Sideswept hair: Curtain bangs redux

Remember when curtains bangs à la Brigitte Bardot were top of the trends when it came to hairstyles? If however, like us, you weren't around for the 60s parted-fringe sensation, now's your chance to hop on the bangs bus and try out the retro take on sideswept hair with a chic pair of curtains!

Left, right or bang in the middle?

Ever fuss over whether to style your hair to the left or right, and which is your "good" side? Well, now you can forget all that, as curtain bangs offer a balanced solution – right down the middle. But instead of giving you a rather strict centre part, the subtle curve of the bangs is just as flattering as a side-swept style, without having to pick sides and (we won't tell if you won't) without you even needing real bangs in the first place...

The key to the look? It's all about forward thinking.

How to style curtain bangs

Celebrities like Bardot (and her modern-day counterparts Alexa Chung and Hailey Baldwin) committed to the curtain bangs by getting their hair cut so that the shortest part of the fringe fell right at the center of the face, tapering down in length to form an inverted V shape. But even those who don't want to snip can work the faux curtain version. Here's how:

Step one.

Wash and condition hair with smoothing products to prevent frizz. The offers a variety of smoothing formulae for different hair types and concerns.

Step two.

Dry the front section of hair over your forehead. When half-dry, apply a small amount of from Dual Stylers.

Step three.

Comb the hair into two sections, separate at the centre, then finish drying using the concentrator nozzle on your blowdryer.

Step four.

Tuck the ends of the two sections behind your ears, allowing the lengths to drop slightly to form a curve. Close your eyes and finish with a spritz of , and secure the ends behind your ears with bobby pins if needed.

Now that's a hairstyle truly fit for a curtain call... Applause!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

Caramel blonde: the next delicious hair colour you should try

Peachy keen for a new hair colour? Caramel blonde is your next shade! Here's everything you need to know about the different ways to wear caramel blonde hair colour, and how to keep it looking sweet for longer.

What is caramel blonde hair colour?

Caramel blonde comes in a variety of shades. It can be light, bright and golden, or a darker, more autumnal shade. Think about the different grades of maple syrup, and you'll understand the variations of caramel blonde.

To create caramel blonde hair, it depends on what your base colour is. Usually, caramel is achieved by subtly adding different shades of blonde colour (not one all-over "caramel" shade). Combining different caramel colours is a great way to achieve a really personalised finish to flatter your complexion.

Your stylist will choose a colouring technique that best suits your desired look, face shape and skin tone: from strobing, strand lighting and ombré to balayage, highlights and lowlights. The last two options are the most popular colouring techniques when it comes to caramel blonde hair.

Caramel highlights for blonde hair

To turn naturally light blonde hair into a warmer caramel shade, your stylist will pick two-to-three shades of blonde that are darker than your natural colour, and sometimes even a lighter one to add more depth to the overall look. Sand, dark honey, golden beige and just the tiniest hint of strawberry undertones all contribute to creating a caramel blonde ensemble that looks healthy and natural.

Caramel highlights on brown hair

When it comes to turning brunette into a lighter shade of caramel, the technique isn't quite the same. If you want to lighten your hair by more than 5 levels, you'll have to take out the natural colour first, and then add the blonde caramel over the top. However, if your hair is a lighter shade of brown, it is possible to play with different warm blonde colours to achieve a darker caramel look.

Different varieties of caramel blonde hair

These are some of our favourite caramel creations.

1. Dark brown hair with subtle caramel highlights around the front sections.

2. Dark butterscotch/caramel can take a beachy, summery blonde into autumn-winter.

3. Slightly cool-toned caramel lowlights on the lengths and ends that give a glowing radiance to the face.

4. Long bronde waves can be given body and depth with infusions of caramel.

5. Naturally light, ashy blonde really warms up with caramel colours using strandlighting.

6. A dark brunette shade that transitions using balayage or ombré into a delicious caramel at the tips.

How to care for caramel blonde hair

Caramel blonde has warm undertones. However, whenever your pigments are on the warm side of the colour scale (red, orange, yellow), there's always a risk of brassiness. Brassy undertones (that unwanted orange tint you might recognise) can develop for multiple reasons: if the colour isn't properly applied; if you haven't used the right product; chemical reactions; sun exposure and so on. Luckily, there are ways to prevent your caramel blonde from turning brassy.

For blonde caramel hair, use the Ceramide Shine Blonde Shampoo by Serie Expert. Enriched with Ceraflash technology, it helps neutralise unwanted yellow tones and restores brightness. For brunettes with caramel highlights, the Vitamino Color A-OX conditioner is ideal. It gently washes the hair without stripping it of its colour or exposing any reddish undertones thanks to its paraben/silicone/sulfate-free formula.

Visit your stylist to learn what colours you're best suited to, and get a full hair diagnosis, then tuck in to a spoonful of delicious caramel blonde hair colour!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

The bob with a side-swept fringe

Not much effort is needed to change the appearance of your face. A classic bob with a straight fringe compared with one with a side parting and fringe are very different looks. But it's not a one-or-the-other decision: they both come from the same cut!

Swept to one side, a fringed bob brings softness

Contour some softness and curves into your clean-cut fringed bob. For this, the parting should be moved to one side, with the fringe sweeping to the opposite side. This creates the effect of a rounded bob, gracefully and subtly surrounding the face.

Length and body: the all-in-one bob

According to Denis Holbecq, hair stylist ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel, the side-swept bob is 'the right length to elongate a long face and give it some character, but also to balance out a triangular face'. Clearly no matter what the face shape, this cut brings a sophisticated shape to hair.

The side-swept fringed bob: a relaxed yet posh look!

This cut is a celebrity favourite. Not just for its relaxed yet chic appeal, but also for its easy maintenance. Perfect for today's hustle and bustle when a hair faux-pas is absolutely not on the agenda!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

Finger waves: 3 ways to wear this look

Ready to let your finger wave flag fly? Check out these three 'dos which will help you rock this look!

What are finger waves?

Finger waves are 'S' shaped waves that adorn a lot of retro hairstyles. They originally appeared in the 1920s, but have since re-emerged as a popular way to bring some Va Va Voom to a range of looks, for both short and long hair. The easiest way to achieve them is to comb a curling gel like in damp hair to encourage the natural texture of your locks. Once you've sculpted the hair into the signature S shapes with a comb or thick barrelled curling wand, use a strong hold spray like to lock that look into place.

Flowing Finger Waves

You don't need to have the traditional 1920s flapper bob to be able to rock finger waves. Those with longer locks can now sport this style, by leaving the waves to flow free and elegantly frame the face. Brush your hair through with a loose comb (or your fingers!) before spritzing with hair spray, to make sure the style doesn't look too strict. From here, the waves can easily be lightly pinned back into a half up or full updo, the possibilities are endless! Try experimenting with a centre or side part to change up this look.

Finger Wave Fringe

One large finger wave along your fringe is a fantastic way to showcase this style. Make sure you curl all your hair in the same direction so that when you collect the curls together in one big finger wave, every strand is going the same way. Alternatively, you can use a foam roller with pin curls to set the section you want to get your finger wave on.

Long Luscious Retro Waves

This longer look can be achieved with gel and fingers over the top of your head, finishing with a curling iron along the lengths. The larger the barrel of the curling iron, the larger the waves. Start with creating a deep side part in your hair before incorporating gel through the roots and lengths, and then carefully creating each wave, curling away from your face when you use your iron. Gently rake through the waves to gather them together, and try a wet look spray like to give your style a super shiny and high fashion finish.

If you are stuck for finger wave inspiration, head to your nearest L'Oréal Professionnel salon to let a stylist work their magic!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

How to recreate these preppy wet look finger waves

The 1920s were a decade full of fashion firsts and iconic hairstyles, of which perhaps the most well-known are the slick and shiny finger waves. With retro hairstyles as popular as ever, we take a look at how you can easily recreate the wet look finger waves at home, and give some vintage glamour to your look!

6 steps for wet look finger waves

You will need: shampoo, conditioner, comb, long bobby pins, wet look gel, hairspray.

Step 1. Wash your hair with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner such as those from the Liss Unlimited collection by Serie Expert. After rinsing, comb through your wet hair very gently to remove any tangles and make a centre part. Do not blow-dry.

Step 2. Separate a section of hair (roughly 3-5 cm wide) at the side of your head, by the hairline. Tie up the rest of the hair to keep it out of the way.

Step 2. Take a pea-sized amount of gel (or more if your hair is particularly thick/rebellious) and apply to the separated section. We recommend the . Make sure the gel covers all the section, from root to tip.

Step 3. Comb this section through and hold the ends straight with one hand. With the other, take your comb and position it in the hair, 2-3cm from the roots.

Step 4. Push the comb towards the center part so the hair naturally bends into a deep curve. Replace the comb with a long bobby pin to secure in place. Place the comb another 3cm further down the hair and repeat, with the bend forming in the opposite direction. Secure with another bobby pin.

Step 5. Repeat every 3cm until you reach the ear level, tucking any remaining hair behind your ear. Blow-dry the rest of your hair and tie into a loose messy bun.

Step 6. Once the rest of the hair is dry, carefully remove the bobby pins and use a high-shine hairspray like L'Oréal Professionnel's , a favourite for the catwalk, to secure your finger waves in place.

That's all there is to it. Shiny, wet look finger waves inspired by the 1920s!

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com

10 trendy hair colours you still need to try

Whether you prefer blonde, brunette, red or even a less natural shade, there's an option for you on our list of the top ten trendy hair colours you must try!

1. Cool ash brown

Perhaps one of the most trendy hair colours for brunettes, cool ash looks incredible on cool skin tones and light-coloured eyes. Keep any unwanted red undertones at bay with the for Brunettes. Alternate with your regular conditioner for healthy and shiny ash brown hair.

2. Beige hair

Cool sandy tones are the lighter equivalent of ash brown. Beige hair contains tones from the blue/green end of the colour spectrum, and is a particularly trendy hair colour for short hair. Keep beige from being boring with a stylish haircut: blunt bangs or layered lengths can lift your entire look.

3. Visible roots

Growing your hair out doesn't have to mean months of hat wearing to hide unsightly roots. In fact, the dark roots + light lengths look is actually a trendy hair colour combination all on its own these days! Because the focus is on the roots, don't let them get greasy. A dry hair shampoo will soak up any excess oils and give you a boost of volume.

4. Buttery blonde

A warm blonde that isn't yellowy, this creamy blonde shade will make you want to melt into its softness. Wear in shimmery long waves for a 1920s appeal.

5. Hair strobing

Update your look instantly with a few carefully-placed highlights using the "strobing" technique. Your stylist will use their expertise to place light sections exactly where the sun would hit. Put the winter months behind you with this ultra-flattering and subtle colour technique that looks as if you've spent some time on a sun-soaked beach.

6. Bronde

Hesitating between going blonde or brunette? Do both with bronde! It's not just a transitional shade, it's been one of the most trendy hair colour ideas this year. Bronde can be achieved either with an all-over dark sandy shade, or you can mix highlights and lowlights to give your hair depth and shine.

7. Auburn

There are different shades of auburn to suit your skin tone. It's up to you how much of the red you want to wear: from woody chestnut to dark ginger, it's all about rich natural shades. Red tones can look good on any skin colour, but talk with your stylist about whether you want cooler pink undertones or warm orange ones.

8. Rose gold

Rose gold, hands down one of the most trendy hair colours in 2018, can also exist in a brunette version with dark strawberry tones. If you don't want to go all-over strawberry however, a few subtle highlights of a dusky pink can really bring radiance to your complexion.

9. Copper

Truly shimmering metallic copper is an unforgettable colour. Keep your shine by using a serum or hair oil on the lengths and ends. We particularly love big copper curls!

10. Bright pink

You can't get a more trendy hair colour than shocking pink. Remember, to avoid your fresh colour fading or developing any brassy undertones, use a colour-protective shampoo and conditioner.

Article originally posted on: http://magazine.au.lorealprofessionnel.com