hair therapy {how-to}: perfectly disheveled topknot

 if you're like me, you're still a fan of the top knot. this simple style is uber-versatile and depending on how you wear it, works for any occasion. i love discovering how stylists come up with new variations and i have another one, from nyc Cutler/Redken stylist Jenny Balding, to share that i think you'll enjoy. for best results, Jenny recommends starting with day two hair onwards as this will make it easier to manage hair with its already 'lived -in' texture.

ok, here are the details…

*to start, mist hair with dry shampoo, focusing primarily on the roots ~ this will give your hair more texture, grip and volume.

*follow with a light hairspray throughout for added hold and grip.

*sweep your hair into high ponytail, and keep checking to see what it looks like from your profile, positioning your ponytail in the most flattering point of your head for your face shape. take the ponytail and back-brush from the underneath lightly ~ this creates a slight disheveled texture.

*sweep around the base of the ponytail and pin using U shaped hairpins ~ these really anchor the hair best which means you will only need 2 or 3 to secure.

*and with that, you should have a perfectly disheveled topknot that looks ultra stylish and works for any event.

thank you, Jenny! 

hair therapy: Jenny Balding shares solutions for the 5 common hair issues

 with over 18+ years experience, Cutler/Redken stylist Jenny Balding {on twitter @jennybalding1} has graciously shared how you {and i} can overcome 5 most common hair issues.

take a look...

#1: lack of volume
"this is caused by a variety of reasons but mostly using the wrong shampoo/conditioner for your hair type, followed by using conditioner all over instead of just the mid-length to ends. it’s an easy problem to fix and makes a huge difference ~ talk to your stylist about the best regimen for your hair." Jenny suggests trying Redken Body Full regimen.

Jenny Balding

#2: damage control

"an easy way to prevent damage is simply being gentle when detangling your wet hair. use a large toothed comb or a brush designed to detangle wet hair as wet hair is very fragile and most damage can be created at this point."

#3: dulling hair

"product buildup can cause dull hair when a lot of product is used constantly overtime. make sure to use a clarifying shampoo {like Redken Hair Cleansing Cream} once a week to rid of buildup and this will bring back life into your color and bounce back into your hair."

#4: constant split ends

"even if you love to keep your hair really long, make sure you are having it trimmed every 8-12 weeks as this will really help to keep it in healthy condition as dry, damaged ends split, and travel further up the hair shaft if you don't remove them."

#5: i just want healthy hair

how can you make your hair more lustrous, thick and healthy? "it really makes such a difference if you eat a healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin each day. like your skin, your hair represents what you put into your body."

many thanks to Jenny for her hair-loving tips ~ i love sharing and hope you've learned something new!

you can learn more about Jenny by visiting her page at redken.com {which features a fabulous q & a that includes everything from what inspires her, must-have hair tools, and personal questions like fave color, place to visit and so on…love it!}