Short Hair Styles

One of the most common disagreements between hair consumers and their hairdressers is what actually constitutes a short hairstyle. I think it’s important to note that hairdressers, as a rule, tend to think differently than hair consumers when it comes to length. Which is why it is critical to take images of new short hair styles you want to have created on your own head.

Over the years I have come to my own personal ranking scale based on a variety of factors, including my time in cosmetology school and from talking to hairdressers.

Of course I have also spent a lot of time over the past ten years categorizing the 24,000+ hairstyle images in the Hair Boutique.com Gallery. Often I will ask for multiple opinions because what looks medium to me might look short to someone else.

In some cases will categorize a hairstyle in more than one category because it will be right on the borderline between medium and long. Truth be known, medium hairstyles are often harder to spot than clear cut short ones.

Not everyone will agree with me regarding my definition of short hair styles but I have decided to share my own terms .

Without further ado listed below are my own personal short hair styles guidelines:

1. Bald/Shaved - No hair whatsoever. This would count as a hairstyle but would it fall into the short range? Hard to say. You be the judge.
2. Buzzed - Super short fuzz with hair lengths measuring in around 1-2″. There is definitely hair covering the head so this would be classified by me as an extremely short hair style. A buzz might result from growing out a shaved scalp or could deliberately be cut this short. I have seen both cases.
3. Short caps or crop hairstyles - The hair covers the entire scalp with more length than the buzzed. The length of the hair would range from the short range of 2″ to a long of 4″ or with hair that barely touches the top of the earlobes. This is classified by me as a very short hair style.
4. Short hairstyles - Coiffed into longer caps, short bobs or layers, this length of hairstyle generally extend sto the middle of the ear or the top of the nose.
5. Medium hairstyles - I classify medium hairstyles as extending from the tip of the nose to just slightly under the chin. Medium hairstyles do not touch the shoulder. Once the hair extends to the shoulders it transitions to long hair.
6. Long hairstyles - Hairstyles that brush the shoulders and extend down to the middle of the back are long. There are different opinions about this but it works well as classifying hair since hair consumers have a different opinion about what constitutes long versus very long or super long.
7. Very long hairstyles - A hairstyle that extends past the middle of the back to the waist is considered by me to be a very long hairstyle.

Although the HairBoutique.com Gallery has very few images of hair that is beyond waist length - which is sometimes referred to as Classic Length, hair styles that extend beyond the waist are often classified as thigh length, knee length, calf length, ankle length and floor length.

With everything related to hairstyles, there can be many different terms and opinions. The key is to find your own hairstyle definition and live by it. Also, always take images of what you consider the length you want your hairdresser to cut your hairstyle just to be sure. Remember, a photo speaks a thousand words.

Remember, don’t forget to stop by and visit the HairBoutique.com Hairstyle Gallery with over 24,000 images to examine. If you like, you can also visit our 100% free HairStyle Wizard to try on different hairstyles to determine the hairstyle length that might be best for you.

I would to hear your own definition of hairstyle lengths. Please let me know if you have found other lengths of hairstyles that should be included.

Fall Hair Styles

Hairstyles are representative of your own personal style and taste. With so many different hair styles out there that are available to select, finding the right one could be tricky. If you are interested in keeping up with the latest hair style trends, consider choosing a hair style that is suitable for the fall season. This will not only help keep you looking in style, but it can also be a great way to determine what hair style will suit you well.

Fall Hairstyles Length Trends

During any time of the year, the most common hair style length is medium. The main reason is because this is the length that is the easiest to take care of for just about any hair type. It is also great if you want a hair style that is easy to maintain, but that also will look great with your face shape.

Other Hairstyle Trends

Choppy hairstyles are expected to remain popular for quite a long time, so it is likely that you will find them to continue to be very common during the fall season. Layers are always a very popular hair trend and something to consider during any time of the year. Just about any hairstyle looks great when accompanied by bangs, which seem to be remaining consistently popular.

There are many hairstyle trends which can be found in 2007 fall, but it is important to keep in mind that many of them seem to remain popular throughout most of the year. Before you make the decision to choose any hairstyle, always spend some time researching the current hairstyles trends. Of course, you should not feel discouraged if the style that you really want to wear is not a very popular fall hair style.

Try to avoid allowing yourself to be a slave to fashion. Although following the current hair style trends can be great, sometimes you may be better off wearing the hair style that is the most suitable to your own personal tastes.

Along with medium length hair styles, short length hair styles are also just generally popular during any time of the year. The reason is because they are also easy to take care of. A sophisticated bob is the best option for you this fall. Bobs are the most popular hair style trend in general and are quite fashionable during the fall season.

Color Trends for Fall Hair Styles

Fall is well-known for the beautiful colors that are found in its scenery. One of the most interesting things about fall hair styles is that some of the most common hair style colors are similar to those that are found in the fall leaves.

Golden blondes, light or honey browns, fiery reds and auburns are all very popular colors during the fall season. If you want to make a hair color switch, consider choosing one of these popular fall hair colors.

Tips for colouring your hair

Given all these choices, the biggest question women now face is What is best for me? But before taking the leap consider this: Select a colour to match with your eye colour and skin tone.

In general, cool skin and eye tones are best complemented with cool or ash shades. Warm, golden skin and eye tones look most natural with warm hair colours. Any colour can be warm or cool, depending on its primary base.

Natural colours
If you prefer a natural look, stick with a few shades of your natural hair colour. Go a bit lighter or darker. Also, the father you move away from your natural hair colour, the more obvious your roots will be as they grow out.

As for colour categories, temporaries wash-out, semi-permanent shades slowly fade in four to six weeks and permanent colours are just that. So, if youre certain you like the colour, only then choose a permanent one.

The condition of your hair also matters. If your hair is premed or relaxed, semi-permanent colour is an advantageous choice because its gentler on hair thats been previously exposed to chemicals.

The semi-permanent or long-lasting semi-permanent colours - the newest colour category, combine gentleness with long- lasting shades providing one of the best choices. And if youre just experimenting, sheer or slightly tinted colour glossers add a healthy sheen and shine without noticeably altering your natural colour.

Read hair colour instructions carefully, if youve made a mistake, dont hide under a hat for months. Salons have colour removers that take you right back to where you started, where hopefully, history wont repeat itself.

Understanding basic hair colouring
Most unwanted hair colour disaters are due to the lack of understanding of the basic hair "laws" of colour and application.

Rules of hair colour
Hair colour is not hair paint. Colour as we perceive it, is actually the reflection of light off the coloured pigments in the hairshaft. This reflection is what we see as colour.

The shade of colour is made of different combinations of reflections of light off the coloured pigments. This is why hair colour appears different under fluorescent lights than is natural sunlight whether it is natural colour or from a bottle.

Types of hair colour
There are several types of hair colour: Permanent hair colour. This makes a permanent change in the pigment of the hairshaft. It does not wash out. It will fade in time, but it cannot be simply removed to bring back your natural colour. All hair that has been coloured in this manner has the natural colour pigments irreversibly chemically altered. The altered hairshaft pigments can be correctively coloured back close to the original colour.

Single process colour
Single process means that the colour is lifted and deposited in one step.

Semi-permanent
This type can cover grey and goes darker but cannot lighten. It lasts for varying lengths of time depending on the product.

Deposit only colour
This deposits colour into the hair. There are many variet...

New Hairstyle - Layered Hairstyle

Ever wondered what you'd look like as a brunette? Or with a short layered hairstyle? You can visit a virtual salon and browse through a gallery of new hairstyle options. Here it is possible for you to try styles on your own face and hair texture and type. You can even change the hair color with the hairstyle editor. This virtual salon helps you get a clear idea of what you would get in terms of a new hairstyle.

Selection of a new hairstyle is dependent on the natural face shape as well as the hair texture. A classic heart shaped face can take on a new hairstyle that has soft tendrils falling on the sides and front of the face. A round face would benefit from a new hairstyle that would have a slimming effect of side bangs. There is many a factor to take into consideration before venturing in for a new hairstyle. Body proportions, climate and the lifestyle – all these factors influence the kind of new hairstyle you must go in for.

Keep in mind your lifestyle while deciding on the new hairstyle. Avoid going in for a radically new hairstyle that would involve a lot of time and energy to keep it in perfect order. Do not go in for a new hairstyle just before a major event. Plan it a week or so in advance so that you can feel comfortable with it.

Many a woman would like to get rid of hair boredom or blues by resorting to a new hairstyle. Some would even look at a new hairstyle to signify a major change in their lives. A prospective bride would grow out her locks for the big day or a down-in-the-dumps newly divorced person would look for a new hairstyle that would lift her spirits. Here are a few tips for a new hairstyle without any drastic changes:

• Modify the existing hairstyle to look like a new hairstyle, like razoring or spiking the bangs or playing with their texture.
• Create a zig zag part to give it a new look.
• Add highlights to the hair around your face to achieve a new hairstyle look.
• Add layers to the existing length of the hair and Voila! You have a new hairstyle in place.
• Usage of mousse or rollers can add volume that can alter the hairstyle making it appear like a new hairstyle.
• Different styling tools like a small round brush or a paddle brush can get the hair flowing in a different movement making for a new hairstyle
• Crimping or any braiding tool can provide you with a quick-fix new hairstyle

Layered Hairstyle

Layered hairstyles are popular. They work best on straight hair. Very coarse and curly hair doesn’t lend itself easily to layers. Hair layers can be accentuated with highlights to flatter your face shape. A constant woe of people with long hair is the lack of new hairstyle alternatives that are simple and quick. In fact, long hair lends itself easily to new hairstyle patterns. Long layers are a rage with many.

Hair Stenciling

A new hairstyle trend that is gaining in popularity is hair stenciling. Hair stenciling helps in creating and applying temporary designs, hair paint or glitter to your hair. When creatively applied, this can result in a new hairstyle for a special occasion. You can create your own unique new hairstyle by selecting your own range of designs, jewels and glitters.

Create a stencil with a flat cardboard or plastic. Shampoo the hair with conditioner to make the new hairstyle more appealing. Dry your hair straight or curly, though stencils show best on straight hair. Take help in placing the stencil pattern on your hair. Use sprays or chemical colors but take care to keep your face turned away. Add jewels or glitter or shimmer to give the new hairstyle the added glamour if the occasion so demands.

A new hairstyle can offer you a diverse range of styling options. Don’t blindly imitate current hair fads without understanding its requirements and aftercare. It’s your hair and you can choose a new hairstyle that suits your fancy.

Drawing a Fine Line

Who knew a modelling class would change my life? Not because of a globetrotting career but because it helped me create my signature look: black liner a la Angelina Jolie.

Toronto-based makeup artist Lisa Aharon, who has worked backstage at Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler, offers us surefire tips on how to work a natural eyeliner with a modern touch.

Cleaning Lady

Dip a cotton swab in makeup remover and trace it along the line until you get the shape and look that you want, suggests Aharon.

Clear Lines

A more graphic or 60s look is easily created with a liquid liner, which tends to stay on longer, says Aharon. Applying liquid eyeliner to the natural lash line works on everyone. Use a flat brush and wiggle it at the base of the lashes, tracing it from outer to inner corner.

Pencil Pal

A black or coloured pencil is great for creating a smokey eye. I like the softer, smudgy looks on runways this spring. It has a sexy but undone effect, says Aharon, noting colour and metallics as big trends. Pencil is easy to smudge with your fingers, a cotton swab, or a brush, or combine with a coloured eye shadow for different looks. You can also use it to line the inner rim of the eye for a dramatic look.

Women’s Nightwear: Choosing the Perfect One for You

More and more women are getting conscious nowadays to develop themselves not only in the career that they have but in every aspect of their lives from family, career, health and even the personality itself. This insight made women continue their pursuit to improving themselves which made women choosy in the things that they have from the ideal home, cars and even the things that are in a woman’s wardrobe. While you value business suits, the gowns and other wardrobes that you have in your closet, you might as well think of the clothes that you wear on even when you are about to sleep. While you may find comfort in those baggy pajamas or oversized t-shirts, you should think twice if that’s what you really want. Women’s nightwear is often the most neglected of the clothing that you wear on. While you may find the indifference it make out of you like being oversized or too-fit for comfort, it is common that these night wear are still being used. Acknowledge what you really want and be conscious and precise of what are your needs.

Women’s nightwear is a must-have in the women’s wardrobe. Not only it makes you comfortable as you sleep there are still a few reasons why you have to think of having one. Women’s nightwear can be a pair of pajamas, a cozy short sleeve dress, night shirts, bed jackets, gowns and wraps, and also lounge suits. Since you might not be comfortable in wearing all of these types of nightwear, you need to choose which you really want and fit your style. In choosing the women’s nightwear for you, think of only two things in your mind, comfort and quality. Comfort in this matter does not only mean that you can sleep nicely in it but the women’s nightwear should have the right fit for you.

Women often complain of being not in their best when evening comes. Ill-fitting nightwear is one of the problems of women and yet the irony is, it is still being used despite of the baggy and sagging curves it creates making you a huge-chunk of a woman. Therefore, you should learn how to find the right type. The rule in choosing the perfect women’s nightwear for you is that the dress should be able to highlight assets of the body and downplay the unsightly curves. If you have a nice pair of long legs, choose a short nightdress like the one with a flounce hemline. Find the luxury of wearing it by being conscious of the material like prefer to have the one made of cotton or silk. If you have the curves placed at the right places of your body, a delicate shoestring straps and expertly tailored bodice would make a superb fit for you.

Aside from the functional use, make use of the women’s nightwear to reflect your personality. Nightwear can also give a spark to your relationship by knowing and having the right choice.

Choosing the right women’s nightwear for you is not because of vanity but only choosing the best and the right one to reflect your personality and style, with comfort in the mind.

Home hair-colouring advice

Seven out of 10 Australian women colour their hair, and whether they favour a professional job or the DIY option largely depends on cost and convenience. For those who choose the latter, a little knowledge goes a long way. By Jenna Moore.

As the years go by, it’s almost inevitable that our hair will lose its natural pigment and turn various shades of silver. However, long before this occurs, most of us have reached for the bottle of hair colour to give ourselves a lift or a change. With the wide range of products available today, anyone can try being blonde, brunette or a redhead at least once.

If you happen to mention to your hairdresser that you’ve coloured your own hair, she will cringe visibly and, to a point, this is understandable. Stylists are professionals who have trained with passion and verve to perfect their craft. In addition to the knowledge and experience they possess, they can also work from a better angle than you (behind and above), so if you want highlights and/or lowlights, they will probably get a better result. However, if your purse strings are tight, the couple of hundred dollars a professional colour job might set you back can be daunting. Additionally, if it’s midnight, you haven’t had a minute to yourself for weeks, your regrowth is undisguisable and you’ve got a wedding to attend the next day, they probably won’t be able to fix you up in your bathroom.

Enter home hair-colour products. For a small price, it’s possible to colour your own hair, add your own highlights and take care of regrowth in the comfort of your own home. Just be aware that you need to follow the instructions to the letter and you have to be realistic – you can’t expect to morph from an easy-care brunette into a high-maintenance blonde without some risk and a bit of hard work.

What hue for you?

The first thing to consider when you decide to do it yourself is the shade you’d like to be. According to Bronwyn Fraser, national education manager for L’Oréal Australia, it’s best to select a colour that is either two shades lighter or two shades darker than your natural hair colour. This way, you can be sure that your new-look locks will suit your complexion and eye colour.

Blonde: “Blonde hair is a long-term commitment,” says Geoffrey Herberg, Australian Creative Colourist of the Year 2006. “Whether you’re a handful-of-highlights kind of girl or Marilyn is your favourite shade of blonde, flaxen locks need to be treated and toned to perfection.” Budget to colour every six weeks – blonde hair insists on being taken care of!

Brunette: “Cool brunettes are wonderful. Think rich, dark-chocolate hues, shades of cocoa, coffee bean and walnut,” says Geoffrey. “There are some great benefits to choosing a brunette shade: it instantly transforms dull, lifeless hair; adds shine and smoothness; and makes fine hair appear thicker.” Another plus is that upkeep is minimal, unless you happen to be a very light natural blonde to begin with.

Red: “Red shades range from strawberry blonde to fiery titian and deep russet,” says Geoffrey. “As with all colours, the shade you choose will vary depending on how light or dark your hair is naturally. In the case of redheads, the lighter the shade the softer and less intense the result will be.” Reds are notorious for fading quickly, so it’s important to maintain your shade with a good colour-saving shampoo and conditioner.

How long will the colour last?

There is a variety of home hair colour options on the market: permanent, tone-on-tone, semi-permanent and temporary. Permanents colour each strand of hair for its lifetime (although the depth and vibrancy may fade). As the colour grows out, you’ll need to touch up the roots where the natural colour (regrowth) shows through – this usually has to be done every four to six weeks. A tone-on-tone formula adds colour to your existing shade and lasts up to six weeks, a semi-permanent also adds colour to your existing shade but only lasts for eight to 10 washes, and a temporary colour is more of a ‘fun’ option as it will only last until the next time you shampoo your hair.

Wedding Hair: Who Pays For What?

Many wedding planning books provide a very detailed list of who should pay for what and when. Times have changed since the late 90s and payment issues have become more flexible. However, some expenses are still well defined. It is still a given that the bride will pay for her own wedding gown, her groom's wedding ring and gift as well as her own personal hair and skin care expenses.

Although the bridal party and attendants have traditionally been liable for their own wedding attire and travel expenses, there is no hard and fast rule for 2002.

One new bridal planning challenge is making decisions about bridal party hair, make-up and other expenses. Is each attendant required to pay for having their hair done for the wedding? What is appropriate when the bride requests that all the members of her party wear their hair in a special bridal theme style?

While it may be appropriate for a bridal attendant to pay for headgear to match her wedding gear, is it appropriate to be required to pay for a special updo or a pre-wedding spa trip?

Bridal Hair Themes

Any bride's thoughts regarding a central hair or makeup theme needs to be discussed at the very beginning of the wedding planning stage. Consideration and communication with the bridal party about hair and make-up issues are critical in deciding who should foot the bill for what services.

This topic may also be the financial dividing point for attendants that are unable to invest unlimited funds to be part of the wedding party. If you really dream of everyone with twisted updo tresses, it is important that you say so at the beginning so your attendants have a clear picture of what is required of them both financially and otherwise.

Some bridal consultants suggest that a central hair theme is appropriate for a formal day or evening wedding, but less important for an informal or casual wedding. Since it is more likely that a formal wedding will require a formal, floor length bridal attendant gown with matching headwear, co-ordinated hair styles would probably be very reasonable.

Lady Gaga Hairstyle - How To Style

Lady Gaga is a force to be reckoned with. Considered by the majority to be one of the biggest breakout artists of 2009, she not only knocks it out of the box with her songs, voice and costumes but she is always providing entertainment to her fans.

In the recent "American Music Awards" the usually platinum hued star knocked the audience's socks off with her spectacular costumes, headdress and her voice which some have said could actually break glass.

Lady Gaga not only puts on an amazing performance, she is one of the bestselling newcomers of 2009. Lady Gaga's Interscope release "Fame" has sold more than 1.6 million copies since its release last October.

The beautiful Lady is expected to receive multiple Grammy nominations during the 2010 gala. Her "Fame" is a favorite to receive a nomination for album of the year, and her "Poker Face" is on the ballots for record and song of the year

Lady Gaga recently made news for her appearance at a Vogue photo shoot where she won praise from the Vogues editors and photographers for her willingness to be spontaneous.

Lady Gaga is a huge fan of Ellen Degeneres and has been on her show a few times since she released her first CD. Ellen also admires Gaga not only for her voice and performance style but her willingness to let out her "inner freak".

Lady Gaga's Little Monster Fans

What's behind Lady Gaga's outrageous fashions both on and off stage? She told Ellen she had always wanted to be like Boy George in high school.

Admitting to Ellen that it's all about the fans, she confessed that her public freakiness, like when she goes out in public without pants, is all genuine. She's not faking it.

She explained "I didn't fit in (during) high school, and I felt like a freak. So I like to create this atmosphere for my fans where they feel like they have a freak in me to hang out with, and they don't feel alone," so she's not really dressing up to just get attention. She's honoring her inner freak.

Gaga also explained "I want my fans to know that it's OK," she continued. "Sometimes in life you don't always feel like a winner, but that doesn't mean you're not a winner."

Lady Gaga wrote a song especially for her dad. She said that she wrote Speechless for her dad to implore him to get surgery (it worked), and now he's "doing better."

Lady Gaga's Career

Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, the American recording artist known as Lady Gaga was signed at the age of 19 but then quickly dropped by Def Jame Records. During the same period she was working at interscope Records as a songwriter for several famous acts including Akon. After hearing Gaga sing Akon convince the chairman of Interscope to sign Gaga to a joint deal with the label and Akon's Kon Live Distribution label.

Gaga's debut album The Fame was released in August 2008 and was instantly a critical and commercial success reaching the top of the charts in four different countries as well as topping Billboard Top Electronic Albums in the US.

Gaga has told the media she is inspired by glam rockers such as David Bowie, Queen, Madonna and Michael Jackson. She has said that fashion is a key component to her performances and essential to her songwriting. To date she has sold over 20 million digital singles and more than four million albums worldwide.

Scarf Tying Instructions

Due to numerous scarf designs, fabrics and shapes available these days, scarf has become an ideal accessory for all seasons and occasions. If worn well, it adds a touch of elegance and charm to any formal or informal attire. Commonly, trendy or fashionable scarf is made of silk, rayon or acetate that provide a light weight, fluid movement, strength, and a shiny finish. Cotton and wool are other fabrics for scarves that are used for a slightly heavier scarf with structured and textured finishes.

Scarf comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, which include square, triangular and rectangular scarves. The variety ranges from small sized bandanas and kerchiefs to large shawl like scarves or stoles. With different design patterns like batik dyed, tie-dyed, silk-screened, woven patterns, hemmed edges, fringed edges, and fused edges, scarves give a sophisticated as well as glamorous look to a woman wearing it. Head coverings, shawls, accent pieces, belts, etc., are different scarf tying ideas that are in fashion these days. It can be pinned with a piece of jewelry or supported with specially designed accents. So, depending upon your preferences and likability, you can choose any scarf tying idea that will suit your personality. But if you are wondering how to tie a scarf, here are some simple and free scarf tying instructions. Read more on fashion clothing.

Scarf Tying Instructions

Head Scarf Tying Instructions
For tying a head scarf, fold the scarf along the bias and hold both ends firmly. Put the folded crease on top of your head so that the fold falls near the hairline. Now bring both the ends together underneath your hair and tie a single knot. Make sure the scarf is wrapped properly around the head. Tie a second knot at the nape of neck and let the loose scarf ends drape over your shoulder.

Bandana Wrap Scarf Tying Instructions
Fold the scarf by giving it a triangular shape. Hold the broader end and start rolling it towards the narrower end. Roll half way through and hang the folded scarf over your shoulders. Tie a simple knot to finish the look.

Side-Knotted Belt Scarf Tying Instructions
Take a rectangular scarf and fold it twice, lengthwise to form an "S" fold. Wrap the folded scarf across your hips and tie the scarf at one side with either a knot or a small bow. Adjust the untied side of the scarf, to loosen it slightly as per your comfort.

Scarf Knot Tying Instructions
Take a square scarf and fold it by bringing two opposite sides of the scarf at the center. Pull oblong scarf through the belt loops and secure the side strongly. Now let the scarf dangle around your neck underneath the collars. Cross both the ends and let one end pass under the other twice. Finally bring the first end up by passing it through the loop formed.

Kelly Scarf Tying Instructions
For this hair scarf tying, take a square scarf and fold it diagonally from one corner to the other. Put the scarf over your head with the folded edge facing forwards. Now bring the folded corners under your chin and cross them, taking them back around the neck on each side. In the back of the neck, hold the folded corners and tie them together, make sure you catch the loose corners of the scarf under the knot being formed. You may leave the ends loose or can even tuck them under, if you like.

Are You Starving Your Hair? Tips For Balanced Tresses

Did you know that the human body requires fat in order to be able to properly process and absorb vitamins and nutrients? Yes, it's true.

Whether you get your vitamins from supplements or eat carefully to get nutrients from your daily food supply, if you live on only fat free or very low fat meals, your hair will definitely start to suffer.

The lack of fat can also have a negative impact on skin and nails.

Eat Healthy Fat For Lush Hair

Hair utilizes fat stored in the body to thicken and develop luster or shine. Does this mean you should go out and do fat laden meals to get a blinding shine for your tresses? No, the key according to nutritional experts is to eat a well balanced meal with some healthy fats.

Healthy fats which are also known as unsaturated fats include avocadoes, black and green olives and nut butters such as almond, cashew, peanut butter, sesame and sunflower seed.

Other great shine and hair healthy foods include macadamias, hazelnuts, pecan, almond, cashews, pistachios, brazil nuts, peanuts, pine nuts and walnuts. Seeds are also great for thick lush tresses, especially sesame, pumpkin, ground flaxseed and sunflower seeds.

Nutritional experts say the best foods of the unsaturated fat family are albacore tuna, salmon and extra virgin olive oil.

Fats which won't help grow lush healthy tresses include saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats include those found in meat and other animal products. Trans fats are found in foods with labels such as "hydrogenated" or partially hydrogenated".

New Hair Cutting Considerations

There are three essential points to consider before embarking on any change of hairstyle:

1. Be realistic. How much time do you really want to spend on your hair every day? Also, how much time have you realistically got? If you choose a style that requires time you are not happy to put in, you will never get the look you want.

2. Straight, curly, dark or blonde, wavy or wispy, make the most of what you have got. Hair always looks its best when it is in fabulous condition and has a fantastic cut.

3. Use your ammunition! Products are essential daily tools for achieving gloss, body and manageability on all hair types. Experiment a little and learn which products suit your hair best and how to use them.

The long and the Short of hair cutting

Long, romantic, tumbling tresses remain a classic look and a favourite with the opposite gender. To counter the hippie 'curtain' effect and make your hair seem less heavy, as well as keep locks in excellent condition, go for a layered cut. This will add shape around your face to give a defined and confident hairstyle. With well-shaped layers, hair will not fall too heavily across the face. But be warned: there's nothing worse than straggly, uncared-for, 'rat tail' hair snaking down your back, so don't bother growing it if you don't want to spend time brushing, washing, drying and styling your hair.

With its mix of modernity and femininity, short hairstyle can be extremely sexy. It is a great option for women who want a strong, feminine image, a personal signature, yet a low-maintenance hair style. Short, sassy, sexy hairstyles are on the increase - think Meg Ryan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz. Casual or glamorous, layers help to define texture and volume, giving the hairstyle greater depth and making styling simple.

Going for the New chop hairstyles

Ultimately, whether you opt for a long or short hairstyle, determining your face shape, hair type and texture will help you to find the most flattering cut for you. Once you have this basic information to work with, you can then adapt catwalk styles or ideas from the pages of beauty magazines to create an individual look.

The key thing to remember when going for a new hairstyle is that the face shape should trigger off the hairstyle. In the same way as a beautiful frame enhances a picture, if you have got the right hairstyle for your face shape, then your whole face will look prettier and fresher, your eyes will stand out and your good features will be emphasized. Enjoy your hair's own unique style and, with the advice of your hairdresser select a style to enhance what you have already got. If you try to alter your natural hair too much, you may end up compromising on the condition of your hair and become a slave to a high-maintenance look in the process.

The number one question that I receive through the AskKaren column is how to make hair grow faster.

Many people write to tell me they are in a hair growing hurry because they are getting married, going to a Prom, meeting the future in-laws or fill in the blanks.

They want me to advise them how to grow their hair from short to long in a matter of just weeks.

Note: Although you might see similar articles as this, unfortunately many Web hair copycat sites have illegally "lifted" content from this original article and slightly "rewritten it" to avoid copyright issues. Please note that this original article first appeared in 2001 and has been constantly updated. It is the original article.

As many of you know, I am going to tell you the truth, as I know it, about hair. So the answer to "instant hair growth" is that there isn't any.

There is no magic bullet. If you want to go from a short Bob to long flowing locks instantly than you do have some options, but depending on a variety of factors, they may be limited. Your best bet for overnight long hair is to consider hair extensions, clip on ponytails or long wigs.

Yes, there are lots of things that can maximize the potential of your hair growing cycle but it is absolute folly to imagine that you can go to bed one night with shoulder length hair and the next day wake up with a new inch of growth.

There are some very rare exceptions, but most hair on most people is genetically programmed to grow a maximum of 6 inches a year.

There are some people like Crystal Gayle who obviously grow hair at a much faster rate than the average human soul. However, she is definitely the exception and not the rule.

Your Hair Is Dead - Let It Rest In Peace

Unfortunately many people aren't aware of the fact that while hair can be extraordinarily resilient, once it has emerged from your scalp is has no facility for renewing itself. It is considered to be dead protein.

The average person has around 100,000 strands of hair on their head and the average rate of growth is a mere one-half of an inch per month.

By the time the ends of your hair actually grow down to your shoulders, they are approximately two years old.

Think about it. Two years is a long time for hair to be subjected to the daily wear and tear of the environment, washing, drying, brushing, combing and any chemical processing. Just imagine what a piece of silk or fine fabric would look like after 2 years of constant handling.

Even if you take the best care of your hair possible, your hair still goes through a natural aging process which can also impact the growing cycle of your hair.

Missy Peregrym's HairStyle

Melissa "Missy" Peregrym is gorgeous, smart and oozes personality. She is a self proclaimed "very nice person" who "love soccer because it is such an aggressive sport".

She is also currently co-starring on the CW's Reaper series which is based around a storyline involving The Devil. Although he appears in human form, wears expensive suits and has a great haircut (kudos to the set hairdressers) he is still The Devil and has a deal with the parents of Sam Oliver (Bret Harrison) to use Sam as a bounty hunter for escaped souls.

For more on Missy Peregrym Hair - Heroes & Reaper check out this link.

Missy plays Andi Prendergast who works with Sam in his "day job" at the local Work Bench which is a home improvement warehouse/store.

Although Missy has also had a noteworthy former role as a shape shifter in the NBC hit, Heroes, not a lot has been written about this Canadian former model turned actress.

Missy has also appeared on some other noteworthy shows, many in the scifi genre including Tru Calling, Jake 2.0 and Andromedia, to name just a few. The actress has become a star of the scifi circuit with her work on the various shows.

To date, Missy has remained a brunette although her hair length has morphed from chin length to middle of the back. For her role as Andi on Reaper she has a relatively casual hairstyle.

Her hair is worn in an off-center part with a hint of hair sweeping along the left side of her face. There appears to be very slight layering along the sides and near the edges to give Missy's hair a sleek effect.

Although her natural hair texture appears to have a slight bend to it, for the most part Missy wears her hair straight. In her current role as Andi you might say her hair is a former chin length bob that is growing out.

In her recurring role as Candace Wilmer on NBC's Heroes, the Canadian beauty wore her hair shorter and more in a traditional bob style. If you look closely you will see some very subtle highlights and lowlights interwoven throughout her shiny strands. The highlights and lowlights appear to be strategically placed near her face to show off her gorgeous skin and almond shaped deep brown eyes.

In her off-screen life Missy favors no-muss, no-fuss long straight looks with her hair usually worn brushed off her combination face shape.

Although Missy appears to have a mostly oval shape, she does have a prominent chin and a square shaped jaw area. Wearing her hair below the chin or longer is an excellent choice for her face shape.

Short Curly Hairstyle Tips

Whether you were lucky to be born with natural curls or just want that feeling of a bouncy curl, it's easy to utilize a variety of hair care techniques to achieve a fun, flirty curly hair style for your short hair.

If you were blessed with natural curls, the right Hair care products and styling tools can easily transform your out-of-control frizz to sleek ringlets.

If you weren't blessed with natural curls, never fear, you don't need to resort to harsh chemical perms or other hair treatments to create luscious texture and movement.

A myriad of curl and wave patterns can be created naturally, without harsh chemicals, on any type, texture or condition of hair. Most hairdressers suggest that if your hair has been colored or chemically treated in any way, that specifically avoid the use of hair perms which can cause potential damage to your strands.

Cynthia Basinet (shown above) is a great role model for wearing a short layered hairstyle that is a cross between a bob and a shag. Cynthia is a sultry and elegant singer, actress and model. The beautiful redhead appears to prefer Short hairStyles , which look spectacular on her. Lately the star has been photographed wearing a variety of sassy soft curls that are currently in hair fashion. She alternates between wearing a soft sweeping side fringe with pulling her hair off her forehead. She alternates also between waves and curls.

Steal Katie Cassidy's Hairstyle

To achieve stick strag hair you'll need to wash hair first. While straight strands can be created on "day old hair" it's much more difficult and may require the use of more styling tools which are not necessarily the best approach for your hair.

Easy Updo For Medium To Long Hair

Whether you're getting married, competing in a beauty pageant, going to a Prom, Homecoming or have a very special night out on the town, sometimes a quick updo recipe is helpful to have in your back pocket.
While I strongly advise brides to invest in spending time with a professional stylist since their photos will last a lifetime, I do understand that sometimes the budget is too tight for professional hair care.

Healthy Hair, Naturally!

You don't need to experiment with a wacky haircut and funky colours to look trendy. According to celebrity hair stylist Jawed Habib, today's style is natural…

Curly Hair Pride

This is not the case with all naturally curly blessed people. Some prefer to eliminate their natural texture with chemical relaxers because they are much less damaged than chemical straightening.

Shampoo Detangling Of Long Hair

My hair is straight, so I have no idea how well this technique will work for those with curly hair. It works very very well for me, so Karen has graciously requested that I share this idea with all of you through the Hair Boutique.

Funky Ponytail Ideas:

Wear two or more pigtails. Think Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton style - either high pigtails on the top of her head that looked like dog ears, or low slung pigtails that started just below the ears for a real innocent school girl look.
Tie your hair up in knots. Hair knots and twists are a funky ponytail variation. One knot or two, twist your hair and pin it to your head. Pull a few loose strands out of the knots.

Many Facets of Men’s Rings

Light. Light reflected. Some of the most outstanding of man’s creations center on the use, the refraction, the bending and focusing on light. Interior design, window design, landscape light refractions, dispersion of light through prisms, light crystals, the physics of light in rainbows, light-enhanced faceted gemstones, even artwork by such famous painters as the Dutch Vincent van Gough (1853-1890) were inspired by light. Why does light captivate our imagination and inspire such noble work and thought in the human mind?

Close your eyes for a moment. This is what is seen through the eyes of a blind person. The absence of all light. Darkness. Nothingness. Void of light and shapes and energy and size and dimension. Light is the essence of life. Light inspires. Light awakens. Light captivates and encourages. Studies indicate that people who live in dark, rainy climates where there is a reduced amount of sunshine will have a higher degree of at least discouragement if not full scale depression.

Some of my favorite works of art are inspired through the use of light in photography. Light, properly positioned brings a serene balance and projected expression to a human face … whether it be a photograph by an amateur photographer or a work of world-renowned art such as provided by Claude Monet or Norman Rockwell.

Jewelry uses light to captivate our attention - to be eye-catching as it were. I am included a simple photograph of a Ceramic men’s ring from Men’s ring Store (please see below)

This is a beautiful men’s ring that sells for under $200 but one would never know that when comparing the light reflecting properties of this black, lustrous design. The many facets on the ring provide a playground from which light can jump and run and twist and twirl through space. Other jewelry designs incorporate light into intricate and sometimes very expensive ornate jewels and stones. We have all seen these on the hands and necks and wrists of dignitaries from Rome to England. My sense is that it is not the cost or value of the piece, it is more the artistry and the use of light in designs that makes them valuable. Even the simplest of designs can capture and reflect light in such a unique way as to keep a child and even some adults interested for hours.