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.

Extend Your Beauty at Believe

Have you been admiring those long flowing waves so popular in Hollywood right now? But you know that the growing out phase to get long hair will drive you crazy? Hair extensions may be the answer. Believe will weave their magic and voila—instant long and lovely hair that can last up to three months before you even need maintenance.

Hair extensions are lengths of either real or synthetic hair that are affixed close to the scalp. They match your own hair in color and texture and move naturally—making it hard for anyone to tell you have extensions. They add volume and can even add highlights or lowlights to add a little drama to your hair. Natural or human hair extensions are the type you want because they can be colored, set, curled or treated (synthetic hair may melt under a blow dryer.) Be sure to have an experienced stylist, like us at Believe, put in your extensions (stylists with no experience can damage and even break off your hair.) At Believe, we carefully test the strength of your hair and USE the right method of attachment to protect your own precious mane.

Here's a few methods of applying hair extensions:

Braids, Cornrows, Twists, Locks – Extensions are visible here—as in the braid—but they blend into the overall hairstyle.

Weaves – Little braids hold the extensions against the scalp (like tiny cornrows) except the braids are hidden. If the extensions are poorly applied, tension and uneven weight (like wet hair from swimming) can not only loosen the weave, but break your natural hair.

Bonding – Latex plugs hold the extensions and are glued to your own hair for short-term use. Though this method is less expensive (because it is faster), oil and heat have to be used to dissolve the bonding agent when you want the extensions out—which is messy, time consuming and can pull your own hair out if not carefully done.

Metal Tubing – Much like the latex plug, this method uses a metal tube clamped over the real hair. Be careful of the weight here if your hair is fine.

Heat-Shrink Tubing - This doesn't harm natural hair, but may not last as long as other methods. Washing can loosen the tubes.

Adhesive-Based Fusion – This is the best method and the one used at Believe. Professional grade adhesives that can withstand both heat and chemical treatments are used and our professionals can remove the extensions using an adhesive remover that reduces the bonding agent to powder (instead of using messy oil and heat).

Here's some dos and don't for your new extensions:

• Do grow your hair to 3-5 inches so the extensions won't look unnatural.
• Do use recommended aftercare products like Chromastics, Aestelance or the So.Cap. wet line for your hair extensions.
• Don't shampoo
 your hair for two days. The bonds needs time to set completely.

• Do brush your hair gently to remove tangles before washing.
• Don't scrub your scalp or shampoo your hair upside down.
• Don't shampoo your hair more than twice a day.
• Don't neglect your real hair—be gentle and keep your own hair healthy.
• Don't keep them in too long. After a few months, your extensions will be worn out from the washing, drying and styling and your real hair growth will make the extensions look like Britney Spears' on a bad day. Replace the before they draw the wrong kind of attention to your head.

 Long, strong, beautiful hair can be yours—whenever you'd like. Make an appointment with us at Believe and start the transformation.