With all this frigid air and wet weather, it’s hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. Ahhh spring! In my opinion the perfect season to freshen and renew your locks with an unexpected colour. The runways were filled with a variety of styles and colours for 2012, but we thought we’d zone in on one colour trend in particular this week. BOLD HUES!

Red, blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple and teal are all popular for spring. Here’s how we suggest adding that extra pop of colour to your hair:

Over the top ombre: If you loved the look of last year’s ombre and aren’t ready to give it up, you’re in luck! Ombre is still in but this year it’s all about extremes. Try dying those ends red or for a bolder look try bleaching your hair blonde and adding a bright colour to the tips.

Funky feathering: Adding gradual streaks of colour to your ends or fringe will create a feathered look that is to dye for. I would suggest trying 3 or 4 colours for impactful results.

Stand out streaks: Add a few streaks of colour throughout your hair. Get creative! Coloured streaks look great when braided.

Aren’t ready to commit to an exaggerated colour? No problem. Eccotique Salon sells a chalk based hair shadow called Color.Bug by Kevin Murphy that comes in a variety of colours perfect for testing out new ideas. You could also purchase and colour extensions. No matter what you do with your hair this season, make sure you have fun with it!!

photo credit: 1. unknown 2. Hermes 3. unknown

If you’re anything like me you love braids! In fact, I am obsessed with braids. Clean or messy, a braid always works. So when the ribbon braid started trending, I was ecstatic! It takes the braid to a whole other level. After much trial and error, I have come up with a written tutorial on how to easily achieve the totally cute textured braid.

        1. The fabric/textile you choose is key. You don’t necessarily have to choose ribbon; in fact I encourage you not to. Find a strip of fabric that inspires you. I find textiles with a unique pattern or texture usually work best. Remember to make sure it suits the outfit you’re wearing. You will need to gage the material width based on the type of braid you are planning on doing. If you are braiding all of your hair, the fabric should be no wider than 3 inches depending on your hair amount and thickness.

        2. Decide on the type of braid you want. Whether it be the traditional, french, fishtail, milkmaid or reverse braid, adding fabric will work.

        3. Cut the piece of fabric/textile about double the length of your longest strand of hair. Thick material for a thick braid and thin material for a thin braid.

        4. Tie the fabric to your hair under the pieces of hair you’re going to braid so that the knot is not visible. I find a double knot works best. If the knot slips down the hair simply secure it with a bobby pin.

        5. Braid your hair the way you’d like it.

        6. Secure the end of the braid with clear elastic.

        7. Cut off any excess fabric.

        8. I like to loosen my braid a bit to achieve that slightly messy look.

Give it a try! I promise you’re going to love it.

Be good to yourself,