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Hair Salon Blog: Essential Hair Care Tips and Insights

A Hairstylist’s Guide To Updos

Updos are a timeless hairstyle that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal event or want to look your best for a night out, updos are the perfect way to achieve an elegant style.

There are many different updo styles to choose from, so finding the right one for you can seem daunting. But with a little bit of guidance and experimentation, you’ll be able to find an updo that suits your taste and personality.

Our team of carefully selected up-and-coming stylists here at Therapy Hair Studio is dedicated to staying on top of new trends and styles. We understand that every client is unique and are invested in helping each of our clients find the style most suitable for their style and their needs.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most popular updo styles. Read on for everything you need to know about updos, including how to achieve the perfect look for your next event.

Updos for Long Hair

The French Twist

french twist updoThe French twist is a classic updo that is perfect for any occasion. To get this look, begin applying a texturizing spray to your hair to give it some grip. Next, take a small portion of your hair from the front of your head and twist it back towards the rest of your hair. 

Once you reach the back of your head, continue twisting the hair until it forms a rope-like shape. Next, you’ll want to take the rest of your hair and twist it around the rope-like shape you’ve just created. Once you have twisted all of your hair, secure it in place with bobby pins. Finish off the look by spraying some hairspray on your hair to keep everything in place.

The Chignon

The chignon is another classic updo that has been around for centuries. For this look, you should begin by gathering your hair and tying it in a low ponytail. If you have short hair, you can use a small piece of velcro to secure the ponytail. 

Next, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and twirl it around the base of the ponytail to create a small bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins. and then take the remaining hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the bun. Secure the hair with more bobby pins and then mist the entire updo with a light-hold hairspray.

Updos for Short Hair

Floral Braids

Floral braids are a great style for short hair! This updo is perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a prom. To create this look, start by dividing your hair into three sections. Braid each section of hair and then secure it with an elastic. Next, take small pieces of hair from the bottom of every braid and then twirl them around the elastic to make a flower shape. Secure each braid with bobby pins and you’re all set!

Easy Half-Up

The half-up is a great option for those who want to keep their hair down while still having an elevated styled look. To achieve an easy half-up, start by gathering part of your hair from the crown of your head. If you have layers, make sure to grab all of the hair from each layer, so none is left out. 

Once you have a good amount of hair gathered, use an elastic to tie it back, leaving the rest of your hair down. You can leave the half-up as is, or you can add some loose curls for a more romantic look.

Updos for Curly Hair

Curly Updo With a Twist

wedding updosIf you have curly hair, then this updo is perfect for you! To create this look, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Take the first section of hair and twist it back, securing it with a bobby pin. Next, take the second section of hair and twist it around the first section. Once you have twisted both sections together, secure them with another bobby pin. Finally, use your fingers to loosen up the twists and give your hair some volume.

Curly Updo With a Braid

Another great updo for curly hair is the curly updo with a braid. To perfect this look, you should first spray your hair with a heat protectant. Then, using a large barrel curling iron, you can start curling your hair by section. 

Once you have curled your hair, make a low ponytail and then secure it with a hair tie. Next, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to create a “bump.” Finally, take the remaining hair and create a loose braid. Secure the end of the braid with another elastic, and then you can wrap the ponytail with it. 

Updos for Weddings

Messy Buns

One of the best updos for weddings is the messy bun. The messy bun is perfect for the bride who wants to wear her hair up but doesn’t want it to look too polished. The key to a good messy bun is to make sure that it’s not too tight and that there are some loose pieces around the face.

Fancy Loop Updo

Another good updo for a wedding is the Fancy Loop Updo. This updo looks best on those with long, curly hair. First, curl your hair using large rollers. Next, brush it out and mist it with hairspray. Then, make a low ponytail out of your hair and use an elastic band to secure it. Make a loop with the ponytail and pin it in place. Finally, take small sections of hair and wrap them around the base of the ponytail to create a more polished look.

Updos by Therapy Hair Studio

Updos are a great way to make your hair more glamorous for any upcoming occasion on your calendar. Whether you’re looking for an updo for a wedding, prom, or just a special night out, there is an array of options to choose from. Contact Therapy Hair Studio today to book a hair consultation by calling (713) 355-4247. We would be happy to help you find the perfect updo for your special occasion.


Balayage vs. Traditional Hair Coloring

It might be challenging to decide between balayage and traditional hair coloring when it comes time to color your hair. Each technique is different and has its own benefits, so it’s important to consider your desired look before choosing between them. This article will share what sets these services apart so you can pick the one that will get you the desired results. 

What Is Balayage?

blonde balayage hairBalayage is a specialized technique in which highlights are painted in a gentle, sweeping motion, delivering an impactful yet natural effect. Since the color is brushed onto the hair’s surface, the result is a subtle, sun-kissed luster rather than the stark contrast of traditional highlights. Instead of bold stripes, picture gentle ribbons.

The subtle contrast between your base color and the lighter, balayage-highlighted sections of your hair is a hallmark of this technique. Because of how well it mixes with your natural color, balayage requires minimal effort in maintenance using the correct products and procedures.

What Is Traditional Hair Coloring?

With traditional hair coloring techniques like highlights, a stylist places foils over small sections of hair before applying bleach, leaving certain strands of hair lighter than the rest. This leaves a more pronounced and noticeable result, with the color shifting back and forth between the natural shade and highlights.

If you prefer subtle highlights, babylights might be the route of interest. This method of coloring hair is meant to look like the naturally multi-toned hair seen in young kids. Using babylights to frame your face can give off a subtle but noticeable shine.

Balayage vs.Traditional Hair Coloring: Key Differences

The primary distinctions between balayage and traditional hair coloring are as follows:

  1. Boldness: Balayage is a more understated technique for coloring hair that imitates a sun-kissed appearance. On the other hand, the contrast between the natural and bleached hair colors in classic highlights is significantly more pronounced, giving the style a bolder appearance. 
  2. Dimension: Balayage creates depth because the stylist paints on the bleach, varying the thickness and range of each stroke to create a unique, natural effect. When entire strands of hair are bleached completely, while other strands receive only a small bit or none, the final product has a range of tones that result in understated highlights. In contrast, the effect of traditional hair coloring is starker since individual sections of hair are either bleached in foils or left in their natural color.

  3. Application Area: When you get balayage done, your highlights go from the mid-shaft down to the tips of your hair. With traditional hair coloring, the strands are saturated in dye or bleach from the very base of the hair strand to its end. 
  4. Maintenance: Because balayage is painted on, and does not begin at the root of the hair, it requires much less maintenance than traditional highlights. This technique creates a more subtle gradient effect, helping it to look more natural as the hair grows. On the other hand, the difference between the lighter color and the natural shade of your hair is more pronounced with highlights; thus, they need to be touched up more frequently to keep their effect and avoid deeper, contrasting roots. 
  5. Level of Customization: The balayage method is highly adaptable, allowing stylists to highlight areas custom to the client, including natural framing of the face. In contrast, traditional highlights leave little room for creativity and can be more challenging to deliver natural-looking results. 

Balayage or Hair Coloring – Which is Best for Me?

balayage vs. traditional hair coloringWhen you book your first visit with one of our many professional and expert stylists, you’ll be able to talk about your dream results! Your stylist can walk you through your options while assessing your current hair.

Each technique yields a distinctive look, and the final decision is yours! Our team of specialists can help you make the most suitable decision for you. 

Are you ready for your hair makeover? Therapy Hair Salon‘s skilled coloring team is prepared to take your call. With our help, you can achieve the hair color you’ve always wanted. Contact us today!


How To Style Your Makeup For Halloween Effects

For most people, Halloween is a much-anticipated day because they get to dress up in their favorite costumes. Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or just want to look spooky for the holiday, you can use makeup to create different effects.

Here are some Halloween makeup ideas to try out:

1. Mad Scientist

The mad scientist look is perfect for anyone who wants to look spooky without being too scary. You can achieve this look with some simple Halloween makeup techniques.

First, start by creating a base for your mad scientist look with a foundation that is one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Then, use a white eyeshadow to create a stark contrast around your eyes. For the finishing touches, add some false lashes and apply red lipstick.

If you want to achieve this look but aren’t confident in your makeup skills, you can always enlist the help of professionals. At Therapy Hair Studio, we also offer makeup services for special occasions. Our makeup artists would be more than happy to help you create the perfect mad scientist look for Halloween!

2. Dead Barbie

barbie halloween makeupTransform into Halloween icon barbie, with the captivating dead Barbie look. Using a white face base and heavy black kohl, create a doll-like appearance. For the lips, use bright pink lipstick, delivering that extra girly feel. Apply blush for some rosy cheeks, and don’t forget to add some long lashes!

Let’s not forget Barbie’s classic hairstyle – flat, frizz-free, and fabulous. Straighten your hair yourself, or turn to a professional hair stylist to help deliver a hairstyle that will last day and night festivities. If you’re interested in that classic Barbie straight and sleek look for an extended period, talk to our team about our Brazilian blowout treatments.

3. Black Swan

Achieving the look of Black Swan can be easier than you may think. To create the base, start by applying a white foundation all over your face. Next, use black gel eyeliner to line your eyes, extending the liner slightly beyond their outer corners. Use black pencil eyeliner to line your lower lash line and waterline. Smudge the liner for a smokier look. Apply two coats of black mascara to your top and bottom lashes for the finishing touch.

4. Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter is a classic Halloween makeup look that is perfect for those who want to go for a more whimsical and fun feel. You will want to use bright and bold colors on your eyes, cheeks, and lips for this look.

To get the perfect Mad Hatter eyes, start by using a white base on your eyelids and then add brightly colored shadows in shades of blue, green, or purple. Add some black liner along your upper lash line and finish off with some false lashes or dramatic mascara.

Use a bright blush in a shade that compliments your eye makeup for your cheeks. Complete the look with bold red or purple lipstick!

5. Cracked Porcelain Doll

To get this look, prime your face and apply a white foundation all over. Once the foundation is applied, use a black pencil to line the perimeter of your mouth. Next, use red lipstick and fill in your lips. Add some fake blood around the outside of your mouth to complete the look.

The key to getting the desired Crackled Porcelain Doll effect is to avoid using too much makeup. Don’t overdo the black pencil or red lipstick to create a realistic illusion of a cracked porcelain doll.

6. Glamorously Gore

halloween makeup stylesLooking to go glamorously gore? A good canvas can make all the difference in the world when it comes to makeup application. Facials and chemical peels can be an effective way to prepare your skin for the big night. Preparing your skin with the proper skin care and treatments can help create the perfect canvas for your Halloween makeup look. 

Therapy Hair Studio provides a wide range of professional hair and makeup services. Our highly skilled professionals are passionate about making our clients look and feel their best, including for exciting Halloween events. 

If you’re looking to add some extra oomph to your costume this year, consider having us style your hair and makeup. Contact us today to speak to our team. Achieving the look you desire is a quick call away –  from porcelain and pretty to ghoulishly frightening, our team is here to help!