We all love that sudden boost of confidence when we strut out of the salon with a new haircut. Our hair is fresh and we look and feel great, but that feeling only happens once every couple of months. Unless you live with a hairstylist, your haircut can go from fab to drab very quickly. For those of us who cut their own hair, here are some tricks and tips from celebrity hairstylists that will keep our hair looking salon-worthy.

A great way to prolong that just-cut look is to analyze your lifestyle and what you can actually maintain. If routine cuts are affordable, experiment with more intricate cuts, such as bangs or blunt looks.

Edward Tricomi from the Warren-Tricomi Salon in NYC suggests a long and layered cut. He says it, “keeps its shape better than any other cut and looks like a longer version of the same style as it grows out.” For those that have shorter hair he suggests having the stylist cut “pointy cuts” all around the ends. This will give the hair softer edges so as it grows it will look like the original style. Any cut that is blunt or with shorter bangs will need routine trims and should be avoided if you do not have the time or money.

Split ends or breakage will definitely have you sitting in that chair every 6 weeks, so taking care of your hair is crucial. Brushes, blow-dryers and the wrong products can really kill a cut. Michael Angelo, founder and creative director of Wonderland Beauty Parlor, has worked with celebrities from Dita Von Teese to Beyoncé. He recommends that we budget a little more for our initial haircut. His philosophy is that, “a great haircut will last longer, grow out better and still be style-able after a few months.” Yes, it will cost a bit more but the long term savings will be worth it.

Some other advice he shares is to take good care of your hair. It is important to use the appropriate products, like conditioners, shampoos and even brushes, and to once in a while put the blow-dryer down. Jennifer Aniston’s hairstylist, Chris McMillan, says she often lets her hair air dry, this helps keep her cut looking great between visits.

One last tip that I find really helps is from Kevin Mancuso, creative director of Nexxus Salon Hair Care. He suggests that before you shampoo add some conditioner to the ends of the hair. This will help protect the ends from the “dehydrating effect[s] of the shampoo.” Doing this will keep the hair from becoming dry and causing split ends.

People often try and make a cut last forever, but the best advice I can share is Angelo’s: “As a haircut grows out it will begin to develop a new shape. Don’t try and make a haircut that is 3 months old look like it did 3 months ago. Style it for what it is, not what it was.” If you take care of your hair your original cut will transform into something new and beautiful as each day goes by.

- Yiannoula Choros

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RETRO STYLE

A TREND REPORT BY AURA FRIEDMAN, WELLA COLOR AMBASSADOR

“I loved the retro-styles 60’s styles that popped up on the red carpet this evening – very unexpected. It was both bad-ass and darling to see these girls bring these styles on to the red carpet.” – Wella Color Ambassador Aura Friedman

• Stars sporting this look included Nicole Richie, Zooey Deschanel, Frieda Pinto, Tina Fay and Michelle Williams (styled using Wella)

TIMELESS, PRETTY AND OVERTLY FEMININE

A TREND REPORT BY RICARDO ROJAS, CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST

“My favorite look tonight is one which is easily re-created, feminine and timeless. The dress can be such an influence on the starlet’s red carpet hairstyle, and this look is so complimentary to a statement-making dress.  – Celebrity Hair Stylist Ricardo Rojas

• Stars wearing this look tonight included Madonna (styled using Wella), Elle MacPherson, and Reese Witherspoon

EXPENSIVE YET EFFORTLESS

A TREND REPORT BY ALEXANDRA MATIZ, WELLA EDUCATOR AND TOP ARTIST

“An expensive yet effortless look that is full of movement and life – a perfect red carpet look for a woman of any age was prominent on tonight’s red carpet.” – Wella Educator and Top Artist Alexandra Matiz

• Stars wearing this look tonight included Jessica Biel, Shailene Woodley (styled using Wella) and Rooney Mara

We want to thank the team at Wella for capturing these hairstyle trends for us.

And check out our photo report on Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyle trends for short, medium and long hairstyles HERE!

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Minka Kelly

My absolute favorite style for new years is the ponytail.  This look is effortlessly chic with versatility so you can tailor it to your unique style.

Lauren Conrad

The ponytail can go from romantic with waves like Minka Kelly’s medium height curled ponytail or sleek with edge like Lauren Conrad’s low slung look. Both have the glamour for a big night out but the simplicity that lets your personality shine through.

Gucci Model

Another way to really add something special to the simplicity of the ponytail is to play with texture or placement.  On the runway, models at Gucci had a slicked back crown that was juxtaposed against a tail with a light frizz.

Nicole Richie

One of our favorite starlets, Nicole Richie, also spices up her ponytail by moving it to the side.  Both these styles give the classic look a modern update.

Kirsten Dunst

Another style that is simple to do, but carries loads of impact is the chignon.  This look can be done countless ways as seen on almost every celebrity.  Some of the best looks came from Kirstin Dunst.

Kirsten Dunst

She went from a simple chignon to one  that used braids and a headband to add instant glamour.  Similar to the side ponytail, the chignon can also be moved to the side to add a unique twist.

Penelope Cruz

Michelle Williams

Both Penelope Cruz and Michelle Williams show the versatility of the look by moving their chignon to the side and playing with different textures.  One look is sleek and the other has a few strategically placed face framing curls.

Chanel model

The best part about these two styles is that you can take both in their simplicity and truly add some sparkle.  Seen on the Chanel runway show the use of hair ornaments can go from a classic placement to ornate placement.

Chanel model

Although these two hairstyles are very different they both update a classic style by adding ornaments for some celebratory fun.

The holiday’s are beyond stressful so worrying about your hair is a stress one can do without.  These simple hairstyles give you fashionable ways to go from classic to glamorous and still have time to actually enjoy the New Year!

And check out our article on hairstyle accessories to help you ring in the new year, here.

- Yiannoula Choros

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I recently was asked to try the HANAair Professional hair dryer and I have to admit I was definitely excited about the proposition.  I had often wondered whether if I had a professional blow dryer, would my hair turn out like I had just left a salon.

Deanna with hair in natural state

The Italian designed hair dryer features 2 fan speeds, 3 heat settings, plus a cold shot button that when pushed shoots out cold air.    It uses ion technology that works to condition hair and reduce static electricity.  The dryer has a strong AC motor and its lined ceramic heater dries your hair up to 60% faster while keeping your hair looking shinier and healthier.   It also has a two year warranty and is considered to be the best blow dryer by numerous consumers.

Deanna after using her regular blow dryer

The hair dryer came in a nice black box and I barely could wait to tear it out of the box and see how well it actually worked.  I have thick wavy hair that is always a challenge to blow dry straight.  The dryer had a sleek black design, that fit great in my hand, and was comfortable to hold and not very heavy.  It had simple buttons to operate and I liked the extra feature that offered a cold burst of air that worked to set your hair for the final touch.

Deanna after using the Hana blow dryer

It took less time to blow dry my hair.  With a normal dryer it took me anywhere from 25-30 minutes to dry and with the Hana, the time was cut down to 15.  My hair definitely turned out with a professional look and feel.  My long locks definitely looked like I had just walked out of a chic salon.

Deanna after using the Hana blow dryer

The only difference was I got the satisfaction of knowing that I did it myself, with help from my new friend, Hana.  I definitely highly recommend this dryer and think it would also make a great gift for the holidays.

Deanna after using the Hana blow dryer

It typically retails for $314.99, but it is available now on sale for just $194.99.  And note that the Hana brand also sells several other high quality hair dryers and flat irons.

And check out our photo review of the hottest Fall and Winter hairstyles HERE.

- Deanna Perl

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These awards celebrate the achievement of women in the beauty and cosmetics industry. Every year, the honorees are selected by their peers who pick just a hand full of execs who have made significant achievements.

This years recipients are a great mix of of women who all have different “backstories” and paths to the top of their field.

The honorees include:

- Gina Boswell, Executive Vice President, Unilever Personal Care NA

- Lisa Hawkins, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Education & Events, North America Dior Beauty

- Leslie Marino, General Manager, Kerastase & Shu Uemura Art of Hair, L’Oreal USA

- Barbara Zinn Moore, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Cosmetics & Home, Lord    &  Taylor

- Ouidad, Founder, Ouidad

2011 CEW Achiever Award recipients: Ouidad, Leslie Marino, Barbara Zinn-Moore, Gina Boswell, Lisa Hawkins

One honoree particularly resonated with me because of her unique vision and creativity.  That would be none other than Ouidad who received The Great Idea Award.  She recognized that 70% of women have “textured” hair (with some degree of curl or weave pattern) and saw that that there were no hair care lines or treatments available to really care and maintain this hair type (given her natural corkscrew hair, this was truly personal as well).   With her eponymous hair care line and salon that opened 27 years ago, Ouidad is committed to addressing the unique needs of women with curly hair. In her acceptance speech, she told the audience that “women should embrace their curls”. Ouidad is a true pioneer and the undisputed “Queen of Curl”.

We congratulate Ouidad, Leslie, Barbara, Gina, and Lisa.  The world is a more beautiful place because of what you ladies accomplished.

- Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat

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Supercuts is the salon industry leader in the affordable hair care category, offering hair care to both men and women. With over 2,000 locations nationwide, Supercuts charges under $20 for a haircut that will not only make you feel stylish but will also leave money in your pockets for other things in life.

Over the years, Supercuts has gone from offering affordable haircuts to offering a full menu of additional high-end services. These services include blow dry/styling, beard/bang trim, supercolor, waxing, shampoo conditioning treatment, and a tea tree experience for just under $25.  Supercuts stylists are required to enroll in the Supercuts Hairstylists Academy which makes them some of the best stylists in the industry. They are constantly updating their skills and are always aware of the latest trends.

Supercuts carries a full line of professional hair care products including American Crew, Paul Mitchell, and Redken, and the staff is trained to offer expert advice to help you determine the best product for your hair type and style.

Supercuts is the best place to go to receive the look you want for the price you can afford.

Follow @Supercuts on Twitter and like Supercuts on Facebook for exclusive deals.

GIVEAWAY:

Supercuts is giving away a $10 gift card to 10 lucky readers!  Simply post a comment below telling us WHY you need a new haircut for Fall to enter.

Winners will be chosen on November 30th.  Good luck!

LAMB

And the winner of the:  Photo, Video Review: Fall-Winter 2011/2012 Hairstyle Trends Plus Win A Free Haircut At Celeb Stylist, Michael Angelo’s NYC Salon is: … Shay.  Shay, we just emailed you to let you know that you won… Congratulations!

And the winner of the: (Giveaway) Robert Verdi’s Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Week Survival Guide featuring tons of Maybelline Cosmetics is: … Christine.  Christine, we just emailed you to let you know that you won….Congratulations!

And the winner of the:  (Review, Before/After Photos, Giveaway) Potency without the Viper Venom: Immunocologie VenoMax Treatment Creme is:  Theresa N.  Theresa, we just emailed you to let you know that you won….. Congratulations!

MORE GIVEAWAYS:  If you didn’t win, don’t worry, we have a bunch of FAB giveaways below:

Grecian Beauty: KORRES® Natural Products Launches Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer [Sponsored Review]

Genius In A Jar: Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare Launches In The US – Sponsored Review & Giveaway – Zen Attitude Cream And Lotion

Say No To Thinning Hair! Introducing Viviscal Hair Vitamin Supplements For Thick, Sexy Hair – Sponsored Review, Before & After Photos & Giveaway

Review, Before/After Photos, Giveaway: Mally Roncal “Get the Mally Glow” and “Defend Your Beauty” Kits

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Boy Hair:

Tight french twists were paired with sculpted pompadours to create faux “boy” looks.

Rochas

L.A.M.B.

Dolce & Gabbana

Sculpted Side Parts: These modernist looks used lacquering gels (like Extreme Urushi from Shu Uemura Art of Hair) to create a surface that shines like patent leather.

YSL

Hermes

Jil Sander

Giambattista Valli

Lady Hair:

Lady-like coiffures were roughed up just enough to make them look modern.

Jean Paul Gaultier

L.A.M.B.

Donna Karan

Jean Paul Gaultier

Valentino

Reed Krakoff

WIN A FREE HAIRCUT:

To celebrate the arrival of the Fall season,  celebrity hair stylist, Michael Angelo, is sponsoring a FREE haircut at his salon for one lucky lady who posts a comment below telling us why you’re looking for a new hairstyle for Fall.  The winner must be able to travel to Michael’s salon,  Wonderland Beauty Parlor located in NYC’s uber-trendy Meat Packing District.  Contest ends September 30th.

Learn more about celebrity hair stylist, Michael Angelo, and his salon,  Wonderland Beauty Parlor by clicking the video link below.

- by Michael Angelo

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Before Treatment

Then, I heard about Yuko’s brand new Anti-Frizz Treatment and it was like hearing angels sing!  Yuko, the experts in Japanese hair straightening, recently came out with an innovative anti-frizz treatment which promises to make hair more manageable and healthy while minimizing the frizz-factor.  Even better?  It doesn’t contain any of that nasty formaldehyde or toxic chemicals associated with some of those other potentially carcinogenic treatments.  Nope – it’s safe, gentle and contains a proprietary blend of Silk, Wheat, Meadowfoam, Palm Oil and a secret texture transforming weapon, Thioglycerin.

After Yuko Anti Frizz Treatment

Right before my very eyes, my hair became what I had always dreamed of, silky, soft, shiny and infused with moisture. Plus, it seriously cut down on my hair’s “volume.”  I’m hooked and pretty sure these women are too.

How hair is transformed, in under 90 minutes:

Step 1 – Hair is washed with a special, sulfate free shampoo.
Step 2 – Expert stylist applies Solution 1, which relaxes the hair.  Since I have color treated hair (one of my favorite past times seems to be abusing my hair with bleach), the treatment was left on for just 10 minutes and then the solution was rinsed out.
Step 3 – Expert stylist applies Solution 2, which infuses the hair with a healthy dose of vitamins and nourishing ingredients.  This was left on for about 10 minutes, and then was washed out.
Step 4 – Hair is blow dried and flat ironed to thermally lock in results and ensure lasting sleekness and smoothness.
Step 5 – Go to dinner with incredible hair!  But make sure to stay out of rain and even the shower for 2 days after the treatment—otherwise you run the risk of reducing effectiveness.  Plus see the video demonstration of the process below:

A note on proper after care post the 24 hour waiting period for any dry, sensitive or damaged locks: to prolong the life of fabulous hair, wash hair with mineral rich, Sulfate and Paraben-free Kokoro G Shampoo and follow with keratin infused (it even has silk proteins to soften) Kokoro G Treatment.

Hair’s fluff and frizz is tamed and the root is fortified to leave strands healthy, nourished and professionally done each time you blow dry.  Yuko’s new Anti-Frizz Treatment does not give you permanent straightening, but hair’s frizz and body are kept in check for up to 3 months and the results so far have been killer.

Bottom line, I’m not sure how I lived prior to Yuko’s lifesaver and time-saver treatment in the frizz-friendly summer months.

SPECIAL OFFER:  You don’t want to miss the special discount being offered at select salons near you.  To take advantage of this offer, click HERE.

To find other salons near you that offer the Yuko Anti-Frizz Treatment, check out the salon locator HERE.

Now tell us, what’s your favorite salon treatment?  Post a comment below.

- Elizabeth Engelhart

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Before: Matte Hair

After: Shiny Hair 

With that trepidation in mind, I tested Alfaparf Milano’s Semi Di Lino Diamante Illuminating Finish ($24, go to alfaparfeduc.com for salon locations.)  This Illuminating Finishing product is a lightweight spray and promises exceptional shine and softness without weighing hair down. The idea behind it is that it creates an invisible film to protect hair from humidity while keeping the hairstyle soft and natural.

This formula has no holding capabilities, but promises to weightless block frizz and keep strands shiny.  As the name might suggest, it gets sprayed on as the final step after a hairstyle is completely finished.  I applied it with a light hand to my layers, since that’s where I notice the most dullness.  As you can tell from the Before and After photos, the difference is subtle.  A little of the spray covers a lot, and a little more leads right into that land of heavy over-application.  It’s a good boost for a busy woman who has forgotten to eat her veggies or gotten too friendly with her hot tools.  If you want wedding glitz, you may want to take another route.

Are you obsessed with shiny hair? Tell us your thoughts below.

- Katharine McKenzie

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