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Hair Color Guide: Everything You Need To Know

December 21, 2021Women's Hair Colorbalayageadmin

Get Closer to Your Best Hair Color by Understanding These Terms.

Bleach

Bleach is a chemical agent used to lighten or disperse pigment from the hair shaft in a permanent manner. Bleaching is useful when you want to go from a darker color to a much lighter one by stripping the pigment from the hair strands. Bleaching can be quite harsh on the hair and over-processing must be avoided.

Bleaching

Bleaching is the actual process where lightening or de-colorization occurs, starting from the largest (darkest) pigments. This is typically known as the “7 stages of bleaching”: black – brown – red-brown – red – orange – yellow – white (in that order).

Bleach Additives

Bleach additives such as OLAPLEX is used to minimise the protein damage that bleach does to your hair. In addition to this, certain products can bond to the protein bonds in hair and protect your hair from further damage.

Clay Lighteners

Clay lighteners are lightening powders that contain organic pigments and allegedly 17 amino acids, silk extracts, olive oil, panthenol and milk, as well as being ammonia free. They are not “clay” at all and are simply promoted as “natural” and better for the condition of the hair. They are effective, but can easily be over-processed and can cause serious damage to the hair shaft if adequate care is not taken.

Colorist

A colorist is a professionally trained (usually in an advanced color course) in all aspects of hair coloring and hair chemical science. They have thorough understanding and knowledge of how and why hair color works. A colorist generally does the color consulting and sometimes application work for all salon clients, leaving cutting and styling to other members of the team.

Color Shade

A hair color shade is a color and numbering system that is used by hair colorists to determine a person’s natural level of neutral color. This system mostly starts at number 1 (black) and finishes at 10 (blonde). This information is very important as color types and/or techniques are dependent on the hair’s initial color shade.

Cortex

The cortex lies directly underneath the hair cuticle and is spiral-looking in appearance, like a coiled rope. It is here that pigments are found and that natural hair elasticity, i.e. straight, wavy, curly, gets its form. The cortex is also where all permanent chemical coloring takes place, including bleaching, perming, chemical straightening, and where the natural shape of the hair is changed. For example, using hot irons to go from curly to straight or hot rollers to go from straight to curly. These changes last only until the hair becomes wet again.

Medulla

The medulla is the hollow canal that appears in the very center of the hair shaft. It is not known to serve any specific purpose to the hair’s overall strength or appearance. The almost invisible layer is the most fragile part of the hair.

Cuticle

The cuticle is the outermost structure of the hair, resembling fish scales packed down up to 12 rows deep. The cuticle is the hair’s first defence against all forms of damage that include chemicals, ultra-violet light, styling appliances, styling products etc. A damaged cuticle leaves the hair looking dull and feeling rough, but more importantly, increases the likelihood of extreme damage occurring inside (leading to things such as natural and artificial color fade, split ends and breakage).

Demi-Permanent Color

A demi-permanent is a wash-out color that lasts about 20-25 shampoos. Demi-permanents do have low levels of hydrogen peroxide in them to open the cuticle and allow the color inside the hair shaft. This type of color is great for going darker, brighter, adding shine and for hiding and blending small amounts of grey. However, although demi-permanents will not lighten hair like permanent color, caution should taken because with prolonged use color build up in the hair results in the color not washing away, making it permanent in nature and leading to regrowth problems.

Hair Color Sprays

Hair color sprays are temporary or wash-out colors that are generally found in aerosol cans and sprayed onto dry hair. They are usually in unconventional fashion colors such as blue, green, red, yellow etc. Also, they are sometimes used by people to mask grey hair, or by some men to make their fine thinning hair appear darker and therefore thicker, and even to color the scalp to disguise hair loss. A word of caution though: keep out of the rain and avoid humid weather or the color will run off the hair and onto your clothing.

Hair Color Sticks

Hair color sticks are temporary colors used when people need a quick fix to touch up exposed roots, or to create highlights of different colors. The stick is similar to mascara, and color is painted directly onto dry hair with a small brush. It’s a somewhat sloppy process and can dry stiff. Watch out for moisture because the color can run off the hair and onto your clothing.

Hair Color Swatch

A hair color swatch is a small clump of hair that has been colored to a particular shade and reflect (tone) and then placed in a color chart with other swatches so that hair colorists and their clients can visualize hair color changes. Note: the color you see is not necessarily what you get!

Henna Color

Henna is a plant that contains a deep red dye used as a natural form of hair coloring. The active component in henna is lawsone, which binds itself to keratin (human hair protein) and washes away after several months- making it a semi-permanent color. Variations to the deep red color can be found as a result of mixing ingredients from other plants and vegetables, and even synthetic dyes. Sometimes, these synthetic dyes can cause some damage to the hair shaft. You need to be aware of how using henna can cause problems later when trying to perm or perform other chemical procedures on the hair.

L’Oreal

L’Oreal is the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company and has its head office in Paris, France. It specializes in hair color amongst other things, but it was actually its invention of permanent hair color that began this mighty empire. In 1907 a French chemist, Eugene Schueller, developed an innovative hair color formula that chemically made hair color permanent. This the beginning of the L’Oreal company which in 2007 was listed as having 63,360 employees and a revenue of 17.06 billion Euros.

Natural Hair Color

Natural hair color is a person’s original hair color; in other words, excluding any artificial colors, highlights, or chemicals that can coat the hair (such as chlorine that makes the hair look green). Your natural hair color does take into account any natural bleaching that is caused by the sun. Natural hair color is an important thing for a colorist to take into consideration as each natural hair color reacts differently to artificial color.

Permanent Hair Color

A permanent hair color employs chemicals to artificially change, delete, or counteract the natural pigment in the cortex layer of the hair shaft. This is done when dyes and bleaches are “turned on” by mixing them with an activator (generally peroxide) and sometimes heat, to open the cuticle and then allow the chemical changes to take place. The results are permanent changes that do not revert back to the original, however the roots of the hair grow back unchanged (regrowth).

Peroxide

Peroxide, otherwise known as hydrogen peroxide, is used in many ways in everyday life as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, oxidizer and antiseptic. It’s main use however is in hair color services as a developer or activator. Its primary role is to open the cuticle layer and allow tints or bleach into the cortex so they can then deposit or remove color by breaking disulfide bonds within the hair, releasing sulfur (hence the smell). When peroxide is mixed with hair bleach, the peroxide continues to de-colorize color pigments; but when mixed with tints, its role is to bond the new color molecule inside the hair.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Semi-permanent hair color is a color formula that deposits itself mainly on the cuticle layer of the hair, but it will also penetrate deeper into the cortex. This type of color cannot lighten hair and is generally used to add depth, change color tone, brighten the hair and camouflage small amounts of grey. The color fades away with each shampoo, meaning it lasts between 6-8 shampoos, and it can be found in various forms including, mousses, gels, crèmes and liquids.

Temporary Hair Color

Temporary hair color comes in various forms including rinses, shampoos, gels, mousses and sprays. The color molecules are very large and can only sit on the hair’s cuticle. Therefore, they don’t penetrate into the hair, making the color only last 1 wash. Temporary hair colors are great for a quick, temporary and relatively safe makeover (in any case always consult your stylist first). Just remember they cannot lighten hair, but can only temporarily darken and brighten.

Tints

Tinting is the process of mixing artificial color with a developer and applying it to the hair, causing permanent color change. The tint itself is made up of color molecules that go into the cortex and, with a little help from the peroxide activator, redeposits color after de-colorization has occurred. Tinting is a permanent process that requires careful thought and planning from a qualified colorist that understands the boundaries of what is achievable and best for your hair.

Balayage

Balayage is actually an application technique which has now evolved to be described as a final result of the hair. It is described to a hairstyle color with gradual change in a soft and graceful way. Balayage is achieved through freehand painting and no foils are required. Balayage gives the hair a natural highlight on the top of the strands that cascades into full color. Balayage can occur in different shades from blonde to brown, and even different types of hair whether it be curly, straight, long, or short.

Foiling

Hair Foils or Foiling is a hair coloring process that can lighten, brighten or darken hair. Rather than a freehand technique, foiling is a much more controlled process where the stylist will section off hair with a piece of foil. Depending on the type of look you are after, these sections can be done thicker or thinner. Foiling also traps heat much better than open air or plastic film, allowing the product to penetrate deeper into the hair, leading to an even more intense look.

Highlights

Highlights are a way to brighten hair by lifting the natural base to create lightness and contrast. The application of highlights uses foils to separate the strands in a specific way to create dimension to the hair. The color is applied root to tip and creates a contrasting effect. This application is perfect for those who want to avoid a full head of color to add lift, shine, and blend.

Ombre

Ombre means “shaded”. This is a hair coloring technique where a darker base of color is gradually lightened at the lengths and end of the hair. The difference between ombre and balayage is that with ombre the color gradient is gradual, whereas balayage is normally a highlighting technique. Ombre is a very popular hair color style because it is extremely easy to maintain. As your hair grows out, the lightened shade is moved gradually downwards, and require little touch up.

Ombre hairstyle

If you’ve enjoyed this article and keen to try out different hair styles, check out ‘20 Hair Colors That Suit Every Complexion‘ where we explore different hair colours that will turn heads.

Images are sourced from Shutterstock.

5 Steps To Fix A bad Haircut

December 17, 2021Women's Hair Carebangs, razor cut, bobs, pixie cuts, crops, textureadmin

While there is nothing wrong with being upset and angry about a bad haircut or hairstyle, the way that you react to the situation can sometimes make it worse. To ensure that you get the outcome and results that you deserve, take a look at our guide for what to do about your reaction to a bad hairstyle.

Here are some recommended steps that you should explore if you ever receive a bad haircut:

1. Don’t Take Action Against the Stylist/Salon Involved in the Heat of the Moment

Okay, you’ve just had your new hairstyle and you absolutely hate it. What went wrong? What don’t you like about it? Is your hair damaged and feels like it’s ready to break off? Unless your hair is in a damaged state, there are definitely some steps that you can consider taking before resorting to what I would consider to be the last resort, litigation.

Give yourself some time to get used to the new hairstyle
Try styling your hair more towards how you are used to having it. Little styling adjustments sometimes make all the difference
Get another opinion from your partner/family or friends. Sometimes some reassurance can make you feel better
Call up the salon that you went to and ask to speak with the stylist that did your hair. Explain to them as clearly as possible what you dislike and then ask what options are available for you to change it
If you find that speaking with your stylist has not helped, ask to speak with the manager or owner. As a paying client you are entitled to receive a level of service and satisfaction
If speaking with the owner fails, then go to another salon for advice

Most Salons want to help you out

If you are invited back to the salon you should go in. Unless you have been injured/assaulted or badly offended, it makes more sense to go to where the problem was created in the first place. They have the best chance of correcting whatever was done wrong the 1st time around.

It’s a pretty good bet that they won’t be happy that you’re upset and unsatisfied with your hairstyle and will want to listen or try to help you. What if they cut your hair too short you might ask? Of course it’s not possible to bring that length back instantly, but your hairdresser might still salvage it by styling your hair better.

Reaching out to the salon or its manager is the better course of action for another good reason. If the stylist needs further training and guidance by the manager then it would definitely help future customers from facing any difficulty like you did. Moreover, the stylist might get some needed training that will even benefit the salon in the long run, given the fact that almost all the businesses in the country and all over the world – big or small are struggling to keep afloat due to the pandemic.

2. Don’t Think That Hiding Is Your Only Option!

If you have paid for a hairstyle service you are entitled to the following:

What you have asked and settled for
Professional hair care and advice
Customer service
A relaxing enjoyable experience
To be happy with your new haircut

So, if you are not happy with your new hairstyle you need to discuss this with your stylist. Only if you let them know can they possibly help you. All too often, clients get a new hairstyle and are too afraid to complain or go back to their stylist fearing that they might trouble them. What about you? Is it okay that you are upset and plan to stay that way for quite some time? No, it does not make sense for two main reasons:

You may be able to change your hairstyle to what you are more comfortable with.
You need to give your stylist the opportunity to get it right. They probably would not have the slightest idea that you are unhappy until they see that you have not returned.

You don’t have to feel bad, be frightened or be aggressive and rude to get your point across. Hiding away will not fix the problem. You need to be positive about this, take action and get it fixed.

What to Do

If you are unhappy with a new hairstyle, call up the salon and speak with your hairstylist. Don’t just accept that it cannot be changed or altered in some way. Don’t be frightened to give your hairstylist the first opportunity to make it right. Hiding away will not make it better and is not the answer.

3. Give Yourself Some Time Before Deciding to Fix It/Change It Immediately

It’s only natural to be disappointed if your new hairstyle is not what you had hoped for. First of all, remember to give yourself some time to get used to the new look before moving forward to your next option too fast! As with any change in your life, all new hairstyles will take a little bit of time to sink in and feel okay to you. The amount of time it takes to adjust is different for everybody and depends on some of the following factors:

How big the hairstyle change is

For example, going from long hair to short or from blonde to dark, subtle to bright are all opposites and contrasting and will take you longer to adjust to and visually accept as being connected and a part of you.

How you are feeling emotionally on that day

If you are stressed, rushed or have had an altercation with someone earlier, then chances are that your new hairstyle could look much worse than it actually is. Remember, negative thoughts or dialogue can distort your perception of reality.

Negative comments from other people

Negative comments and remarks from other people cannot only be upsetting, but be more damaging to you on a subconscious level than you would believe. The human brain has an amazing ability to select and zoom in on what it wants to hear. When Aunty Mary tells you that your new hairstyle is different or asks what have you done to yourself? Her words can have a long lasting effect on you.

If you were already frightened to change your hairstyle and subconsciously resisted it, telling yourself why it wouldn’t be good to change, then Aunty Mary’s words have just hit a home run big time by confirming and justifying to you all of your negative thoughts.

You should instead ask yourself what other agendas people have when offering their opinions. Is it simply that they do not have the fashion sense or the courage to do what you have just done? That’s the most likely reason!

After allowing yourself a good night’s sleep or preferably a few days to get used to your new hairstyle, the chances are that you will feel differently about the whole thing. If not, then it’s time to explore your other options.

You should contact the very person that was responsible for your new hairstyle, your stylist. Try and be as clear and specific as possible about how you feel about the hairstyle. Tell them what you don’t like and for what reason. Don’t be frightened that you may upset them; you won’t if you are not rude and too personal. Avoid saying things such as you ruined my hair or you made a mistake, etc. Instead say how you feel about your hairstyle and why you don’t like it.

It’s better to keep your relationship with them amicable because once they do fix your hairstyle you will almost surely feel guilty of being rude to them. Also, hair stylists (not all!) tend to take things very personally when things go wrong. Being a perfectionist is not only a part of their training, but their very being!

If you feel that talking to your stylist has not helped, speak with the manager or owner. If that also fails, then reach out to a different salon for suggestions. Remember, advice should be given to you for free. You should call up another salon that you know through friends or word of mouth is reputable, and then make an appointment for some advice and options.

What to Do

Being disappointed with a new hairstyle is natural if things are not what you expected them to be. However, you really first need to give yourself some time for adjusting and getting used to your new hairstyle, and then you should do something about it. See your original stylist first, if that doesn’t work then it’s time to see a new hair care professional.

4. Let the New Style Sink in Before Re-evaluating

As with any change in your life, all new hairstyles will take a little bit of time to sink in and feel okay to you. It’s good to see that you understand that with time you could see the new hairstyle change differently. The amount of time it takes to adjust is different for everyone.

What to Do

You are correct and on the ball to allow yourself a few days to get used to your new hairstyle before deciding that you really hate it and want to change it. This approach is sensible.

5. Let the New Hairstyle Grow Out and Get Over the Situation

Now if this does not happen to you then you are actually worse off than before you started. You should make a point of speaking with your stylist at your earliest convenience to discuss what can be done to change your result.

What to Do

Even If you have received a bad hairstyle, you are entitled to get what you have paid for and set out to achieve – a new hairstyle that will make you feel wonderful. Don’t settle for anything less!

Parting Words

Bad experiences are a part of life and it can often feel like the end of the world especially when it comes to your hair. Your reaction to the bad haircut can amplify the negative emotions that you feel with the haircut.

Give our 5 step process to salvage a bad haircut a go and if your experience isn’t as you expected, having positive thoughts that your bad haircut is only temporary can help.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, check out ‘Damaged Hair | How to care for it‘, where we outline what could be damaging your hair and give you advice on how to care for your hair.

Images are sourced from Shutterstock.

Split Ends And Damaged Hair, How To Fix It

December 17, 2021Women's Hair Carewomen's hair careadmin

Even the most cared for hair is damaged to some degree, and while we can’t avoid damaged hair completely, knowing the causes can help us to limit it.

For a simple way to tell if you have damaged hair, run your fingers through your hair.

If you can run your fingers along your hair strands smoothly then the light coating of sebum (the natural oil that covers all hair) is working.
If your hair feels rough or prickly, particularly at the ends, then this points to dryness and damage.

Natural Hair Damage

Natural hair damage is caused by a lack of moisture, which can happen if there isn’t enough moisture in the cortex of your hair or if there isn’t enough sebum coating your hair. This all causes your hair to dry out and can be brought about by:

Aging
Genetics
Poor health
Poor diet
Hormonal imbalances

While there isn’t much you can do to avoid natural hair damage, using a better hair care routine and using better home hair care products regularly will help with the condition of your hair.

Here are some steps you can take to avoid or minimise natural hair damage:

Apply hair serum. It protects your hair from heat styling, prevents frizz, and gives it a beautiful shine.
Apply hair oil. Hair oils like pure coconut oil are a good option of moisturising your hair, hence preventing it from getting dry or frizzy.
Use a good quality conditioner after shampoo.

Styling Hair Damage

Hair damage that we cause ourselves is unfortunately something that is unavoidable. Simple everyday tasks such as washing your hair, brushing and even pulling your hair into an easy ponytail can all cause damage.

To minimise damage, always handle your hair as delicately as possible, be gentle when washing and brushing, and use the best hair tools possible, such as a mild shampoo and a natural bristle brush on dry hair and a wide tooth comb on wet hair.

To reduce the level of damage that you cause to your hair you can also try the following tips:

Keep in mind that spiky, heated rollers, metal combs, and plastic hair brushes can all cause damage
Hair elastics made from rubber will tear your hair so it’s best to use elastics that are covered in cloth
Wrap thin foam rubber around your heated rollers will help to limit damage
Curling irons and hair straighteners can dry and even burn your hair (if used incorrectly). Use them sparingly and always with a heat protection product
The sun, seawater, chlorinated water, air conditioning and central heating will zap the moisture right out of your hair so use scarves and hats when out in the elements, a swimming cap when you’re taking a dip, and moisture locking hair products if you spend most of your day in a room with air conditioning.

Chemical Hair Damage

Chemical hair damage is caused when hair is incorrectly or too often coloured with bleach and tints or chemically permed or straightened. When the hair is overexposed to chemicals then portions of the hair shaft break down and become soft. This can leave you with hair that tangles easily and a hair color that looks brassy or even green.

While for most people it’s not realistic to give up chemically treating your hair all together, you can limit the damage done by spacing out any processes with an 8 to 10 week gap. Try your best to see a professional hairdresser to have your hair coloured, permed, or straightened as they have proper training with the chemicals and will know how to apply them to your hair safely.

Here’s what you can do to minimise chemical hair damage:

Try hairstyles that don’t require hair styling products.
Rinse your hair soon after a swim. The sooner you get rid of chlorine in your hair, the better.
Go for only one service at a time at the salon, if you can. If you want to get your hair coloured and permed, then get it coloured in one sitting and get it permed in the next, with a gap of 3-4 days, if possible.

Being aware of what causes damage to your hair and handling your hair with as much care as possible will go a long way towards keeping any hair damage to a minimum and will help you to avoid more damage in the future.

Keep these hair care points in mind and every once in a while, schedule a damage free day by going with your natural hair texture and giving hair products and styling tools a miss. Who knows? You might even like your hair au naturel and prefer wearing it that way all the time!

Split Ends

The best advice that anybody will ever give you for treating split ends is to cut them off. The reason for this is that leaving them there will only make your hair split further up the hair shaft as the hair is open, exposed to every single thing that you throw at it.

I have seen people refuse to get their split ends cut off, only to find months later that their hair appears to be getting shorter all on it’s own. The hair is in-fact still growing out from the scalp, but as it grows the ends are breaking off faster than it grows down, making it appear to be getting shorter overall.

While the hair is split and fraying, it will continue to tear away, even if you apply moisturisers, treatments, and silicone fillers. The only course of action is to take the necessary step of cutting the split ends away.

The root of it all

Once hair damage sets in, there isn’t much you can do to recover your hair.

You can try different recovery methods but by learning and changing your hair handling habits and giving it extra tender loving care, you will have healthier looking hair in no time.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, check out ‘Is your fear of a hairstyle makeover really worth it?‘, where we guide you on how to do a hair makeover fearlessly.

Is Your Fear of a Hairstyle Makeover Stopping You?

December 1, 2021Women's Hair Careadmin

To some lucky ones, changing their hairstyle is an exciting, fun, and even enjoyable experience. However, for others, the whole process is riddled with fear, anxiety, and tension. Few of them never even make it to the salon chair because they are not able to get past the what if? stage. So, what exactly is it that virtually cripples some people and why does it happen to them at all?

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There are many key contributing factors that result in this negative behaviour but there is always one key emotion that drives those people into avoiding something new or making any kind of changes altogether.

Here are some common emotional drivers that prevent people from going for a hairstyle change e.g. from long hairstyles to a pixie cut or any other change in general.

Emotional Drivers of Avoiding Hairstyle Makeovers

Fear

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Fear itself is not always a bad thing if it motivates you to act in a constructive way, such as to get out of the way of the train coming towards you! Or when a lion is about to eat you! The funny thing here is how many of us have actually ever had this happen to us? It would seem then that most common fears people have, are things of a much lesser magnitude. But let me assure you this: they may seem as bad as being eaten by a Polar Bear, but more often than not, they aren’t!

As human beings, we all strive to be accepted and to a degree gain the approval of others. Some people are an exception to this, but on the whole and on a subconscious level, human nature is such that it encourages us to fit in and to be accepted. It is this very fear of not being accepted or approved of by others that plays an important role in people not being able to change and navigate new territories, even non-threatening ones such as new hairstyles.

Certainty

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Many people long for certainty in their lives, wanting to be certain or in control of everything that happens to them. The feeling of trying something new, something that is unknown scares the living daylights out of them because, well… What if?

Now, you probably know somebody just like this that you tried to be rational around, but they always had the what if ready for you as their answer.

Something that I say to these people is IF my aunty has a sex change, she will become my uncle, meaning if or when it happens and the chances are pretty slim, then it will be what it is, and we will deal with that then.

If you are one of those people that wants to be certain of your new makeover before you have it done, you can try a few things. Here are some tips up my sleeve:

1. Try on a Virtual Hairstyle

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The graphics and colours are really good nowadays, and this will go a long way to helping you see in your mind’s eye what the outcome will look like (close enough). Switching from curly hairstyles to straight hairstyle, or changing the colours of your hair, virtual hairstyle apps can be immensely helpful.

2. Take Baby Steps!

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Do your makeover in small increments of change, a little bit today, and a little more cut off in the next salon visit. This way you’ll have control over and a basic idea on how the hairstyle is turning out to be and whether you’d like to stop or request any modifications mid-way. If you are planning for short hairstyles, don’t go all in, rather push it over few salon visits.

Control

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Being in control is a little like perfectionism. You never ever achieve this state because how can you control what other people are doing, saying, and most of all, thinking? More to the point, if you are going to a hairstylist for their expertise then how can you possibly control what happens in the chair?

I have had clients micromanage everything to the last detail, asking me to show their hair at the back using a back mirror during the whole process: what length I am cutting off the ends, why I am picking hair up a certain way, how long it would take, what it will look like when it’s done, just to name a few.

My advice is to relax, enjoy the moment, take a little chance, maybe slowly, but to embrace a little variety and change, because this is what makes us feel great. After all, progress equals happiness, isn’t it?

There’s seriously no reason for you not to get that amazing hairstyle makeover.

So how do you know if you suffer from this new hairstyle syndrome?

You need to ask yourself what exactly it is that concerns you about getting a new hairstyle. Over the years I have dealt with many clients and have found some of the following reasons to be top of the list.

Reasons for Not Taking the Plunge

That a Hairstyle Is Irreversible (Cannot Be Changed Back)

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Here people are fearful of change and what it represents. It is easy to never venture outside one’s comfort zone for fear of failure, or in this case, not going back to the accepted level. For what it’s worth, you don’t need to worry, since most hairstyling services are reversible. On the off chance that you don’t like your new hairstyle, here’s the news: your natural hair will grow back!

That They May Not Like It After It’s Done

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Fear of the unknown or unseen is by far one of the strongest negative emotions that affects people all over the world in every facet of life. There is of course a chance that your new short hairstyle will not be liked at first, but also there is a very strong possibility that you may love the new look if you have a positive, realistic approach, and you have taken precautionary steps to ensure that risk is minimized.

That a Partner/Family/Friends May Not Approve of It after It’s Done

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This fear of not being accepted or approved of can be mentally paralyzing. A way around this is to show your partner/family or friends some pictures (on your own face would be best) of some new hairstyle ideas, whether you are aiming for long hairstyles or short before venturing into a salon. This will save shocking them later. Just remember, the bottom line is if you change your hairstyle, do it for the right reasons and do it for you!

That It May Ruin Their Hair

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This is the one time when being fearful is not a bad thing if it motivates you to react in a positive manner. You need to steer clear from “home job” hairdressing where chemicals or techniques that are used could ruin your hair. Instead, always first consult with and only ever allow a fully trained professional hairstylist to perform any service to your hair.

A Past Bad Hairstyle Experience Means That It Will Happen Again

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Although understandable, don’t allow bad hairstyle experiences to stop you from trying something new. Instead, try to assess why and how it actually happened and what part you played (if any) to avoid it from happening again. The odds are actually in your favour that it wouldn’t happen again.

The list goes on and on, and I have only listed just some of the main reasons why many people are so frightened to ever change their hairstyle from straight to curly hairstyles or from long hairstyle to a short haircut. If you have a good look at the list there is a very good chance that any one, or a combination of the above, can happen to you when you have a hairstyle change.

Parting Words

In my opinion, there are far too many reasons and positive outcomes that are achievable from hairstyling changes that completely outweigh the negative. The good news is that using positive thoughts and actions involving carefully thought-out planning, consulting, and strategies can almost completely eliminates any hairstyling disasters.

While all of the above can most definitely happen, what may also happen is –

You will end up with a brand-new hairstyle, a remarkable hair colour, and of course an incredible makeover that makes you look and FEEL amazing.

Now, who doesn’t want some of that?

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18 Medium Curly Hairstyles for 2023

November 20, 2021Women's Shoulder Length Hairstylescurlyadmin

Medium hair can sometimes be a struggle. It is that in between short and long hair phase that can sometimes be a bit frustrating, and look awkward. Medium length hair usually is described as on the shoulders to about 2-3 inches below. If you love your length, but sometimes want to keep your hair shorter, a great way to take some length off without pulling out a pair of scissors is by curling it. Otherwise, if you have naturally curly hair, then you can always add some length by straightening it or keeping it wet. You can never go wrong with a nice medium curly hairstyle to suit your fancy for the day. These are various looks that a hair stylist in Australia can help you with.

1: Medium Curly Bob

Enhance your hair with a shoulder grazing medium curly hair look. This will give you a beautiful flow of curls and this great length will allow longer layers which creates a softer and rounder shape around your face.

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2: Medium Curly Updo

Try an up do for your natural curly medium hair. Your natural texture is your secret weapon of sexiness and elegance, so next time you have an event, do not bother reaching for your hair heat devices, and instead pull it up into a full messy bun.

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3: Medium Curls & Bangs

There is no question that the side bangs are a classic, and by adding it to a curly medium hairstyle, you will look extremely sophisticated and chic. It is one of the wonderful curly hairstyles that works great for women who do not have overly curly locks. The side part and the loose waves frame the face. You can also tuck the shorter side behind one ear for a more casual appeal.

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4: Natural Curls

There is a lot of flexibility in this one length, shoulder, curly hairstyle because it looks equally attractive when parted on the side and down the middle. You can easily grab a handful of curls and pull them into a ponytail or a topknot for an extra-sporty style, otherwise let them loose and they will be ready for any event or any outfit. Try a pop of color too if you want to spice up the style a bit more.

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5: Curly Red Hair

If you want to fire up your hairstyle, try adding red hues to your already naturally curly hair. The red tones will add warmth to your look and will likely go with most outfits. Pair it with a red lip, and you have a striking look for any daytime or night time event.

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6: U Cut Curly hair

A U-cut natural curly hairstyles look great if your hair is more on the longer medium length. A dark-brown color proudly shows off your hair’s natural shimmer and shine. Adding in layers will lessen the weight and achieve extra volume and bounce.

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7: Medium Corkscrew Curls

If you are not so keen on your curls, try a styled wavy curly look. From wavy hair to corkscrew curls, you can brush your curls out to create a more casual and bouncy style. With this look it is important to lock in the moisture and create a frizz-free style. This look is universal for many girls, and by elevating layers so that they cascade over each other creates removes bulk while styling.

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8: Classic Medium Curly Lob

You can ask you hair stylist in Australia for such Curly hair ideas which is ideal for shorter locks. Why not keep things simple and opt for a classic medium curly lob? This will help you keep your length and fullness of your hair, and is an extremely maintainable hairstyle.

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9: Curly Inverted Bob

A mid length inverted bob for curly hair is a great style. This haircut involves shorter lengths at the back with stacked layers and longer curled strands at the front that touch your shoulder. This style allows a beautiful waterfall for your curls to fall, and although keeps the weight at the back of your scalp, keeps it thin and weightless at the front.

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10: Medium Ringlets

Try this ever so chic messy shoulder length curled hairstyle. Even though it is not long curly hair, you will still have the length and space to experiment with various styles. With a bit of creative mess yet classy, this hairdo is the one you need for an urbane evening out.

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11: Curly Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are absolutely in style right now, and who says curly haired gals cannot enjoy the same trend? Give your curls a good chop and take the weight off your bangs, to create a curtain bang effect. By separating your curls and bangs on your forehead, your ringlets will create a lovely curtain effect with some draping. This look is extremely polished and will require little to no upkeep.

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12: Messy Bob

Why not try a messy bob. This style a very playful look by teasing your hair upwards and outwards to create a fun for. Have some wisps of hair curl on your face. The style is a variety of short and long layers that can be styled all over the place and will look spirited yet put together all in one!

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13: Medium Curly Afro

Who doesn’t have an inner lioness that needs to be unleashed? Curly girls are lucky, because they can let it out with their hair, and create a voluminous and beautiful look. There is a reason all of our favorite curly-haired divas have tried this look, not only is it incredibly sexy, it is a great way to flirt your curls and not have to worry about the weight, bulk, and essentially having ‘too much hair’. If you have naturally curly hair, look at this style to embrace your natural curls, and add some bangs too provide the fullness.

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14: Auburn Medium Curls

If you have naturally tight curls, or like to create tight curls in your hair, a medium length is great because it accentuates your curls without looking endlessly long, which can negate the tight look. Side part your hair to give it instant texture, and keep your locks hydrated for a healthier bounce.

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15: Medium Tight Curls

If you enjoy your curls and your length, then keep your length medium but give it more depth and fullness by adding a side parting comb over. Your hair look will livelier than ever, and instead of curls weighed down by gravity, the cut gives them fresh bounce.

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16: Strawberry Blonde Curls

Do you need a new hair color to your curly hair, but do not want to try anything drastic? What about a strawberry blond curly haired look at mid length? This style is extremely sweet, and can be paired with bangs, or longer layers. Keep your curls as messy or as styled as you like but we can guarantee this hair color will make your curls shine

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17: Tight Ringlets

Long ringlets are extremely beautiful and an envious hairstyle. If you have this and feel as though you cannot experiment with them, and have to keep them one length – you are wrong. Try chopping the front of your rings to create long bangs and have it sweeping across your face. Keep it sparser at the front of your face, and keep your overall length at shoulder length. Your hair will look chic, edgy, and fun!

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18: Balayage Curls

If you love a retro look, then the full, round curls with short bangs are for you. These micro bangs that are shaped and styled around your face is an absolutely glam look that would suit all face shapes. The somewhat poodle styled hair is great for a bold hairstyle, and requires complete volume and density, whilst leaving the end wispy, and lighter so that it sits well.

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Did you find a medium curly hairstyle that you think may suit you? Still unsure? Try our FREE hairstyle try on tool and get a much better visual indication. Ask your trusted hair stylist Australia to work that magic on your head.