Poolside Pubes

We have seen the last of our summer holiday season; with the last few days of the summer holidays dwindling before the back to school September sadness. But for women this season has been the hardest few months to maintain your beauty regime hair wise. Every female has no doubt suffered at the hands of a wax strip, pair of tweezers or thread, primping and prepping themselves prior to their holiday to ensure not a stray hair is in sight.

Miley Cyrus flaunted a hirsute underarm fighting for her feminist belief, she even dyed it red to attract even more attention and in an attempt to rid the taboo and stigma around body hair. Other a- listers such as Julia Roberts did the same but Miley has swiftly removed the hair.

But, my point is why are women so hair conscious, especially on holiday, and men are not? Men can lay sprawled out on a sun lounger in their budgie smugglers with pubes awry, their “snail trail” obviously protruding and even an immensely hairy back (admittedly not all men), whilst there is pressure from society and the media for women to have to endure hair removal at a cost prior to their holidays and maintain a trim body hair. But why?

Pubes by the poolside are not the done nor seen thing for women. Society and the media have pushed us to believe that god help you if you did let your bush loose and visible to all when sunbathing. So, every year and every holiday season females venture to their trusty beauticians to opt for a hair removal of their underarms, eyebrows, legs and nether regions all in preparation for their hols, to save the hassle of shaving, but also, to spare the embarrassment of others seeing you bare all with all your hairs and graces awry. This does not necessarily mean that everything goes but every female will tame their hair for their holidays in some shape or form: whether it’s your DIY hair removal wax strips, shaving, threading, laser treatment, waxing and all the playful shapes you can possibly imagine from bald eagle, to Brazilian to a simple neat tidy shape up, a landing strip – you name it there’s a term for the design you want – but there is no denying that hair removal is top of the to do list for every female prior to their holiday.

Why is there such a stigma around pubic hair? I for one am not hair’s biggest fan – hair in general – I am terrible with with the head on my hair in terms of styling it (my limits stretch to a normal classic plait and even that isn’t the nearest), my eyebrows have remained the same shape for years and require little plucking, however I am an advocate of smooth hair free legs and equally neat and tidy bikini area, but the expense, the pressure and the demand to maintain such neatness is something men will not know. I have never gone on holiday without a bikini wax, nor will I, but why I won’t dare to is something engrained in me. But why? And by who? Booking my beauty appointment is something I don’t think twice about doing before a holiday, because they (beauticians) say it lasts longer than waxing, which it does and it is better for you (arguably), but I do enjoy the carefree hair free holiday outcome. But it doesn’t actually last the entire summer, and prior to your wax works session you fear wearing shorts because of how bad “down there” could be and you don’t want to run the risk of others getting a glimpse. Yet men do not ever have this fear.

Some may deem the hair free female as abiding to misogyny and the unrealistic perspective of women projected on men of glamour models with the perfectly proportioned body, who have neat or hair-free nether regions. But the fur-free feline can also be a nod to feminism (arguably- well I’d like tho think so), women are in charge of our bodies, and despite the media’s views on how a woman should be and look like, ultimately us women make the decision, and I take pride in primping myself and I honestly do feel empowered, and more confident when hair free.

I have put it down to society and the pressures on women to have the perfect “porn star designer vagina” that has pressured women into going to the expense and pain of hair removal that now a tamed and trimmed downstairs is in fact expected.

Will this stigma ever go? If women stop maintaining their hair, pubic hair in particular, what will happen? And why can men get away with more grotesque hairy bodies?

M x

Crazy for Curls

Let’s not beat around the bush – pun intended- we are all familiar with the film Curly Sue, an archetypal character that all young curly haired girls would associate themselves with purely on their hair type, but this year’s Met Gala and Cannes Film Festival proves that the ’50s Hollywood deep set sleek waves are back.

As Wedding season is approaching, as are a lot of Summer Balls, there is only one hairdo for you.  Channel your inner Jessica Rabbit (or the more preferable comparison Blake Lively) to get the deep set waves like Amal Clooney and Charlize Theron at the Met Gala, and Selma Hayek at the Cannes Film Festival with their sleek deep set waves that all follow the glossy neat wave throughout their locks, which will instantly give your friends major hair envy.

To create this sleek style use GHD Curling wand and twist small sections of your hair around the tong all following the same direction, so that your entire head is laden with ringlets.  Yes, this may seem crazy but this is GHD Styling expert’s top tip- there is a method in what seems like madness.  Once your hair has completely been curled you then brush out the curls, add a light hair serum (which is optional depending on how sleek you want your style), this will loosen your curls but enable them to collect in the wave-like formation.  Sweep your hair all over to one side and voila…. red carpet ready!

However, it is the summer, and we females do not always want to be swamped by hair.  So, if that is the case, you can still channel this 50s uber glamorous style but opt for an up do; it is still keeping with the trend but adding a twist, which is what the twenty first century is about, right?  Look to Charlize Theron who did just that, she has the sleek deep set 50’s waves but loosely tie up your hair in a low loose bun at the lower base of the back of your head.  Or look to the one and only Queen B who turned heads at this year’s Met Gala (minus the lift wars) and once your hair is fully tonged and brushed out. Collect your hair in a tight, slicked back ponytail, this way you still feel like a fierce female yet remaining col in the summer heat when all hair types have a tendency to frizz.

For an even looser curl, brush out the curls a tad more or opt for TRESemme’s Heated rollers, which you can leave in for as long as you want and opt for big or smaller rollers depending on how tight you want your curl, also what can determine the tightness of your curl is how long you leave the rollers in for; for some with thick hair that has a tendency to make a hairstyle drop out quicker, then leave the rollers in for slightly longer, however if you have thin hair and only want loose curly waves, then leave in for a short time. Heated rollers still bring that fun glamorous bounce to your locks, but ensuring that they the curls are not just-so.

If however, you wish to opt for a day time curl then do as I do, and as your hair is drying leave it tied up quite tight in your towel to let it dry; you can be painting your fingernails, applying your make-up, simply reading your book and taking some down time just to let your hair dry, once your hair has dried they will have a loose yet natural looking curly wave.  To ensure that your curl doesn’t drop out during the day you can quickly whip your hair up in a tight bun held together with a crocodile clip, then once you let your luscious locks down and have that L’Oréal moment and you have everyone wishing they knew your curly hair secrets.

M x

The Plait-form

The plait has taken the lead again…

Numerous A-listers from MIC’s Millie Mackintosh, Stephanie Pratt, to the Queen of A-listers Angelina Jolie, are sporting the plait in any which way possible. It seems that are many more ways to spice up your plait than just simply alternating the plait you use.

We once wished we were skilled enough to do a French plait, which we conquered, then we discovered the mermaid like fishtail plait, and we mastered that. We also experimented with whether to have plaited pig tails, or plaited fringes. But, just as you think you’ve exhausted very plait possible, along comes a new style.

Angelina and Millie have experimented with their plait by merging a plait in with an authentic hairstyle, to create a modern and innovative way to style your locks. Millie has opted for the traditional back plait, which is a smart but casual hair do, and she has sneakily added in a fishtail braid to show that she (or her hair stylist) can master two plaits – it is the hair do that copies the ‘double denim’ craze …plait paired/ plait². By interweaving a fishtail plait with a traditional hairdo, and therefore opting for two different types of plaits in one hairstyle creates a fun way to show you can experiment, and it helps to achieve a medley of sophistication, youth and fun. Similarly Angelina has merged a plaited bun with a beehive up do to show how you can make your plaits work the red carpet too.

Below are more plait-spirations:

If you want to keep it simple, add a sly fishtail plait when you wear your long tresses down, whether the body of your hair is straight, wave or curly, you can disguise your plait amongst your hair, so occasionally when you get that little glimpse it adds another dimension to your hairdo. However, if you feel like an odd plait in your hair is giving you a whiff of nostalgia and taking you back to your primary school days, then you can take this style a little further, like Millie, by weaving the plait in the body of your hair into an up do, whether a ponytail, half up/half down, a bun, or a plait that wraps around your head- whether just half of your head like a crown, or the entire of your head, or even into a larger classic plait- mix and match.

Whichever way you style it, plaits are definitely number one on our hairspiration podium this season; it is a hairdo that is a plait-form above the rest!

M x

Ice Ice Hair, Maybe? Grey Hair is Causing A Storm at Coachella

GREY HAIR IS CAUSING A STORM!

From Halle Berry, Kylie Jenner to Jourdan Dunn, the grey/ white hair with a hint of blue hair dye is the latest festival trend. Jourdan has opted for long soft grey hair, which verges on white, with a pale blue tinge, a hairspiration that must have come from no other than Storm played by Halle Berry in X-Men. Whilst, Kylie Jenner has yet again opted for a bolder aqua blue head. Both Jourdan and Kylie have opted for this new hairdo for the Coachella festival, but who would have thought that we would soon be CHOOSING to go grey before our time?

Why do the ice blue locks work for the summer season? Well now that spring is officially here and summer is on its way, we will not be feeling cold for long, and the revival of the grey hairstyle will not make us look like aged croons but in fact brighten up our appearance this season. The soft tones are appealing for the summer months as a light coiffeure with a golden glow and a few freckles is the perfect summer style (it will also give the illusion of an enhanced tan)- so why not brave the blue, or go for grey?

Yes it is quite bizarre that our biggest and vainest fear – spotting that dreaded grey hair – is the latest trend, and yes, you would be right in thinking that Kylie Jenner has already brought back this hairspo; so why is there such a hype and resurgence of the trend again? Well, as we know festival season is among us and Coachella is the ultimate catalyst to start the festival fever. With festivals comes a surge of glitter, crotchet, fringing, outstanding colours, and of course whacky hairstyles, therefore it seems like the most appropriate time to break the mould and revamp our locks. Festivals range from being a day long, to a few days, maybe perhaps a week (rarely), so being spontaneous with your hair is not a permanent change, which is the great thing.

Festival Fun Hairspiration:

Glitter is bound to get in your hair at festivals (along with a lot of other things), so why not beat them to it and either opt for glitter or a hair glitter spray at the ends of your hair for that little subtle festival glam.

Hair chalks: There are easy ways to up the ante when it comes to hair dyes, and hair chalks are the best way for all. If you would like just a tad of colour in your locks, then chalks are great, and if you want a stronger more potent finish then you simply work the chalks harder in your hair. Simple! However, if you are feeling a little bit adventurous and feel like this festival season you need a drastic change, then I would advise girls to opt for a white/grey hair colour similar instead of peroxide or sandy beachwaves, and then if you wish you can add a pastel hair chalk to it, or numerous pastels colours to your hair.

Accessorise: we have seen a surge of flower power girls in past years, however this festival season it is time to move away from the fake daisy chains in your hair and opt for more sophisticated headpieces that resemble that of Cleopatra, or you can stick to kooky bandanas, and tie them around your head in various ways. Look to Jourdan Dunn for MORE trend inspiration, and match your bandana with your hair colour, for an innovative way to sport the co-ord trend. It is a retro and sneaky way to hide the fact you may not have washed your hair in a few days, plus the ‘90s trend is ‘in’ after all.

If you’re planning to swap your hairdo this festival season, I want to know (and see)!

M x

Hairvolution: Has Jennifer Aniston’s Bouffant Crop Returned?

The beauty world has been taken over by lob (long bob) and cropped bobs such as Sienna Miller, even Kim Kardashian has converted.

A new faction of crop has emerged among this hair craze- the 70’s style bouffant crop.   Jennifer Anniston’s iconic hair style in the 90s hit tv series Friends who’s style and beauty look is now returning to be the millennium trend with the bouffant choppy volumised crop, no more sleek, nearly straightened bob like Jourdan Dunn.

A few weeks ago we saw Taylor Swift sport her crop on stage at The Brits, however, for some it looked as if she had been electrocuted as her crop seemed to stand on end with the added textural element to it, as it had a slightly backcombed and more “pouffy” look.

Then there was Cheryl Fernandez Versini who has now opted for a new do to represent the new and married Chez. No doubt Cheryl’s instagram became the popular profile with a picture of her new 70s style crop being one of the most talked about uploads (before Kim took to Paris for the last leg of fashion week with a colour revamp).

Taylor and Cheryl, among many other A-listers demonstrate that a cropped do is not to be sleek, nor “just so” neatly intact. Instead we are hearing about stars having an undercut, which is the edgy and rock star way to achieve volume with this do and to bring a new dimension and twist to the classic bob, and seeing them sport tousled more relaxed and natural looking volumised tresses.

Cheryl’s bouffant do was dyed in aid of charity (Red Nose Day), however with her thicker hair she is able to have added depth and volume to her hair more naturally. However, the tip for those of us with thinner hair that want to get the chop, but find that our hair does not style well and returns back to it’s normal flatness after an hour or more, so fear that “cropping it” will leave your hair looking lifeless and boring; there are simple ways to volumise your hair (suitable for all hair types). We have all had our fair share of layering gone wrong, but for a crop, layering is of course essential. The tip for a tousled looking crop, like Sienna’s, is to have uneven scattered layering in the body of your hair. Although this may set alarm bells ringing as you do NOT want a lopsided crop, which looks like a child has hacked away at your hair, this is what stars such as Gone Girl’s Rosamund Pike and Sienna Miller have opted for. This technique allows your hair to have varied layering so that your hair does not fall in one set place but it lays in different ways.

Another fear some may have is that when they first sported a crop hair do it was accompanied by a rather ridiculous fringe. But, look to Sienna, Cheryl or Rosamund and they all show that the fringe trend is invisible, non-existent almost, and it is now about having longer fringes instead that gradually fall into the body of your hair so that there is no clear delineation between fringe and the rest of your locks like there once was. This way you do not return to your past child self with the conventional 5 year old bob and fringe hair style, but in fact transform into a sophisticated yet glam rock female as the longer fringe adds a sophisticated edge to your crop whilst the choppy layering adds a wildness and youth; crops still able to be young and fun but also sophisticate and mature but not to the extent of appearing too old for your age. Perfect for everyone, don’t you agree?

Thank goodness this trend is back before summer, there is nothing more refreshing than a clear neck for the breeze to pass through. I have noticed quite a few celebrities and friends are uploading pictures with the caption ‘I got the chop’, it is a trend that has whole heartedly catapulted through the fashion industry. Will you get the chop/lob/bob?

LONG LIVE THE BOB!

M x

LONG LIVE THE OLDIES!

We have seen the revival of beauty icon Marilyn Monroe as beauty ambassador for MaxFactor, and it seems that now a trend has started; the oldies return to reign!

Twiggy as recently been chosen as hair ambassador for L’Oreal.  Big, bright eyed sixties model with her iconic bob was brought to our screens by starring in M&S campaigns a few years ago, and it seems that she is continuing to make her mark even at the age of 65.

For some, a lot of people believe that celebs and models who were famous at a young age have had their hay day and it should be left at that.  However, French brand L’Oreal and MaxFactor have proven this wrong.

Personally, being a nineties child I was not brough up surrounded by Twiggy or Marilyn Monroe in their prime, however they have undoubtedly left an heirloom behind as they remained familiar faces and were still renowned even years later, and today.

It is truly inspiring that the ‘Oldies’ are making a come back by being the ambassdors for beauty brands.  It proves that beauty is not solely young fresh faced Victoria Secrets models as a lot of young girls believe, but also the older generation.

M x
@BovingdonMaisie

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Hair Behaving Wildly

Shabby chic locks are here to stay!

Although tussled locks is usually a summer season hairstyle look, due to the sheer fact the sea salt and sea breeze simply dishevels any hair do we try to create on holiday- but it works, it seems that this beauty style has arrived- six months earlier!

  (Sienna Miller)

Sienna Miller has recently donned the bohemian blonde bob, which has been cut in a way to ensure that it CANNOT be too sleek and just-so, it HAS to be un-styled and far from sleek, just worn rough and ready. Imagine having your hair cut in a way that, supposedly, doesn’t allow you to style it neat? Similarly, Emma Stone also rocks the crop tussled bob but for those who cannot get up and go without brushing their mane, then slight styling your waves like Emma Stone with a subtle curly wave to it for an occasion is allowed.

Not only does the tussled shabby hair do suit short hair, but it also looks fabulous with longer hair too- see Poppy Delevingne. The lucky longhaired Rapunzel’s out there may fear that leaving your hair untamed and shabby may make you look like slightly bedraggled and just swamped with hair, which disguises your facial features, yet this is not true.

(Poppy Delevingne)

Donning the shabby sheek hair do does not limit you to just wear your hair down, Sarah Hyland and Erin Heatherton sport shabby sheek updo’s. Erin sports my favourite updo- the Grecian halo plait, whilst Sarah sports a loose wavey low ponytail, so say goodbye to the Kim K sleek ponytails with no stray hairs in sight, and hello to the messy-er hair styles. However, just because the hairdo of the season verges on the messy-er side, does not mean you are soon sprouting dreadlocks and look dishevelled! This look needs slight subtle effort, not neglect!

(Sarah Hyland)

(Erin Heatherton)

Top Tip:  Once you wash your hair, towel dry it and add a little touch of mousse.  Or once it is dry, tie your hair in a ballerina bun and leave in for a few hourse, once you let it down you will have effortless waves WITHOUT any need for curling tongs.  However, if your hair is thick and your styles tend to drop out easily, then lightly stroke hair straighteners along your hair whilst twisting it round your hair very very lightly and spritz with a tiny touch of hairspray.

There are simply no rules for this hair style, but the less tame your hair looks (wispy bits included), the less try hard you look, the better; whether its down and shaggy, short, or a tussled updo, any which way works.

M x
@BovingdonMaisie