The Easy Way to do Your Hair

Okay, you've tried this and that, and what we really want are super easy fast ways to do our hair. And still look good of course. A lot is in the hair product used, (ever used the hairspray that turned your hair into glue? ) And a lot is in how you do it.

Well, we thought we'd give you tricks of the trade. You know, the way your hairdresser does it. Fast, simple, effortless.

What DOES he know that you DON'T?

First off, get to know your HAIR TEXTURE and what it will and won't do. Is it curly, straight or wavy?

Is it kinky? Is it thin, full, in-between? Is it short, medium, long? Make a mental list of all the things your hair will do on its own without any help from you. A lot of "too-hard" hairstyles are from trying to get your hair to do something it simply will not.

Now, what would your hair do with a little coaxing from you? With the curling iron, does it turn into magic ringlets?

Can you make it super straight with your blow dryer? We're talking realistically here, not in your dreams.

Now, for the hard, cold reality.........what will it not do even if your life depended on it? You know, stick- straight hair that will never see the curls of the goddess of Venus ater 20 minutes. Curly hair that will not straighten, but it will frizz? Half the battle is knowing and respecting your hair's limitations. Your hairdresser does. Now it's your turn.

Okay, we've figured out what it loves to do, and what you can MAKE it do. Next, we must understand HAIR PRODUCTS and how it helps our hair do what we want. A brief breakdown:

Hair Creams -like Khiel's Silk Groom

Creams add body to hair, and texture, as in it gives your styling tools something to hold on to. Great for thin, straight, slightly wavy hair.

Hair Shines -like Aveda's Pomade

A wax, grease, or oil that can weigh down hair, adds shine, and enhances all waves and curls. Great for thick hair, kinky hair, and straight fine hair, if used sparingly.

Hair Gels -like Lanza's Curls & Color Liquid Gel

Gels act as memory for your hair when you're trying to make it do something it won't. Like from straight to curly. Gels always respond best to heat in the styling department, like curling irons, hot rollers, and blow dryers. This is pretty much the only way you will get your hair to look different. Whether it's straight to curly or vice-versa. Like your hair in it's normal state? Then apply a small amount of gel to dry hair, but with no heat. Gels enhance your hair the way it already is. Got wavy hair? It'll look even better.... Key note here: Lanza's gel mentioned is perfect for those that hate the FEEL of gel. Your hair stays soft to the touch.

Hair Sprays -like Sebastian's Laminates Hair Spray

Hair sprays lock everything in place. Once it's there, you're pretty much done. Keep an eye on what it says: light hold? strong hold? Which one you use depends on how difficult your hair was to get to this state in the first place. Also, another important note, Sebastian's Laminates Spray is one of the few that you can use with heat, as in hot rollers and curling irons without damaging your hair. A hair stylist's dream.

Okay, products done, hair styles "will and won'ts" down, now on to HAIR LOOKS. Perfection, "every hair in place" is not the look for this season. The messier and looser the better. For WAVY-CURLY hair, Loose curls twisted up is the prettiest look around. Up styles don't stay in place? Take your bobby pins and criss cross them when you put them in. That extra support keeps your hair up better. Heavy hair, use those real heavy long bobby pins. Want to place a few pieces here and there? Take your old-fashioned hair pins and just place a few here and there. STRAIGHT hair? Think of pony tails - use only coated rubber bands, your hair will thank me for it, and twist a slim piece of hair around it, tuck in with a bobby pin to hold in place. An instant hair ornament. Or take some flowers or leaves, real or silk and place around the rubber band. SHORT hair? Curl the bangs and wear off your face. HEAVY curly hair? Twist up the back and let the ends stick up. Pin in place.

Hair that works in the style it's born in tends to stay in place better, and is less fuss all around. Less to think about, and less time and hassle to get there. Isn't that what you were wanting in the first place?

Article written by E. Von Freudenberg, Editor of The Beauty Newsletter: http://www.beautynewsletter.gq.nu. For a free subscription, email BeautyNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Ms. Von Freudenberg is also a top celebrity makeup artist whose work has been seen in Allure, W, Rolling Stone, Paper, Detour and many more. Von Freudenberg Ent. © All Rights Reserved.