Slicing and Dicing: Razor Styles Are Back

Whether they are called “chopped”, “shredded” or “shingled,” razor styles are back with a vengeance (and for men, they never left.) Whether used on long locks to give your waves a bit more romantic flow or used as multi-lengths to sex up a long do, razors can be artistic tools in the hands of an expert (like us here at Believe) or a weapon when wielded by a neophyte hair stylist with no experience. Working with scissors is taught in Hairstyling 101 but whisking away hair with a razor takes a cool hand. The three-inch blade adds texture by having a looping effect on the hair shaft. The razor can get rid of heaviness and bulkiness (you know those tufts of hair on the side that look like wings or that pile on top that weighs your style down like an invisible hat?)  Razors are usually used on wet hair to keep things manageable and the blade will cut the ends so that you don't look like you stepped out of the chair a minute ago.  The genius in a razor cut is that it removes bulk while building volume. How? Strands that are shortened help puff up the longer ones, but a razor cut isn't for everybody. If your hair is thin, too short already or frizzy, the razor cut may not be for you and some stylists say a razor cut isn't for curly hair either. Really the only way to tell is to come on in and let us look at (and feel) your hair and the way it grows. We will use our trained eye to tell you if the razor cut will make you feel beautiful or go batty. Long hair can be less boring when cut with a razor or, if you are worried about having to grow out all that hair to one length again, ask if a triangular wedge will work for you—it makes regrowing hair much less visible. (Or perhaps just your bangs can be done to give a long style a sense of movement.)  One word of caution about razor cuts: They tend to lose their shape sooner than hair cut with scissors, but for that wispy look, razor cuts really have no equal. From bob to flowing waves a razor cut will make a big difference in your look, so come in for a consultation first! We won't go all Jack The Ripper on you and bring out the razor until we, together, have determined it will be the best technique to use on your hair. You are an individual and at Believe, you will get an individual cut. Call us at 914-747-0778 today to make an appoint at Believe.

Summer Hairstyles 2011

Having survived that Memorial Day barbeque (working off that corn on the cob and potato salad by spending a little more time on the treadmill), you are more than ready for summer. You put your winter woolies in mothballs, tried on that bathing suit and dug out your favorite flip-flops, but what about your hair? With no more winter hat to hide a bad hair day, what to do with your mane? Bring it to Believe for this year's hottest cuts:

The Bob

Take a page from the Roaring Twenties and try this never-out-of-fashion do. With strong outlines marrying curves and sharp lines, this cut is flattering to all types of faces and particularly works well for women “of a certain age.” You can go asymmetrical with the back shorter that the front and add layers if you like, for volume. Sleek and shiny is the order of the day and this clean cut will have you dancing the night away with never a hair out of place.

The Pixie

Remember fighting against this very haircut when you were five and you got dragged to the salon for a Pixie cut? Well, as in many things, mother knew best. If you have small features or a heart-shaped face or can't stand dealing with your hair over the busy summer, this is the cut for you. Wispy bangs accent the eyes, short sideburns to frame your face, this is truly the wash-and-wear wonder cut for the summer.

The Wave

It's possible Mother Nature gifted you with natural waves—if so, rejoice. Just flip your hair over, spritz if with CHROMASTICS Spray Gel or AESTELANCE alcohol-free Voluminizer, give it a scrunch and off you go. For the rest of us, a short stint with a curling iron and some spray that's not afraid of the humidity, like IDEN Finish Spray and you, too, can have mermaid waves.

The Fringe

We used to call them bangs—but today's hippest hairstyles are showing off “fringes”. From strong lines marching straight across your brow, to short, wispy, spiky, long, flip or those with choppy edges, fringes draw attention to those gorgeous eyes of yours and can even mask a few of those pesky forehead lines.

The Braid

With the hot weather upon us and The Farmer's Almanac promising us a very rainy summer, long hair might seem to be more of a pain, than a pleasure. No need to chop your locks to control frizz and fly-away. Go for a braid. Down your back, off to the side or coiled on top, braids take you from pool party to premiere and can be jazzed up with jewels, feathers and ribbons...giving meaning to a woman's hair being called her “crowning glory.”

Stop by Believe to discuss your new do. We'll help you figure out which cut will flatter your face and match your unique style. We'll even teach you to braid! And while you're here, pick up a supply of products made with Sunflower Seed Oil, a natural sunscreen,  to help keep your locks from getting sun damage. We, at Believe are happy to help make this summer easy, breezy and fun.