Autumn/ Fall Hair Trends & Ideas #AD

Hey Everyone!
It seems like all I talk about recently is hair (here and here!), how mine is boring yada yada and how I am constantly trying to find a hairstyle that is simple, quick and looks good. So, instead of having a good old moan today, I thought I'd turn to the A/W 13 fall hair trend reports for a bit of inspiration and give a few styles a go.
There seems to be a whole lot of low pony tails, intricate plaits and tousled down dos. Embracing your own hair seems to be big, rather than straightening or curling- which suits me perfectly! To try these out all I did was wash and blow dry my hair (I don't use heat on it a lot so this was a special day!). I'm currently using a strawberry Avon shampoo and conditioner combination which smells lovely. I also used Umberto Giannini Salt Spray and my tangle teaser as well as a few bobbles and kirbies. 
Instead of going to town with the teasing brush, mousse, hairspray and tongs, I decided to see what I could do with my naturally straight, pretty flat hair. Obviously my hair is pretty long now (yay) and you might struggle to interpret these yourself if you have shorter hair.  A possible solution to this is hair extensions which give you a bit more to work with and are great for instantly long locks without waiting for it to grow. These are available online at http://www.tedhair.com/ . Just always ensure you give your hair breaks from extensions and use a good conditioner. Shiny hair is a sign of health after all. 
The Down Do

Here we have the simplest of the simple: a straight blow dry side parted style. Although I do like the look of this in general, for me its quite impractical as my hair always goes in my eyes/ covers my face and it does my head in. I have lately been considering getting a side fringe but I'm worried the hairdresser would do it 'choppy' rather than 'sweeping' and blending gradually into my hair. Don't you just love the technical terms of hair?

To solve this 'half the face covered' problem, I popped in a little white rose kirby accessory (which Melanie very kindly sent me!). Admittedly, it is more of a summer accessory, but since I'm still a little peeved at how short summer was, I'm hanging onto every last drop of it! I do think it looks really pretty though and although I haven't specifically spotted the likes of this on the A/W catwalk, I think its a good alternative to the complicated mini buns and side plaits. I wear my hair kirbied when its down on an everyday basis so maybe I should switch it up a little and wear a cute accessory like this.

An alternative hair-down style is this swept look. It seems to be everywhere just now but I haven't quite mastered it. If I were to wear it out it would just flop. I'm mind boggled at how people's hair stays in place like this without falling into a shed (defying gravity anyone?). I think I'd need a whole lot more product and back colmbing to have even a chance. Let me know in the comments if you have any tips/ insider info on how to work this style.

The Fishtail Plait

Next up, a side fishtail braid. I've loved this style ever since it surfaced over a year ago and its popping up again everywhere this season. Its an interesting alternative to the run of the mill plait and is so simple to do once you get the hang of it. All you do it divide your hair into two sections and alternatively take small strands from each side and cross them over to the other. (Google a video tutorial if that makes no sense!). For a messier look, I tugged loose the braid and added the white rose kirby. I also like this style as it really highlights my ombre. 

The Up Do

Ok so admittedly, I didn't see one high ponytail while browsing fall hair trends, but I couldn't not include this as it is pretty much my go-to. Its simple, super quick and again, makes the ends of my hair contrast nicely with the top. I have a similar tutorial on it here (excuse the onesie).

This style incorporates two of the big hair trends of the moment: the bun and the braid (that sounds like a film!). Its super simple to achieve: just plait a high pony normally and twist into a bun. Its a versatile style and if you wanted to make it more relaxed and messy just partly pull bits out.

The Low Ponytail

Search 'fall 2013 hair trends' and pretty much every second result will be a sleek low ponytail with some sort of plait incorporated. I went for a simple plait to one side and tied it all at the nape of my neck. I then pushed the pony through itself to create this more intricate looking style. Whilst I like this for being elegant and something different, I probably wouldn't wear it on an everyday basis. I guess I'm scarred by my middle shed low ponys of my childhood haha.

What is your favourite hair style this season?

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Hair: Haul, Mini Reviews, Summer Styles & Chit Chat #AD

Hey Everyone!

I had quite a few random bits and bobs to talk about all under the umbrella of 'hair' so I thought I'd just write one bumper post. 

Haul

Firstly, I have finally caved and bought a Tangle Teezer! It is pretty weird getting used to not having a handle but I love it already. I don't have particularly tuggy hair anyway, but it really does just glide through your hair. One of the main reasons I bought it was because my hair falls out constantly and I have noticed an improvement over the last few days using this. What surprised me was that this is great for backcombing-adding a bit of subtle volume without the frizz. This means tousled hairdoos are a lot easier. Another plus is that its really easy to remove the hairs that get caught in the bristles. 

Also, when I got back from Africa, my mum had got me a few bits and bobs (big treat) including these Bed Head minis. 

Ombre

You may remember a while back I had my hair slightly ombred and I thought I'd give you a quick update. It was pretty subtle at first but since I've been in the sun its really lightened at the bottom. Though because they've been coloured, the ends of my hair have been pretty dry lately.

The Importance of a Trim

To combat these dry ends, I had a trim a few days ago. I really don't acknowledge often enough how important having a trim is. My hair instantly looked healthier and those nasty split ends were stopped in their tracks. I've also found in the past that after a snip my hair grows a lot faster.

Favourite Summer Hairstyle

All year round, I have 3 hairstyles: down, sleek straight ponytail or in a bun. In attempt to change this mundane routine up a little; today I tried a doo I saw on pinterest and I am 100% in love and will definitely be wearing it more. Its a twist on a plain ponytail, with the hair gathered as if you're beginning a plait and then tied at the crown. I was amazed at how much volume it created.

Top Tips for Growing Your Hair

Get the ends cut off every couple of months

Minimise the amount of heat you use on your hair

Brush your hair! It seems obvious, but it will stimulate the production and spreading of natural oils. 

Massaging your scalp for a few minutes each day to increase blood flow.

I've heard that fish oil is good for hair growth- has anyone tried this?

Extensions

And you know what, if you are just too impatient for your hair to grow to your desired length- why not try extensions? Clip in extensions will transform short hair and you'll be able to experiment with many more styles. These extensions by Remy (here) are made of real human hair, so will blend with your own hair perfectly. 

seekhair.co.uk offer a huge range of clip in extensions at affordable prices, so you will be able to achieve luscious locks whatever your hair type.  Just remember- give your hair regular breaks from extensions and you may want to invest in a good conditioner to combat any damage.

This is a bit of a random post (all my posts seem to be a bit odd recently- hope you don't mind). I thought it'd be useful to share what I've learned over the past little while and was interested to see if you shared the same experiences. Also, if you would like to see a post on my current hair care routine, let me know.

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