Holiday Hair and Beauty Tips | Lehigh Valley Style

By: Beauty, Online this Month, Lehigh Valley Style December 2015

: Hair: Lina Arrojo supported by Vincent Minchelli, Emily Carroll Using ARROJO Product, Make up: Candice Forness, Styling: Clothes by Katie Gallagher, Photo: Pedro Zoo

It's that time of year where living in a special place like we do, you know something special is in the air. From Christmas markets to holiday parties and all the holidays in between, there is always some place cool to go as well as important and special people to celebrate with. The challenge for most of us is that it's also the most stressful time of the year. We are not only supposed to be having fun, but we are also supposed to look good. When going out with friends or attending parties with coworkers, you must always be dressed to impress. This year, I want to share my top tips to reduce stress for a more beautiful holiday.

If you have a favorite stylist, make sure you prebook your appointment now. The holiday time compresses everyone who visits a salon into the month of December. Why? Because if the last time you had your hair done was November, by late December you have "roots" from your haircolor and your haircut might have lost its shape. Look to make an appointment the week between December 14 and 19 so your hair looks great and you have the most options for your schedule.
If you want a special holiday style look, check out Pinterest and do some research before you see your stylist. Pinterest is a great place to find easy inspiration for hairstyles, and if you do your research before you see your stylist, you can ask them for tips on how you can create the look yourself at home.
Plan for two looks if your hair does not respond well to weather. Some people are lucky--no matter rain or shine their hair looks great, but for others the slightest sign of humidity can take their hair from a hair “do” to a hair “don't.” Plan for success and have a back up plan that works that way nothing can rain on your celebration.
Take a lesson. If you don't feel like you are good at doing your hair, ask a professional. All great stylists will show you how to style your hair at home after they have cut it. Make sure they let you try holding the brush, using the flat iron or curling iron to make sure you have the feel of what you need to do-- just because you have watched them do it, doesn't mean you can recreate the technique at home unless you have actually tried doing it in the salon.
Keep it simple. Long hair can turn into a sleek ponytail, and adding a hot new accessory to long or short hair will update it for the holiday.
Use a little more product when prepping and styling your hair, and keep conditioner on 10 seconds longer to really do its job. Get a travel size hairspray to keep with you for touchups that will make your style last even longer.
Have fun. It's a party, don't do your do the same way you always do!

About the Author

Patrick McIvor is Artistic & TechniCulture Director for Goldwell and KMS California and owner of 101 E. Center Salon, Nazareth. As one of the most respected colorists in the industry, McIvor was the founding Color Director for Nick Arrojo and Rodney Cutler at Arrojo Cutler Salon on 57th Street in NYC and has now rejoined Nick Arrojo as Brand Strategist & Techni-Color Director of ARROJO. McIvor is a cultural junkie inspired by international cosmopolitan influences from fashion and global trends to technology. The team at 101 E. Center Salon creates beautiful, sexy, believable hair in an intimate studio utilizing technology to make guests the center of a TechniCulture Salon Experience. McIvor is featured in the book “50 Hairstylists” and was named one of the best colorists in the USA by Allure Magazine.

patrickmcivor.com

@patrick-mcivor

@patrickmcivor

If you have a favorite stylist, make sure you prebook your appointment now. The holiday time compresses everyone who visits a salon into the month of December. Why? Because if the last time you had your hair done was November, by late December you have "roots" from your haircolor and your haircut might have lost its shape. Look to make an appointment the week between December 14 and 19 so your hair looks great and you have the most options for your schedule.
If you want a special holiday style look, check out Pinterest and do some research before you see your stylist. Pinterest is a great place to find easy inspiration for hairstyles, and if you do your research before you see your stylist, you can ask them for tips on how you can create the look yourself at home.
Plan for two looks if your hair does not respond well to weather. Some people are lucky--no matter rain or shine their hair looks great, but for others the slightest sign of humidity can take their hair from a hair “do” to a hair “don't.” Plan for success and have a back up plan that works that way nothing can rain on your celebration.
Take a lesson. If you don't feel like you are good at doing your hair, ask a professional. All great stylists will show you how to style your hair at home after they have cut it. Make sure they let you try holding the brush, using the flat iron or curling iron to make sure you have the feel of what you need to do-- just because you have watched them do it, doesn't mean you can recreate the technique at home unless you have actually tried doing it in the salon.
Keep it simple. Long hair can turn into a sleek ponytail, and adding a hot new accessory to long or short hair will update it for the holiday.
Use a little more product when prepping and styling your hair, and keep conditioner on 10 seconds longer to really do its job. Get a travel size hairspray to keep with you for touchups that will make your style last even longer.
Have fun. It's a party, don't do your do the same way you always do!