For the past five years I’ve had to joy of making it to America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, a “licensed only” salon professional convention that is one of the largest in the USA. It was held this past weekend (March 3-5) at McCormick Place. Thousands of stylists and industry professionals are able to see the latest beauty trends, products and education. To “cut” to the chase, there appears to be no rules in the hair world. If you want Smurf blue hair, go for it! In fact, the brighter, the bigger, the bolder, the better. Here are the style and product “highlights”! (pun!)
Candy Colored Hair
Thanks to Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and the like, if your favorite color is purple (or any other color of the rainbow), go for it. In the past maybe just the tips were colored, or a little peek-a-boo crazy color highlight was shown. However, now it’s completely acceptable to go all out and color it roots to ends.
Bangin’
Gone baby gone are wispy baby bangs and side swoopers, in comes the full on fringe. It’s a bold statement, and it draws attention right to the eyes. There’s no way to really tip-toe in to this trend. Either tell your stylist you are all in, or go home.
Lady In Red
Red hair is being shown as fire engine red. As bright, bold and beautiful as it comes.
Etch-A-Sketch
For the guys, any pattern or design can be etched right on to their noggin’ with coordinating color, Examples of what we saw walking around: animal print, swirls and grids.
Stand out product: Moroccan Oil. If you haven’t tried this stuff yet it’s time to see the light. It’s a product line mainly consisting of argan oil, and it leaves your hair as smooth, shiny and grease free as you can imagine. As a stylist, I can’t live without it. Along with the oil, they sell various styling products and shampoos, conditioners and masques. Even individuals with thin hair can use it, as they have light and volumizing products. Bonus, it smells amazing.
New technique: Temptu Airbrush Makeup. I’ve done a story on this before, but this company is really the leader in airbrush makeup. Picture perfect makeup that’s as flawless and perfectly blended as a magazine ad. Sephora now carries a Temptu personal airbrush pod system that allows you to airbrush your own makeup. It’s not just for the models in Vogue anymore!
Beauty Secret: Eyelash Extensions. I cannot explain the world of difference eyelash extensions make, especially when you wake up in the morning. Even without foundation, you still have a “done” look. There’s no need to wear mascara, and washing your face off at night is incredible–all that black mascara isn’t there anymore! You can get them as natural looking or as luscious and bold as you’d like. There were many eyelash extension companies that stood out. Some of them offered “Candy Lashes”: colored or sparkly lash extensions to add in with the regular lash extensions for a fun dramatic look. The lash extensions are permanently adhered (individually), however shed off with your natural lash. You need a “fill” every 3-4 weeks which takes about an hour. I get my lashes done by Nicole at Paulina in Wauwatosa; I recommend her to anyone!
So in the end, the more bold the look, the better. Healthy, shiny hair prevails, and along with high-def TV broadcasting, better Iphone cameras etc., comes high-def makeup (airbrushing) and permanent perfect eyelashes. How do you feel these bold trends reflect what’s going on in our every day life? Do you feel the economy alters trends in hair and makeup?
Photography by Lyneé Ruiz
