soft and shiny results. Silicone serums don’t work as well for this because they aren’t heavy enough to control and tame the hair.
Hair also swells because of static, so in the winter months when static seems to be at its height, use a fabric dryer sheet and glide it over hair strands to help calm and prevent static.
Make sure you are working with a hair stylist who specializes in curly hair, and avoid any razor cutting with your salon professional.
Hi Amber,
My hair is just like yours and we are about the same age! But that’s not important. Whats important is to take care of your curls. if they get so poofy than its damage to your hair being done. To get shiny curls like Taylor you have to air dry your curls. She sleeps on a wet head during the night and wakes up with her curls the nest morning. to do that, you might want to try ” HASK- Pure Shine Spray on Luminator” for shine, and try “Garnier Fructis- Fructis Styles with fruit micro-waxes- curling shaping spray gel- curl defining-STRONG”
Hi, i have read all your magazine’s! And i love them. I am a 13 year old. And i am looking for some make-over help on hair. Right now i have shoulder length golden brown hair in layers. I have problems in the morning like flyaway ends, not quite straight but not curly. i don’t have time in the morning to do much maybe a straightener. I don’t feel the hair-cut flatters me and is quite boring. I have side swept bangs which don’t look good in pictures. (look’s like I have a half moon on my head). My head shape is an oval. And highlighting is not an option. I was thinking maybe you can add some tips for teens? I hope you can take the time to reply! Thanks alot!
Courtney, Amber…
We’ll check with Billy and will be back in a bit with answers!
Hi Courtney:
Tips for Teens – what a wonderful idea. I know that teens in school are very busy these days, so be sure to allow yourself a little extra time in the mornings. Wake up a few minutes earlier than you normally do because you are worth it. And you will be learning important habits now that will carry you for many years to come.
If you have little flyaways, shaping waxes or styling creams work best for this because they are heavier in consistency and help tame and control the hair more than gel or silicone serums. Simply apply a little shaping wax to your fingertips
and rub them together; lightly apply the shaping wax to the flyaway areas and ta-dah! You’re done.
As for your haircut, I would have this discussion with your stylist and be sure to tell him or her what you feel about your side swept bangs. Maybe they are cut too short, or maybe they are cut too long. Or, maybe, they aren’t cut the right way. Because you have an oval shaped face, you can get away with many different hair styles and looks. Keep going–you’re sure to find that perfect style that works for you. Let us know what happens.
Hey I really need some help. My hair is straight and boring and I was wondering what kind of medium length, layered hair would frame my face.(my face is oval shaped)
Hi Risa:
We have tons of great hair ideas in each and every issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide! Pick up a copy of our latest issue and thumb through the pages, marking the cuts and colors you like the most.
Take the magazine to your hairstylist, and show her what you have in mind. Together, the two of you can decide the best look for you hair type, face shape and lifestyle.
I am 41 and I have struggled with my weight and hairstyle all my life. I went from straight when I was a little girl to nothing but perms and that was a bad idea. and now I have gotten away from perms for about 3-4 years now but I cant get my hair to do anything and if I accidentally o, it doesnt hold for long. I ahve tried gels, hairspray, and stiff stuff sprays. Nothing seems to work worth a crap…and then I am back to straight unrully dull hair after all that time spent. I am trying really ahr to grow long hair for my hubby(because he like long hair) but it is becoming a pain for me. My hair has always been around shoulder length before and I have been afraid to cut it very much or often because it dont grow very fast at all. It has taken me 17 years to go from my neck/shoulder area to get it to around the bottom of my shoulder blades. My delima is…Do I cut it?, do I perm it?, do I do both?, or do I deal with the most boring hairstyle I have ever had for the rest of my life now. I am really tired of putting my hair in a barret on top of my head, but I really dont like my hair falling in my face all the time. Any suggestions or cure for this problem. And what can I do to get it to grow faster and thicken up a little more that it already is? Please help me Im desperate….!!!!!
Kelly, Mindy:
We’re checking with Billy and will be back!
try going to a local paul mitchell salon, and try out the extra body thicken-up, I love love love this product i have been doing hair for 7 years and it is the only product i have found that gives hair body and bounce and seriously works
Hello, Mindy:
I want to congratulate and honor you for wanting to become a better “you.” So many times, we see TV shows and makeover shows that send out all the wrong messages. We must begin with realizing that where we are right now is right–not wrong. So let’s go.
Since I’m not a doctor, I can’t advise on weight issues, but I do congratulate you in taking steps toward a healthy lifestyle, which is much more important than any hair advice
I can give you. Remember though, that you are the most important person in your life, and you have to feel good for YOU first, and other people second.
I personally like shoulder-length hair with lots of texture and movement. Sideswept or loose bangs can help distract from more prominent features, and creating soft texture and movement in the sides will help direct the eye away from full features as well.
Depending on skin tones, darker colors can make skin look bright, beautiful and radiant. I have a feeling this is you.
Have you tried on any hair pieces such as wigs or clip-ins just to see what various colors might look like on you?
As for growing hair faster, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp begins with good circulation, healthy hair-care systems, and, of course, taking care of yourself. I have a feeling a wonderful new journey is about to unfold for you in 2010. Please keep us updated, and let us know how you do.
I got a spirl perm like 8 months ago. Now it is growing out. I don’t want another perm but it hasn’t grown out enough to cut it all out. My hair is too heavy for the curls now. I don’t know if I should try to cut it? I really would like to keep it long. But I also like to try new things.
Hello Kelly:
Keep in mind that perms do soften over time, but it is called a “perm” for a reason. By chemically altering the hair structure, your hair will remember the “permed” shape.
I suggest using mild shapers or style creams, and applying them to hair when wet, and scrunching through. Either allow hair to air-dry, or blow-dry smooth while you are in the grow-out phase. To keep your ends nice and healthy looking, remember to use a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month for an extra moisture boost.
You can also try experimenting with a larger barrel curling iron to create a fun curled ’30′s & ’40′s period look (similar to Madonna in the Dick Tracy movie), and use a light styling wax (mattifying) and scrunch through to ends when dry. Finish with a firm-hold spray to keep curls locked in place and voila.
You have many options in styling during this period. Have fun.
This is for my mom.She has naturally curly hair,I mean really naturally curly hair.Its usually frizzy.Everytime she goes to the salon she has a hard time getting a good haircut.She wants one to love her curls but also one that can be straight.She has had one style that she liked Faith Hill had it but has never been able to get again.Plus tips on how to get her hair straight and the curls do something like Taylor Swift’s hair does.She loves her hair.
Hi Jennifer:
Thank you for writing in to Sophisticates Hairstyle Guide. As you know, this magazine and Web site is THE place to turn for all those fabulous questions. It sounds like your mom has amazing hair to work with and that it’s very versatile in nature.
With that said, it depends on the texture of her hair, and how much time she is willing to spend. If she has naturally curly hair, I say “roll with it baby,” and learn some fabulous “wash and wear” techniques. One of my favorites for curly hair is to use style creams (not gels) and scrunch through the hair. Creams help smooth out the cuticle layer, giving more shine and control, and also help eliminate frizz and unruly shapes.
It’s very important, however, that your mom finds a hair stylist who knows curly hair, and knows how to cut, color & style this hair type in a variety of ways. A blunt cut on straight hair, and a blunt cut on curly hair can give you two completely different results. Also, be sure she avoids razor cutting if she has fine/curly hair. Razor-cutting is a delicate skill but one should really be careful with this cutting technique.
Remember, too, length creates weight, and if she wants that occasional straight look, a little weight will help with this. I hope these few thoughts help. Keep checking back here—we love hearing from you!
i need to know what color is the best for me i ask everyone all the time and i have been to so many hair dresser and i have been blonde, red and brown and not sure what is the best for me. WHAT IS MY COLOR???
Hi Toma:
You are one of my FAVORITE types of clients. First of all, remember color is a science, and it is a process. It takes careful time and formulation from your salon professional. Once you get into color, stick with it for a while because bouncing back and forth between colors can cause unnecessary damage.
I say go have fun in a hair or wig store and be bold, be daring, try on those ravishing reds or those bold blondes. Wig stores can be so much fun and you’ll really have fun watching your personality come out as you try on different cuts and colors. Who knows, you might just find yourself some new party hair.
My biggest rule of thumb in color is to stay within 1 or 2 shades of your natural color for the best-looking results. Let me know what you come up with.
hi, I was thinking of getting bangs after not having them for a few years, i really like the look but now I have glasses. I can’t find very many pics online of girls with bangs and glasses, is it like a huge don’t?
Marie:
We’re checking with our expert and will be back in a few days!
Hi Marie:
Bangs and glasses–I vote yes. Be original, and celebrate your own ideas and individuality. Just be careful and don’t go too short or too blunt. Accidental whispies are fun, more care-free, and can be quite complimentary to the right set of specs.
Avoid harsh lines in your bangs, and ask for point-cutting techniques to soften the look of your bangs. Also, add a few highlights to break up the look. I’m sure this will be a great look. Please let us know what happens.
Hi, I am 28 years old and I have very frizzy hair so I always ware a bandana or a ponytail that always ends up looking messy. I have never dared to do something dramatic to my hair because I dont like to stand out or be noticed, but for some reson two days ago I have an urge to change and I cant get the idea of cuting my hair realy short kinda like the singer “Pink” that is why I bought your magazine but the problem is that I keep looking at pictures of short hair and all of the girls either have these perfect big eyes or nice long faces and thin noses and I have a round or oval (but short) face and small eyes and a big round nose, so this makes me think short hair is not for me ! Is this so ?
thank you ♥
Hi Sonia:
I’ve never been one to follow the rules. While I do agree there are some “basics” that we need to take into consideration, I think the sky is the limit.
1. You said you have frizzy hair. Are you taking time to style it? If not, that could be part of your “bandana” frustration. I believe you are worth the extra 10-15 minutes every day to spend a little time on yourself, because I believe it affects how you look AND feel. Also, ask your stylist which products are right for you and how you should be using them. Having a few more educational moments may help as well. Look at photos of Macy Gray for example. She really works her hair, and sometimes that “unruly” look is awesome.
2. Yes, short hair does look good on many “petites” but many people can pull off short hair. Again, it’s about discussing with your stylist your features, and what products and tools he or she feels will work with you and your lifestyle.
3. Finally, if you ARE considering short hair, go have fun in a wig store. Try on shapes, colors and cuts that you might be interested in. I think you’ll get some good ideas this way.
I’m 47 years old with a square face and curly hair. I’m looking for hairstyles that would work for someone my age and still be stylish. Any suggestions?
Hi Martha:
We have some fabulous looks for you in each issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide. We’ll check with Mr. Lowe and let you know what he thinks. Stay tuned!
Hi Martha:
Be not afraid of those curly locks. USE THEM. Curls can define, soften and chisel stronger features. Depending on how long your hair actually is, a soft curl can look amazing when it hugs the jaw-line, or sweeps down over the forehead to create a more “accidental” look. I’m all about natural looks, especially with curly hair. Sometimes, the more you touch it, the more you loose a look. Let the curl be; it will be softer and more manageable.
Start spending more time identifying what works, what doesn’t and what you’d like to try more of. Hairstylists spend hours, days and years learning about hair. Invest a little time “discovering” your hair, and I think you’ll come up with some amazing new ideas. I can’t wait to hear.