Hair-Volution : Katy Perry

Katy Perry first erupted onto the music scene in 2008 with her distinctive glossy black locks and dazzling blue eyes. Since then, this adventurous style chameleon has turned her hair every shade imaginable, cropping it short, growing it long, straightening, curling and crimping it. Katy has done it all and somehow every new hair experiment seems to suit her. Here's a glance at all of Katy's previous hairstyles and how each of them gave her a completely different look.

Root to Tip

Arguably one of the world's most recognizable music stars, Katy Perry's hairstyles have evolved along with her career. She has had her jet black hair cut in a sophisticated straight bob 1, a curly cropped look with short fringe at 2, a teased, choppy trim with side fringe at 3, a modern and piecey mid-length layered style with blunt bangs 4, a voluminous pin-up perfect look at 5, smooth straight locks at 6, rolling long waves 7, and an elegant updo at 8.

True Blue

Katy's debut movie role in the Smurfs inspired her to literally take on her Smurfette character with vivid blue locks. She wore her stand out aqua tresses in a number of different styles. Crimped at 1, she tried bouffant upstyles at 2, 4 & 5, a chic cropped bob at 3 and an asymmetrical one at 8. She also experimented with a wacky Wonder Woman hairdo at 6 and a high wrapped ponytail at 7.

Pretty in Pink

Keeping in tune with her whimsical and cartoonish appeal, Katy went bright pink with conspicuous cerise hair.

Lighter Locks

The 29-year-old songstress took the plunge and went from pitch black locks to extreme shades of blonde and red. She wears a pale wheat blonde look at 1, ombré strawberry blonde locks at 2, ginger curled tresses at 3 and a trendy platinum bob with hot pink tinged roots at 4.

Rainbow Nation

Katy's colourific hair history is a vast one, she has dyed her hair a fluorescent orchid hue 1, candy apple green 2, a rainbow of highlights at 3, 4 & 5 and an enigmatic dark violet at 6.

Hair Accessories

Katy also adds interesting hair accessories to her unique styles that make them that much more dramatic. From a gold Dolce & Gabbana crown at 1, a bejeweled headband at 2, a flower decked Alice band at 3, a romantic floral crown at 4, a Dolce & Gabbana printed bandana at 5 and an embellished Great Gatsby inspired hair band at 6.

My favourite Katy Perry hairstyle has to be the straight cropped bob, whether in black, blonde or blue, I think it suits her most.

Which of Katy Perry's Hairstyles do you think suits her best or worst?

Red Blonde Brunette

I've always been amazed at how converting your hair colour can completely change the way you look. The right hair tone will bring out and highlight your best features, whilst the wrong shade can make you appear sallow & washed out. Then there are some who are able to wear any colour and still look sensational. These are celebrities who have been brave enough to go from red hair to blonde and brunette and back again, a few with grand success and others a little less lucky.

1. Emma Stone

Colour Chameleon Emma Stone has a creamy pale skin tone and dazzling green eyes that compliments any hair colour. This natural Buttercup Blonde is equally bewitching with Fiery Red hair and silken Chestnut Brown locks.

2. Cheryl Cole

British singer Cheryl Cole is known for her lustrous volumized locks, which has seen shades of ravishing Plum Merlot, a less natural looking Wheat Blonde and her beautiful naturally dark Mahogany Brown hair.

3. Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence wowed us with her wavy Baywatch Blonde hair and since then, this award winning actress has tinted her tresses a Ginger Spiced Red and also went to the dark side with Sable shaded locks. I think the black hue gives her a sallow appearance. She look most distinctive as a blonde.

4. Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt stole the spotlight in The Devil Wears Prada with her Vibrant Auburn locks. But this natural Cocoa Coloured Brunette also finds it easy to wear Macadamian Blonde, all in her signature bob hairstyle.

5. Ashley Greene

Twilight alumni Ashley Greene dyed her hair in a synthetic shade of Cherry Swirl before going Golden Blonde. But I find that her natural Chocolate Brown hair suits her best.

6. Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth recently dyed her hair in a shade of Strawberry for a movie role, but this beautiful actress is at her best in Platinum and Pearl Blonde. The darker Mocha tinted hair hue completely washes her out.

7. Cameron Diaz

Gentlemen may prefer blondes, but that didn't stop Cameron Diaz from dyeing her Sun Kissed tresses into a Rusted Cinnamon Red and then even darker in a Walnut Brown. Eventhough the sultry brunette hair makes her blue eyes pop, I prefer Cameron with lighter locks.

8. Brittany Snow

Pitch Perfect's Brittany Snow has dramatically coloured her hair from the lightest Flaxen Blonde to a Toasted Red Toffee and Intense Umber Brown. They all suit her to some extent but I like Brittany's red hair.

9. Olivia Wilde

With exquisite steel blue almond-shaped eyes, a dewy complexion and the perfect jawline, Olivia Wilde sets the ideal canvas to wear any hair colour. She has been a Dark Coppery Redhead, an Almond Blonde and a Truffle Brown Brunette. I think that each shade brings out a different side to her beauty.

10. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has always been turning heads, no matter what her hair shade. The stunning star has experimented with Flame Red, Luminous Amber Blonde and Velvety Dark Brown. She can pull of any shade but blonde will always be the colour she is known for.

11. Nicole Richie

We first met the Reality Star as a bottle blonde on The Simple Life, but since then, Nicole Richie has refined her style along with her hair colour. She has went from Tea Soaked Red to Vanilla Blonde and a luscious Cola Brown. I prefer her as a brunette, as it highlights her light brown eyes and café au lait skin tone.

12. Angelina Jolie

With her spellbinding looks, Angelina Jolie could ideally carry off most hues. The actress began her career as Brunette, then tried on a glorious Burnt Sienna Red, then went Sandy Blonde for her role in the movie Salt. I'm not sold on the blonde, but think she's stunning in darker shades.

13. Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson is one of those lucky girls who can dye her hair any shade and it still looks striking and authentic. She has went from being a natural Buttered Toast Blonde to turning her hair Expresso Brown and a Vivid Cayenne Red. I think she looks great in every shade, but I love the red on her.

14.  Rachel McAdams

We first noticed Rachel McAdams as a platinum blonde in Mean Girls and since then the Canadian actress has dyed her hair a vivacious Copper red, Champagne Blonde and Coffee Bean Brown, all for movie roles. I think blonde looks best on her, although she carries off the other colours beautifully.

Would you Make the Drastic Change from Red to Blonde and Brunette?
Which of these celebrities wear all 3 shades well? 


*Images found via Glamour.com, Marieclaire.com, The Hairstyler.com and DailyMakeover.com

Party Hair Ideas 2013

Holiday & Party Hairstyles
Inspiration Ideas 2013

We've already seen a few good party dress ideas last week, so it's only appropriate that we find the perfect hairstyle to match. Formal and fussy or laid-back and relaxed, what ever the holiday event you're attending, these runway and celebrity hair ideas will surely inspire you to try something new with your tresses.

Ways with Braids

Braids have been massively popular this year from the runway to the red carpet, seen styled in innumerable ways. Lucy Hale and Alberta Ferretti models wore loosely plaited ponytails, whilst Selena Gomez went edgy with an elevated braid. Wear a romantic braided crown (seen at Rebecca Minkoff) or go goth like Cara Delevingne did with a braided undercut. TV Presenter Maria Menounos showed off a textured mermaid braid.

Elegant Updos

 For those more formal affairs, you can't go wrong with a classic pulled black chignon, French twist or slightly messy bun. An asymmetrical fringe will beautifully compliment this style.

The Faux Bob

Shorten your locks without cutting it off by trying out the uber trendy Faux Bob. Curl sections of your hair with a curling iron, then fasten and tuck inwards towards the nape of your neck with bobby pins. Leave a few strands loose in the front to soften this pretty look.

Plaited Upstyles

Incorporating a plait into your usual upstyle will add a playful party spin.

Half-up Half Down

 If you have naturally wavy hair, the easiest way to add some glamour is with a half up, half down hairstyle. Gather a few strands from the front of your head and either braid it, twist it or pull it back in a pompadour. Let the rest of your locks fall loose in ravishing waves.

The Finer Details

Vivify your normal style with interesting hair accessories. At Marchesa, models were given a fringed finish with feathered clips. Alexis Mabille went retro with beehives and satin bands. Y-3 presented uncombed folksy locks with a side braid and neon rainbow feather. Plait a bright ribbon into your braid seen at Calla. Cover up uncompromising hair with a very trendy veiled beanie a la Jil Sander. Or add a contrast coloured strand for a grungy look as Libertine did.

Straight Forward

 To get your hair this sleek and perfectly straight, smoothen down with a flat iron, using a heating spray before hand and a good serum or shine spray after.

Hair Gems

Ornament your tresses with a range of beautiful hair jewels, floral clips and crowns or try ornate crystal brooches for a vintage effect.

Which of these Holiday Hairstyles will you be trying out?

Wedding Guest Hair Styles

Image via Victor Hugo Salon.com

I am the least savvy person when it comes to fanciful hairstyles. It would require an army of professional hair stylists armed with a truckload of combs, pins and products to transform my non-negotiable, very stubborn straight hair into something other than, well, straight. I have a close and formal family wedding coming up in the next week, so I have been scouring the net for some inspiring hair ideas. These are the looks that I have loved the most after sifting through what seems like hundreds. I hope that you can help me narrow down my choices.

Floral Fascinators

Images found via Etsy, Brides.com, BrideGuide.com & Modweddings.com

If you're part of the bridal party, make the most of this VIP opportunity by going beautifully dramatic with your hair choice. When else will you get to flaunt pretty floral hair accessories without looking like you stepped off the set of a Midsummer's Night Dream? Try a floral crown with fresh flowers if you are a bridesmaid, or tie the blooms into a waterfall braid. A delicate floral fascinator can be pinned to the side of a romantic upstyle. These floral inspirations are all white, but pick a pastel or bright shade to compliment the colour of your dress.

Braided Halos

Don't worry if you didn't pay attention back when your grandma/mum/great aunt braided your hair. Here's an excellent tutorial on how to create your own halo braid. This Heidi-inspired look is wonderfully feminine, perfect for showing off a great neckline and the back detail of a dress.

Half Up Half Down

With the right styling tools (or friends), the half-up half-down style is one that can be done by yourself without the expense of going to a salon. All it takes is chicly combing back the front section of your hair like Frieda Pinto & Kate Beckinsale have. Then fasten it with bobby pins at the back to a height that you're happy with. Tease at the crown if you prefer extra volume a la Isabeli Fontana. Use a curling tong to twirl the rest of your locks. You can also leave a few loose strands to frame your face, adding a softer feel like Jessica Chastain & Lily Collins.

Side Swept Waves

 One of my favourite occasion hairstyles are glamourous side swept waves. Although I have learned the hard way that my hair simply will not hold a curl, even when doused with a can full of super-glue simulative hairspray. 

Posh Ponytails

 Probably the easiest, no-fuss hairstyle to achieve for an occasion - especially if you've overslept from the party the night before and you're in a hurry - is a ponytail. This timeless style has been modified on the runway of Jenny Packham to include a pretty twist, while Reem Acra's models wore a pompadour with their ponys. Selena, Bella and Nina have all turned to this simply slick but elegant hairstyle for red carpet events.

Elegant Updo's

An elaborate updo would rate for me as the most complicated event hairstyle to accomplish. 

If you're naturally talented in the hair department, you can create one of these graceful looks on your own, but most of the time, it will require a trip to your stylist to get right. Chanel pinned pearls into their classic chignon, Valentino went for a twisted braided upstyle and Dolce & Gabbana modernized the retro beehive. Ashley Simpson took a more laid back approach to her look with a tousled wavy upturned coif. Ashley Madekwe added some sparkle to her high bun with crystal clips. This type of look is ideal for showing off chandelier earrings.

Crystal Headbands

A crystal or embellished headband instantly creates that enchanting princess effect. It can be used to adorn a polished, pulled back ballet bun like Ariel Winter, Sienna Miller and Petra Nemcova. Or try a softer wavy side upstyle like Charlize Theron. Keep your embellishings understated and youthful with lace details and coloured beads. For a more minimalist styling option, wear your hair down like Elle Fanning and Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

I need your best advice...Which hairstyle would you wear to a wedding? 

Models & Makeup - Cara Delevingne

Makeup & Hair Inspiration
Cara Delevingne

It's always fascinating to see how models are transformed from one fashion show to the next with the help of makeup artists and hairstyle hotshots. Cara Delevingne is one such model, who can effortlessly go from a smokey eye to a fresh face without batting an eyelid (mind the pun) - looking stunning on each occasion. And she has the eye brows everyone adores. 
Here are some hair and makeup ideas from the world's most sought after supermodel.


Retro

Cara wears a 50's style head bow with orange shaded lids and a wide-swept fringe at Louis Vuitton. She is 70's chic at Pucci, with a shaggy hairdo and kohl rimmed eyes. Moschino brings out the best of the 60's with a voluminous coif, icy-white lined inner rims and bold, separated lashes, along with a popsicle red lipstick. At Marc Jacobs, the sixties theme is reignited, with a side-swept beehive, smudged eyes and nude lips, with an emphasis on her famous brows.

Eye Candy

Brightly shaded lids are all the rage, as seen on the SS13 runways. The styling at Jeremy Scott was punk rock with green painted lids and an unruly dark cropped hairdo. At Fendi, yellow and blue collide in a tribal themed eye. The makeup artists at Topshop, Just Cavalli & Chanel Resort 2014 were inspired by blue eye shadow, making it a profound feature. Opulent gold leaf lined the inner rims of Cara's eyes at Marchesa. She showed off metallic silver lids at Chanel Spring 2013, and purple smoked eyes at Jason Wu. A nude lip makes this trend pop.

Au Naturel 

Barely there makeup displays the youthful side to Cara's beauty. To recreate her flawless, fresh faced look, first start with a makeup primer. Then lightly mix a few drops of your moisturizer with your liquid foundation to create a more natural and less cakey finish. Use a concealer to hide any imperfections. Dust with translucent powder to set your base. Try a beige eye shadow on your lids and if you like using a liner, try brown instead. Circle an illuminator or bronzer onto the apples of your cheeks and gloss with a clear lip glass. Voila!

Lip Service

Bright, bold and bubblelicious lip shades are an instant makeup pick-me-up. At Diane von Furstenburg, Cara wears a deep fuchsia matt lipstick, with blown out locks. A striking shade of cherry red is seen at Jason Wu SS13. Cara is volumized with a curly coif at Marc by Marc Jacobs, in a rich red lip and little other makeup. Fendi goes dark punk for FW13 with a violet toned lip colour. Cara is pretty in a cerise pink glossy pout at Issa, with a lovely floral decked high twisted bun. Neons are not for everyone, but this hot pink hue at Giles is radiant on Cara.

Dark Optics

Coal-black dusky lids beautifully highlight Cara's blue eyes. The ideal version of a 'smokey eye' is perfectly portrayed at DSquared and Michael Kors, while Lanvin takes it one step further. Cara wears an extreme smeared and smokey look at Chanel Couture, which is only okay if you're on the runway. Do not try this at home folks, unless you're in a goth band. What you can try, is the glamourous cat-eye as seen at Anna Sui and Dolce & Gabbana. If you have an unsteady hand, just line your upper and lower rims with a black pencil, or in the case of Rag & Bone, you can completely miss the mark and draw outside the lines. Not really.

With the wave of a makeup brush, Cara Delevingne impressively conveys any type of look, from an after-dark party princess, a classic beauty, retro chick and modern colour maiden.

Which of Cara's beauty looks is your favourite? Would you try it out?

*Images via glamour.com, style.com and Tumblr.

The Saturdays - Hairstyle Inspiration

I've been listening to The Saturdays and admiring their trendy style since they first arrived on the scene with their 2008 debut album 'Chasing Lights'. Much has evolved since then but their combination of punchy pop tunes, infectious personalities, stunning looks & amazing wardrobes have ensured them a place on the world music map. Besides for the chart-topping hits and co-ordinated clothes, I think some credit should be given to their impressive hairstyles too.

Una Healy

Irish beauty Una Healy is noticed more for the dazzling colour of her hair rather than the cut. Her glossy multi-tonal reddish locks perfectly compliment her pale skin and icy blue eyes. Auburn isn't a shade we could all easily pull off, but Una does so with radiance. Get a similar style by asking your colourist for copper and auburn highlights placed around the mid-lengths. Use a large round barrel brush when blowdrying your hair, and set in place with a shot of cold air. Pile on the shine with a high-gloss serum.

Vanessa White

Vanessa White's exotic looks come from her half-English, half-Filipino heritage. The 23-year-old songstress proudly wears her hair in natural, healthy voluminous waves. She is also isn't afraid to experiment with colour, going from licorice black to burgundy and then golden blonde. She looks just as beautiful with sleekly ironed locks as she does a curly coif. If you also have curly locks, try a leave-in-conditioner to attain maximum moisture and place any type of product on wet hair, and then scrunch. Opt for air-drying your hair to avoid frizziness.

Frankie Sandford

Frankie Sandford initiated the supremely chic haircut that received an instant cult following. Her chocolate brown asymmetrical bob has an undercut on one side, highlighting her cheekbones & perfectly angular jawline. Frankie wears her modern cropped coif with an extreme side-swept fringe that's been layered for more movement & body. She has also tried out this style with honey blonde highlights. This is a cut that requires some effort, with trims needed every few weeks. Use hair wax to texturize & set into position with a mist of spray.

Rochelle Wiseman

Rochelle Wiseman is one of those very lucky girls who can wear any type of hairstyle & hair length and still look incredible. She has gone from a short straight bob to wavy medium-length tresses to sweeping long locks, each of them suiting her beautifully. Having sparkling brown eyes & a great face shape also aids the versatility of her haircuts. If your hair is naturally wavy, don't completely rinse out your conditioner - this will add to the sheen when it's dry. Try a Vitamin E serum or capsules and use a weekly masque to maintain a healthy mane.

Mollie King

 Mollie King stands out from the group with her shiny blonde locks. Her signature look is a middle-parted style with bouncy waves, that make the most out of her fine hair. To get Mollie's hairstyle, use a volumizing spray on towel-dried hair and then flip your head over and blow-dry upside down. Use a flat iron or curling tong to achieve waves. Then separate curls with your fingers for a softer, more tousled look. Avoid greasy hair build-up by using a clarifying shampoo once a week or try a rinse with apple cider vinegar.

Which of 'The Saturdays' hairstyles would you most likely try out?

Hair-volution : Rihanna

Rihanna changes her hairstyle more in one season than most of us probably will in a lifetime. The chameleon of haircuts, Riri is never afraid to experiment with new and innovative styles, bold colours and edgy cuts. With her stunning looks, heart-shaped face and striking eyes, it's easy to see why almost every look suits her. She's had her hair cropped to the shortest span, curled, straightened, coloured & extended to long luscious lengths. If you're searching for your own hairstyle inspiration, this overview of Rihanna's Hair Evolution is a great place to start.

The Short Cuts

1. Rihanna took a plunge and cropped off all her locks in a choppy pixie cut last September. 2 & 4. She's also sported a honey blonde faux mohawk with shaved off sides. 3 & 5. In 2010 she was swept over with a commanding two-tone black and blonde look. 6. Her heavy asymmetrical fringe draws all the attention to her dazzling green eyes. 7. Rihanna pushes the envelope in a strawberry blonde slicked over hairstyle. 8. The angle of her side-parted style perfectly compliments her heart-shaped face.

The Bob

Rihanna reinvented the bob in 2007 & has tried out every variation since. 1 & 2. She wears it slick & straight, impeccably ironed with a blunt fringe. 3. Riri stuns in a shoulder length bob with caramel highlights. 4. Rihanna is most famous for her inventive asymmetrical bob with perfect angular lines. 5. She's also showed us how to wear a curly bob beautifully. 6. An interesting way to enhance your regular mod bob is by adding multi-tonal streaks.

Mid-Lengths

1 & 6. Never in fear of a radical colour change, Riri went golden blonde and layered early in 2012. 2. A volumized curly quiff was her choice of style in August 2011. 3. She started out with a much simpler front-layered look when she stepped onto the music scene in 2006. 4. Rihanna plays it sweet with crimped waves. 5. In May 2012, she dyed her hair licorice black and fiercely styled it with tousled side waves and a side undercut. 

Longer lengths

1. Tightly wound ringlet curls bring out the singer's playful side. 2 & 6. A much younger Rihanna displays chic and feminine longer locks. 3. Jessica Rabbit, eat your heart out, Rihanna smoulders with side swept retro Hollywood waves in chocolate brown. 4. There is nothing more elegant than pin-straight glossy locks with a centre parting. 5. At this year's Grammys, Rihanna opted for glamourous loose waves with sun kissed ombre highlights. 

Every Shade of Red

Flame red, cherry crush, molten mahogany and intense auburn, Rihanna has tried them all, with grand success. She firmly placed fire-engine red on the hair colour map in 2010, wearing her hair in every imaginable style and saturation. Whether seen in wild curly tresses, tousled bobs, a poker-straight mane, plaits or sexy layers, Rihanna made red hair her signature for a while and we will always associate this vibrant hue with her. 

Which hairstyle do you think best suited Rihanna?
And which do you declare a hair disaster?


*Images sourced via Tumblr, Glamour.com and Instyle.com