Changing your hairstyle is one of the easiest ways to create a new look. A sleek chignon works well for the office, while beachy waves create a casual, effortless vibe. With a few inexpensive styling tools and products, you can create each of these flattering hairstyles in less than 15 minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
Styling Products
The right products can help achieve the look you want, beginning with your shampoo and conditioner. Women with thin hair should use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner; these deposit ingredients like panthenol, amino acids or protein onto the hair shaft, pumping it up as it dries. For straight styles, formulas with smoothing additives keep frizzies at bay.
Prep your hair for styling with a product designed to prevent damage. If you blow-dry your hair, use a heat-activated leave-in conditioner. Heat dries out the hair shaft, making it brittle and prone to breakage. If you air-dry your hair, apply a UV protectant that will help seal in moisture, color and shine. Your local drugstore will have inexpensive versions of all these products.
Easy Updo
The classic chignon is appropriate for any occasion and works for women with straight or curly hair. All you need is an elastic ponytail holder and three to five bobby pins. First, gather hair into a ponytail at the back of your head and secure it with the elastic ponytail holder. (Ouchless elastics are available at most drugstores, for those who remember painful experiences with rubber bands.) Twist the ponytail until taut, then wrap it around the elastic in a clockwise direction. Hold it in place with one hand and use your other hand to secure the ends with bobby pins.
Experiment with the look by placing the ponytail higher on your head, or off-center behind an ear. Don't worry about pieces of hair that escape the pins---this keeps the chignon soft instead of severe. If you'd rather have a sleek look, don't turn to hairspray. Instead, take a tip from stylist Campbell McAuley---he suggests using shine serum as needed for frizz control.
Beachy Waves
The relaxed, beachy waves like those seen on Gisele Bundchen and Blake Lively are ideal for thick or thin hair. "Elle" magazine's Amy Lawrenson spotted them all over the catwalks for spring and summer 2009. To get the look, wash your hair, and towel it halfway dry. Apply a texturizing product (these come in spray or paste form) and scrunch hair with your hand to create a loose wave. This look isn't meant to be perfect, so don't worry about keeping the waves evenly spaced. Skip the crown of your head---this style looks best when the waves begin at eye level.
Next, blow-dry your hair until it is mostly dry. For added volume, bend over and dry the hair upside down, scrunching as you go. Next, use your fingers to gently comb through it. Separate any tangles or clumps of styling product, then shake your head from side to side to ensure the hair settles naturally. Finish with a silicone-based glossing spray for light hold and shine.
Tags: your hair, your head, blow-dry your, blow-dry your hair, bobby pins, elastic ponytail, elastic ponytail holder