MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 12 Week 12 March 23, 2017

Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!

Update Your Hairstyle! Today, my morning did not get off to a good start; however all day nothing fazed me. First thing in the morning, as I poured my coffee, I somehow managed to spill coffee on my tan dress slacks (I attempted to wash the stain away, but it was noticeable all day long). In the afternoon, I opened the mailbox to an unexpected bill, plus I had an extra deadline I had to meet. Yes, there were lots of stressors—but somehow I handled all of it without freaking out!

What was it that made me feel so resilient?

I was having a “good hair day”!

“Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like” ~Author Unknown

Knowing my hair was styled just right made me feel like I was wearing a suit of armor. Because I was having a “good hair day” nothing was able to penetrate my good mood. Great looking hair is like wearing clothes that flatter your body--it’s something you do for yourself because you deserve it!

Your hairstyle is a significant part of your self-image.

Before you even speak your hair and clothing will say a lot about you...

Don’t let “old” hair age you! As you begin your style journey and search for the right clothing and styles for your body type--you can not overlook outdated HAIR! If you are still wearing the same hairstyle that you wore in high school (or for at least the last ten years) listen up—it’s time for a change. As we age our hair thins, becomes duller, and dark (I know this sounds depressing, LOL!) however, this means our hair needs some serious styling. A new playful or spunky hairstyle adds youthful movement. So let’s update our hairstyle-ASAP!

Do your homework. Get informed before you sit in the stylist’s chair and she’s ready to color and cut! Your homework assignment. Narrow down the type of hairstyle (and color) you want. Get as informed as you can before your appointment. Start by thumbing through hairstyle magazines, finding celebrities that have a similar face shape, research hairstyles for your hair texture, face shape, and your lifestyle. Make sure you are able to do the daily styling yourself and you can maintain the style within your budget.

Make an appointment at a quality salon. More often than not, these are dollars well spent. A pro hairstylist will explain how to care for your hairstyle, suggest hair color that complements your personal coloring, as well as recommend styles that are best for your hair texture and face shape. (Since you’ve already done your homework-you will be able make an informed decision based on the stylist’s recommendations) Go to the best salon that you can afford. Invest in yourself. Ask around to find a good quality salon. Perhaps a friend or acquaintance with a fabulous hairstyle can recommend their salon. You want a stylist you can converse well with. Tell the stylist what you think you would like—and really listen to what she or he suggests. Here’s how to choose your best hairstyle:

Work with what you have. I know I’ve said this a hundred of times, “I wish my hair was not so curly and fine”… It seems we always want what we don’t have! We must accept our hair and learn to work with it-not against it. You may be able to adjust it if it is too curly or too straight—but changing it from extremely curly to stick-straight everyday is not worth the effort. Consider lifestyle, personality and age. Lifestyle and personality considerations. Are you a professional that needs a hairstyle that looks career minded? Or, are you in a creative line of work and want your hairstyle to be a little funky or edgy? Or, maybe you are a stay-at-home mom that needs a practical hairstyle, but with a modern edge? Also think about your personality. Are you outgoing and want to be noticed, or more reserved and don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself? Find a hairstyle that fits both personality and lifestyle, this helps you create an image that you will be comfortable with. Age considerations. Are you still wearing long hair that’s parted down the middle? Guess what, it may be dragging you down because longer hair looks heavy when its all one length and it can also highlight facial wrinkles. Consider a layered shorter style so your hair will have more body (movement). The layers will soften your face-this helps minimizes wrinkles!

Really? Is long hair still working for you?

Older? Go shorter and less fussy with your hair. Rarely, does a woman over 40 look nice with super-long hair way past her shoulders (except maybe Demi Moore, LOL). Of course, there is no real “rule” to how any woman should wear her hair, however, soft layers and a precision cut tend to be more flattering and “lifts” an aging face.

This precision cut, with short layers (on right) really lifts her face...making her appear younger!

While you are sitting there...Ask your stylist questions-get answers!

A short sassy hairstyle can give YOU a more youthful look!

YOU are the customer—get your money’s worth! Your stylist is your hired resource for learning new (modern) hairstyling techniques. ASK what hair products you might need to buy to get the look you want. ASK questions and get answers. You don’t want to spend a lot of money only to get home and fall back into the same old style rut!

Dress nice, get more. Yes ladies, I’m not joking with this tip! SHOW your hairstylist you deserve and expect the best professional service by DRESSING UP for your hair appointment. This is not the time to roll out of bed and stick a ball cap on your head and just show up. Dress to impress and you’ll get the BEST style you’ve ever had, I promise.

Update, update, update!Psst! You may not have realized how outdated your hairstyle has become!

By letting go of the same style (you thought looked great on you)...You’ve taken years off your appearance!

Go from long, dull & lifeless...

To sassy and updated! Styled shorter and adding bangs... Figure out your face shape. What is your face shape? Stand in front of your bathroom mirror and pull your hair back with a headband or bobby pins. Now, use a lipstick (or dry erase marker) on the mirror and trace around the outline of your face. Which shape does it resemble the most? (This is not an exact science but it will give you a general idea of your face shape)

Oval face-this is the most universally flattering face shape for any hairstyle. Any length hair will work for you-long, short, or medium. Layers at your chin and cheekbones are flattering for you. Add highlights around the front frame your face.Avoid adding height to the top of your head-it will make your face look longer.

Oval- your face is about 1 and 1/2 times longer than it is wide.

Oval: Your face shape is like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks.

Round face-Choose hairstyles that add volume on top of your head--or go past your chin to thin your face. Styles that have long graduated layers will lengthen the face.Keep your bangs (if any) swept to the side and long.Styles should be thin on the sides to lengthen your face.

Do not wear thick bangs straight across your forehead or blunt cuts ending at your chin.

Round- Your face is approximately as wide as it is round.

Round: Your face shape is like Kate Winslet, Gabrielle Union, Rachel Bilson, Kirsten Dunst or Drew

Barrymore.

Long face-You want to add some volume to the sides of your head to keep your face from looking really long. Avoid styles that are extremely long (think Cher) or extremely short.Avoid styles that add height on top of your head.Look for styles like bobs with side swept bangs.Think volume. Wear curls or waves to add fullness to the sides.Chin length with layers are good choices for a long face.Bangs are also good because they shorten a long face.Hair parted on the side is most attractive on you.

Don’t wear hair parted down the middle.

Long- Your face is longer than wide.

Long: Your face shape is like Molly Sims, Sarah Jessica Parker, Janet Jackson or Teri Hatcher.

Heart face-This face shape has a wide forehead with a pointy chin. Attention is naturally drawn downward to the chin. Bring the attention up toward the eyes with long bangs (cuts down the width of the forehead) and parted to the side.Look for styles that add width near the chin.Long layers work well.

Don’t go super-short or high on top.

Heart- You have wide cheekbones and your face is narrow at the chin. Your face shape is like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Kerry Washington or Scarlett Johansson.

Square face-This face shape has a strong jaw line. Good hairstyles are those that have texture and layers.Straight hairstyles with long layers, as well as those short spikes work for you. Your hairstyle should be sleek and add length to your face.

Avoid blunt cuts that stop at the jaw line.

Square- Your forehead and jaw line widths are about equal.

Your face shape is similar to Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth

Paltrow, Salma Hayek, or Rosario Dawson.

What is the most universally flattering hairstyle? More than any other hairstyle, the classic “Bob” works best for all face shapes. There are many variations to the “Bob”. Classic, angled, etc. Ask your hairstylist about the “Bob” that’s right for you.

Keira Knightley wears a “bob” hairstyle with her square-shaped face...

What body shape and size are you? Think of your head as only part of the whole picture. Check your face shape along with your body shape. Certain hairstyles do look best on certain body shapes. Petite-hairstyles that are short to medium in length are best for your petite frame. Good choices are styles that have some height on top. Avoid

super long hair or super short hair-both highlight your small size. Look for grown-up layered styles, not cutesy girly styles—you need to look like a grown woman. Tall-Being tall usually equates with looking athletic. Consider a feminine style that will soften and compliment your body. You can wear a variety of styles; experiment to see what you like the best. Slender-You need to add thickness to your frame through your hair. Think fullness. Super short may look too boyish and super long will just make you look thinner. Try layers or curls in a medium length. Curvy-You need to look for a medium length with some layers. Consider a sharp angled cut. (This is opposite to your curvy body shape and is therefore, complimentary) Avoid hair that’s too short or very long and full as these styles will just add visual weight. Also, avoid round full shoulder length hair (too similar to your body shape).

Holiday hairstyle ideas. The holidays are a special time...so why not wear your hair a little differently or add a bit of sparkle to your ‘do.

How about a side-parted flip (highlighted by sparkly earrings, of course)...

Or a pretty headband added for a festive look...

One darling fashionista SYSter of ours shared on the MSP facebook page about a fabulous blog (written by a sassy hairstylist). She share new ways to style the same hair. Give her blog a peek: http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/category/hair-tutorial/

Haircolor. Color at home—or seek a professional? Be careful and get informed if you want to color your own hair--or else you’ll end up at the salon paying for corrective services! Unless you have a vast knowledge of hair chemicals and access to professional grade products---hair coloring is often best left to the professionals. The bonus is: professional hair color adds three-dimensional color tones (with low-lights and highlights and your natural color blended in) to your cut and can even make your hair more manageable. Color treatment can improve your hair’s texture (like smooth those crazy gray hairs)! As you age your hair color becomes drab—so brighten it up! You don’t have to be dull and lifeless when you pick the right highlights or hair color! Consider going warmer to counteract the darkness (careful at-home-colorers because your hair can become “brassy” or one block of a too dark color). Adding highlights around your face will “frame” it and brighten your look. Getting the right color can change your look completely and make your whole face glow—taking years off your looks! I can not over-emphasize the dramatic changes that can take place when you get the correct hair color! The right hair color can be a life changing experience—so get expert advice to start.

Covering gray when your hair is brown or black. Let me start by stating the obvious: when you cover 100% of the gray, your regrowth (roots) are obvious and you will need to do a root re-color every 4 weeks.

A better way to cover grays is with highlights/ lowlights. You are probably going to have highlights/lowlights done at a salon instead of an at home option...but there are BIG advantages to this way of covering grays!!!

With low-lights or highlights, you can get 1 or 2 hair cuts before re-coloring is needed again. The highlight or low-light option reduces the time it takes to apply and process the color because you only do it every 8 to 12 weeks.

Another advantage to covering with low/highlights is that you get a more ‘fashionable” look to your hair (instead of one constant block of color). Adding lowlights/highlights will give your hair a more “youthful” appearance.

Add highlights: a lighter color is used to blend in the graysAdd low lights: a darker color covers up part of the gray

Got nasty roots? Need some help in-between salon coloring visits? This color crayon is an excellent tool for temporary color while you are waiting to get into the salon for a color touch-up! Your hubby can even use in on his sideburns, LOL!

Roux Temporary Haircolor Touch-Up Stick Black

Lots of gray? Lighten up as you get older...

Are you a “silver fox”? Have you decidedly embraced your gray? Bravo! So many ladies are doing it because it is not only a pretty way to go---it’s chemical-free!

Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones with naturally beautiful gray hair. If your grays are evenly distributed throughout your hair, this option may be your best. Your gray hair may be your best color and no coloring is needed! How good is that?!

STYLE TIP: If you are a “silver fox” you need to soften your Seasonal Color choices. Watch out for these extreme hair colors that AGE YOU: platinum blonde, brassy bright red, or super-dark jet black. These bold colors are too harsh to wear next to aging skin and actually highlight wrinkles!

Here’s what my hairstylist says about hairstyles for 2017.

First of all, she calls herself a “hair therapist” which pretty much tells you that she really listens to what you say! How good is that?

My questions for Megan:

Q: “What are the hot hairstyle trends right now?”

A: Lots of texture to the hair. Even the classic Bob has textured ends this spring. Long, deep side-parted hair blown out with the ends curled. Boho “dirty” hair with bandanas are trending. Spring 2017 is casual it seems.

Q: “Plus, in your opinion, what can older women do )or what are they not doing) to keep their hair & look current?”

A: Keep current by having hair that MOVES whether is is short, shoulder length, or longer. Keep the color more natural by having at least 2 tones running through the hair. It’s the whole package in my opinion. Fresh face, little lip color, and a little highlighting on the skin to brighten the face!

If you are in the Charlotte NC area, you can book an appointment with Megan 704-301-9256

Let’s put it all together for your best hairstyle. Take your hair texture, face shape into account when narrowing down the best possible hairstyles. Take this information with you when you consult with your hairstylist.

Transform your personal image with a new hairstyle. A new hairstyle can impact you a such positive way! It can give you a completely new outlook on life! It’s energizing and fun. I love the feeling with my new shorter hair. I love the fresh look I have now, and how easy it is to style in the mornings! Try, try, try. Try something new. Perhaps a shorter cut; add the right hair color/highlights, and soon your hair will look more youthful and vibrant than it has in years! Love, Leslie MSP

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