Spring Beauty Guide 2013

 
Spring symbolizes new beginnings, making it a great time to try something new with your look. Whether it's a trendy hairstyle or a new makeup, consider this your infallible guide to all things beautiful this season.

4 Easy DIY Hair Masks

 

Want soft, healthy hair without blowing your cash? These simple hair treatments can be made right in your kitchen.

4 Easy Back to School Hairstyles

Get fabulous hair in five minutes or less. Sound too good to be true? Try it for yourself!

 

Hair Idea: Messy Double Bun

Want to try an updo that's perfect for an elegant wedding and a chilled-out weekend? This look is full of volume and style, but still messy enough for every day. Check out our modern twist on this vintage 'do.

Overnight Trick to Full-Volume Hair

Are you bored with your flat, lifeless hair? I was, too, until I read about an easy, no-fuss solution that I use every night. This is perfect whenever you won't have time to style your hair the next morning, or you're planning a big event and need more hair to create the perfect updo. Ready to try it?

4 Hair Makeovers Without Commitment

Looking for a way to freshen your hairstyle, but too afraid of major change? Here are four fun ways to revamp your locks without any long-term consequences.

How to Keep Wavy Hair Straight

Dear Melissa,

I have wavy hair, but I straighten it. My hair gets wavy after it gets wet. Is there a way to permanently make it straight?

Wavy-haired girls are stuck in the middle between unattainably bouncy curls and perfectly pin-straight strands. I have wavy hair, and I've spent years trying to figure out how to deal with it. After spending so much time straightening your hair with a flat iron, it's frustrating to see your hair frizz and bend after only a few hours. Keeping it straight is a challenge -- and it won't always work out -- but I have some tips to help you achieve that silky smooth hair you've been craving.

Hair Idea: Amanda Seyfried's Messy Side Braid

I love seeing what looks Dear John star Amanda Seyfried brings to each event she attends. This messy side braid is super easy and great for casual or formal occasions, and is something you can whip out whenever you're having a bad hair day.

15 Cute Ponytail Ideas

Looking for some easy ideas to revamp your boring ponytail? We've got you covered with our top 15 ideas for creating a perfect ponytail.

Top 20 Summer Beauty Tips

Look your best this summer with our favorite sun-kissed beauty tips and tricks that will give you more time in the sun and less time in front of the mirror. Wondering what to do with your new free time? Check out our fun summer bucket list.

Hair Idea: Side Twirl Ponytail

Looking for new ways to revamp the traditional ponytail? A side twirl ponytail is casually chic and easy to master.

What You Need:
- long hair
- large-barrel curling iron or flat iron
- ponytail elastic
- brush
- medium-light-hold hairspray

What To Do:
1. Smooth your hair with a brush.
2. Begin fastening hair into a ponytail, but pull it to the side. Drape the hair over your shoulder.
3. Using your curling iron, add a twist to your hair and curl the very end. (Using a flat iron? The technique is similar, but it may take several tries to get it right.)
4. Lightly spritz with hairspray to set the curls.

As with any new hairstyle, it’s a good idea to practice a day or two before you need to show off this go-to look. The great thing about ponytails is that they put off a down-to-earth vibe; it doesn’t have to be perfect!

CONNECT!
Would you rock this look? Leave a comment.
Did you try this hairstyle? Snap a photo and send it to girlsforgodblog@yahoo.com !

How to Curl Your Hair the Natural Way

If you’re too busy to curl your hair in the morning, or if you simply just can’t afford the expensive hair products, there are numerous natural items that could help curl you hair, and you may even be able to find them in your very own kitchen or cupboards! Not only will these seven products give your curls more of a natural boost, they can also help nourish your hair and make it look more refined, sleek, and shiny as well.

Olive oil
Olive oil not only repairs damaged, dry, and brittle hair, it can also give your hair a sleek, natural-looking curl without leaving any of those annoying little frizzies behind. Take approximately half a cup of oil (or one cup if your hair is long and thick) and microwave it for a few minutes until it becomes slightly warm, (don’t leave it in the microwave for too long as it could burn your scalp as you apply it). Try to use a dark olive oil that is rich and/or has a high fat content for extra effect.

Aloe Vera gel
If you have some extra Aloe Vera gel lying around the house, apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips, (or the parts of your hair that are exceptionally dry), to give your hair a natural curl. Aloe Vera gel is also effective in taming any frizzies, and can leave your hair feeling soft and smooth. Another effective way of doing this is to use Aloe Vera plants or leaves, and then cut off the end of a leaf to extract the gel.

Honey
Believe it or not honey acts as a naturally conditioner for curly and/or dry hair, and contains numerous natural minerals and vitamins that can help your hair retain its moisture. Simply add one teaspoon of honey into a cup of water, and then after applying it to your hair let it sit for about five to seven minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards.

Shea butter
If you’re hoping to give your natural wavy hair an extra “oomph”, then Shea butter may be the answer to all of your problems. Shea butter acts as a natural anti-inflammatory that can help treat scalp conditions like eczema, and it can also improve your hair’s elasticity as well. Furthermore, Shea butter contains natural sunscreen properties that could help protect your hair from any kind of sun damage. If you’re going to try applying Shea butter to your hair, make sure it is the type that is raw and unrefined ( which means it is extracted with water), and double check to see that it doesn’t contain any harsh solvents or chemicals.

Extra conditioner
This point cannot be stressed enough: If you have curly or wavy hair, then try to avoid shampooing every day and leave as much conditioner in your hair as possible. In fact, you should only be shampooing your hair once every two to three days because shampoo can dry out all the moisture from your hair and leave it looking brittle and limp. After conditioning your hair, wrap your hair in a towel for about 60 minutes so it forces a natural curl to your hair. (You can even try leaving the towel on overnight if you’re desperate).

Braid your hair
This is possibly the easiest, cheapest, and most natural way to make your hair look more curly. Braid your hair while it’s damp, and then sleep on it overnight. (The general rule of thumb is the tighter the braids, the smaller your curls will be). If you’re struggling to braid your hair by yourself, ask a friend or family to braid your hair for you.

Of course these results will vary from person to person depending on the texture and thickness of your hair, and it will usually require a trial-and-error process before you notice any immediate results. If your hair is flat or limp, then you may have to shell out the extra cash to buy some natural curling products, but try to avoid buying products that contain alcohol because they do more damage to your hair than good.

Bio: Alexis Posharo is a stay at home mom, freelance writer and representative for Home Security Systems, where she writes on the latest home security camerasto keep your family safe. Her hobbies include playing piano, practicing yoga, and curling up with a good book at the end of a long day.

Never Have a Bad Hair Day Again

Even supermodels have bad hair days, so how can you ward off the floppy, flyaway, what-is-my-hair-DOING days? Here’s how to have a great hair day – every day!

Find a good shampoo that works for you…and stick with it. Your hair doesn’t “get used” to a product, so when you find one you love, keep using it. Sometimes bad hair days are a result of changing your shampoo routine too frequently or switching to a product that doesn’t agree with your hair.

Try using conditioner after you shampoo. By softening the hair and weighing it down a little, it can help tame flyaways. If your hair is very oily, only use it on the ends of your hair as a way to prevent split ends. If your hair is very dry or curly, try a leave-in conditioner that you use after your shower. Watch out: Too much conditioner can make your hair so soft and floppy that you won’t be able to do anything fun with it.

Buy a good hairspray to use when your style needs extra hold. Don’t put on too much, though, or your hair will be stiff and dull. If you wear contacts, close your eyes while you spray.

Give dirty hair a quick cleaning job by putting some baby powder on your brush and running it through your hair to soak up excess oil. When she was a teenager, my mom would get shampoo and wash just her bangs, which start looking greasy before the rest of your hair. If your bangs are clean, the rest of your hair will look a little cleaner, too.

Have a plan B. Whether you’re taking over the world or trying to convince your parents to extend your curfew, you should always have a backup plan if things go wrong. Sometimes you’re just not going to get the big curls you wanted, and you’ll be left with flat, messy hair. A cute hat, a high ponytail, or a chic messy bun are all lifesavers in situations like these.

Wavy, Straight, & Curly Hair Care

Do something different with your hair tomorrow. Here are tons of ideas on how to get natural, beautiful hair without perms or color treatments or expensive products.

Curly Girl If you have curly hair, you know your hair can get dry and frizzy. A simple way to keep it healthy is to use less heat on it. So, instead of using a hairdryer, curling iron, or straightener, just wash your hair with a gentle moisturizing soap and conditioner and let it hang loose and air-dry. This really brings out your curls and doesn’t damage your hair. Don’t wash your hair every day, and if you absolutely have to, use baby shampoo every other day and curl definers on the other days.

Wavy Woman Wavy girls always want either board-straight hair or tons of kinky curls. Why wish for something you don’t have when your own hair can be a gorgeous expression of yourself? Your hair, like curly hair, may get frizzy sometimes, but your hair is thick and coarse – a hair type that salon experts love to play around with. There’s so much your hair can do! Use conditioner on your hair, especially at the roots. You can let your hair be just how it is or go for a more defined look by using a spray-on curl definer. Your look is pretty flexible -- you can often choose tips for both curly and straight hair. But remember, you're not just a merge of the two; you have your own hair type and you need to understand it. Expiriment and find what works for you.

Straight Sister Don’t spend your time wishing for curls – a lot of people envy your hair. You can play up your straight and sleek look by using a straightener, but using it too much or on a too-hot setting can damage your hair. Instead, try a Pantene or Herbal Essences "Long Term Relationship" shampoo. If your hair is dry and unmanageable, you can use conditioner, but only a light amount. Most straight-haired girls only use it on the ends of their hair, if at all. Too much conditioner on your hair type will weigh it down and make it too soft to do anything fun with. Your hair tends to get oily, so it’s OK if you need to wash it every day. Your hair, like curly hair, looks great both long and short, edgy or sleek, so pick a style and flaunt it.

Pantene's Hints for Healthy Hair

A Pantene beauty expert is here to tell us all about taking care of your hair – styling, fav products, and help with some common hair horrors, including: Why does my hair turn green in the pool? What can I do if my hair tangles easily? What if my hair is static? and more!

What if my hair tangles easily? "Try using a shampoo and conditioner with a higher level of conditioning than what you’re currently using, or a specialty treatment for additional conditioning. If your hair length is past the shoulders, be sure to use more conditioner on the ends."
Should I leave conditioner in my hair for extra softness? "Only products that specifically say ‘leave-in’ should not be rinsed from your hair. Rule of thumb? If in doubt – wash it out!"
What if I want a curly, smooth, or volumized style? "The key is to shampoo AND condition."
My hair is static! Help! "Get conditioner! Our hair is robbed of moisture every day by things such as weather and the way we style it."
I have blonde hair – and it turns GREEN in the pool! "If your hair is already green from spending time in the pool, use one tablespoon of baking soda with your ordinary shampoo or Pantene Ice Shine shampoo to get rid of the chemicals that turn your hair green. Then, to prevent color change in the future, use your conditioner or Pantene Ice Shine conditioner after swimming to keep your color true."
Any tips on styling? "To pick the best hairstyling tools, you have to know how they work. Wet stylers are for styling wet hair. They include mousses, gels, and serums. Dry stylers, or finishers, are used to fix, hold, and create the final style. These include hairsprays, texturizers (waxes, pomades), and serums."

Beauty Tips for the Pool and Beach

Headed to the swimming pool or beach? Tired of dry, chlorinated hair or skin? Wondering how you should do your hair and makeup? Make a splash with our top tips for looking and feeling great in the water this summer.
Protection from Chlorine
Chlorine is a cleaning chemical found in pools which can do some major damage on your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.

• Rinse your hair with cool water before you get in the pool. Your hair will soak up this clean water instead of the pool water.
• Rinse your hair when you leave the pool. This time, use shampoo and conditioner as normal to wash out the chlorine.

Protection from the Sun
While you're soaking up some Vitamin D, make sure you're staying safe from early wrinkles, sunburns, and skin cancer.

• After swimming, sprinkle clean water over your skin, focusing on your arms. Use gentle body spray or lotion in your favorite scent to replenish the moisture lost to the sun or chlorine.
• Use sunblock of at least 30 SPF and reapply every hour.
• Oversize sunglasses are not only chic, but they protect the sensitive skin around your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
• Your lips can get burned, too, so slather on some lip balm with SPF.
• A big floppy sunhat will shield your face and hair. (It's super stylish, too.)
• If you get a sunburn, use aloe vera to soothe your skin.

Makeup
When you're at the pool or beach, you should focus on having fun and not on your makeup. But if you feel like you need a little extra coverage in the water, here are some easy tips.

• Use waterproof mascara only when you're near water because it can dry out your lashes.
• Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF to even out your skin tone.
• If you must wear blush, opt for the cream variety -- they won't wash away as quickly.
• A pretty lip balm or gloss with SPF gives you a perfect poolside pout.

Hair
You can leave your hair down, or pull it away from your face with these ideas.

• A simple ponytail is a classic poolside look.
• Beachy waves are super low-maintenance.
• A side braid is unexpectedly stylish.
• A quick bun or updo is great when you plan on keeping your hair dry.