Spring Hair Trend: Stylish Ponytails

Owner of Cutler/Redken salons, Rodney Cutler, and his talented team of stylists took to the catwalk to showcase stunning hair. For spring, many of the looks were inspired by airy texture, which complemented a lot of the designers’ style and feel for the clothes. Overall, there was a juxtaposition of beautifully polished and feminine clothes with slightly undone hairstyles. My favorites were the ponytails so I'm going to share how you can rock the look yourself!

Textured Ponytail as seen at Carlos Miele

Fitted gowns and soft fabrics flowed down the runway at the Carlos Miele show. “We always like the look to be very elegant, simple and feminine,” says Rodney Cutler, the lead stylist for the show. “This season, it’s a little more editorial with a dry, airy texture.”

Rock the Look :

1. Spray Cutler Volumizing Spray into damp hair and blow-dry for volume and texture

2. Set hair with a 1” curling iron, taking small sections and lightly spraying with Redken Forceful 23 Hairspray

3. Rake fingers through hair, starting at the roots to create a disheveled look

4. Create an imperfect center part and pull hair back into a low center ponytail

5. Use a bungee elastics and be sure to apply tension when securing the ponytail, which will accentuate the shape of the head. Lightly brush the ponytail to create an airy effect

Fun Fish Tail Braid as seen at Nicolas K

“To complement the casual-yet-chic designs, we wanted to do something that was strong and graphic, but still beautiful,” says Rodney Cutler, the lead stylist for the show. “The fishtail braid is cool, understated and worked wonderfully with the clothes and makeup. Plus, the great thing about the braid is that it’s so easy to re-create at home with minimal products and time.”

Rock the Look:

1. Spray damp hair with Cutler Volumizing Spray and blow-dry for volume

2. Gather all hair just below the ear, pull to one side, create a fishtail braid and secured with a small piece of leather

3. Leave a few fly-aways around the hairline to achieve a soft effect

4. Lightly spray with Redken Forceful 23

Spring 2011 Hair Protective Style

Celebrated stylist and Kérastase Paris Spokesperson, Ashley Javier led his team backstage at the Behnaz Sarafpour Spring 2011 show and unveiled a beautiful, new take on the traditional French braid. Relying on his coveted source of professional treatment and styling products, Ashley Javier plucked from his arsenal of Kérastase, including a new secret weapon coined Elixir Ultime, to perfect each model’s hair and complement the stunning collection debuted by the designer.

The Inspiration: “The collection was very delicate and feminine so I wanted to create a look with innocence and sweetness, but with a bit of an edge. We created a designer French braid that snaked neatly behind the head and was very intricate, not “do it yourself” looking. The great thing about a neat and skillful French braid is that it can last for days…even longer than a blow dry.” — Ashley Javier

To Create the Look:
§ Ashley began by applying NEW Elixir Ultime beautifying hair oil to the lengths of the hair to prepare it for braiding, by softening, adding body and solidity
§ Next, he started the braiding at the top left and worked hair into a French braid, following a crisscross pattern across the back of the head
§ Once complete, a non-visible elastic secured the braid, and the ends were pinned up under the hair
§ He finished the look with Double Force Controle Ultime to set the style in place with a firm, yet workable hold
§ Finally, he smoothed the edges around the hair line, once again using Elixir Ultime, and with a fine toothbrush perfected the hairline

Beauty Break: Spring 2011 Makeup Looks

I'm such a fan of Marc by Marc Jacobs, if I could buy every single item in the collection I would be super happy. For the Spring 2011 runway show, Dick Page (for Shiseido) completed the makeup looks. The bright makeup look was inspired by the fun, bold Spring 2011 Marc by Marc Jacobs Collection.

Face Description: Smooth, matte skin using a light wash of New! Shiseido Makeup Perfect Refining Foundation (available February 2011) to even the skin tone and to cover up redness or blemishes.

Eye Description: A dewy, melting color was the look they were going for. To create a dewy effect, Dick applied Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment on the eyelids, and a trace under the lower lash line. Next, Dick sketched right into the upper and lower lash lines with the Shiseido Makeup Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil in Black (BK901); application was sketched and looked “scrubby.” Dick then applied a second light application of the Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment over the eyeliner to give a “melting” effect.

Lip Description: “Matte, intense lips.” To create a smooth surface, Dick prepped the lips with Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment; lips were thoroughly blotted with a tissue to remove excess product. Next, Dick applied Shiseido Makeup Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Day Lily (OR418) and again blotted the lips with a tissue to remove excess product. Dick then applied a thin layer of Shiseido Makeup Translucent Loose Powder under the lower lip line to catch excess product. Then with a clean fluffy brush, Dick applied an orange high-pigment powder (a working lab prototype for a potential new Shiseido product!) over the lipstick to intensify the color.

Will you be sporting Orange Lips this Spring?

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011 Hair

While most focus on fashion or the makeup look during runway shows of course I'm admiring the hair. For Spring 2011 Fashion Week in Milan, one hairstylist stood out from the crowd. Guido for Redken Consultants did not let me down not once, every style was unique and caught my attention so I had to share some of my favorites with you guys.

For Versace Spring/Summer 2011 it looks like Guido took a cue from some of the ladies on the hair care boards! The look was high fashion hair meets the length retention method of baggying the ends. At Versace the hair was slicked back into a low bun covered by PVC for a patent leather feel.

"Donatella and I discussed this look quite a bit; as typically she loves big, voluminous sexy hair for her show. Through this departure from that, we wanted to show that hair kept close to the head that draws attention to the face can be just as high glamour as big hair. This is a look anyone can wear, as long as she has the confidence to allow her face the extra exposure exposed. Also, not using so much product could also tone down the look a bit too for everyday. And the accessories, like the pieces of PVC plastic, can add a bit of fun into such a glamorous, high fashion shape." - Guido, Redken Creative Consultant


Rock the Look:

- Apply Redken hardwear 16 super strong gel in sections thoroughly through entire head of hair all the way to just past the nape of the neck, using a comb to create a smooth texture with no part.
- Smooth hair all the way back on the top and sides and pull together in a low ponytail secured at the nape of the neck.
- Coil hair around itself into a knot and pin into place.
- Take a piece of PVC plastic (or any type of square shaped material you'd like to use) and secure around the bun with an elastic, allowing the ends of the square piece to essentially "stick out."
- Finish entire look with slicking on heavy amounts of glass 01 smoothing serum for that glassy, patent leather texture.

The 1930s hairstyle at Prada’s Spring/Summer 2011 Collection was playful and fun. Guido kept the hair close to the head in a high shine, high gloss texture with two playful knots – think mannequin-like hair with a lacquer finish, almost like it’s painted on. Or think back to Missy Elliot rocking the vinyl bubble suit with the ill finger waves!

“We wanted a carefree, youthful and fun look, but also have that high Prada glamour that represents the design house. The two knots at the back of the head emphasize the playful girl yet the high gloss, shine and finger waves make it glamorous and impactful on the runway.” – Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Rock the Look:

Create a deep side part, and apply Redken hardwear 16 super-strong sculpting gel in generous amounts to the entire head, smoothing the part over the side.
- Next, create finger waves on the forehead with a tail comb.
- Divide the back of the head into two sections with a straight middle part and twist each one into a small knot at the base of the head about 2-3 inches apart, so you can still see a bit of the knots from the front.
- Secure knots with pins and finish them with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray for hold. To create the final touch, apply a generous amount of glass 01 smoothing serum all over for that wet, shiny, lacquered look!

The hair style for the Alberta Ferretti’s Spring/Summer 2011 Collection was inspired by a rock and roll vibe – very Bohemian with matte, natural textured. The Collection is features very long, flowing feminine dresses with a "hippie" feel, so the hair really complements the clothes rather than contrasting it.

"Alberta Ferretti is a show that women always look forward to because the fashion is very feminine – the kind of clothes any woman would want to wear. To complement the easiness on the runway, I created natural bohemian hair, yet still keeping each woman unique by simply enhancing her natural texture." – Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Rock the Look:

- Apply a generous amount of velvet gelatine 07 cushioning blow dry gel in your hands and work into damp hair, applying it by scrunching it in sections concentrating at the roots to bring out the natural texture
- Finger dry hair with a blow dryer, scrunching sections towards the scalp and lightly twist pieces away from the face.
- Before going on the runway or out on the town, rough up the texture with your hands just a bit, but not touching it too much to keep the matte texture.

Fashion Week Spring 2011 Hair: Pamela Love + Sebastian

Thomas Dunkin and the Sebastian hair team were on hand backstage at Pamela Love Spring ’11 Presentation at Milk Studios styling the models’ textured, unkempt tresses to complement the jewelry designer’s African- and Indian-inspired collection. Reminiscent of Love’s own undone but innately cool downtown style, the final look was very streetwise and edgy, but still feminine.

Pamela Love Inspiration:

This season, I felt a really strong connection to this idea of jewelry as a symbol of protection. I’ve been interested in that since the beginning, but lately I’ve been referencing traditional Indian and African jewelry that are meant to protect the person who’s wearing it. I was also inspired by the astrological lunar cycles and the chemical symbols for earth, wind, water, and fire, as well as lunar cycles, which play a role in the study of alchemy -- the mixing of the alchemical elements.

Step by Step Styling:

For a textured, unkempt look reminiscent of Love’s own undone but innately cool downtown style, Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin suggests the following steps:

1. Start by applying Sebastian Professional Gel Forte to wet hair for grip and hold.
2. Next, rough dry hair using just your hands and the dryer.
3. From there, twist hair into sections and spray them with Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper for
texture and light hold.
4. Gently draw a flat iron over each section to create a dreaded or piece-y effect.5. Allow the sections to cool, then loosen them with fingers and backcomb select pieces for added
volume and a final look that’s textured and unkempt but still feminine.

Spring 2011 Fashion Week Hair: Cynthia Rowley + Wella

Bok-Hee and the Antonio Prieto Salon styling team were on hand backstage at Cynthia Rowley Spring ’11 Fashion Show creating shiny, sleek and tight, structured updos that incorporated iridescent metallic hair extensions hand-painted by Aura Friedman and the Wella Professionals color team. The bright clips styled into the updo gave the final hair look a modern street style with a hint of polished glam. I love the deep side part and low bun look, it's one of my signature styles and guess what? It's never going out of style!

Hair Look:

The hair style evokes a sense of couture with a tight, structured updo that leaves the neck completely bare. A deep, side-angled part creates a strong asymmetrical look that flatters the face by offsetting any imbalance of the facial structure. A metallic Wella Professionals colored hair extension woven in to the natural haircolor creates dimension, while the striking shade infusion creates a shiny, modern and sleek feel. Although a sophisticated style, the range of brightly colored clips accent the hair to make it a wearable street style.

Haircolor:

Wella Professionals Lead Color Ambassador, Aura Friedman of NYC’s Serge Normant salon, collaborated with Cynthia Rowley to choose the light, iridescent metallic and futuristic haircolor palette that perfectly complements the Spring collection. The marriage of luxury and the modern woman evokes a strong confidence that enhances the overall graphic hair look. Friedman and a team of elite Wella Professionals colorists from across North America custom colored natural hair extensions to achieve shades in a spectrum of shiny metallics and cool, silvery, icy tones for a fresh perspective on blonde. Extension were lightened with Blondor and Extra Cool Blondes and then saturated with colors in the Color Touch and Koleston Perfect Special Blondes portfolio to deliver the incredible tones and intense shine. These striking shades accent the overall look for added edginess to the sophisticated style.

Step-by-Step Styling
1. Section hair into a deep angled side part starting from above the ear in the opposite direction and work through Wella Professionals High Hair Styling Mousse

2. Blow dry the hair completely smooth and section off a ¼ inch of the part to place the colored hair extension (two inches from the root should be the same as the natural hair color) and comb it over

3. Bring into a tight low ponytail and twist around to the opposite side of the head and twist in a figure 8

4. Pin to the head with ends tucked under

5. Adorn with brightly, colored clips

6. Use a combination of Wella Professionals High Hair 45 Seconds Styler hairspray and High Hair Gloss Serum to finish the look and add intense shine

The People who got it done:
Haircolor: Aura Friedman for Wella Professionals
Hair products provided by Wella Professionals Styling
Lead Stylist: Bok-Hee for Antonio Prieto Salon
Wella Professionals Colorist Team: Jennifer Groves, Nikki Anderson, Glenice Beale (PR @ Partners), Vivian Moore (Mitchell’s Salon), Dean Roybal (Planet Salon), Alison Holub (TC Salon), Lee Anne Combs (David Paul Salon), Caroline Beland (Ode Salon)