3 Ways To Balayage

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3 Ways To Balayage

Balayage, baliage, ombre - that B word. 

No matter what you call it, balayage is a trend that’s here to stay. Whether it's soft and subtle, or bold and bright, most clients are asking for it and most colourists are incorporating it into their colour work.

The 3 ways to balayage:

1. Soft Balayage (above left)

For someone wanting a soft, barely-there colour, starting with fine balayge throughout is great, almost like fine highlights but painted throughout the hair to give it an overall lift, perfect for brunettes wanting to transition.

2. Summer Holiday Balayage (above middle)

If you want to take it to the next level, you can start with fine painted balayge, and then really start getting a little more heavy towards the end of the hair, this starts to give you the ‘I’ve just had an amazing summer holiday’ kinda hair, you know the colour that seriously makes you envy somebody's time in the sun.

3. Bold Balayage (above right)

And then if you really want to amp it up, you can go all out and balayage all the hair, keeping the colour sweeping from the roots and then heavy towards the ends. This is definitely not for the faint hearted, but for someone that wants serious results and likes the maintenance side of things. When done by a professional this kind of colour is beautiful but takes a lot of work, time and $$. Think of Khloe Kardashian's blonde, but also remember the Glam squad they have taking care of it - before and after photos on Instagram make it look so easy, but keep in mind some colours take months to evolve.

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8 Things To Know About Gel Nails

8 Things To Know About Gel Nails

Oli Antunes from Wild Life Origin gives us the lowdown on gel nails.

1. What exactly are gel nails?

Much like acrylics, gel nails are artificial nails where a gel substance made of liquid and powder, is applied on top of a nail tip thats glued on the natural nail bed, extending the nail and making it look natural.

2. What's the difference between gels and acrylics?

Acrylics have been around since the seventies and they still remain the more popular artificial nails as they are very strong. The difference is acrylics are made with an acrylic liquid and powder. It sets quickly and still remains the strongest and longest lasting artificial nail. Gels are also made with liquid and powder combination but when set they resemble a more natural look and are flexible more like a natural nail.  In the end, its a personal preference of which technology more suits you. Both have pros and cons. Acrylics tend to be cheaper still yet stronger and longer lasting. Gel nails are more natural looking and probably safer and more gentle on the natural nail. Although, gel nails still require a UV lamp to cure, so some people may shy away for that reason.

3. And what's the difference between hard and soft gels?

Hard gels are the traditional strong gel which I explained above and the soft gels are applied with a Gel Polish - for example polishes commonly known as Shellac, OPI Gel, Gelish etc... If you want extension in your nails, you would go for the hard gels, as they are harder and don't chip.

4. How do you apply them?

Hard gels are applied like acrylics and gel polishes are applied like conventional nail laquer, except both require UV or LED light to cure.

5. How long do they last?

Gel artificial nails should last at least 3-4 weeks. Gel polishes should last 10 days to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks the regrowth of the natural nail will make it look worn, even if they don't start to chip or lift on the free edges.

6. Do they have to be removed professionally? 

Gel nails have to be filed off, like acrylics and gel polish is soaked in acetone and gently lifted from the nail.

7. What are the benefits of having gels?

They are generally more realistic than acrylics as they are thinner.  They are more flexible and safer as they are non-toxic.

8. For those who don't do gels, do you have any advice on strengthening nails?

The best advice I can give for strengthening nails is to massage cuticle oil on the cuticles and nail bed as many times during the day as possible or as you can remember.  The oil nourishes the nail and makes it more flexible, therefore less prone to chipping or breaking.  If you don't have cuticle oil on hand, you can use coconut oil, rosehip oil or argan oil.

Imagery from SuTurno

Why You Need Pastel Hair

Why You Need Pastel Hair

We're kids in a candy store. 

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Ali from Wild Life SoGo got colouring and chopping: lemon, blue, peach, pink - yes please.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Cara O'Dowd
FASHION Jess Jacob
SET STYLIST Lauren Becker
HAIR Ali Holmes @ Wild Life SoGo
MAKEUP Casey Gore @ Reload
FASHION ASSISTANT Lannah

Top 3 Fake Tanning Tips

Top 3 Fake Tanning Tips

3 tips to fake tanning with Nadine Monley - makeup artist, friend of ours and creator of Summer and Man Tan by Beauty Department by Nadine Monley.

1. Exfoliate

“If your skin is very dry, then exfoliate first before applying moisturiser. Start by exfoliating your skin with a body scrub in the shower – I also love to use coconut oil and a mitt if the skin is extra dry and pay special attention to the rough areas such as the knees and elbows. Exfoliating your face and body weekly helps to rid the skin of its top dead layers.”

2. Moisturise

“Before applying fake tan it’s best to thoroughly moisturise your hands, toes, elbows, knees and heels. These areas tend to have lots of creases and the moisturiser will help the fake tan blend better here – there is nothing worse then dark heels and knees.”

3. Blend

“When applying the tan, start with your face and work your way down the body, leaving your hands and feet for last. If it’s your first time and you’re feeling nervous, then apply another layer of moisturiser over the top to further help the blending process. Once finished, make sure to wash your hands and clean your fingernails with a wipe. Lastly, try using a little Goe Oil, which is beautifully moisturising and absorbs very quickly into the skin leaving you with a wonderful glow.”

This Is What Will Make Your Hair Survive Summer

This Is What Will Make Your Hair Survive Summer

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“Any preventative you can take.”

There you go, you heard (read) it from Ali, Director at SoGo. Because hair absorbs whatever substance it touches—salt water, chlorine, that heavenly salt from floatation tanks—you need to do whatever prep you can manage before your go for a dip—even if you have untreated hair. Here are three things you gotta do:

1. Drench Your Hair in Water and Product Before a Swim

Stop any salt or chlorine getting in there. And if you’re serious about having hot hair, lock that clean water in with product. A wax or pomade is impenetrable shares Ali. (I have waist-length coloured hair and swim every five minutes so I slather on a thick mask. Also Ali approved!)

2. Rinse Your Hair As Soon As You Emerge From the Water

Salt is tough on hair, and chlorine – it’s ruthless. Take a few minutes after you hop out to rinse the salt or chlorine out of your strands. It’s so important not to let chlorine dry in your hair as it builds up and creates a barrier that doesn’t allow your awesome hair products to work their magic, so get those chemicals out. Your book will still be there for you and it’s actually a version European habit to shower immédiatement, non?

3. Deep Clean and Nourish the Crap Out of Your Hair That Night

Double cleanse your hair (with shampoo) and then give it some nourishing love (with a mask then conditioner). For your first shampoo, Ali recommends Kevin Murphy’s Maxi.Wash that contains anti-pollutant ingredients that remove build up of unwanted products or chemicals. The next shampoo can be your usual, then throw on your most hydrating mask followed by your conditioner.

PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Westlake for Pan & The Dream 
HAIR & MAKEUP Isabella Schimid @ UNION using Shu Uemura
MODEL Talisa Quirk @ IMG Models