Writer Lara Piu
Photo istock
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he holidays are here, and that means family gatherings, company parties, neighborhood potlucks and festivities galore. It also means that now is the time to get in the salon for a style that will make heads turn, even if you’re so busy, it feels more like yours is the one that’s spinning.
“Big and bold is what’s in for festivities and holiday hair this season,” says April Martinez, owner of Scottsdale’s new luxurious beauty destination, The Hills Salon and Spa.
April recently opened her salon in the 4,000-square-foot La Mirada Shopping Center space that was formerly Tuscany Salon. The new salon underwent an extensive $200,000 renovation, and now features 18 hair stations, 10 nail stations, five pedicure chairs, a skincare room, a spray tan and lash room, a bar for makeup applications and permanent makeup, and a boutique with clothing, accessories, hair care, skincare and body products.
Men shouldncording to April, here are some of the top color, cut and updo trends for this holiday season.
Color
1 Tones
When it comes to holiday hair, April says this season is about tonal color. There is a tone to fit every base color and mood: champagne blondes, terra-cotta browns, rich chestnut brown, burnt copper and cinnamon reds are all trending.
“This year is more about pastel-colored blondes that are champagne- and pastel-toned rather than that ‘Frozen’ platinum blonde look,” April says. If you’re looking for something temporary and fun, she suggests hair extensions with pops of pastel.
2 Strobing
There’s a new technique on the color scene called strobing. An offshoot of hair color contouring, which requires the use of multiple products, strobing identifies where the natural light hits the cheekbones, brows, nose and chin, and uses highlighter to define that area.
“Coloring should always be left to the professionals, especially going blonde or creating those pastel and silver metallic-toned hair colors,” says April.
3 Balayage
Balayage is still holding its popularity, says April. This highlighting technique is brushed on to create a graduated, natural-looking effect.
Cuts
4 Lob
The most popular haircut for moms right now is the lob, April says. It’s a classic for a reason – the lob, also known as long bob, has made its way back up the trending totem pole this winter. In search of a style that’s trendy and easy to care for? This one’s for you.
“It is most popular among active moms because they are able to have style with versatility and ease,” says April. “It’s easy to wear as a messy tousled wave with curls, or you can straighten it for a more polished look.”
5 Blunt bob
This style is particularly complementary for thinner heads of hair. Most blunt cuts are worn in straight hairstyles to show off the accuracy of lines and sleekness of texture. But that doesn’t mean you can’t style it the way you like. In fact, if you’re looking for ideas, there’s only more than 1,000 of them on Pinterest.
6 Blunt bangs
Typically cut right at or directly above the eyebrows, blunt bangs are often thought of as too narrowing as styles go, but April says don’t be fooled. Ragged or ruffled; spiked up with hair gel, mousse or wax; swept to one side or the other; or cut longer to fall over the eyes are among the list of options.
7 No layers
While the color trends are more fun, the haircuts have gone more basic, with not only bobs returning, but also a straight cut without layers making its way back, too. It’s back to basics this holiday season, folks.
8 Long shag
If you’re looking for a more effortless and natural-looking style, long shags might be the way to go to look stylish and sport your long locks loose. Shags are equally flattering for thick and fine hair. Adding volume or removing excessive bulk is an easy task for a good shag haircut.
“My favorite look with this cut is the tousled wave curled,” April says. “With a tousled look, it’s easier to do and you can wear this style longer. It can last a couple or a few days.”
9 Braid
Incorporated into an updo, a braid can make your party hairstyle elegant while keeping it contemporary and a little less fussy. April says there are many braided updos that can be done in five minutes and are easy to do.
Whatever style, cut or updo you go for this holiday season, go big and bold or go home this year.
“If you’ve ever wanted to try a fun and edgy braided updo or style, this is the year to go for it,” April says.
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