Search Results: Lauren Levinson

Top Face & Hair Oils

By Lauren Levinson · Published September 6, 2012

When it comes to beauty, some things are worth spending a little extra on. Not only are oils great for improving and maintaining the health of your hair and scalp, they can also be highly beneficial for your body and face. See some of the most luxurious oils for your hair, body and face.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

In the history of hydrating lotions and potions, dry limbs are an easy fix. But cranky skin? A totally different story. This toxin-free, handmade-in-Vermont formula includes anti-inflammatory calendula oil and ache-soothing arnica to help with any swelling. Slather it on screaming skin after a day spent hitting the pavement.

$90; amazon.com

Read More: 33 Date-Night Hair and Makeup Ideas

Molton Brown Kalahari Melon Cleansing Fluid

Remember the African fruit with the exotic-sounding name? This won’t be the last time you’ll hear it. The fatty-acid filled ingredient works to lift impurities (think the morning’s makeup, sidewalk dirt, and dried sweat—gross!”>. Appleseed oil hydrates, and the vitamin E in safflower oil fights aging, making this a far smarter option than soap and water.

$48; moltonbrown.com

Read More: 40 Beauty-Related Celebrity Twitpics

Klorane Mango Oil

The magic of mangoes (used as an infection-healer for thousands of years thanks to a high essential nutrient count”> is harnessed via cold-pressing, keeping the vitality of all ingredients in top condition. The super-light spray adds a silky shine while offering UV-protection for hair. And the hint of sweet tropical fruit? So superb we’re considering spritzing this find on limbs and locks alike.

$14; amazon.com

Read More: 25 Summer Smoky Eye Looks

Diptyque Satin Oil for Body and Hair

Looking for a signature fragrance that has benefits other than pure perfumery? This all-purpose pick leaves skin glowing, hair silky, and, best yet, subtly scented. A combination of star jasmine and ylang ylang gives a delicate finish to the real workhorse ingredients: avocado and urucum oils.

$58; nordstrom.com

Read More: 6 New Hair Oils for Your Curls

Aromatherapy Associates Revitalizing Face Oil

Give your mug an extra boost of radiance thanks to this blend of anti-aging plant extracts. Frankincense is credited with tightening, while borage helps to get natural collagen production going, meaning that, of course, this oil is one you will actually want on your face.

$63; beautyhabit.com

Read More: Manuka Honey: Benefits for Hair & Skin

Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath Oil

Bubble baths are for kids — real women know that true tub luxury comes with a few spoonfuls of a decadent essential oil. In this oil the lavendar, long revered for its calming qualities, can be used a few drops at a time for your next soak. Prepare to feel more peaceful (and skin-soothed”> after.

$35.20; amazon.com

Read More: 4 Hair Oils for Wavy Hair

Tatcha One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

At the end of a long day, who wants to spend time fighting with their makeup? This potent mix of camellia and rice bran oils aims to strip skin of built-up grime and cosmetics (like your won’t-budge waterproof mascara”>. Apply to a dry face and rinse off with water.

$48; tatcha.com

Read More: DIY Skincare: Brown Sugar Scrubs

Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil

The fight for smoother gams might just start in your guy’s toiletry bag. Use a hint of olive and clove leaf oils to prep for your shave cream and razor. It makes for a smoother process that cuts down on razor burn and irritated bumps, a plus when it comes to short-shorts season.

$22; sephora.com

Read More: 3 Hair Oils for Coily Hair

Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Body Oil

Pamper yourself with a seriously luxe smoother! The gorgeous scent is courtesy of rose otto oil, a rare ingredient that’s produced by going through a whole lotta fresh blooms (the ratio is out of this world!”>. A rose by any other name wouldn’t be nearly as therapeutic, either. It’s known to aid in healing cuts, burns and irritations.

$65; spacenk.com

Pureology Precious Oil

Glam-hippie chicks have a new, granola-approved way to treat their tresses. Made with 100% biodegradable ingredients, this new release made waves as the first beauty buy to be granted a Green Seal certification. Safe for color-treated hair, it relies on sunflower, coconut, and jojoba oils to increase softness and manageability.

$13.95; amazon.com

Read More: 5 Best Hair Oils for Curly Hair

Philosophy Purity Facial Cleansing Oil

Change how you think about your daily routine with a mineral-free oil. Use in place of a foaming face wash for a hydrating clean that dissolves dirt and makeup, leaving your mug feeling fresh and supple (not tightly stretched like some bubblers can”>.

$25; drugstore.com

Read More: Do Satin Pillowcases Cause Acne?

15 Best-Kept Hair Secrets

By Lauren Levinson · Published August 30, 2012

lady with red hair on the beach looking back over her shoulder

1. For Beachy Waves

Start with towel-dried hair and apply any kind of volumizing product to your roots. Put a quarter-sized amount of styling cream on your ends, working in small sections for even coverage. Take a small section of your hair and twirl downward, repeating all over your head. Blow-dry with a diffuser by pointing the dryer down toward your head a few inches away from hair, twirling sections around your finger. When you are finished twisting each section, scrunch your hair while blow-drying to amp up the volume and texture. For a more defined look, wrap sections of hair around a medium-sized curling iron.

2. To Style with Hairspray

Mist sections of hair with a flexible-hold hairspray before wrapping them around a curling iron or running them through a flatiron to lock in shape.

Read More: The 33 Best-Kept Hair Secrets

3. For Sleek and Shiny Hair

Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner on damp hair before drying. For medium to thick hair, apply a bit of styling cream to keep strands smooth. Use a flat brush to go underneath your hair and keep the dryer aimed downward. When the section of hair is almost dry, switch to a round brush so that you have some bend at the ends. If it’s humid outside, mist your hair with a protective styling spray and run a flat iron from your ears down.

4. When Curling Your Hair

Leave the bottom ends out for a more messy, beachy feel. Skip the styling products and separate waves with your fingers.

5. To Prevent Waves From Dropping

Curl sections and twist them up, securing with clips. Let them set while you do your makeup for a long-lasting hold.

Read More: 33 Gorgeous Celeb Short Hairstyles

Lady with wavy brown hair in a bob hairstyle smiling with her hands cupping her face

6. To Revive Curls Throughout the Day

All it takes is some leave-in conditioner! Spray hair with a thin mist and smooth it down with your hands, using the pulling-it-into-a-ponytail motion.

7. For ’40s-Inspired Waves

Hold a 1-inch curling iron horizontal (so it’s parallel to the floor”> and wrap 2- to 3-inch sections of hair around it. Secure each curl against your head with a metal duck bill clip to set it in place. Once you’re finished and your hair is cool, mist your whole head with a strong-hold hairspray, remove the clips, and lightly brush out waves. Finish off with another spritz of hairspray.

8. For a Faux Bob

Make a low, loose ponytail. Tuck the tail under and secure with hairpins. Let your face-framing pieces hang loose and curl with a smaller-sized curling iron. Voilà! Short hair, no cutting required!

young lady with her back turned showing her curly braided hairstyle

9. To Get Volume Without the Bump

Hold a 2-inch-wide section of hair at the crown of your head straight up and use a flat, densely bristled brush to push down the roots a few times. Let the section fall back into place, then turn the brush sideways and use the bristles on the edge to gently smooth down the bump. Now your hair is ready for a flirty ponytail, a hot half-up style, or a sexy updo.

10. To Get DIY Sexy Waves

Apply a lightweight styling cream to damp hair. Next, wrap sections of hair around medium and large rollers. This will give you more natural results. Once your hair is dry, remove the rollers and gently run a brush through the waves. Use a large curling iron on random pieces for added definition. Mist on hairspray for hold.

11. For a Quick and Easy Braided Updo

Apply a combo of styling cream and texturizing spray to wet hair. Blow-dry while tousling your hair with your fingers to add body. French braid the front section of your hair and gather the rest into a low, loose bun.

Read More: 5 No-Heat Styling Tips for Wavy Hair

lady on the beach pulling her curly hair into a ponytail

12. For the Sleekest Ponytail

Get your strands poker-straight by using a large, round brush or a paddle brush while you blow-dry. Then, tease the hair at the crown of your head and pull everything back into a tight, ear-level ponytail. Tame flyaways with a dab of smoothing cream and mist your whole head with hairspray.

13. For a Finishing Touch

When you’re about to leave the house, flip your head over and shake out your hair to boost volume and create that tousled effect. Hit it with hairspray once more and you’re good to go!

14. When You Don’t Have Time to Wash Your Hair

Fight greasy roots with a dry shampoo. Then pull hair up in a sleek bun to hide all the evidence.

15. For Extra Frizz Protection

Don’t wash your conditioner completely out. If you leave a small hint behind, the product will weigh hair down and guard it from humidity and frizz.

Read More: Quick & Easy Curly Hair Styles Anyone Can Do

10 Expert Tips for Glamorous Redheads

By Lauren Levinson · Published August 23, 2012

Julianne Moore

We quizzed Eva Scrivo, L’Oréal Professionnel Ambassador, celebrity colorist, and redhead herself, all about her insider secrets for firey locks.

1. Use shampoo with citric acid before coloring

“Citric acid removes the residue and build-up on the hair from products, pollution, and previous color,” says Scrivo. “It prepares strands for a successful coloring process.” Look for it in the shampoo’s ingredients.

2. Get a clarifying treatment at the salon

Without a pre-wash, freshly dyed red hair can end up dull at the roots and brassy at the ends. To avoid an uneven look, Scrivo says to ask your colorist for a clarifying treatment first.

Read More: Celebrity hairstyles we love!

3. Prolong color with sulfate-free and mild surfactant products

“The molecular structure [of red hair] is slightly larger, so [dye] does rinse out of the hair more quickly,” explains Scrivo. Solve this problem with a shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate-free and contains mild-surfactants, like L’Oréal Professionnel Series Vitamino Color Shampoo.

Christina Hendricks

4. Stay away from deep treatments

Scrivo recommends using lightweight conditioners and avoiding masks post-color. “When you’re using heavy products or leaving formulas in overnight, it removes color molecules out of the hair,” she adds.

Read More: Check out our wedding hairstyle picks!

5. Take cooler showers

According to Scrivo, hot water is a key factor in diminishing red dye. So the next time you hop in the shower, reduce the temperature to warm instead of scalding hot.

6. Boost brightness with a color-depositing shampoo

Certain shampoos can amp up your scarlet strands between trips to the salon. “It keeps your hair bright and vibrant,” notes Scrivo. “If you just want to keep a little bit of red in your hair, mix it with your favorite shampoo.” Try L’Oréal Colorist Collection Artec Shampoo in Red Clover.

7. Protect against UV damage

Scrivo suggests looking for styling products with SPF, such as Kérastase Soleil Shimmering Protective Mist. Leave-in products like this do double-duty by protecting locks from chlorine and salt water, as well as the sun.

Debra Messing

8. Use hot tools with caution

Before using a blow-dryer, curling iron, or straightener, slather hair with an anti-thermal product. “They’re activated by heat, and they form a protective layer on top of the hair,” says Scrivo. Apply a small amount your mane and evenly distribute it with a brush. She also recommends styling your tresses in sections, using clips to separate. “Many of us end up going over the same area twice, and that’s really what dehydrates the hair and fades the color.”

9. Play to your complexion

Redheads can be divided into two categories: warm-tones and cool-tones. “I am a cool-toned redhead, so my hair is red,” explains Scrivo. “But it’s not an orange-based red, it’s actually a violet-based red,” Reds of the cooler variety should opt for blues, plums, and ruby reds when choosing makeup, and warmer reds can wear yellows, oranges, and pinks.

10. Add shine with a finishing spray

Scrivo says she frequently uses L’Oréal Professionnel Perfect Shimmer to draw even more attention to her gorgeous locks. “It is somewhat of a finishing spray that looks beautiful on reds and adds a certain reflection to [the color],” says Scrivo.

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15 Tips for a Slimmer Summer

By Lauren Levinson · Published August 16, 2012

Backyard barbeques, poolside cocktails, and ice-cream cones are just some of the season’s fattening temptations. Fight those urges with these warm-weather fitness and nutrition tips. Then, hit the beach in a a flattering new swimsuit!

Move It, Move It. If you only have five minutes to spare before going out, make the most of your time. “Do 500 jogs in place for five minutes,” recommends celebrity personal trainer Terri Walsh. “It will give your face and skin an overall, healthy glow without getting you too sweaty.”
Eat a Breakfast of Champions. “Begin your day with a protein-rich meal, such as eggs and turkey bacon, to kick start your metabolism and curb sugar cravings throughout the day,” suggests Erika Harmon, a nutritionist at Exhale Mind Body Spa.
Hold Still. “Planks work your core and arms,” says Jamie Lugo, an instructor at Pure Yoga. “Plus, it’s a great way to get your heart rate up.” To do a plank, lie on your stomach, and use your arms to lift yourself into a full push-up position. Make sure to keep your bum down and your body in one long line. Hold it for one minute.
Shake It. Stephanie Vitorino, the group fitness manager at Equinox Sports Club in West LA, suggests mixing up a delicious protein shake to curb hunger. Blend eight ounces of chilled coconut with ice and one scoop of flavored whey protein powder (try vanilla or chocolate”>. Enjoy sipping on something sweet, minus the guilt.
Get Fresh Air. Take advantage of the fair weather by moving your exercise routine outdoors. Stretch your legs at a local park, go biking with friends, or map out a scenic hiking route. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Read More: Best Hair, Body, and Face Oils

Be Smart About What You Sip. Good news: You can enjoy happy hour! “Don’t totally eliminate alcohol,” says Harmon. “Just make smarter choices. Nix the high-caloric drinks, like Pina Coladas, and limit your intake. Request that your drinks be mixed with club soda or fresh fruit juice to reduce unnecessary sugar calories.”
Drip It Off. Perspiration has major skin and body benefits, so grab a girlfriend and try a hot yoga class. “A good sweat leaves you feeling rejuvenated, energized, and cleansed,” says Lugo. “Always make sure to replenish with plenty of water and nutrients.”
Dear Diary. Every week, sit down and write out your workouts. Refer to each day’s plan right before you hit the gym, and you’ll stay motivated to complete your tasks. “It keeps your brain interested, and you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve completed,” says fitness guru Jackie Warner.
Splash Around. You can do way more than just swim in a pool. Warner suggests doing jump squats in the shallow end. Bend your knees, then bounce out of the water as high as you can, and come back into a squat. The resistance from the water will send your muscles into overdrive.
Replace Soda With H2O. Drink three liters of water every day. It’s the easiest way to keep your organs clean and hydrated. Give the clear stuff a bit more flavor by adding sliced strawberries or a lemon wedge.

Read More: Synchronized Swimming Beauty Tips

Update Your Exercise Playlist. There’s nothing like fun summer jams to inspire you during a workout. Warner likes to change her playlist once a week. “It’s exciting to listen to new songs,” she enthuses. “It can really increase your intensity and keep you engaged.”
Eat Fat to Get Thin. According to Warner, foods like avocados, nuts, and seeds are considered good fats and can actually help burn up the bad ones. Ditch creamy dressing in favor of a quarter of an avocado in your lunch sandwich or salad.
Don’t Fake It. “If you hate resistance training, don’t join a gym that specializes in it,” offers Warner. Go online and search for fun workouts in your area, such as Zumba or spinning. “Try out a class that you’ve always been interested in!”
Eat Light, Eat Right. Pick tinier meals when you grab dinner with friends. “Enjoy smaller, tapas-style portions to keep your taste buds excited and your waistline intact,” says Harmon.
Get Your Heart Beating. “The optimal way to train is to get your heart rate going up and down,” explains Warner. Try this Treadmill workout: two minutes at a 12.5 incline and 3.5 speed, two minutes at no incline and a 7.0 speed, and one minute of no incline at 3.5 speed. Repeat it all three times for a total cardio workout of 20 minutes.

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Styling Wavy Hair with Pantene Pro-V

By Lauren Levinson · Published August 14, 2012

Even when you care for them properly, your wavy hair can sometimes get dried out in response to the elements and just your everyday activity or styling choices. When your waves need a dose of hydration, start out with the right products for cleansing and conditioning that will add moisture back into your strands instead of stripping it out. If there is one shampoo and conditioner duo that does this well its Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo and Moisture Balance Conditioner.

Watch how celebrity stylist, Tippi Shorter demonstrates how to use curl-friendly Pantene Pro-V products to cleanse, condition, detangle and style wavy hair while restoring its moisture. You can get the same fabulous, moisture-revived look too! After using the Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp:

Detangle while your hair is wet with Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner and a wide tooth comb, detangling brush or your fingers.
Smooth your strands over with a cocktail of Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Style Curl Shaping Gel and Pantene Pro-V Normal-Thick Style Flowing Body Mousse for excellent body and curl definition.
Blow dry your waves with a diffuser. While you diffuse, take sections of hair from around the crown area of your head and twist or twirl them to boost your wavy definition.
Wrap a few sections of your hair around a 1-inch curling iron at your front hairline to create face framing waves.
Use an anti-frizz product such as DevaCurl Flexible-Hold Hair Spray to finish the style by sealing out frizz with a flexible but lasting hold.
Tousle or scrunch your hair up towards the scalp with your head down and hair flipped over to encourage more volume. Make sure hair is completely dry before taking this last step so that you do not cause your waves to frizz up in the process.

For more great curly, coily and wavy hairstyle how-tos with Tippi Shorter and curl-friendly Pantene Pro-V products, visit the Pantene Facebook page. Look out for more videos with tips this week on how to get these looks yourself!

Pantene Pro-V How To: Type 2 Hair

Restoring Moisture to dry strands

Products in this video:

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Get more tips and tricks for your curls, coils and waves on NaturallyCurly’s YouTube channel.

3 Tips for Getting Perfect Highlights

By Lauren Levinson · Published August 2, 2012

Looking to update your hair color by going lighter? Read these tips from Wella Professionals Top Artist Alexandra Matiz first to prevent a hue snafu.

1. Make sure your lifestyle fits your new color

How long do you want to sit in the salon? How often are you willing to maintain your new streaks? A full head of highlights and a glaze could take up to three hours, so you’ll need to carve out a decent chunk of your schedule. And when it comes to upkeep, you’ll need to choose between balayage and foil highlights. The difference is that balayage, or painting, gives a more natural effect. The highlights appear to be sun-kissed and seamless as opposed to synthetic, and there’s no over-processing since once the formula dries, it stops lifting the hair color. The process is overall healthier for the hair and looks fine when it grows out, eliminating the need for a salon trip every few weeks. With foil, there’s the risk of over-processing and damaging your strands since the foils will continue to lift the color until they’re removed. The highlights are executed in straight streaks, therefore needing to be touched-up more often.

“One method isn’t preferred over the other, but balayage is very in right now,” says Matiz. “The trend these days is to recreate the kind of swept-in, natural highlights that you see on little kids near the summer’s end.”

Read More: How to Highlight Your Hair

2. Choose a color that flatters your skin tone

Even a few face-framing streaks will have a noticeable effect on how your complexion looks. Consultations with an expert stylist is key, which is why we highly suggest first-time highlighters to meet with one as opposed to trying to dye at home. “You want your skin to glow, not flash, with your new hair color,” says Matiz. “Also, you don’t want to rely on a ton of makeup to pull the color off.”

3. Check the condition of your hair

If your hair is damaged or virgin (aka never chemically processed”>, you’ll need to take extra care and precaution. “I don’t recommend those with virgin hair to stray too far away (two shades”> from their natural hair color,” says Matiz. The same goes for overly processed strands that have seen better days.

Read More: 33 Money-Saving Beauty Tips

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Best Celebrity Hair Colors

By Lauren Levinson · Published July 26, 2012

Best Celebrity Blondes

Actress Reese Witherspoon arrives at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre on June 5, 2011 in Universal City, California.

Hayden Panettiere attends the unveiling of Stuart Weitzman’s Young Hollywood Cares Collection in aid of ovarian cancer research during Fashion’s Night Out in NYC.

Actress Blake Lively arrives at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on August 7, 2011 in Universal City, California.

Read More: Summer’s Best, New Hair Colors

Best Celebrity Brunettes

Actress Salma Hayek boards a motorboat at a Venice hotel during the 68th Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2011.

Rachel Bilson arrives at the TCA party for CBS, The CW, and Showtime held at The Pagoda on August 3, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

Actress Jennifer Garner signs autographs for fans at the Butter premiere at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Read More: 33 Gorgeous Short Haircuts

Best Celebrity Redheads

Marcia Cross attends the 2011 NCR ALMA Awards at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in California.

Isla Fisher attends the 2011 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Governor’s Island on June 5, 2011 in New York City.

Actress Christina Hendricks arrives at the premiere Of “Iris—A Journey Into the World of Cinema By Cirque du Soleil” at the Kodak Theatre on September 25, 2011 in Hollywood, California.

Read More: 33 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

Best Celebrity Black Hair Color

Jennifer Hudson attends the 2nd Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala at the Museum of Modern Art on June 14, 2011 in New York City.

Halle Berry shopping in Century City on July 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Demi Moore attends 3rd Annual Variety’s Power Of Women Event Presented By Lifetime on September 23, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.

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Lust List: Hair Accessories

By Lauren Levinson · Published July 19, 2012

The quickest way to liven up your ‘do? Forget a drastic haircut, and pick up something formal or decadently decorative for your mane instead. See our favorite designer barrettes, clips and headbands, all fit for a fashionista.

Ban.Do Girlie Satin Bow

The girliest of girls will love these perfectly tied satin bows. Use one to pull back your bangs or clip it over a half-ponytail for serious prep-dom. Laura Ashley frock optional.

$15 each; shopbando.com

Colette Malouf Woven Metal Comb

Avant garde accessorizers will love the sculptural look of this tortoiseshell comb. The golden fabric looks luxe, but the winged arrangement is artsy enough to earn boho marks.

$129; polyvore.com

Eugenia Kim Chiara Metallic Jersey Headband

Scrunchies: Uncool. Easy, breezy headbands resembling the 80s staple: Very in. The style set’s favorite milliner has expanded to hair accessories, like this neutral colored wrap that’s turban-inspired.

$80; net-a-porter.com

Read More: 33 Gorgeous Short Haircuts

Ferragamo Sequin Bow Headband

The Italian fashion house’s signature bow-heavy bags and flats have been covetable for years. Beauty lovers can rejoice as they expand to chic headgear! Add a skinny band for instant polish (and sparkle!”>.

$160; polyvore.com

Kate Spade Holiday Barrettes

Party girls let their accessories do the talking while they’re busy sipping a glass of bubbly. This cheerful trio is ready to take you straight into the new year.

$78; polyvore.com

Kerala Bobbies

Bright embroidery and a halo of gems make these simple pins perfect adornments for any ‘do. Slip one in a polished chignon or use it to hold your bangs back with a loose mane.

$15 for two; anthropologie.com

Rag & Bone Scarborough Headband

Avoid the risk of hat-hair by taking your knitted cap demi-style. This ear-covering wrap keeps you warm and shows off your highlights. Score!

$105; forwardforward.com

Shourouk Bejewelled Headband

Bling-lovers need not forget they have another space for serious ice! When wrists, fingers, and ear lobes are sufficiently weighted down with precious stones, there’s always a headband…

$578; farfetch.com

Tasha Crystal Garland Headband

Sprays of crystalized flowers and leaves push this headband more into tiara territory…not that we’re complaining!

$98; nordstrom.com

Read More: Summer’s Best, New Hair Colors

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Get Out of Summer Hair Hell

By Lauren Levinson · Published July 12, 2012

Can you tell that the girl pictured to the left is feeling stressed? On one hand, she’s ecstatic that it’s summertime, but on the other, she knows that bad hair days are ahead and include frizzy strands, limp locks and color-changing tresses. Knowing her pain, we interviewed top hair-care and styling experts to solve all your hair issues caused by the summer heat.

Your Hair Keeps Getting Bigger and Bigger

In order to tame frizz, you need to understand it. “Frizz happens when the cuticle layer (the outer layer”> of the hair opens, moisture gets inside, and the hair swells up,” says Aussie celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempo. “Frizz is created when layers of hair are being pushed in an unnatural direction due to weather, poor hair care, or even rubbing too much with a towel.” Make sure your hair stays hydrated by using a leave-in conditioner like Aussie Hair Insurance before you head outdoors. Also, cut back on your use of heat tools — the high temperatures are a surefire way to zap your hair of any moisture it has. Keep flatiron and blow-dryer use to every two days. When blow-drying, hold the concentrator parallel to the section and aim toward the floor, not at the hair.

Your Curls Are Unruly, Undefined & Just Plain Ugly

The main goal in dire situations like humidity is to work with your hair and not against it. Use a flexible-hold gel and twist in the direction of the curls, which will help all the hair move the same way and avoid frizz. Just as above, keep your hair hydrated. “Regular deep-conditioning treatments are the foundation and lifeline for curls,” says curly-hair expert Ouidad. Try Ouidad Deep Treatment Intensive Conditioner. Lastly, mandate a hands-off rule on especially humid days since the less touching, the better chance your curls will stay in tact. Roughing up the curls with a towel causes friction, so pull your curls in a very soft ponytail on top of your head with a scrunchie and let your hair air-dry overnight.

Read More: 33 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

You Got Caught in the Rain

Keep a hair-mergency pack stashed in your purse with a few bobby pins, ponytail holders and a stretchy headband. Then you’ll be ready for anything unexpected like a torrential downpour or a sudden bout of humidity. Here, Potempo gives easy hairstyles for every hair length.

Short Hair: Sometimes the texture from frizz can work in your favor. Twist small sections of hair into little buns in the back and secure them with bobby pins. If your hair isn’t long enough to pull back, twist and pin the front section of your hair or bangs up to create a small pompadour, which will add volume in any hair disaster.

Shoulder-Length Hair: A cute ponytail and a thin elastic headband are the perfect quick fix for a rainy day. If you only have a bobby pin, try braiding or twisting two pieces of the damp, front section and secure behind your ear. This will give you a cute look as the rest of your hair dries.

Long Hair: Start with a small braid in the front that leads into a low bun. The style prevents a wet ponytail from slapping against your back!

Your Hair Is Lifeless and Limp Like Wet Spaghetti

Just as with skin-care products, you may need to swap out your cold-weather regimen for formulas that help your hair react better in the heat. “Avoid products that have an oil or cream base, as they can cause your hair to fall flat and look lifeless,” says Potempo. “Water-based volumizers can add a boost to your hair when you need it, or you can spritz a long-lasting antihumidity hairspray at your roots and blast them with a blow-dryer to lock in place.”

If you’re not one to turn to styling products, “make sure your shampoo and conditioner aren’t weighing your hair down,” says Potempo. Use only a small amount of shampoo since a little goes a long way, and concentrate on lathering your scalp. Use conditioner only on the ponytail of your hair, since your roots tend to get moisture from the natural oils produced by your scalp.

Try Aussie Cleanse and Mend Shampoo and Conditioner, $8.49 each; drugstore.com

Read More: Summer’s Best, New Hair Colors

Trips to the Pool Have Turned Your Blonde Hair Green

Similar to the oxidation process that turns copper metal to a turquoise color, chlorine conflicts with the hard metals in the pool water and creates a similar reaction. As a result, these metals absorb into your hair while you’re splashing about. Help keep your hair its normal hue with a postswim shampoo using a formula specially designed to remove pool and hard-water buildup.

Try Ultra Swim Shampoo, $5.49; ulta.com

To prevent your hair from going green (and not in an eco-friendly way”> in the first place, “rinse your dry hair with bottled or filtered water to saturate the hair shaft,” advises colorist and NYC salon owner Joel Warren. “That way, your mane won’t soak up whatever is in the water.”

Your Highlights Are Getting Sassy and Brassy

The sun is a catalyst that brings out unwanted warmth in your newly highlighted or lightened strands. Look for shampoos that contain blue or violet pigment to counteract yellow, red, and orange tones. “Try Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo and use it once a week to keep your color bright in between salon appointments,” says celebrity colorist and NYC salon owner Marie Robinson.

Another option is L’Oréal Colorist Secrets Brass Banisher — a five-minute gloss treatment that eliminates brassy tones and delivers balanced color with shiny, healthy results.

African Americans women have trouble with moisture retention.

Moisture retention is an issue that African American women face year round, so the summer is no exception. “Environmental factors like atmosphere and water type, plus your own hair type, will all determine what adjustments you need to make in your hair-care routine,” says Titi Branch, co-founder and co-CEO of Miss Jessie’s. Here’s how to keep your hair in its healthiest state.

High Humidity Levels Are Causing Frizz

For natural-hair types, “using formulas high in glycerin will attract moisture to the hair and combat dryness,” says Branch. She recommends trying a styling product like Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding to help reduce frizz.

For relaxed-hair types, fighting frizz is more of a battle. “Even the slightest bit of humidity or perspiration can revert your hair to its natural state,” says Branch. Opt for pulled-back hairstyles like a ponytail or a ballerina bun to help keep your hair lying flat and reduce any cuticle swelling. The combination of an antihumectant product like Soft Sheen Nouvea Daily Humectant Moisturizing Lotion and the sporadic use of heat tools can also help a frizzy situation.

The Dry Heat Is Zapping Your Hair’s Moisture

To make up for the lack of moisture in the air, natural-hair types should turn to a conditioning product like Motions at Home Nourish Leave-In Conditioner. Keeping a humidifier in your home during the summer months will also give your hair a chance to recover, not to mention your skin will love it!

“Relaxed-hair types need to apply their moisturizing hair dress more often than usual,” says Branch. Also, keep your body temperature as cool as possible, whether that means investing in some cute sundresses or keeping your hair off your neck. Any excessive perspiration will revert your relaxed hair.

Your Area’s Water Type Is Wreaking Hell on Your Strands

Point-blank: Soft water is better on everyone’s hair. “If your local water supply is soft, meaning treated to eliminate the hard minerals, then you should be jumping for joy because that’s one less thing you have to worry about!” says Branch. Hard-water dwellers need not fear! Invest in a shower filter like the Sprite Slim Line Shower Filter With Showerhead to rid your water of troublemaking minerals.

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Blow-out Tips from Drybar NYC

By Lauren Levinson · Published July 5, 2012

After we received a bouncy blow-out last week at Drybar NYC, life improved dramatically: Jake Gyllenhaal look-a-likes opened doors for us, it seemed easier to hail a cab and we spent minimal time fussing with our mane (it lasted for three full days with the help of dry shampoo!”>. Head to any of Drybar’s locations in California, Texas, Arizona and New York where you can score a professional blow-out for just $40 (it’s a flat rate for all hair types and lengths”>.

While we were tempted by many of the six hairstyles on the menu (such as “The Straight Up,” which is sleek with a little volume”>, we opted for the “Cosmo-Tai,” a mix of beach waves and loose curls.

Read More: 33 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

Even if you can’t make it the salons, you can still achieve a lovely blow-out at home thanks to the tips we picked up from our stylist, Hoshalah:

Don’t rough-dry. When your tresses are wet, do not shake the dryer (like you would a diffuser”> to achieve sleek strands. Instead…
Angle your tool. Smooth out even the wildest waves by using a round brush and pointing the blow-dryer nozzle in a perpendicular direction to the brush (you should not blow air directly at your mane”>.
Hair has a memory. If you keep doing something over and over, your strands will remember it and follow the pattern. For instance, our guru was able to flatten our cowlick by pulling it straight a few times. Note: Locks retain information until the next time they come into contact with humidity.

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Oprah’s Best Hairstyles Ever

By Lauren Levinson · Published June 28, 2012

Whether she’s interviewing celebs on her talk show, walking the red carpet or at a photo shoot for the newest issue of her magazine, Oprah is always perfectly coiffed and looking gorgeous. Check out her best hairstyles ever!

Full Spirals

Oprah wears her hair in spirals with red lips in 2008.

Smoky Eyes

Oprah shows off smoky eyes and lots of volume at the CDFA Fashion Awards in 2007.

Oprah at the premiere of "The Great Debaters"

Natural Curl

Oprah looks stunning with her trademark curls at the premiere of “The Great Debaters” in 2007.

Read More: 33 Gorgeous Short Haircuts

Curly Updo

Oprah wears her curls pulled back in a classy updo at the inauguration of the Hearst Tower in 2006.

Oprah wearing her hair with the ends flipped

Stylish Flip

The star wears her hair with the ends flipped and lots of volume in 2006.

Oprah at the Broadway opening of "The Color Purple"

Glossy Finish

Oprah turns on the shine and rocks dramatic makeup at the Broadway opening of “The Color Purple” in 2005.

Golden Goddess

Oprah is a bronze beauty with short curls and glowing skin at the Academy Awards in 2005.

Short and Sweet

Oprah’s hair has tons of volume and lots of flip at the Academy Awards in 2004.

Messy Curls

Oprah looks gorgeous with easy curls and peach lips at a gala in 2004.

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Retro Mad Men Hairstyles

By Lauren Levinson · Published June 21, 2012

Drooling over the Mad Men hairstyles this season? Us too. We asked Terrie V. Owen, one of the hair-styling geniuses behind the show, to give us some quick and easy tips on how to rock retro hair!

The Bigger, The Better: To create a Joan-like, sexy secretary bouffant, try this: Before you curl your hair, gently tease it using a comb at the roots and then spray with a setting spray. I like White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold Thermal Styling Spray. Finally, coil pieces with a curling iron. You will get big sexy hair that lasts all day.

Read More: 43 Retro Hair Looks

Boys Club: Sweat Don Draper’s slick ‘do? Try coating your mop with a mixture of gel and a styling cream. This way, you don’t get hard helmet hair, yet it still looks groomed and tidy. Use a medium tooth comb or hands to smooth hairs into place.

Read More: 12 Vintage-Inspired Beauty Goodies

Making Waves: For Betty Draper twists, create a deep side part and set your strands with hot rollers. They are a great tool for retro styling and can be easily purchased at your local beauty supply store. Make sure to always clip your them in place and let you hair completely cool down before you brush it out.

Read More: 12 Classy Party Dresses Under $150

Put a Wig on It: Don’t be afraid of false hair! For Megan Draper’s volume and height, try adding a small hairpiece into your own coif. It’s a lot of fun to experiment! Insider fact: Megan’s hair is actually a full wig!

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On Trend: The Messy Hair Look

By Lauren Levinson · Published June 14, 2012

Fabulous Frizz

So long, flat irons. Brushed-out curls and teased tresses ruled the runways this season at shows like Rebecca Minkoff (seen here”> and Oscar de la Renta. Softer than the fall’s slicked-back silhouettes, these fluffy looks celebrate natural hair textures and add an easy complement to more structured sartorial styles. When trying a flyaway-fab ‘do at home, be sure to define your part so that you look like you at least attempted to tame your mane before you walked out the door.

Sultry spirals on Rihanna

A mega-sized mane on Skyler Samuels.

Read more: 33 Gorgeous Short Haircuts

Bourgeouis Bedhead

With dry shampoos on every drugstore shelf, bedhead looks have officially gained mass appeal (hooray!”>. To stay ahead of the trend, adopt one of these fashion-forward interpretations of mussed-up strands, that range from shiny bases (seen here on the models at Giambattista Valli”> to zig-zag parts. Happy snoozing!

Glossy waves on Alexa Chung.

Surfer-girl locks on Chelsea Handler.

Read more: 33 Lazy Girl Spring Hair Products

Undone Updos

Whether held together with a gossamer scarf (seen here at Marc Jacobs”>, or accented with swatches of torn suede (like the models at Michael Kors”>, rumpled buns, braids and beehives are this spring’s must-wear statement style. The key to executing these deceptively tricky looks is to make sure you start with an anchored base before you start to tease locks for volume.

A disheveled half-up, half-down ‘do on Christina Hendricks.

An over-sized bun on Alison Brie.

How will you sport the messy hair trend this summer?

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Best Summer Hair Colors

By Lauren Levinson · Published June 7, 2012

Foxy Flaxens

Marilyn Monroe proved the gentlemen prefer blondes (some of the time”>, but thankfully for us, hair color technology has come a long way since the screen legend’s platinum washes. This spring and summer, the best bevy of golden hues incorporates a range of trendy touches, from subtle highlights to brassy roots.

Rihanna’s dark roots add downtown appeal to her sandy mane, while her single-processed locks give her curls uniform (and red-carpet”> elegance.

Madonna adds dimension to her silky layers with youthful, buttery highlights.

Sporting ringlets to play a young Carrie Bradshaw, AnnaSophia Robb, uses hints of champagne to make her mane look more voluminous.

Read More: Mad Men Hairstyles

Scarlet Fever

Undoubtedly the shade of the season, fiery strands are this year’s ultimate style statement. Though red dyes are the fastest to fade (the molecular size of artificial rosy particles is larger than that of any other hair color”>, this crop of cherry tints is well-worth a little extra maintenance. Our fave glaze? Alyson Hannigan’s blue-based, garnet shade with strawberry-blonde highlights.

A more wearable version of the pastel pink trend (think Ellie Goulding’s locks”>, Jayma Mays’ subtle base gets flirt-appeal with semi-chunky sections of blush-blonde.

An easy way to play up natural cropped curls? Bleach the tips to mimic Viola Davis’ red-hot rust shade from the Oscars.

Sexy Sables

Out of all the hair colors, brunette beauties certainly have the most room to play with dyes and chromatic details. After all, dark strands are also ideal for camouflaging foiled (and at-home”> blunders. As you consider your next shade switch (nay, shade enhancement”>, take a peek at how these screen sirens have customized their inky manes. We’re currently crushing on Jordana Brewster’s ebony-to-illuminated tresses.

A veil of golden highlights draws attention to Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Party-ready smile.

Sandra Oh makes her dark locks look longer with subtle, shoulder-skimming touches of medium-brown highlights.

Read More: Lust List: Hair Accessories

Are you up for adding fresh splash of color to your curls this summer?

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Summertime Beach Waves

On Trend: Bobs and Cropped Haircuts

By Lauren Levinson · Published May 31, 2012

As the mercury rises, you might start to consider a chin-skimming, neck-baring bob or a closely cropped cut. Take your cues from the A-lister’s featured here, and find a silhouette that complements your face frame, not one that competes with it.

Ashley Judd

The added dimension of Ashley’s sweet, ear-framing curls draw attention to her eyes and the apples of her cheeks. Use blush and eye highlighters to play up this effect.

Tina Majorino

Former “Veronica Mars” star Tina Majorino wear her tresses in stay-put twists.

Charlize Theron

Beachy waves and sandy, sculpted makeup soften squarer face frames like Charlize Theron’s.

Vanessa Hudgens

If you’re growing out your cut, follow Vanessa’s lead and use sculpting pomade to experiment with different slicked-back styles.

Milla Jovovich

Women with more prominent chins and slender mugs like the beautiful Milla Jovovich should try a cropped cut that hits below the ear to add width to their face frame.

January Jones

For black-tie events, try January’s current signature look of softly-coiled, retro-inspired sections. Just remember to wind your hair away from your face as you use a one-inch curling iron to avoid any 1980s perm flashbacks.

Read More: Summer’s Best, New Hair Colors

Kathleen Robertson

Robertson ups the glam factor of her shorter style by curling her asymmetrical chin-length section and rocking a bold red lip.

Tilda Swinton

Women with more angular cheekbones like Tilda Swinton can play with volumized hair bases to soften their look.

Morena Baccarin

A sky-high styling means that dainty TV star Morena Baccarin gets a vertical boost. Manicured arches also help to anchor stronger statement looks like this one.

Read More: 33 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

Ginnifer Goodwin

Women with wider faces like Ginnifer can experiment with finger-wave bangs to emphasize prominent cheekbones without making their mugs look fuller.

Jane Fonda

If you crave thicker strands, do as Jane Fonda does, and use a combination of highlights and lowlights to add extra depth to structured layers.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood manages her short strands by twisting sections of alternating width and securing them with open-ended bobby pins.

Wavy Celebrity Bed Head Hairstyles

By Lauren Levinson · Published May 17, 2012

Sometimes, the best hairstyles are the ones that looked like you didn’t even try. See how these stars wear these tousled, wavy looks.

Chloe Sevigny

Known for her extravagant style statements, Chloe goes bold with a bright red lip and casual chic ensemble. Her easy, wavy bed-head bob keeps her looking fashionable yet laid-back.

Hilary Duff

A bun in the oven isn’t stopping Hilary from being one hot mama! Hil goes glam with her prettily tousled golden waves.

Michelle Monaghan

The “Mission Impossible” beauty sports tumbled waves and side swept bangs alongside her rosy cheeks and cat eyes for a sensual, come-hither red carpet look.

Read More: 33 Gorgeous Short Haircuts

Rihanna

Forgot to set your alarm last night? Rihanna sports a super quick and easy style by slicking back her hair into a tight pony and letting her curls fly!

Cameron Diaz

Cameron departs from her usual straight, chin-length bob, for a more ruffled ‘do. We love that she opted for bed-head coils to showcase her sculpted arms and delicate collarbone.

Rachel Zoe

Could bed head get any fiercer? Fashionista, Rachel Zoe strikes a modelesque pose in a crocheted top, topped off with the perfect amount of billowy, blonde locks.

Read More: 33 New Ways to Braid Your Hair

Marisa Miller

Rocker-chic is no longer just for celebrities! Get Marisa’s waves by using a flatiron to curl your second day hair in random sections allover for an edgy ‘do.

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller looks extra flirty on the red carpet while wearing a subtle red lip with a lazily raked back wavy updo.

Eva Mendes

The gorgeous Pantene Pro-V spokeswoman shows off her healthy and luscious tumbled waves. A side-swept part and caramel hue are the perfect pair for this beauty.

Brooklyn Decker

This bombshell knows how to sport beachy, blonde waves effortlessly. We give Brooklyn Decker an A plus for her chic cropped cut and voluminous roots.

Drew Barrymore

We love how Barrymore puts an edgy spin on this disheveled ‘do with long, wavy layers and a multidimensional auburn hue.

Rachel Bilson

What better way to rock dirty strands than with a stylish hat? Rachel Bilson’s easy waves serve as the perfect partner to her trendy topper while out on the town.

Read More: Top 3 Homemade Hair Mask Recipes

Reese Witherspoon

Our favorite girl-next-door actress knows how to rock the red carpet with ease. We’re sure Reese is making all of her exes envious while sporting sultry, textured locks tucked loosely behind her ear.

Elizabeth Olsen

The newest Olsen to make a film debut takes a cue from her big sisters by pairing easy going waves with a cozy scarf and sweater combo, perfect for any fall or winter day.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn sports a sultry half-up, half-down wavy ‘do. Her stylishly tousled hair is ideal for her glitzy red-carpet gown.

Pippa Middleton

Bed head got your strands feeling limp? Pippa goes from flat to volume by an effortless flip of her part giving her hair some extra ‘umph!

Jessica Biel

Jessica gets red carpet ready in a flash by taking loose waves and sweeping them back into a low slung pony tail, while allowing her face-framing strands to stand alone. An easy style that can go from day to night.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson puts her spin on bed head strands by brushing out overnight braided locks. The extra volume gives her hair depth, making a stylish and playful statement.

Read More: Help Christina Get a Curly Haircut

Kate Bosworth

In a time crunch? Start with a center part like Kate’s, and use a curling iron to loosely wrap your face framing strands on both the left and right side for a quick and chic lazy girl hair do.

Miranda Cosgrove

Next time you find yourself reaching for the flatiron, grab your hairspray instead! Miranda Cosgrove embraces her flyaways by sweeping her bangs to one side and allowing her curls to spill over her shoulder.

Zoe Saldana

Take a note from Zoe by twisting your second-day tresses and pulling them into a low bun. Finish with face-framing flyaways to get a girl-next-door feel.

Read More: My Renewed Love Affair with Mousse

Dirty Hair Styles for Waves and Curls

By Lauren Levinson · Published May 3, 2012

A long-haired model at the Richard Chai spring runway show.

We curlies and wavies don’t always wash our hair everyday, but we still want to get fabulous second, third-day hair. What’s the trick to getting your hair to look great even when it’s not freshly washed? Styling it right! Here are some hairstyles that you can adapt for your curly or wavy, long, medium or short hair to wear over a three-day weekend.

Day 1: Long Hair

When heading into a stretch where your normal shower routine will be disrupted (hello, camping trip!”>, don’t weigh your hair down with lots of heavy styling products. Instead, enhance its natural movement by air-drying your strands and wearing them down and wavy, like the models at the Richard Chai spring runway show.

Tip: To avoid next-day tangles, and infuse a little extra body, Jill Guzzo, a hairstylist at Manhattan’s Butterfly Studio Salon, suggests sleeping with your hair in a loose bun at the top of your head to give your waves extra staying-power.

Works best for: Wavy Type 2

Read More: 15 City-Girl Necessities

Day 2: Long Hair

A glammed up ponytail will work wonders on greasy hair, whether it’s game night or date night. Pre-style and use dry shampoo on the roots near your hairline to soak up any oil and give your hair some volume.

Tip: To get a full, bouncy ‘do, like Michelle’s, hide your elastic with a small section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and use a curling iron to add oomph to the length of your hair.