the fresh perspective...

Long, Long, Long Many of us have, at one point or another, tried to grow out our hairs.  We've all said it, "I want to grow it long, I want to be able to pull it up for the summer."  Between the explosion of the 'sock bun of 2012' and the new resurgence of the braid, many of us are desperately trying to get our lengths as lengthy as possible.

There's no secret to it.  Just don't cut it.  It'll grow, it'll be long and luscious in NO TIME.  If you're going to go this route make sure you are not hot styling your hair regularly.  (If you are using up to two hot tools every time you wash and style, you won't be able to get any decent length because you'll need to be getting regular trims.)  Regular trims will keep your hair at the same length.  You're basically trimming off what has grown.

Even if you are using the best products to protect your hair from the heat, you'll need to get regular trims so your ends won't split.  If you can set aside some time to let your hair air dry, or even style it without heat you'll be surprised how fast your length will come.  For those of you who are addicted to hot tools maybe cutting down their use will help develop some length.  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'... That's the fresh perspective...

What's your style?

Lately I've realized that so many of us just want a little change.  Nothing too crazy, just something a bit different.  Something that makes you look twice.  I have what you need folks!  I do!  You don't need to change your haircut EVERY TIME you visit the salon! You can have the same haircut and STYLE it differently day-to-day!  You can!

So I'm sounding very excited right now, but it's because I've discovered something.  Styling your hair can literally be done differently day-to-day!  You can change something very little almost every time you wear you hair!  Part on the left Monday, part on the right Tuesday, pull back hair on the left Wednesday, pony-tail Thursday...ya get me right?  It may seem a little odd but it doesn't take much.  Start feeling bored with your old hair?  POW!  You have a bobby clip accent in your hair!  ....Okay the exclamations are done.

Ask your stylist for tips and tricks on styling your hair.  We just got these styling kits and they are a great place to start (for those of you who are ready for the challenge).  The kit includes bobby pins (available in three color types), 2 combs, and 2 clips (for hot tool styling).  Oh and the canvas sack can be reused to carry anything else that suits your fancy. :)

Do you style your hair?  Why?  Why not?  We'd love to know!

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the fresh perspective...

HERE COMES THE SUN A friend and I read an interesting fact about the sun and your hair.  According to Allure, 100 hours of direct sunlight on your hair is as damaging as having straight bleach on it for 30 minutes.  What?! Can you believe that?  When you really think about it, your skin gets darker in the sun so of course it can affect your hair!

Here are a few tips to protect your locks from the sun:

-try to use products with UV protectors.

-in a pinch, a little sunscreen mixed with water can be sprayed in for extra protection.

-cover it up!  Scarves and hats are quite functional and fashionable.

-make sure you clarify every now and again.  A clarifyer will strip your hair of environmental build up and product build up.  Once clarified, give yourself a treatment to replace the moisture you've washed out.

-braid it up and away!  Braids are the hottest trend right now and will expose less of your hair to the sun.

It doesn't take long to check the ingredients on the products you buy.  Purchasing from a salon will allow you to dialogue with your stylist and he or she can steer you in the right direction.  If you're the type that spends ALL summer in the sun, get yourself some protection!  That's all I need to say, that's the fresh perspective...

Wordless Wednesday

Summer holidays...

the fresh perspective...

HOLIDAZE It's time!  I'm taking some time off and won't be posting till I'm back from vacation.  For the next few days I'll be hanging out at splash pads, eating out, and doing some ultra light reading (I'm traveling with kiddos).

Holidaying with little ones can be interesting and if you're doing it alone, it can be tiring.  While the kids are sleeping I'm going to attempt to read a book and just take it all in.  I'll be looking forward to not cooking and cleaning,  I'll be looking forward to getting browner in the sun and I'll be looking forward to early nights...

Because the girls are with me, I'm planning most of my trip around them.  We will be going to the zoo and some random pools.  We'll be watching the movies of my youth Annie and The Little Rascals.  Along with my light reading, I would like to check out the Patti Smith exhibit at the AGO and cook a meal for my great hosts...

All in all, I'll be offline for ten glorious days.  I hope that all of you have planned some time to get away between now and the end of the summer.  As important as it is to have a job and work, and save, and be practical; it's just as important to take breaks, rest and be silly.  That's the fresh perspective...

magic monday - helmet hair

it's that time of year again! time to dust off your trusty two wheelers, and hit the mean streets!

it's easy to look cute on a bike, but when you add a helmet into the mix, it seems we all start running into a bit of trouble. LUCKILY, there are some amazing, cute hairstyles you can pair with your favorite helmet!

(I love my crisp white Bern)

Here's a little roundup of my favorite helmet friendly styles.

if your hair is on the longer side, try sprucing up the traditional pigtail by adding  some fishtail into the mix.

a simple half up, half down style like this braided one is great if you still want your locks loose and flowing.

low, messy buns are a simple option for those low on time.

this side roll is a bit trickier, but perfect for glamorous night out.

these three twisted buns are an easy, fun take on the low bun.

a long, side braid is a fantastic way to show off your length while avoiding windswept tangles.

the gibson roll is a favorite of our dear christie (who looks great in a helmet).

happy trails, and happy monday! xxo p