A High Ponytail For Long Hair: Maximum Impact With Minimal Styling

The high ponytail, one of the signature looks of the nineties, is back. Popping up in pop culture, it has taken over the runways of the world's most famous designers. Let's take a look at this super-graphic must-have style for long hair!

The most minimalist of all XXL hairstyles

The high ponytail might look simple, but don't be fooled. This is not the scruffy version we wore as kids. Today, the high ponytail is slicked back from the brow (even wet-looking) and super smooth behind. It's a chic version of the look that was the nineties pop stars' go-to do. Its appearance on Dior's spring/summer catwalk was proof that is back and in a big way!

The secret of the high ponytail: thick long hair

According to Delphine Courteille, hairstylist at L'Oréal Professionnel, this style requires as much length, as thickness. Otherwise, the contrast between the slicked-down front section and the smooth volume at the back will lack balance. There is good news, though – it's a universal style: 'All hair colours can wear it, and round-shaped faces have nothing to fear from it.'

A minimalistic hairstyle with a lot of variations!

This 'simple and effective' high ponytail has many advantages: you can play around with textures, colours, and even accessories. Want a wet-look effect at the front? Why not! And why not try dip-dye and ombré hair colorations, creating the very on-trend two-tone effect. Of course, you could also experiment with hair jewellery, a popular choice with both today's pop stars and backstage haute-couture hair stylists!

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

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  

5 STREET STYLE-INSPIRED OFFICE UP-DOS

Go from the boardwalk to the boardroom with a street-style inspired up-do. We've scoured the pavement to find five easy looks that are perfect for the work day.

The chic chignon

The chignon has always been an office wear staple, but this street-style take on the look is a little more tousled. Perched high on top of the head, this chignon keeps your hair out of the way as you work, while also flattering a long and elegant neckline.

The slick bun

 A slick bun is another office favourite for its workplace practicality. However this sleek and smart bun is placed a little lower down for a more refined finish. To create the look, simply start with a ponytail and then twist the tail into a bun shape. Finish with a touch of L'Oréal Professionnel Infinium Pure hairspray to set the style and smooth down any flyaways.

The clipped knot

Need to focus on the task at hand without worrying about what your hair is doing? Then this clipped knot is the style for you. The little knot sits low at the nape of the neck and is held together securely by either a clip or a clasp. This no-nonsense look is perfect for everyday wear – or you can jazz it up by adding in some oversized accessories.

The loose tail

Ponytails have an unjustified reputation for being boring, but this loose interpretation has a relaxed and feminine feel. This hairstyle tames your mane, while still having a soft face framing finish. For a bit of extra oomph try backcombing and applying L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Volume Master before creating the pony.

The high flicked bun

Take a high ponytail, fold it over and voila, you've got yourself a high flicked bun! This quick'n'easy hairstyle is perfect for mornings when you've got very little time to get ready and need to look your best. Healthy hair is a must with this look so be sure to use a L'Oréal Professionnel hair care range suited to your current hair condition.

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

STRANDLIGHTS ARE THE MOST NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS YOU'VE EVER SEEN

Major changes aren't always big-ticket changes. Subtlety goes a long way, as these photos show. Before things looked good, but after ... wow! That is the subdued beauty of hair contouring.

Depth through tones

The artistry involved in hair contouring makes you into the masterpiece. Dark tones create shadows, and these visually reduce the length of the face and make it appear narrower, while lighter tones, which reflect the light, create the look of an elongated face. It's all about balance, creating the optical illusion of a more oval, more symmetrical shape.

Accentuate the positives

We've all learnt (or at least practiced!) how to mix and blend makeup to enhance our cheekbones and make our eyes shimmer. Before and after photos are always inspiring. And sometimes they're a little like a game of 'spot-the-difference' – we can see the change, but not always immediately know how it happened! Through tailor made colour techniques the "after" results of hair contouring are incredible, but still look natural, and are specifically created for each person.

Bespoke style

The individual approach that hair contouring demands is one of its strongest advantages. Your hair stylist works with you to identify the shape of your face and how to enhance your best features ... then through precisely applied colour and highlights, they frame your face to create your new look. The before and after won't be a shock, your friends will still recognise you – but Hair Contouring will be your best kept beauty secret. It's been the beauty go-to of the stars for a long time, and now you can experience Hair Contouring at exclusive L'Oréal Professionnel salons for yourself.

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