Wiggin' Out: Celeb-inspired cuts top client choices

Home Welcome Why Join?Healthy Hair My Salon Drama Salons Beauty Picks Salon Marketing Advertise Videos

Hair-nista Login

Find a salon near you

Healthy Hair

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 00:00

Celebrity stylist, Ellin Lavar

Pros' picks keep summer in mind

Sherrell Dorsey, My Salon Scoop writer

NEW YORK—In a fast-paced, fashion-forward city like NY, it is imperative to stay abreast of the latest trends to look the part of a mover and shaker.

Hair is a huge part of any woman's look, and in this day and age, you don't have the luxury for a bad hair day. So, many hair-nistas have added wigs and weaves to their hair wardrobe to ensure their style always looks complete.

The looks to rock this summer stem from celebrity-inspired 'dos that can be customized to fit your personality. Bed-head curls, sleek bobs and short cut wig and weave styles are making their way from magazine covers to the salon chair as clients look to emulate their favorite celeb's tresses and keep cool and sexy as the weather heats up.

The "Rihanna cut" is a favorite of stylist Tamela Bennett's clients at Harlem Mane Designs.

Taraji P. Henson uses weave extensions to rock her famous bob. (Photo credit: PRPhotos.com)

"My clients want lengthy bangs with added hair or a weave-enhanced Mohawk with lots of color," Bennett says. "Long tresses with layers are also very popular."

As summer peeks its head around the corner, Bennet sees her clients opting for shorter, sexy styles similar to actress Taraji P. Hensen for a professional flirty look, and Rihanna, who is setting the short-hair trends right now, for a spicy, trendy look.

Celebrity stylist Ellin Lavar says that many of her clients want styles that mimic super-star singer Beyonce's exaggerated locks.

"I just think that's way too much hair for the average woman," shares Lavar whose clientele at her Lavar Hair Designs on Manhattan's upper West Side consists of professional women seeking classic, professional looks appropriate for both work and a night out.

"For summer, long or short wavy hair weaves and wigs are the best, especially if you plan to spend some time in the pool," she advises, adding that if you do get your wavy weave or wig wet, be sure to follow up with a good shampoo and conditioning.

Hair cost commitments
While weaves and wigs offer versatility and the option to take a break from styling your own tresses, both have different advantages in their investment.

Weaves can range from $500 and up typically lasting two to four months. They can be styled to your liking and the hair can be washed and re-used if cared for properly. Top store hair brands include Milky Way (http://www.milkywayhaironline.com/) and Sensationnel (http://www.sensationnel.com).

Wigs aren't as big of a commitment and can typically range from as low as $30 for a synthetic wig bought from your local beauty supply store to $300 for a 100-percent human hair wig. Popular brands include Beverly Johnson, Zurry, De Novo Hair and Forever Young.

Beverly Johnson's wig line offers a range of styles. (Photo credit: PRPhotos.com)

Half-head wigs allow you to style the front of your hair to blend it with the wig itself for a more natural look. Lace front wigs are also popular and allow you to glue the wig from the base of your hairline and cover your entire head with a wig that fits securely and gives you a more natural look.

"The key to a great wig or weave is a good hair cut," Bennet says. "You can have your stylist cut and shape the wig for the look you want."

Maintain the salon look at home
Whether you fancy wigs or weaves, both stylists recommend maintaining your look by wearing a satin bonnet at night. They also suggest seeing your stylist halfway through the life of the weave for a wash, conditioning and tightening.

"Clients can also wash their hair at home, but they must remember to dry their hair thoroughly or they will get that weave smell," Lavar says. "Wash and dry your hair at least one time per week. Treat your weave or wig like your natural hair."

Lavar recommends using ScalpRX from her line Ellin Lavar Textures line found at (http://ellinlavar.com/products/scalprx.php). The product allows you to spray right into your hair in between the weave to relieve itchiness.

Bennet's main concern for her clients is the health of their natural hair.

"I care about healthy hair period," she says. "Work with a stylist that will help you treat issues and repair problems. A trendy weave or wig will not compensate for damaged, brittle hair."

Sherrell Dorsey is a beauty writer and skin therapist in New York City. She currently writes beauty, lifestyle and fashion articles for popular blogs and online magazines as well as her blog at www.OrganicBeautyVixen.com. You can reach out to Sherrell by contacting her at sherrell.dorsey@gmail.com.

Comments (4) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by Aisha Johnson, June 03, 2010

Could you give me some safe product suggestions for my skin, locks, and nails...oh yes and deodorant. FYI: I have really dry skin and hair. I have been using vaseline and olive oil for years because it works. History of extreme excema. I really have to have oil. Thanks AJ

Help for Aisha Johnson
written by editor, June 07, 2010

Hi Aisha,

For dry skin, try Aveda or Nivea. Both have worked for me in the extreme seasons of summer and winter. I also sometimes use Aveda during the day, but at night slather with olive oil. You don't say what you bathe in. That, too, makes a big different.

And of course, drink lots of water and limit your intake of sweets and sugary drinks. I've found that my skin responds better when I am well hydrated from the inside out. Hope this helps. NMP

HELP
written by ELLEN, August 24, 2011

hELLO, I need your help I'm for a gret short style to wear to the gym and still look cute. A no - hassel hair style . Can you help right now I have a deep wave weave which I hate. Pls help .

Than you

Ellen