What are todays upgrades of Ombre?

What will we be seeing on the Catwalks for Spring 2015?

Today’s ombre tends to appear more natural, being less drastic than it has been in previous seasons. Now the colour choice for the ends are normally 2 to 3 shades lighter, not as contrasting as before. Brunettes look especially flattering in so called sombré looks with less drastic change of color, such as medium brown and honey hues blended with dark brown roots. Blondes with cool skin undertones really suit natural beige fading into icy blonds up to almost silvery shades.

Ladies with cooler skin undertones, with medium brown hair colour, may decide on icy brown and cool chestnuts through the ends. Redheads with warm skin tones look great with peachy and golden ombre shades.

Still popular is the bold ombre of very dark colours flowing into very blonde ends. There will always be people who want more contrasting shades for their hair and this is the great thing about this look as no person will have the exact same as it is personalised to your taste.

Here are some examples.

Sometimes people feel like their medium brown hair can look boring but it can be easily livened up with auburn highlights melting into very light brown and pale blonde.

There are loads of girls with cool skin undertones and mousey-brown natural hair  who always wish for it to look brighter. This is an idea to consider as it keeps your natural colour on top but flows down into icy cool hues of blonde rather than anything too golden or warm.

Bright and warm hair colors always have an extra chic look. This dark brown into caramel ombre is not only very appealing to the eyes, it lightens up the face which works in harmony with its natural undertone.

Ombre that features lightening pieces of the hair for a "sunkissed" look blended your natural colour always looks very classy and in style. Keeping a few of these tones higher up and close to the parting at the front helps to frame and flatter the face. This is where the sun would naturally touch the hair and create sunkissed tones.

This is the famous look of Rihanna from the 2014 Grammy Awards.
Soft hues of melted chocolate blending nicely into honeys and peachy caramels works wonders for this skintone. Adding just a few shades lighter through the ends creates a subtle and low maintenance style that can be flattering for all hair types.

Subtle hints of light smudged through the front creates a delicate brightness that enhances rather than changes this hair colour. Easy to maintain this colour suits naturally fair hair.

People who like the look of contrasting shades rather than subtlety can opt for dark chocolate roots blended into very light ends for a striking and bold colour. This looks great on any length of hair. Ombre isn't just for long locks!

So how do you create lovely tousled shaken out waves?
Here's a couple of tips how to do it yourself!

Boho Waves
Waves like these are still hot on trend! Carefree, barely there waves are preferred over anything looking too set. To create this look there are a few ways to achieve it. 

1) Blowdry using large brushes or rollers to create body and movement. Shake hands through or add a bit of backcombing into the root to ruffle it out. Don't forget to use the appropriate styling products that will hold it in place!

2) Taking large sections, using either a wand or curling irons, create large barrel curls. Depending on the size and looseness of the curls take smaller or bigger sections. 
Using either your fingers or a soft bristled brush, dress out the waves to remove any lines and to prevent it looking too structured.
Brushable hairspray to finish. Try to refrain from using too strong of a hairdsray as this style needs to be able to move and stay soft and tousled.











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Thanks for reading, see you soon!

Gemma :)

Christmas wedding hair 2014

Winter Weddings

Rich colours, roaring log fires and hopefully a sprinkling of snow. Winter weddings are magical and romantic!

What hair styles work really well at this time of year for brides?
How do you make the most of the time you have before your wedding to make your hair look and feel it's very best?

Once you’ve decided which bridal hairstyle is The One, it’s important to take care of your hair. Winter can be harsh on hair so it’s vital you love your locks from the inside out. Follow these rules to ensure your hair is gorgeous and healthy for the big day…

Drink up!

It’s important to drink plenty of water (aim 6-8 glasses a day) to ensure your hair is strong and healthy. It’ll help your skin too – no-one wants a flaky scalp on their wedding day!

Eat well

Don’t forget to eat healthily. Many brides are conscious of looking fabulous on their wedding day and some try to eat less, but for a beautiful glow and glossy locks it’s important to eat well and not starve yourself. Choose lean meat and eat as much veg and nuts as you can.

A helping hand

If you have thin hair that is prone to breaking consider taking supplements before your wedding. Calcium, zinc and cod liver oil are all great and will help hair growth and increase shine.

Condition, condition, condition!

In the lead to your wedding it’s even more important to condition after washing and to apply a hair mask once a week to really give  your hair that added moisturising. 

Have regular trims

brides tend to want to keep their hair as long as possible for their wedding to enable them to have more hair to put up or curl. Because of this some people hold off getting their hair trimmed as regularly but it is just as important if not more to keep any split ends at bay and by having trims every 6-8 weeks this not only keeps your hair in its best condition it also encourages the hair to grow.  Don't refrain from having your hair cut thinking it is better not to! 

Winter Trends for Brides

So once you have your hair in optimum condition what way will you style it?

Here are a few styles that are popular this year.

Loose and flowing is still very much popular as the year goes on. Following on from Summer styles into winter we are still seeing alot of natural soft upstyles. 

This style is feminine and pretty, incorporating a large hair hairband plait with undone curls loosely pinned up, finished with individual flowers on pins.

Hair pieces like this one are lovely in winter as the clear crystals replicate ice or snow and give it a real pretty wintery feel. 

Volume at the crown with long waves placed up high and falling into a loose plait. 

As you can see, similar to last year, plaits are still very much big on trend for brides.

Here we have two french plaits from the parting on the side swept into a wavy chignon. This style is sophisticated and elegant. The fascinator works well with the wintery theme using sparkle and white feathers!

Something as simple as a twisted horizontal roll can be very effective. If your hair has different tones in it it looks really nice with this style as the colours filter through.

Having your hair all up is a good idea if you have a detailed back on your dress, you want to show this off!

If you have an open back dress its good to go for a style like this in which it has the feeling of being up from the front but the hair is tousled down the back. This would be a good idea for someone who doesn't like having all their hair up as it is still swept back from their face. Fascinators or clips with pieces are always a beautiful way to finish of bridal hair.

We at Westwood Hairdressing would like to wish all our clients a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

To book in for any last minute Christmas Appointments book online at http://www.westwoodhair.co.uk/

Autumn Trends for your hair!

Autumn is just around the corner! So what way will you be wearing you hair as the season changes? Here are some the the trends that we will be seeing as the weather gets cooler!

Fringes!

Full sixties fringes were on show on the catwalk for this upcoming season. Bold, choppy and sweeping for a statement look. The good news is almost all of them were fake so if you want to try out a new fringe you don't necessarily need to get the scissors out! You can buy clip in fringes if you are a bit wary of changing your hair in this way, or you fancy a bit of a change from day to day. 

Cutting in a peek-a-boo fringe, which tends to be quite long is a good idea if you don't want to go too short as you can wear it full, sweeping or parted in the middle for a softer look than a full blunt fringe.

Having a bold sweeping side fringe for that softer look can also be done "faux!" Why not start a collection of different fringes, that way you can play around with them with different up do's and down do's, classy or casual. 

If you think Ombre may fade away think again, on the catwalk we have seen loads of strong ombre effects in a palette of different colours. Rather than the "dip-dye" look we saw previously, ombre is all about soft, weaved colours, multi-tones that look blended rather than "solid." It's all about the melted effect here!

Soft caramels, honey blondes and beige browns are used in this ombre effect. It looks sunkissed but with depth and is great because it's low maintenance. 

This ombre style is also great for Autumn as you can play around with different tones to create a colour that suits you. Red's and coppers are great to experiment with for this season. Soft and striking!

Blunt cuts

Whether you are wearing you hair straight and long or shorter and choppy, blunt cuts have been taking off for this upcoming season.

Cutting your locks more blunt rather than defined and graduated at the back, creates a sharper edgy look that is thick and full of life. For shorter hair a choppy blunt bob will definitely take over the "pobs" that have been around for a long time. Tousled and roughed up looks great this year!

For those of you who like your hair a bit more sleek and glam then this cut will work well too! 

Volume!

At the catwalks by Marc Jacobs, big volumised looks were created through setting of pin curls, left to cool then brushed out and backcombed with plenty of spray!

The top part was left out of the pin curls, to give it a 40's feel. I love this look because its big, it's bouncy and tousled without looking too set. Great for day or evening!

For more of a day time look, ripple waves look so good! You can achieve this by using a wand on large sections of hair or using a curling tong. Shaking it out using your fingers gives a really natural tousled look that will last.

See you soon! Gemma :)

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How to have beautiful summer hair.

Want beautiful summer hair?

Before you can have beautiful hair it has to be healthy! So here is some advice to keep your hair in tip top condition, looking shiny, healthy and gorgeous for this summer weather.

1)If you are going on holiday this summer, protection from the heat is vital! Use a sun protector and use a shampoo and conditioner that has sun screen in it. Effects of direct sun rays on hair can be harsh. Exposing your hair for even 10 minutes can produce 70-80 degrees Celsius heat and this can crack your cuticle. It can do harm, suck out moisture and can even burn your scalp so remember this when your laying out or on holidays! Aveda sun veil is perfect. We also recommend our after sun mask, just like your skin needs aftersun help, so does your hair. Come in and ask to see our "Summer Rescue Kit"

2) Use the heat of the summer to your hair’s advantage! While you’re at the beach or poolside, treat your hair to a deep-conditioning mask such as Aveda's Damage Remedy Restructuring Treatment. Then comb your hair into a bun and let the product go to work while you relax. This trick can protect your hair from salt or chlorinated water and give you an extra boost of softness and shine.

Just as your body needs water to survive, your hair must replenish its moisture to stay healthy. "Conditioner for hair is like water for the body, you're always going to need it."

3) Wash your hair with lukewarm water. Water temperature should neither be too hot nor too cold, it should be balanced.

4) Have regular trims! This is really important all year round but especially while your hair is exposed to alot sun or heat. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks will help keep split ends at bay, prevent further breakage or damage and will keep your hair looking perfect from root to tip.

5) Let your hair dry naturally if you can. If you are lucky enough to have a natural wave, kink or curl in your hair, leaving your hair to dry naturally will give it a break from all the heat styling, allowing the moisture to stay in your hair longer. This results in shinier healthy hair. Wavy, scrunched beach hair looks beautiful in summer, so grab a product that will work your curl, like our "Be Curly" enhancing cream or scrunch in the lightweight liquid "Confixor" to make the best of your air-dred style. 

6) A well-balanced diet is the key to keeping your hair healthy and strong. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, nuts, brown rice, beans and pulses to have those healthy and lustrous tresses. Also, drink plenty of water. 

Follow this advice and you'll have the health in your hair to keep it looking gorgeous!

Keep enjoying the sun :) Gemma x

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Time for Prom continued..

Here are a few examples of on trend Prom hair to give you some ideas! What will you choose?

This is a nice example of large curls loosely pinned up into a tousled upstyle. Letting a few strands fall down round the face softens the look and keeps it from looking too structured. It's all about the dishevelled look this year! Adding a pretty clip or piece adds a little bit extra to dress it up.

Plaits are still in! As there are so many different kinds of plaits and ways to incorporate them into a hairstyle they will always be timeless. In this hairstyle on the smaller side of the parting the hair has been brought into an inside out plait. By creating the plait inside out it prevents the plait looking too small or too flat to the scalp. This can then be pinned under loose flowing curls brought round to the side.













This is a lovely example of a soft, sweeping a loose updo. Messy and playful yet pretty this will flatter any style. A deep parting gives it elegance.  

If you want something a little neater then this twisted up do is perfect. By creating volume at the front and crown lifts your face. You can achieve the back by either french plaiting the hair and twisting it around itself to pin it in, or after curling the ends placing each section twisting around the other sections into a chignon or knot. 















Ponytails are very in fashion at the moment for this season, as they were last year. A deep sweeping side fringe creates a statement at the front. Backcombing the crown to create a lot of height on top creates glamour without being overstated. Finally sweep the rest of the hair into a loose back or side pony. Simple yet effective!














Taylor Swift always has the perfect tumbling curls. Leaving the front bits down and curly makes it soft and pretty, great for anyone who normally doesn't wear their hair up and may feel a bit severe with it all back. Softly placed i the back, never having anything too structured is definitely a must.















Again similar, Jessica Alba has a similar soft look going on. This time brought into a messy bun. If you are deciding on a messy bun you can place them either at the back, side or even on top of your head. Keeping it balanced but undone is a flattering look with any dress.

If you wish to wear your hair down for your prom think, big bouncy and flicky. Loads of movement and body! You can achieve this style a few ways; either a pinned blow-dry in which each section is pinned into a barrel curl as it is blow dried. When left to set for a few minutes and taken out this is the result! If you find your hair very straight naturally finishing the ends with a curling tong or Ghds will hold it in place! 











Check out my full profile at: http://www.westwoodhair.co.uk/meet-the-team/gemma-principal-stylist

Prom offer: Hair up, only £25! See you soon, Gems :) x

Almost time for Prom!

Come to Westwood hairdressing for a fantastic hairstyle for Prom. After a high demand last year, book in advance to avoid disappointment! For all you lovely girls, I’m doing a great offer of £25 saving you £13.

No matter whether you have a specific theme or style, you will look fantastic and stand out from the crowd! Bring pictures with you if you wish or have a look at my photo book here in the salon of previous styles I have done.

It might be a good idea to have a trial previous to your prom to decide what way you wish to wear your hair. For this period only I am doing Prom trials for only £10. This can be a good idea as you can try out different styles, play around with different looks and you can also go home and try it on with your dress and see how you feel.

Allow no limits on your prom hairstyle choices! Everything pretty goes from romantic chignons to glamourous wavy bobs to beach waves with braids or fish tail plaits. There are many ways to wear plaits, so play around with different braids and plaits and create your unique style.

3 Rules for Selecting a Prom Hairstyle!

Rule No.1: Choose the dress first. Your hair should complement your dress, not compete with it.

Rules No.2: Consider your personality. You want to be comfortable at the prom, which means that you want to look like the best version of yourself.

Rule No.3: Work with your hair texture, don't fight it! Curly hair can look amazing either up or down. Straight hair can be curled into waves or pinned up into tousled up styles. Wavy hair can be either straightened or curled and is the perfect texture for half up-half down do's.

Tips for your prom hair

1. Wash your hair the day before your prom. Hair goes up best when its not freshly washed. This will allow your hair to hold better and give it more grip when using grip or pins.

2. Make sure to wear a button up top or a top that will stretch easily over your head. You don’t want to be stuck in a tight situation when it comes to your removing your top over your head to put your prom dress on! 

3. Make sure you leave enough time for you to get to your prom. You don’t want to have to rush after you have had your hair done, so always allow plenty of time to do everything on the day.

See you soon! Gemma. :)