The girl on fire..

 

Happy New Year!!

 

The hair up award for 2015 has got to go to J-Law! This is a lady that knows what suits her, (or at least her hairdresser does).

Although she always kept it simple, no one can deny she got it right.

Tweeking the low messy bun each time meant she never looked the same but each time, equally flawless.

 

So how can you achieve this at home?

 

 

Even if you have a fringe, sweeping or full, keep it simple.

 Loosely curl your hair, tie in a low side pony tail,  use your hand like a claw to hold your hair in the ‘bun’ shape and pin using kirby grips where your fingers are.

 

 

 

 

 If you are feeling really adventurous, why not add a braid?

 

BIG TIP: Don’t try too hard!

 

Becky xo

 

How to DIY BUN

How to DIY BUN

Buns are an easy, versatile way of putting your hair up whether its for during the day, dressing up, casual or sophisticated! Although there are simple ways of achieving this look alot of people don't know where to start. So here are some tips how to do them yourself at home!

Bun with braid

1. Starting with wide sections at the front loosely french plait the top of the hair, securing at the crown.

2. With the rest of the hair lift up into a high ponytail.

3. Backcombing the hair in the ponytail, not worrying too much about being neat pick it up and place it around the hairband to create a bun, securing it in place with pins.

4. When you've done this, slightly pull apart the hair in the bun to give it the undone finish. Spray with a light hairspray.

Volumised messy bun

1. Backcomb the entire crown area to creat volume and lift!

2. Using a wand or straighteners loosely curl the hair to create movement.

3. Pin the backcombed section back not worrying about being too neat.

4. With the remainder of the hair split into bout 3 sections depending on the thickness. With each section wrap up and pin in place to create a tousled messy low bun.

Dutch Braids in low bun

1. Taking very large sections to create the braid, do one down either side of the head, leaving out hair at the front for your parting.

2. At the bottom combine the two plaits together and tuck underneath and pin in place.

3. Gently pull the hair out to create softness.

4. Spray!













Doughnut bun

This one is really easy yet effective!

1. Bring all the hair back into a ponytail quite high on top of the head.

2. If your hair isn't overly thick you can use a bun ring to help fill it out.

3. Place the hair through the bun ring and back comb into sections. This will allow the hair to be easily placed over the ring covering all sections.

4. Again don't worry about it being too neat!

5. At the front you can let a few strands of hair fall down round the face to soften this look!

 Top knot

1. Simply pull back all your hair into a hairband quite high up.

2. Twist the hair around making a simple knot.

3. This can be as messy or tight as you like.

4. Grip into place and spray!










See you soon. :)

Gemma

Check out our website www.westwoodhair.com

Colour Trends 2015 - Baby lights

Upgrade of ombre, new Baby Lights!

Babylights! - The popular new hair colour trend is becoming more au-natural. Babylights, or natural-looking highlights, that mimic the sun-kissed tones your hair took on as a child, have been gaining popularity among both beauty buffs and Hollywood celebs for their ability to enhance your own natural hue without veering too far off the spectrum or looking too "done."

Babylights are definitely a more requested look this summer. The majority of your colour should still be your natural colour, only adding delicate accents to create the look. In addition to the low-maintenance upkeep, it's great how a few of the well-placed babylights can make your existing style look healthier and more dynamic.

To create the look, there are three areas we focus on: Your hairline, natural parting, and the ends of the hair. The highlights should be baby-fine around the hairline and in the crown - this is where the sun would naturally lighten your hair if you were on holidays or out in the sun, then with a soft graduation of colour that is two or three shades lighter at the ends. Rather than ombre's two-toned contrast in colour, the overall appearance is more natural, as if you spent a little extra time in the sun. 

Professional hand-painted colour or "free hand", known as balayage, allows for more control over placement and helps unrealistic root-to-tip stripes of colour. This should be able to accentuate your cut, taking into account how you style it every day.

Just because they're an enhancement of your own tone, doesn't mean you can skip on the after-care, swap your current shampoo and conditioner for colour-safe versions such as our Aveda Colour Conserve shampoo and conditioner which will help it healthy and glowing!

Gemma :)

Summer 2015 Brides!

After looking at the recent hair catwalks, summer 2015 will see a return of soft bohemian braids as seen at Oscar de la Renta runway. 
A classic twist on the fishtail or French plait as seen at Michael Kors is also set to be popular this season, taking braids loosely down the back of the hair for a relaxed look.

Similar to last season is a softer take on the tightly pinned up do, with hair left looser and more texturised, while the girls that walked at Galia Lahav this season wore their hair in Hollywood waves with a low centre parting, for a glamorous vintage style. This voluminous look gives the appearance of thick hair and is a neat style that lasts all day!

What is predicted?

Fishtail Brides!

As much as plaits have been popular the last few seasons, they are still in high demand as there are so many variations. As alot of brides are looking for loose and natural, the fishtail plait is perfect for this as you can have it as loose as you wish by gently pulling it apart, making it bigger and looser. The undone look of the fishtail style is simple yet effective.












Looser French Roll

The French Roll is a classic style that most people consider as being quite structured and set. This is a twist on the timeless style, making it less structured and more tousled allowing strands of hair to come undone. Creating natural volume at the crown prevents it looking to flat.













Looser Vintage Waves

Keeping with the looser versions of styles we have seen in the past, vintage waves often appear to be quite sleek and untouched looking but again this is a softer take on this style. A low parting softly swept back keeps it elegant while the undone and disheveled look gives it a much softer vintage feel.










Loose wavy upstyle

As opposed to the traditional tightly pinned back upstyle this allows more hair to hang free and actually flatters the face more, than being too pulled back or structured which can sometimes look too harsh or severe. Adding a hair piece to complement the hair style creates the finishing touch.












The down do

This is another timeless look for those who are wanting to keep their hair down on their wedding day. In previous times, people felt the need to have to have their hair up for their wedding day as opposed to actually having their hair in a style they feel comfortable and confident in. Now a days you can have your hair whichever way you wish, so if you're more of a down haired girl then a style like this would be perfect! Loose waves and a side parting with a little bit behind the ear makes it look pretty and flowing.







What do you think of these looser styles compared to the structured styles?
Visit our website at Westwood Hairdressing
http://www.westwoodhair.co.uk/


Gemma :)

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.











Visit our Website! http://www.westwoodhair.co.uk/

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/