"Raven" Black Hair Color Is Trending & It's So Goth-Chic

‘Tis the season... to go extra dark...

‘Tis the season... to go extra dark...

Originally published @Bustle | By Rachel Lapidos January 11, 2023

As a beauty editor, my finger is perpetually on the pulse — so, naturally, I’ve had my eye on raven black hair for a while. Icy platinum and ’90s-era Pamcore blondes have had their moments recently, but for dark-haired girlies, ‘tis the season to go even darker. Some of the most stylish stars in the game are donning their own versions of the soft black hair color — like Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Megan Fox, to name a few. Their strands are all tinted a glossy onyx that gives the appearance of perfectly-sleek glass hair.

I’ve been a super-dark brunette my entire life (save for a brief blonde balayage phase that I’d prefer to block from my memory), so this color trend tempted me immediately. However, I was hesitant to bump up the contrast even further — I worried the ultra-dark shade would look too witchy or wig-like on me. But when my husband made me watch the 1990 classic The Hunt for Red October, Jack Ryan’s sexy black hair sealed the deal — and off to the salon I went.

“Being this strikingly dark is having a major moment right now,” Olivia Casanova told me as she tinted my hair the natural-looking shade of black. Casanova, an influencer-favorite colorist at IGK Salon in New York City, says that more of her clients have been requesting the goth-chic shade than ever before. And for good reason — my hair is way shinier than it was when I was a brunette, the raven shade is flattering against my fair skin, and it makes me feel like Cher circa 1973. So yeah, consider me a black-haired girlie from now on.

If you’re also considering dabbling in the uber-dark hair color trend, read on for everything you need to know about achieving and maintaining this utterly cool shade of black, courtesy of top colorists.

What Is Raven Black Hair?

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This color trend isn’t your run-of-the-mill black — which is largely why it’s so alluring. Despite being extremely dark, I was pleasantly surprised by how natural it looked on me. The gorgeous sheen is equal parts dramatic and sophisticated. “Raven black differs from other hair colors because it’s pretty much the only ‘natural’ black shade,” says Casanova. “It’s neither an artificial blue-black nor the absolute darkest brown.”

Lorena M. Valdes, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, adds that the color features an emphasis on shine. “It’s a soft black that uses shine to create more movement rather than it being dark from roots to ends with dimension,” she says.

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Raven also happens to be a cool hue, not warm, which also sets it apart from certain dark brunettes and blacks with red tones. “It’s the darkest neutral cool black,” says Jonathan Colombini, a L’Oréal Paris style and color expert. “There are a lot of other tones showing, which keeps this color very natural-looking.”

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What To Know Before Dyeing Your Hair Raven

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Going black is obviously a bold move, so take your natural hair color and skin tone into consideration — your colorist can help you there. “The raven trend is best for those with olive to darker skin tones,” says Casanova. “It can also suit fair-skinned individuals, as long as they have a rosy/pink undertone. That can give romantic, Snow White vibes.”

If you’re fair with yellow or green undertones, however, the hue could wash you out. In this case, Valdes recommends trying a darkest black-brown. “Most people can [go raven], unless they need more warmth and brighter colors,” she explains. “If your skin would do better with a different variation than the soft black, you can modify a dark brown by adding different underlying tones.”

If you’re looking to achieve the hair color at home, be sure you buy the right shade. Look for a natural black and avoid anything with a blue or burgundy tint. Casanova actually recommends asking your colorist for a natural black gloss or using a professional at-home color kit like IGK’s permanent 00:00 Almost Black.

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From there, Colombini says to apply the color only to your roots. “After the processing time is up, comb the color down about two inches,” he said. “If you want to pull it through the ends, only leave it on for five minutes max.” This will ensure it looks as natural as possible, not flat. This is the technique Casanova used on my own strands for a flawless finish.

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That being said, Casanova notes that black dye is something you should be careful of using at home. “It’s extremely hard to remove from your hair if you ever do decide to change your color.”

How To Maintain Raven Black Hair

Getty Images/Ricky Vigil M / Contributor

You’ll be happy to know that maintenance is pretty easy. “It usually doesn’t fade quickly,” says Casanova, who notes that you’ll need a touch-up every six weeks, give or take, based on your natural hair color.

To keep that color as fresh as possible, color-safe shampoos and conditioners are key. To keep this shade vibrant, I’ve relied on the Kérastase Chroma Absolu Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair and only wash my hair every three or four days. As a result, my color still looks super vibrant two weeks after my salon appointment.

Casanova adds that you could also wash with pigmented products meant for dark brown or black tones, such as Davines’ Alchemic Chocolate Shampoo and Conditioner. “These will add pigment to your color with each wash, helping to prevent it from fading,” she explains.

35 Honestly Easy Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

Originally published @ Byrdie | March 22, 2022 by Kaitlyn McClintock

Medium-length hair is full of fun opportunities when it comes to hairstyles. You can do an intriguing braid, bedhead curls, or even a no-fuss bun. If you, like many, are stuck in a rut and are bored with your hairstyle (or lack thereof), we're here to help with some major hair inspo. 

For those who are short on time and motivation in the mornings, these hairstyles are easy to achieve with our step-by-step tutorials. We tapped some of our favorite hair experts to share their go-to hairstyles for medium-length hair to help you look polished on those days when you're tired of your usual style—and are looking to add a little pizazz to your look.

From hairstyles that require a few well-placed curls or a different way to part your hair that transforms your look, let us show you how versatile medium-length hair can really be.

Keep scrolling for 35 easy hairstyles for medium-length hair.

01 of 35 Volumized Low Pony

This low ponytail is a little bit '60s and early 2000s (remember the notorious Bumpits?). We're obsessed with its effortless vibe. It works on most lengths, but medium styles give the look loads of bounce:

• Part the front of your hair down the center, brushing the rest back so that it sits nicely into the ponytail shape.

• Prep with a volumizing mousse worked from roots to ends.

• Tease your hair with a boar bristle brush like the Wigo Cushion 100% Boar Bristle Brush ($25), focusing on the crown and roots to create volume.

• Secure the ponytail at the nape of the neck and slick down the edges by combing in your lightweight gel of choice.

02 of 35 Low Chignon

Medium hair doesn't offer a ton of room to play around with up 'dos, but a low chignon doesn't require much length to look great. This one leaves just a couple of strands out to flutter in the breeze for an undone and romantic feel. Follow these steps from stylist David Lopez to get the look (and watch the full tutorial below):

• Using a tail comb, create a middle part down the center of the scalp. "You want to make sure that part is dead center because it just brings that symmetry to it, makes it look cool," says Lopez

• Brush the hair back with a boar and nylon bristle brush, moving at a slight angle from the temples to create a bit of lift.

• Combine a shine spray like Kenra Platinum Diamond Deflect Hairspray ($17) and a hair oil like IGK Crybaby Anti-Frizz Smoothing Serum ($28) in the palm of your hands and smooth onto the crown of the head.

• Create a low ponytail with a small elastic. Apply more hair oil and shine spray to the ponytail with the hands, then brush through.

• Attach another elastic to the bottom of the ponytail, then twist the ponytail and spiral it into a bun. Secure with a bobby pin tucked into the base and finish with hairspray.

Low Chignon Tutorial from Byrdie Beauty School

Celebrity hairstylist David Lopez walks us through all the styling how-tos to create a fab low bun hairstyle.

03 of 35 S-Shaped Waves

Loose, S-shaped waves (as seen here on Rose Byrne) are easy to achieve with a flat iron, says celebrity hairstylist and L'Oreal ambassador Jonathan Colombini, and work well on shoulder-length strands since there's less weight to drag them down. "I’m all about natural textures or lived in textures," says Colombini.

• "Try putting just a small bend either with a curling iron or flat iron wave and avoiding a traditional curl. It’s the best way to get at least a couple of days out of your style," says Colombini.

• After creating the waves, legendary hairstylist Frederic Fekkai suggests taking a styling product like the Fekkai Shea Butter Gel Crème ($25) "to help define curls throughout the hair."

• Next, he suggests "dry scrunching the hair with a diffuser low speed/medium heat." This will set the wave.

04 of 35 Textured Topknot

Kourtney Scott, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, likes "a messy bun or bohemian dutch fishtail braid" for a more formal look for medium-length hair. Ciara's textured topknot fits the bill.

• "You may experience at this length that not all the hair is long enough to be gathered into a top knot," says Colombini.

• "Instead, try a half up half down top knot." Gather the longest strands into a loose bun at the top of the head.

• "As for the hair that’s down, refer to the above style with a slight bend I explained earlier," Colombini adds. If you have natural curls or waves, you might be able to skip this step.

This is a great style to turn to when you are between washes as it embraces texture and gives off an effortless vibe.

05 of 35 Blunt Bangs

Super blunt micro-bangs are balanced out with a bit of length and easy texture.

• "Wavy mid-lengths can sometimes go too curly with a curling iron," says Joseph Maine, a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty.

• "Instead, I recommend creating waves with a waving iron like Trademark Beauty Babe Waves ($59), which comes in three sizes so you can find one that’s perfect for any length or texture."

• Then, take a small flat iron to your bangs, which will ensure that they lie flat on the forehead.

06 of 35 Half-Up Half-Down

Here's yet another easy-to-replicate style. "Half-up styles like topknots, space buns, and half ponies all look great on mid-length hair," notes Maine. To achieve:

• "Always style your hair as usual, then pull the half up of your hair loosely and secure it down with the hairpin," says Fekkai.

• Add a texturizing spray to create that soft, beachy wave seen here on Kiernan Shipka.

07 of 35 Messy Side Braid

Elizabeth Olsen's side braid is all about volume and loose pieces hanging free, a result that works best on layered strands.

• Start by parting your hair deep on one side before loosely plaiting your hair and securing it with an elastic.

• Don't forget to add a little volumizing mousse along the way. We like Bumble and bumble's Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse ($32) since it's lightweight and non-sticky.

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08 of 35 Spiraled Curls

Model Imaan Hammam proves that sometimes all you need is proper curly haircare to make your hair brunch-ready. To style medium-length curls into a volumized look:

• "Set it and forget it!" says Colombini. "Using either a moisture cream like L'Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Leave-In Cream ($7) with a slight hold or a curl-enhancing gel (whichever you prefer) more focused on taming and preventing frizz."

• "Be pretty liberal with the amount of product you apply."

• "After you have an even saturation, take small subsections of your hair and twist; this will create a direction for your hair to fall into rather than letting it fly away."

• "After creating the twist, this is the 'set it and forget it' part. Once you’re completely dry, feel free to break up the twist in the palms of your hands."

Jonathan’s Pro Tip:

"Note: never rake your fingers through; this... can create frizz," says Colombini.

09 of 35 Curly Ponytail

A slicked-back, high ponytail is a great look for super curly hair that hangs towards the shoulders. Follow Colombini's tips to achieve:

• First, "gather in a pony and let your curls fly free."

• You can brush some gel through to tame down flyaways.

• Comb down baby hairs along the scalp if needed, and keep any bangs straight for contrast.

• "This would be a great style to do after you’ve set your curls as I mentioned above [see #9]," says Colombini.

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10 of 35 Double Buns

Half-up, half-down space buns look totally effortless and work especially well on medium-length hair because they won't be too small or too large. This style is so quick and easy and suits any texture.

• Part your hair down the middle.

• Section the top part of your hair from the bottom and clip it.

• To create the first bun, take one side of your hair and put it in a ponytail on the top of your head and secure with a hair tie.

• Twist the hair and wrap it around the hair tie, making a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place.

• To create the space bun look, use your hands to spread or fan out the bun.

• Repeat on the other side.

• Finish off the look by spraying with hairspray to secure the buns in place.

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11 of 35 Braided Crown

A simple braided crown like the one Nine Zero One stylist Nikki Lee did on Hilary Duff is the perfect bohemian updo for medium-length hair. Leave a few loose pieces around the face for a more casual appearance. To create this look yourself, follow these steps:

• Section of the front part of your hair, from behind your ears and forward, that will be braided. Secure the back part so it stays out of the way.

• Sweep your hair from your ear over to one side and brush out the tangles.

• Start French-braiding from your ear all the way across your crown and behind your other ear lobe.

• Finish off braiding the hair all the way down to the end and tie it with a clear plastic. Braid this section in with an unbraided section of hair and secure with a clear plastic.

• Loosen up the braid at your crown and pull out a few pieces to get a bohemian and messy look. You can leave the back of your hair down, or pull it up a messy bun like above.

• For more detailed instruction, check out our crown braid tutorial.

TIP!

Not sure how to do a French braid? We've got you covered. Check out Byrdie’s step-by-step guide to perfecting the French braid.

Image: @NIKKILEE901

12 of 35 Curtain Bangs

"I like a medium-length hairstyle with curtain bangs and/or long layers [in a shag style]," says Fekkai. Face-framing bangs instantly take a simple, medium-length cut to the next level. To style:

• According to Colombini, "If curtain bangs are cut correctly, there is minimal styling involved—this is the point of having them."

• However, to get that quintessential '70s vibe, he suggests styling with a round brush. "I suggest a round brush no larger than two inches in diameter placed at the top of the bangs and with a blow dryer dry from underneath."

• "Once you’ve completely dried, set it with the cool shot to ensure a long-lasting hold."

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13 of 35 Messy Bun With Bangs

Or, do as Sienna Miller did at the 2018 amfAR Gala, and leave your fringe loose as you gather up the rest of your hair into a messy high bun.

• First, follow Colombini's styling tips from #12 to ensure your bangs are in top shape.

• Then, pull your hair back into a bun or ponytail.

• To disguise your hair part, take a ribbon or headband and tie it around the crown of your head.

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14 of 35 True Ballerina Bun

A true ballerina bun looks so elegant and takes any outfit to the next level. It works especially well for thicker, slightly longer hair that can really fill out the bun silhouette (think just below the shoulders to collarbone length). Follow these tips from celebrity stylist Ashley Streicher:

• "I recommend brushing clean, wet hair into a bun."

• Next, she lets it dry "as much as possible (if in a hurry add heat)."

• "Then, once it is set like that, you can take it out.

• Finally, "[leave] the shape and brush back into a bun."

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15 of 35 Slicked-Back Ponytail

To us, there's no easier way to update a tired high ponytail than by slicking it back as Jamie Chung does here. This is an easy way to get a polished look, especially on those days you don't have time to wash your hair.

• First, use a flat iron to straighten your hair. If you have stick-straight hair already, you can skip this step.

• Brush your hair back into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.

• For this look, you don't want any stray hairs. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush the hair back and apply some pomade, such as Ouai's Matte Pomade ($24), to give you the slicked-back look.

• To achieve a clean, sleek pony covering the scrunchie or hairband, take a piece of hair from your ponytail, then spray a medium hold hairspray on that piece of hair to smooth. Then, twist it around the elastic for a polished look.

• Finish off by spraying your crown with a light hairspray to hold everything in place.

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16 of 35 Breezy Braid

Margot Robbie's traditional side braid is extremely reminiscent of Frozen's Queen Elsa. This one requires hair on the longer side of medium.

• Start by swooping the top part of the hair back to the crown of your head before braiding down, eliminating the part.

• Leave a few strands loose around the face.

• Then, all it takes is some teasing, a classic three-strand braid, and a little hairspray for extra staying power. We like Living Proof's Flex Hairspray ($27).

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17 of 35 The Wet-Look Style

As demonstrated here by Kourtney Kardashian, the wet look is an easy way to style a bob or other medium-length cut. Achieving this glistening, tousled look is easy. For proof, listen to Streicher:

• Start by repeating the steps from #14's ballerina bun style, skipping the second bun.

• Next, "let hair air dry or blow-dry into the shape you want."

• Finally, "brush through some product." We recommend a flexible hold gel-like Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Control Sculpting Gel ($9).

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18 of 35 Side-Swept Curls

Yara Shahidi's curls may be braided back, but her look is easy enough to replicate sans braids if you're short on time.

• First, follow Colombini's curly hair styling types from #8.

• Next, give your hair a deep side part.

• Part the hair back on one side, and secure with bobby pins; It will give the same super-chic effect. Then add accessories if needed.

Image: @YARASHAHIDI

19 of 35 Textured Chignon

Add interest to a basic ponytail or bun like the one illustrated in #2 by leaving texture at the crown of the head. We love the strands by the ears. Here's how to recreate this romantic look:

• Apply some volumizing mousse to the roots of your hair to give your crown some lift.

• Pull your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Don’t brush it back, as you want the front to stay looking slightly messy or texturized.

• Attach another clear tie to the end of our ponytail.

• Twist your hair, spiral it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins.

• Pull out a few tendrils around your face and curl slightly as needed.

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20 of 35 Center-Parted Volume

A center part and a lot of volume work beautifully for curls, which can be styled using the same principles as #8. Keep in mind Fekkai's advice:

• "All of our curls are different textures, patterns, and consistency, no matter the length. However, we all need a proper haircut and the right products, so getting a haircut in your desired shape along with products that work for your texture is half the battle. The other half is choosing your style."

• "I think it’s best to start adding in light layers or texturing once the hair gets to a medium length to release any waves or curl you might have naturally," adds Streicher.

Image: @MARSAIMARTIN

21 of 35 One Thick Braid

One thick braid down the back is classic and cool for any length. We love how this look incorporates natural curls and flyaways for a textured appearance.

• "Braids can be fun but more challenging on short hair," says Maine.

• "If looking to incorporate a braid, just create a small three-strand braid."

• "Once you have tied it with an elastic, start at the top of the braid and move your way down the length, pulling it outwards for more fullness."

Image: @THEVICSTYLES

22 of 35 Jeweled Mermaid Waves

For fancy occasions, consider adding some rhinestones or pearls to the subtle waves from #3 for a mermaid-inspired vibe. This jeweled look can be overwhelming on longer hair but is pitch-perfect for a lob like Aimee Song's.

• If your hair has a little texture or curl, spray in some Bumble and bumble Surf Spray ($29) to play up its natural beachy texture.

• Dry your hair with a diffuser and slightly scrunch it.

• If your hair is straight, create some subtle waves by creating a few bends with a curling iron or flat iron.

• To finish off your mermaid look, apply Bitzy's Stick On Pearl Hair Gems ($4) around your hair for an ethereal glow.

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23 of 35 Contrasting Highlights

Want to play with color but don't want to commit to the maintenance of a full dye job? You can copy Charli D'Amelio's fun and playful look. Consider contrasting your natural shade with a few hidden highlights in a fun color.

• Ask your stylist for highlights that are only visible when you tuck your hair behind your ears.

• If you want something temporary, use L'Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup 1-Day Hair Color ($7).

• Tuck your hair behind your ear and apply to the strands that are hidden when your hair is down.

• You can also apply the color to a "money piece" or one single strand in front.

• Have fun highlighting different sections as it washes out in one day.

24 of 35 Milkmaid Braid

Another braid style that doesn't require a whole lot of length, this milkmaid braid worn by Lucy Boynton is perfectly red carpet-appropriate while remaining unfussy. This look is easy and doesn't require any French braiding.

• Divide your hair into two sections.

• Braid the ends of one side, using a regular three-strand braid technique, and secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side.

• Pull the first braid up and over and secure with bobby pins. Do the same thing on the other side, paying attention to adjust the braids so there isn't a seam where they overlap.

• Pull out some strands and tendrils for that romantic look.

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25 of 35 Sharp Center Part

"Sleek and straight" is Maine's favorite way to style medium-length hair. "I love a medium blunt cut at the collar bone," adds Streicher.

• "My favorite way to achieve this is with a blow dryer/brush two-in-one like Trademark Beauty's Easy Blo, which simultaneously detangles and smoothes," says Maine.

• "Prep hair first with Dream Coat by Color Wow, and you’ll block out humidity, and the hair will be extra shiny," he adds.

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26 of 35 Sleek Topknot

The sleek ballerina bun from #14 gets a trendy upgrade by moving the placement from the nape of the neck to the top of the head. Think of this as your formal topknot. Here is how to pull it off.

• If your hair is curly or wavy, consider using a flat iron to straighten hair for a sleek look.

• Pull your hair up in a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.

• Divide your ponytail into two sections and twist them together.

• Wrap the twisted section around your hair tie and secure with bobby pins.

• Spray on some hairspray to smooth down any flyaways and to hold your style in place.

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27 of 35 Smooth Waves

"Medium-length is a chic style in itself, so don’t overthink it with styling. Simple waves or nice and sleek can be super stylish," says Maine. Glossy, structured waves give Zoey Deutch a sophisticated, Old Hollywood vibe.

• "For straight or slightly wavy hair, dry your hair at the roots upside down," says Fekkai.

• "Flip your hair back and apply the Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Multitasker Perfecting Crème ($20) to add shine and shape," he says.

Image: @ZOEYDEUTCH

28 of 35 Full Curls

Tracee Ellis Ross's full, shoulder-length curls have a whole lot of definition and shine. This is absolute proof that curly bangs can look fabulous.

• "Curly hair is dry and loves moisture. I like to start with a moisturizing curl enhancer like Oribe Styling Butter topped with Oribe Curl Gloss for a soft hold," says Scott.

• "Comb your products through with a fine-tooth comb and twist sections to air dry or diffuse."

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29 of 35 Grown-Out Shag

The shag is a classic medium-length hairstyle. Choppy layers and grown-out bangs make this look effortless to maintain. To style, Colombini recommends:

• "Beach sprays, sea salt sprays, and a bit of pomade at the tips."

• "You can blow dry them in, but I think letting these products air dry in is the best texture," he says.

Image: @BLEACHLONDON

30 of 35 Asymmetrical Swoop

Anne Hathaway takes a classic wavy style and makes it unique by slicking back one side for an asymmetrical vibe. Choppy waves deliver a whole lot of shine.

• Apply products to the root of your hair to give it a lift. "For straight hair, I like using a good thermal protectant and thickening spray like Oribe Maximista to add texture to your hair to show movement," says Scott.

• Style your hair in a deep part and swoop it over to one side.

• Pull the rest of your hair back behind your hair and over one shoulder.

• Spray some hairspray on the slicked-back side to keep hair in place.

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31 of 35 Bow Pony

Stylist Kristin Ess takes a low ponytail to more formal heights with a lush black velvet bow and dramatic curls.

• Pull your hair back into a ponytail and secure with a hair tie.

• Allow some loose tendrils out around your face.

• You can style your ponytail sleek or with high volume. For creating dynamic styles, Scott switches between two brushes. "Ion Paddle Brush is great for straightening longer lengths, and the 9 Row Vess Brush is great for smoothing and light volume," she says.

• Finish off your look by hooking on this Kristin Ess Velvet Bow ($14) onto your hair tie.

32 of 35 Undone Topknot

"Play with half-up styles like topknots and space buns to switch it up even when it may feel too short to get it all up," says Maine.

• Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.

• Separate your ponytail into two sections and intertwine them. Then, twist that section around the hair tie.

• Stop before the entire ponytail is twisted, letting the end hang out slightly to give it that "undone" look.

• Spray on a finishing spray to smooth flyaways and to add shine. "Dream Coat by Color Wow has epic sprays for both curly and straight looks that offer a ton of weightless moisture and shine," Maine says.

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33 of 35 Voluminous Curls

To get the medium-length curly hair of your dreams:

• "Invest in a great haircut," says Maine. "Medium length curly shapes can vary from triangular to boxy to round or oval. It’s important to find one that fits your face shape."

• This is a great example of a curly, mid-length style that is balanced.

• "For very curly hair, towel dry the roots and then apply the Fekkai Shea Butter Gel Crème and defining curl. Apply a curl refresher spray the next day or when needed," says Fekkai.

Image: @GOLDENBARBIE

34 of 35 Gorgeous Shoulder-Length Locs

Shoulder-grazing hair like Chloe Bailey's still gives ample opportunity to play with locs and texture.

• Bailey styles her locs to the side, with one side up front for a flirty look.

• Use products that are designed to keep your scalp healthy and your hair moisturized, such as the Dr. Locs Yasin Shampoo ($18).

BYRDIE LOCS PRO TIP!

Want more loc hairstyle inspiration? Check out these 12 loc'd hairstyles that are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

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35 of 35 Subtle Accessory

While medium-length hair doesn't allow for as many opportunities to create intricate chignons, accessories like clips and jewels can elevate a simple style. Here it how to copy Saoirse Ronan's elegant look.

• Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, leaving your bangs out to frame your face.

• Divide your ponytail into two sections and intertwine them together. To make the bun, twist that section around the hair tie and secure with bobby pins.

• To instantly upgrade your look, clip in this butterfly hairpin ($10) on the side of your hair.

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FAQs

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FAQs 〰️

How do I cut layers in medium-length hair myself?

• There are tons of tutorials online on how to cut layers into medium-length hair at home, but unless you're a trained cosmetologist, we recommend going to a professional for the best look possible.

Can I start locs with medium-length hair?

• Long story short—yes. Depending on what method you are using to start your locs (two-strand twists, comb coils, braids, etc.), longer hair might be easier to loc than hair on the shorter side.

You May Never Recover From Seeing Zendaya’s Impossibly Bouncy Blowout

She *is* the moment.

She *is* the moment.

Originally published @ TZR | By Andrea Pyros 2.18.2022

Ever since their relationship became official, Zendaya and Tom Holland always seem to cause a stir when they step out together. Whether it’s an unexpected hand placement or sneaky kisses in the car, fans truly cannot get enough of their interactions, most likely because of how undeniably stunning they are together. Their most recent date night, however, was perhaps the best they’ve ever looked — and Zendaya’s bouncy ‘90s blowout is certainly pulling most of the weight (sorry, Tom).

On Wednesday night Feb.16, the couple was spotted in New York City on their way to a screening for Holland’s new film, Uncharted. Presumably because of the occasion, the pair were a little more dressed up than their typical outings; Holland wore a light gray suit with a black turtleneck while Zendaya channeled a ‘90s supermodel look in a belted black shirt dress and black sheer tights, her gloriously glossy hair bouncing with each step.

Her shoulder-length auburn locks are so voluminous they practically defy gravity, leaving fans on social media buzzing as the paparazzi photos continue to circulate. Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist and colorist, dubs Zendaya’s hair “the ultimate ‘90s supermodel off-duty blowout.”

Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images

In a press email, Colombini shares his best tips for recreating the look.

“

This style is best achieved with a classic round brush blow-dry, using a blow-dry primer with fantastic memory like L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyles Blow Dry Primer.

Keeping the hair’s elasticity and not using a curling iron will give the bounce and volume. Hair color always looks its best when it’s styled at its best. For a color refresh, I recommend using the EverPure Glossing Collection with the glaze for ultimate shine and seal, followed by the Le Color Gloss for high conditioning and effortless color toning.

”

— Loréal Brand Ambassador Jonathan Colombini

Below, shop Colombini's picks and have a go at one of Zendaya’s most jaw-dropping hair moments to date; Spiderman boyfriend not included.

L'Oreal Paris

EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo

$7.99 @ Loréal

L'Oreal Paris

Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze

$12.99 @ Loréal

L'Oreal Paris

Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner

$7.99 @ Loréal

L’Oreal Paris

Le Color Gloss

$14.99 @ Loréal Paris

Kerastase

Soin Acide Chroma Gloss Hair Gloss

$53 @ Kerastase

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The Best Products For Blowouts, According To Pro Hair Stylists

Originally published @ Bustle | By Andrea Pyros January 29, 2021

Experts explain how to get beautiful bouncy curls.

Achieving a salon-worthy blowout at home is easier said than done, but one thing is for sure: it all comes down to using the right products. But with literally thousands of styling sprays, blow-dry creams, and leave-in serums on the market, how does one even know where to start? To narrow down the best blowout products for doing your hair at home, Bustle spoke with five top professional stylists — ahead, they share their tips and tricks.

"There is no doubt that the best blowout is going to start right from your beginning prep —starting with your shower. Just as you wouldn’t spend the time doing full eye makeup without an eye primer, your blowout won’t set properly if you don’t prime from the very start as well," Ali Anger, an Amika Pro Educator, tells Bustle. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that works with your hair type to provide volume, vitality, and shine.

Then use a leave-in product, like a smoothing serum or cream, to protect your hair from heat damage and restore any moisture that was lost during the cleansing process. "Remember: You don’t need a lot [of product]! Less is more when it comes to a lasting blowout," advises Jonathan Colombini, a L’Oréal celebrity hairstylist and colorist. Colombini also suggests investing in a really good round brush. Finally, finish off with a shine-boosting serum or hairspray to set your style.

Below, you'll find even more blow-drying tips from our experts, plus eight of the best blowout products that they swear by.

1. Best Shampoo & Conditioner For Dry, Thick, Or Curly Hair

You might have heard that you should wait until your hair is 80 percent air-dried before applying heat; however, when it comes to diffusing curly hair, this isn't the case. According to Jonathan Colombini, a celebrity hairstylist for L'Oréal Paris, it's best to keep your hair as wet as possible before diffusing to help eliminate frizz. We're talking dripping-wet hair.

If you need to dry your wet hair just a bit, Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and consulting creative director, says you can scrunch it a couple of times with a micro-fiber towel to soak up some of the water, but remember to be gentle. "I see some clients roughly drying their hair with a towel and being abrasive with it, which will stretch your curls and create more frizz," he says.

Additionally, to help enhance your curls, Colombini says you can mold your curls by wrapping them around your index finger to create a tendril. "This will later be broken up once completely dry," he says.

amika velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo

$24 @ Amazon

amika velveteen Dream Smoothing Conditioner

$20 @ Amazon

“I recommend amika’s Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner to smoothen out thick, frizzy hair. I’m all about priming and then layering. Creating a base will guarantee that your blowout will slay all day. Use the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and then layer with your other favorite volume products."

— Ali Anger, amika Pro Educator

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2. Best Shampoo & Conditioner For Fine, Thin, Or Limp Hair

Anger recommends amika's 3D Volume Plus Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner to "pre-boost finer, limp tresses." Both the shampoo and conditioner help promote the appearance of thicker, fuller hair both immediately and over time, while also offering moisturizing and detangling benefits. Like all amika products, these are sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair.

amika 3D Volume Plus Thickening Shampoo

$24 @ amazon

amika 3D Volume Plus Thickening Conditioner

$24 @ amazon

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3. Best Leave-In Conditioner & Blowout Cream

UNITE Hair Leave-IN Conditioner

$26 @ Amazon

UNITE Hair 7 Seconds Blowout Creme

$29.50 @ Amazon

“I absolutely love UNITE Hair’s 7SECONDS Leave-In Conditioner. This is a great prep right out of the shower, followed up by the 7SECONDS BlowOut Creme to give you a blow-dry that can last two to three days. This combination before a blow-dry is mandatory."

— Graham Nation, UNITE Hair ambassador and celebrity stylist

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4. Best Priming Spray & Smoothing Serum

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyles Blow Dry it Quick Dry Primer Spray

$10 @ Amazon

Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum

$7 @ amazon

“Blow Dry it Quick Dry Primer Spray mixed with Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum is an amazing cocktail that I use on all my clients to get the perfect, smooth blowout. It has heat protection and makes the hair soft and silky without weighing it down. I use a quarter-size amount of the smoothing cream and three pumps of the smoothing serum; run that through the mids and ends and use the rest of the product to smooth down hairline flyaways. [While blow-drying] use clips to section off your hair for better control. It’s easier if you rough-dry your hair first before starting the round brush process.”

— Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist and colorist

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5. Best Blow Dry Cream

Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Blow Down Smoothing Leave-In Cream

$17 @ amazon

“This leave-in cream provides heat protection, easy glide for fast blowouts, instantly smooths hair, and controls frizz. If your hair tends to frizz or is naturally curly, then you’ll want to have your hair fairly damp [when you dry your hair]. This will allow the heat from the blow dryer to manipulate the hair into a smoother blowout. To get a smooth blowout, it's important to go section by section, applying the heat in the direction of the ends of the hair so that it can seal the cuticle. If you point the nozzle towards your scalp, then you’re opening the cuticle, which will leave you with a rough blowout. On the other hand, if your hair tends to be fine and flat, then rough drying first upside down to get most of the moisture out and then round brushing will give you maximum volume.”

— George Papanikolas, MATRIX celebrity colorist

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6. Best Serum For Shine

MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Mega Varnish High Shine Hair Serum

$17 @ amazon

“When trying to achieve the best at-home blowout, preparation is key. As someone that works on a lot of curly hair, I understand that layering products as well as maintaining moisture and protection of the hair is vital. I’d start with the MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Shampoo and conditioner, then use a leave-in cream to dry hair and finish with MATRIX Total Results Mega Sleek Mega Varnish to add intense shine and build on the benefits I received from the cream.”

— Michelle O’Connor, MATRIX Artistic Director

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Experts:

Ali Anger, amika Pro Educator

Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist and colorist

Graham Nation, UNITE Hair ambassador and celebrity stylist

Michelle O’Connor, MATRIX Artistic Director

George Papanikolas, MATRIX celebrity colorist

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Jonathan Colombini keeps it cool. Haircolor, that is.

Video Promo from Extra TV | Originally aired December 2021

Got brassy, faded tones? Stop.

In this spot for Extra TV, Jonathan discusses how to keep blonds cool and fresh using Loréal Paris’ new toning gloss treatment, Le Color Gloss. The simple, in-shower one-step gloss easily counteracts unwanted brassiness from hair color so you can keep your cool and carry on.

Le Color Gloss corrects brassy, faded tones to maintain that salon-fresh glassy shine and luxurious feel. There’s nothing to mix and zero mess with this coconut oil-infused deep conditioning base. And it’s vegan!

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Jonathan Colombini Explains How To Recreate Meghan Markle’s Tousled Hairstyle With a $13 Hairspray

Originally published @ Well & Good | by Zoe Weiner・September 21, 2021

2021 may have been the year that Meghan Markle landed a spot on Time Magazine's list of "100 Most Influential People," but her beauty routine has been influencing us for nearly half a decade. In 2017, her Charlotte Tilbury wedding lipstick caused nude lipstick sales to soar. According to an analytical report by the beauty experts at RY, to date, there have been 88.5 million articles written about her hair, makeup, and skin-care secrets (which, it's worth noting, is 10 million more than Kim Kardashian), making hers the most widely covered regimen in the world. So it's no surprise that I took one look at the elegant waves she's wearing on the Time cover and just had to know: How did she get her hair to look like that.

L’Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray runs about $13.00

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How to recreate Markle's hairstyle

To find out, I asked L'Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Colombini, who told me that copying her tousled, textured look is easier than you might expect. "This style requires some texture and grit," he says, which means you may not want to try it on the day that you wash your hair.

1. Start with a boar bristle round brush, and use it to blow dry your hair out without any volumizing products, which Colombini says will help "recreate movement."

2. Next section your hair in quadrants—two in the back from the center of your hairline down to the nape of your neck, and two in the front from your crown toward each ear—then break those quadrants down into smaller sections.

3. Wrap these individual sections around a 2-inch curling barrel, allowing the ends to stick out, and continue rotating the iron in the same direction that the hair is wrapped.

4. To finish things off, use a strong-hold, shine-inducing hairspray, like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray ($13), to lock in the look.

5. Et voila—with a few twists of an iron and a $13 spritz, your hair can be cover-ready, too.

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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Diffusing Curly Hair

Originally published @ RealSimple.com | By Genesis Rivas October 22, 2021

Experts explain how to get beautiful bouncy curls.

Curly hair types know the constant trial-and-error of testing products and techniques to make their hair look defined and healthy. Not to mention, because curly and coily hair textures tend to be drier than others, frizz is also a challenge. If you're someone who loves to embrace their natural texture, then chances are you've used a diffuser at one point or another — or for some, every time you wash your hair.

A diffuser is a plastic attachment that you can add to your hairdryer that helps dry the hair while keeping the natural curl pattern. It's a game-changer when it comes to heat-styling curly hair. That said, if you aren't diffusing your hair correctly, you can end up with frizzy and undefined hair.

Turns out, when it comes to using a diffuser, there are a lot of common mistakes that people make leading to these undesired results. So, what's the right way to diffuse curly hair to get those bouncy, beautiful curls all of the time? Here, we spoke with three celebrity hairstylists to help steer us straight from these five common mistakes made when diffusing curly hair.

1 — Your hair isn't wet enough

You might have heard that you should wait until your hair is 80 percent air-dried before applying heat; however, when it comes to diffusing curly hair, this isn't the case. According to Jonathan Colombini, a celebrity hairstylist for L'Oréal Paris, it's best to keep your hair as wet as possible before diffusing to help eliminate frizz. We're talking dripping-wet hair.

If you need to dry your wet hair just a bit, Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and consulting creative director, says you can scrunch it a couple of times with a micro-fiber towel to soak up some of the water, but remember to be gentle. "I see some clients roughly drying their hair with a towel and being abrasive with it, which will stretch your curls and create more frizz," he says.

Additionally, to help enhance your curls, Colombini says you can mold your curls by wrapping them around your index finger to create a tendril. "This will later be broken up once completely dry," he says.

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2 You're not applying enough product

In addition to sopping-wet hair, you should also completely saturate your curls with the right product to ensure smooth, defined results. Find products that offer moisture and control, says Colombini. He recommends using the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Shampoo ($4, target.com) and Conditioner ($5, target.com) in the shower.

Once you're out of the shower, prep with your favorite styling product and leave-in conditioner. The Ouidad Curl Reboot Nourish and Strength Leave-in Mask is also a great leave-in option for curly hair types ($38, nordstrom.com) that will nourish and soften your hair. Apply enough product so that when you scrunch your hair, you can hear a squishy noise. That will indicate your hair is wet and moisturized enough for diffusing. 

3 You aren't using a low enough setting

One of the biggest culprits of getting frizzy hair post-diffuser is not using your hairdryer on the lowest heat and pressure setting. "Be patient when diffusing your hair," says Colombini. "Low heat and low pressure are the best, which create for a longer styling process, but it's worth it!"

4 You're moving the diffuser too much

"Bouncing the diffuser around and constantly moving it creates frizz," says Dueñas. The best way to dry your hair is to keep the diffuser in place and flip your hair to the section you want to dry. "You want to tilt your head to the side and back, or upside down and hold the diffuser in one spot as close to your scalp as you can without burning yourself," he says. "Leave the diffuser in that one location until the section is completely dry, then move to the next section."

The exception to this rule is for those with tighter curl patterns. "On textured, tight coils, set your hair where you would like it to live and move the diffuser around your head without touching your hair," says Dueñas. Do this until your hair is completely dry.

5 You're touching your hair

Finally, and most importantly, touching your hair at any point throughout the diffusing process will make your hair frizzy. As difficult as it can be to leave your hair alone, it's best to not touch your hair until it is fully dry. And even then, try not to touch it unless your hair feels crunchy or hard.

"Once your hair is completely dry, scrunch it gently with your hands by gathering the hair from the ends to the root gently in your palm," says Colombini. "Then, gently squeeze and open your hand, do not rub your fingers together, but a gentle compression as this will break up the cast that any product has left on your hair." Never rack your fingers through your curls because that will break up the curl pattern and create frizz.

These tips are sure to help keep your curls looking fresh, beautiful, and defined next time you diffuse your hair.

By Genesis Rivas

Beauty Q&A: What Is My Hair’s Porosity and Why Is It Important?

Originally published @ Makeup.com by L'Oréal | November 09, 2021 by Ariel Wodarcyk

Does your hair take forever to air dry? Do products seem to sit on top of its surface creating buildup, or do they sink right in leaving very little moisture behind? Your answers to these questions have to do with your hair’s porosity. Knowing your hair’s porosity will help you achieve healthier, more moisturized hair and luckily, it’s easy to determine at home. Below, we consulted Jonathan Colombini, the creative director of style and color at L'Oréal Paris, and Bridgette Hill, certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis, to find out how to test your hair’s porosity and care for your hair type accordingly.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Porosity is the hair fiber’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Hair can have high, low, or medium porosity.

How Do I Find Out My Hair’s Porosity?

To determine your hair’s porosity, all you need to do is place a strand of hair in a glass of water and watch how quickly it sinks (or doesn’t!). “If it floats, you have low porosity hair,” Colombini says. “If it sinks slowly, you have normal porosity and if it sinks immediately, then you have high porosity. It’s an old trick we did in beauty school that’s still effective.”

How to Care for Low Porosity Hair

If you have low-porosity hair, “there isn’t any space between the hair cuticles, making it harder for water, as well as products like oils and conditioners, to deliver moisture to the hair shaft,” Colombini says. It’s not typically the result of damage or overprocessing, he says, but it can lead to product buildup. According to Hill, this hair type can also be highly proteinized, making it prone to breakage.

“It is important for people with low-porosity hair to use conditioners and leave-ins that are water-based or light lotions, so they do not sit on the hair shaft,” Hill says. She recommends using a lightweight product such as Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave-In Conditioner to strengthen and soften low porosity hair.

How to Care for High Porosity Hair

“High porosity hair means that the cuticle has large gaps allowing moisture to enter seamlessly,” Hill says. “However, the hair is unable to retain the moisture.” High-porosity hair can be a result of either genetics or frequent heat damage and overprocessing. 

Unlike low-porosity hair, high-porosity hair types require more than a lightweight leave-in. Colombini suggests using nourishing masks and treatments, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave-In Conditioner. “Look for products with fatty acids, like shea butter,” Hill adds. “Cream-based humectants fill and seal the hair fiber to lock in moisture for this type of hair texture.” 

Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Director, Creative Production: Alex Friedlander, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Sarah Ferguson, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Dominick Barcelona, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Model: Sanzeda

The 17 Best Shampoos for Every Hair Type

Originally published @ WWD by Celia Shatzman September 30, 2021

Whether you want to enhance curls, brighten your blonde or pump up the volume, we’ve got you covered!

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for your needs, think about the way you shop for skincare products. Just like someone with oily skin wouldn’t reach for a heavy moisturizer, someone with curls shouldn’t suds up with a shampoo for straight locks. It’s all about shopping for your hair type and condition to get the best results.

“Before choosing the best shampoo for your hair type it’s important to understand your hair type and texture,” says Jamie Wiley, Pureology Global Artistic Director. “Ask yourself if your hair strands are fine, medium, or thick and then whether your texture is wavy, straight, curly, thick, dry, and/or color-treated. Knowing which category you fall into will help determine what shampoo and conditioner you should take home. Choosing the right shampoo is important for everyone and figuring out what works best for your hair.”

How to find the best shampoo for your hair type

Fine hair tends to have more buildup on the scalp, so it requires a shampoo that has a deep cleansing agent, advises Wiley. Dry hair needs essential oils and the best ones contain coconut oil and avocado oil. Thick hair is prone to getting dirty very fast and so equal amounts of cleanser for thick hair is ideal. “The benefits of using targeted shampoos is that you will be able to treat the damage faster and more specific than without a targeted purpose,” Wiley says. “Hair is shinier, healthier, manageable, bouncy, and has movement. Actually, if you aren’t using a targeted shampoo you could be hurting the condition rather than helping it. By using the shampoo that has been recommended for your hair, it will balance out the maximum vibrancy and shine of the hair cuticle. It will also balance the scalp’s pH levels and hair will continue to grow strong and healthy.”

However, many of us have more than one hair concern, so don’t feel the need to limit yourself to just one bottle.

“I always suggest using a few different shampoos that perhaps address a few different things, it’s always great to switch it up.”

— Jonathan Colombini, Creative Director of Style & Color at L’Oréal Paris

How often should you shampoo your hair?

How often you should shampoo your hair depends on a few factors. “In my opinion, a healthy scalp likes to be washed every two to three days; this depends on hair and scalp type,” says Ashley Streicher, Consulting Celebrity Stylist for Garnier. To determine how often you should wash your hair, listen to your strands and scalp. “Shampoo as needed based on your oil production,” Wiley says. “Normal oil production is three times a week, about every other day or every three days. If you have an oily scalp, then you shampoo every day. Of course, if you have curly or coily hair, then you wash based on your curls about once a week or sometimes longer.”

The best way to wash your hair with shampoo

Knowing the right way to wash your hair is also crucial to making the most out of your shampoo and boosting your hair health. “Really only focus on shampooing the roots of your hair and mainly your scalp,” Streicher advises. “The ends of your hair do not need to be the focus of shampooing and in fact avoid the ends when possible as to not dry them out. The ends don’t get the natural oils from your scalp so that hair is already extra dry and does not need to be cleansed of these oils. When washing your scalp, it’s inevitable that your ends will also get sudsed, so that is plenty for your ends.”

First, thoroughly wet your hair, as shampoos emulsify much better in water. “Apply a liberal amount in the palm of your hands and then to your scalp,” Colombini says. “In a circular motion, work the shampoo into your scalp and enjoy the lather. Work the later through the mid shafts. Depending on when you washed last you may need another round, so rinse and repeat.”

In between washes, it’s best not to overload on hair-care products. “I think that in-between shampoos and styling, the best thing you can do for your hair and scalp is to just let it be,” Streicher says. “Let it breathe when possible and taking a break from products and styling tools is always encouraged.”

To help you get your healthiest, shiniest hair, shop these best shampoos for every hair type.

1. Drybar On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo

Best Professional Shampoo

$26 @ Sephora

When you want to get a salon-worthy blowout at home, it starts with having the best shampoo. While you probably can’t get someone to suds up your locks and give you a head massage in your bathroom, you can use On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo from Drybar. It gives your hair and scalp the clean slate it craves by tapping activated charcoal to get rid of product buildup, excess oils and impurities without overdoing it and stripping your hair. In fact, it can absorb a whopping 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities. It also contains vegetable protein to strengthen damaged hair.

2. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo

Best Clean Shampoo Formula

$2.68 @ Amazon

“I love Garnier’s products because they have something for everyone at convenient prices,” Streicher says. “I personally love the Garnier Fructis Pure Clean line which is great for giving you that thorough clean.” True to its name, the clean formula is free of parabens and silicones. Gentle enough for daily use, it’s infused with aloe extract and vitamin E to nourish and strengthen strands.

3. Redken Extreme Length Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Hair Growth

$22.80 @ amazon

Looking for longer locks? Then this miracle growth in a bottle is the right shampoo for you. Designed to help damaged hair grow longer and stronger, it boosts growth while preventing breakage. Biotin is the hero ingredient in Redken’s Length Care Complex, which also contains soy protein. This shampoo keeps the mid-lengths to ends of the hair strong, and when used with the entire Redken Length Care Complex, can help minimize hair breakage by 81%. It’ll be the answer to your long hair prayers.

4. Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo

Best Gentle Shampoo

$29 @ Sephora

Sensitive scalps will love this gentle Bumble and Bumble shampoo that’s safe for even the tenderest types. Made to work on all hair types, from straight to tightly coiled, it delivers everything hair needs without stressing it out. The super mild shampoo moisturizes and delivers high shine. It’s even safe for colored and chemically-treated hair.

5. R+Co Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo

Best Smoothing Shampoo

$32 @ Amazon

Even on the hottest, most humid days, this best smoothing shampoo will keep frizz in check and hair looking and feeling silky. That goes for curly and thick hair, too. You can thank the impressive ingredient list for that. There’s antioxidant artichoke extract to bring damaged hair back to life and prevent UV and free radical damage. Plum seed oil boosts the scalp environment to strengthen strands, while broccoli seed oil conditions for high shine. And okra seed extract hydrates the hair and scalp.

6. Oribe Shampoo for Brilliance & Shine

Best Shampoo for High Shine

$49 @ Amazon

Is that a mirror? Nope, that’s just the reflection in your hair after using Oribe’s Shampoo for Brilliance & Shine. Even the dullest locks will shine bright like a diamond. To boost hair health and sheen from within, the formula is deeply hydrating. It also strengthens strands without weighing them down. To top it all off, it’s infused with Oribe’s signature Cote d’Azur scent, so you won’t be able to stop sniffing your strands.

7. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair

$28 @ Amazon

It doesn’t get any more repairing than Olaplex, making this the best shampoo for damaged hair. Even split ends will look smoothed. Deeply healing, it hydrates hair and repairs its bonds. Hair is left stronger and prepared to fight breakage. It’s also shinier and easier to manage, meaning it cuts down on frizz and flyaways.

8. Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Shampoo

Best Detangler Shampoo

$6.88 @ amazon

Knot so fast! Tangle-prone hair will find solace in this bottle. Textured hair is notorious for getting tangled, but this shampoo will cut down on combing it out after you get out of the shower. Best for wavy hair to tight curls, the formula is deeply nourishing and hydrating courtesy of coconut milk, guava extract, pure aloe vera, and mango butter. Curls will be left healthy and shiny.

9. Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo

Best Shampoo Overall

$25 @ amazon

It’s hard to think of a hair launch more heralded than Drunk Elephant’s, yet somehow the entire collection exceeded the very high expectations, especially the shampoo. Founder Tiffany Masterson has always been about skincare with clean ingredients that get the job done, so she applied her signature philosophy to the scalp. When your childhood friend is an A-list celebrity hairstylist, you tap into his expertise, so Chris McMillan weighed in on the shampoo and all of the other hair products. Suited for all hair types, from straight to coily, the shampoo washes away impurities while leaving strands so deeply hydrated that it even helps prevent breakage and split ends. The sulfate-free, color-safe formula is infused with sacha inchi seed oil to moisturize, add shine, prevent heat styling damage and soothe irritation; panthenol, aka pro-vitamin B5, to smooth, soften and strengthen the hair shaft; and a coconut amino acid blend that’s packed with fatty acids to gently rid hair of dirt and styling products while boosting body and bounce.

10. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Best for Colored Hair

$33.50 @ Ulta

When it comes to the best shampoo for colored hair, no one does it better than Pureology. They recently revamped their line with a new look and refreshed formulas. Colored hair tends to be dry and this shampoo deeply nourishes and hydrates. The brand’s signature patented antifade complex keeps color vibrant and shiny with a blend of sunflower seed, vitamin E, and a UV filter. Instead of sulfates, it relies on a mix of corn, coconut, and sugar to gently cleanse while leaving color intact. Super concentrated, just one bottle has more than 70 washes, plus the packaging is 95 percent post-consumer recycled plastic that is 100% recyclable.

11. Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo

Best Purple Shampoo

$12 @ amazon

Keeping blonde hair blonde is a lot harder than it looks. Throw stressors like pollution and chlorine into the mix and you have a serious challenge, but Moroccanoil is up for it. Purple shampoo is practically a necessity for fair-haired friends to keep their color looking bright and fresh. This one has violet pigments to neutralize brassy tones and color correct blonde, light and gray hair. To keep hair healthy and hydrated, the sulfate-free formula contains Moroccanoil’s signature ArganID technology to seal the cuticle.

12. Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Weak Hair

$36 @ Sephora

Sometimes the most basic things can cause major damage to fragile hair, even just brushing it. This fortifying shampoo was made to prevent hair fall and breakage from brushing and other daily stressors. Designed for normal to oily hair that’s fine, medium or thick, it deeply clarifies to thoroughly remove build-up, pollution particles and excess oils from the scalp while strengthening weak strands. After a few uses of the gentle gel shampoo you can expect to see less hair on your brush.

13. Bread Beauty Supply Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser

Best Shampoo for Curly Hair

$20 @ Sephora

When Bread Beauty Supply founder and chief executive officer Maeva Heim didn’t see enough positive conversations about natural hair and women of color in the beauty space, she decided to create them. The new clean, vegan line focuses on 3a to 4c curls and is challenging what it means to have “good” curls by making frizz aspirational and embracing all curl types. That’s why its Hair Wash Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser is the best shampoo for natural texture out there, since it gives an effective yet delicate cleanse. Essentially a hybrid between a co-wash and a shampoo, it works into a mild creamy lather and contains ingredients from Heim’s native Australia, such as moisturizing Australian Kakadu Plum, which has the highest concentration of vitamin C of any fruit.

14. Leonor Greyl Paris Volumizing and Detangling Shampoo

Best Volumizing Shampoo

$19 @ amazon

Get Brigitte Bardot-worthy volume with French brand Leonor Greyl’s shampoo that delivers lift and detangles. Even the finest, limpest hair will reach new heights with this volumizing shampoo. And since it’s also an excellent detangler, it eliminates the need for conditioner, which tends to weigh down hair. Made with 92 percent natural ingredients, it’s infused with hydrating seaweed extract and strengthening wheat proteins.

15. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Long Hair

$3.97 @ Amazon

Long hair means those ends have been around for a while, which is why they need extra care. Enter the Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo, which is jam-packed with vitamins B3 and B5 and fine castor oil to help close split ends, strengthen the hair shaft and mend damage without weighing hair down. It’ll only take one wash to notice a difference and hair will be left smelling sweet and fruity.

See also: John Henry Salon posts about Elvive Dream Lengths products.

16. RE-fresh Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Sea Mineral + Hydrate Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Dandruff

$14.80 @ Walmart

Getting rid of pesky white flakes can be tough — but formulas shouldn’t be tough on your scalp. Unlike many harsh dandruff shampoos, this one is delightfully scented and gently fights flakes and reduces scalp irritation with 2 percent salicylic acid and white willow bark extract. The formula is made with more than 90 percent naturally derived ingredients — sans parabens, silicones and dyes — and it’s safe to use every day.

17. KMS Add Power Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Fine Hair

$22.35 Walmart

Suds up with this KMS shampoo for stronger, healthier and more resilient hair. Lactic acid, malic acid, organic white tea extract and rice protein combine forces to boost the internal reconstruction of hair, thicken it and maintain the natural protein balance. It’s never been easier to pump up locks, gaining healthier hair along the way.

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20 Chestnut Hair Colors to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit

Originally published @ Byrdie | August 25, 2021 by Michelle Rostamian and Kaitlyn McClintock

When it comes to hair, we're often told to go lighter when the spring season rolls around. And while we love that seasonal shift, this year we're thinking of turning it on its head and going for something richer and deeper. After all, chestnut colors have taken over all of Pinterest and our favorite celebs. To learn about the varying shades of chestnut hair, we turned to two pros in the hair industry: Jonathan Colombini and Aura Friedman. See our favorite A-list sources of chestnut hair color inspiration ahead.

FAST FACTS

Choosing a Shade: According to Friedman, you can choose a shade of chestnut by using the same principles makeup artists apply. "Look at skin tone, eye color, and eyebrow color—the goal is to enhance your best features and neutralize skin that's red or pink." To decide between richer or darker chestnut, determine your level of desired contrast between your skin and hair color.

Maintenance Level: Colombini notes that chestnut hair maintenance depends on your natural hair color. "If you’re a natural brunette, it'll be very low maintenance, but if you have gray hair, you may have a bit more regular maintenance, depending on the percentage of gray," he says. "If your natural hair color is much lighter than the hair color chosen, it'll be more high-maintenance.

Goes Great With: A red lip complements brunette hair colors as do warm bronze tones.

Similar Shades: Brunette, warm brown, cool brown, caramel, honey.

Price: Full color can range from $75 to $200. Highlights range anywhere from $80 to $350.

1 of 20 • Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen's chestnut hair, which resembles a shiny chestnut waterfall, is a warm, multi-dimensional brunette. Colombini notes that the darker roots give it a more natural look, and that while the style is smooth and polished, it features a slight bend to showcase dimension. We approve.

<br>Colombini recommends L'Oreal Paris's EverPure Deep Moisture Hair Sheet Mask ($5) for shine and lightweight smoothness. | Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

02 of 20 • Gabrielle Union

We're heart-eyed for these big chestnut curls, which feature a cooler brunette base that graduates to lighter warmer tones on the ends. "There's beautiful natural texture here," says Colombini. "This look is best achieved without heat and without disturbing natural texture. Set it and forget it." | Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images​

03 of 20 • Jessica Alba

We'll never get sick of seeing Old Hollywood hair on the red carpet, but when it's paired with Jessica Alba's chestnut locks, we're even more inspired. "She has a cooler brunette base with honey tones from the mid-shafts to the ends," says Colombini. "The Old Hollywood look can be achieved with a marcel set and then brushing it out." | Photo: JB Lacroix / Getty Images

04 of 20 • Lily Collins

We love Lily Collins's red-tinged locks. If this look is your vibe, ask your colorist for a medium brown base with lighter cooper ends. Throw on a floral silk head wrap, add a slight bend to strands mid-shaft, and you've got yourself a boho look. | Photo: Kelly Sullivan / Getty Images

05 of 20 • Anne Hathaway

Equal parts chocolate and chestnut, this winning color combo has a few sun-kissed warmer golden hues through the crown for dimension. Paired with a choppy cut, Colombini describes this as a lived-in 'do. | Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

06 of 20 • Beyoncé

Queen Bey always knows how to serve trend-setting hairstyles, and these chestnut strands rival any other spring hue. Conair's Infiniti Pro Texture Styling Hair Dryer ($34) is perfect for a style like this—it's made specifically for drying curly hair and maintaining the hair's natural curl pattern without the frizz.

07 of 20 • Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale is our OG celeb hair inspiration. This dimensional chestnut hair color features a cool-toned chestnut hue with both cooler tones and warmer tones throughout for dimension, according to Colombini. We're digging the beachy wave and center part, too. | Photo : JB Lacroix / Getty Images

08 of 20 • Olivia Culpo

Take a page out of Olivia Culpo's book and go for this deep chestnut shade, which is sure to look stunning on similar olive skin tones. Here, she's sporting a cool dark brunette hue with very few warmer ends to break up the solid color. "A center-parted lob with a slight bend and a tuck behind the ears showcases a fresh face," notes Colombini.

09 of 20 • Rihanna

Riri's voluminous waves are complemented perfectly with these auburn highlights that add a multi-dimensional, playful element to her overall look. | Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images

10 of 20 • Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones's hair is right on the edge of the chestnut spectrum, nearing a deep mahogany shade. This 'do leans towards being a cool brunette with a touch of warmth and cooler copper tones added throughout for dimension. We love the addition of a curtain fringe—très chic. | Photo: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images

11 of 20 • Rachel McAdams

Can we petition Rachel McAdams to always keep her hair this vibrant mix of chestnut and auburn? Colombini describes it as a multi-dimensional warm copper brunette with an off-duty messy top knot. "The added silk ribbon headband gives a bit more formal look to the messy knot," he notes. | Photo: Jason LaVeris / Getty Images

12 of 20 • Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Ray is another celeb who walks the fine line between auburn and chestnut with her red-brown locks. To achieve this hue, ask your colorist for a warmer chestnut base with warm copper highlights dispersed throughout. Pair with a bouffant for a mod '60s vibe. | Photo: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

13 of 20 • Jada Pinkett Smith

We're getting cozy fall vibes with Jada Pinkett Smith's steaming chestnut locks. Paired with a jaw-length lob and light layers, the 'do screams fierce freshness. If your hair is lacking volume, use a texturizing product like Sun Bum's Dry Texture Spray ($15) for hold and breezy volume. | Photo: Mike Marsland / Getty Images

14 of 20 • Olivia Palermo

Not ready to go full-on chestnut? Make like Olivia Palermo, whose hair starts with a deep chocolate brown color and slowly transitions to chestnut at the ends. "This has a cool dark brunette base with caramel tips to break up the darkness, giving a softness to the skin tone," says Colombini. "The straight side part gives a very '90s feel." | Photo: Dominique Charriau / Getty Images

15 of 20 • Jamie Chung

Apparently, ombré chestnut hair is alive and well (and extremely flattering). Colombini describes this look as a "cool dark brunette base ombréd into golden honey highlights throughout the ends." Plus, the half-up-half-down loose curls pay tribute to the Brigitte Bardot era, which we dig. | Photo: Ben Gabbe / Getty Images

16 of 20 • Ciara

Ciara's espresso locks border black and are as sultry as they are rock and roll. To protect the color, Friedman recommends avoiding shampooing too often and keeping hair in tip-top shape with the KHairPep K18Peptide Masque ($75)—"it repairs, strengthens, and doesn't weigh down the hair," she says. | Photo: Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

17 of 20 • Julia Roberts

We get all the Pretty Woman feels with Julia Roberts's vivid red-brown hue. Colombini says to ask for a "warm brunette chestnut base mixed with lighter golden tones for dimension" if you're aiming for this look. Throw on a center part with loose, lived-in waves for an effortless, I-just-woke-up-like-this vibe. | Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

18 of 20 • Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas's honeyed chestnut locks are oozing with dimension. "Someone that has warmer olive skin tones can look great in both warm and cool hair color hues, and vice versa with cooler skin tones," says Colombini. "The key is to have dimension—that, and a multi-tonal hair color, is complementary to any skin tone."

19 of 20 • Serena Williams

Can't settle on just one hair color? Make like Serena Williams and incorporate two: chestnut at the roots that ombrés to a eye-catching auburn. | Photo: Taylor Hil / Getty Images

20 of 20 • Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen dabbles with ever-so-perfect chestnut hair that incorporates chocolate, copper, and hues. A middle part and off-duty bends make this look both effortless and chic.

The Best Texturizing Product, According to Kendall Jenner's Stylist

Article originally published by Byrdie

There's a handful of highly-coveted hairstylists in the world, and Jonathan Colombini is one of them. From Kendall to Kylie, and a whole bunch of editorial work in between, Colombini has certainly done the rounds when it comes to high-profile styling. Which is exactly why we took the opportunity to ask him a barrage of questions on a recent trip to Sydney.

What's the number one hair trend going to be this year? 

Flat iron waves. Loose, effortless, and super easy. 

And the one trend that's over? 

The beach wave. Also, ombre. The recession is over—get your roots touched up! 

What are your current favorite styling products? 

I'm a texture guy, so my top five would be the Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($31), David Mallet Lê Volume Spray ($40), Evo Casual Act Moulding Paste ($22), Oribe Dry Shampoo ($46), and Sachajuan Strong and Flexible Hairspray ($35).

And the single best product you've ever used?

That’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite child—it’s impossible. But if I HAD to choose Sachajuan Ocean Mist. It’s truly, exactly what your hair would do at the beach.

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When you're working with a celebrity, do you collaborate on the look, or do they give you free rein?

I always pull my inspiration from the wardrobe. There will always be a piece that stands out to me, and I’ll know just what direction to go. So absolutely it's a collaboration. 

What about Kendall's hair. Any tips on how to emulate her texture? 

Kendall loves easy, natural, lived-in hair. I literally put some bends in with the tongs, use a texturizing mousse, and either a dry shampoo or some sort of paste on the ends. 

How do you usually prep hair before styling? 

For me, being into natural texture and not wanting to disturb that, I usually start with a volume or texture spray. I’ll rough dry it into the hair and really focus on smoothing out ends. I like a boar bristle brush. Once texture and structure are established, then my prep work is done. 

What's your go-to wet weather style?

Hair and rain just don’t mix. You’re fooling yourself if you think any hairstyle can withstand a wet, miserable day. Make those days a hat day. I love a chic fedora on a woman. 

What about bangs? What are your best styling tips? 

It depends on the length, but fringes are best when they're clean and rough-dried by hand. If you have longer, Bridgette Bardot-style fringe, then the small round brush is best. Roll the fringe onto the brush, and blow dry from underneath. Smooth and continue to roll the brush through until it's dry. Once done, roll the fringe onto the brush, and set with a blast of cool air. 

What's your blow-drier of choice? 

Parlux Advance Light Dryer ($150) because it's super lightweight, gets hot enough, and is not too noisy (so I can keep a conversation with my clients).

Where do you look for inspo? 

The runway. Paris and London fashion week have me shook this year!

Jonathan Colombini On Wearing His Pride And His Undying Love For The ‘90s

You likely know Jonathan Colombini through his work with countless celebrities or through his multimedia site showcasing the red carpet and editorial looks he’s created. If you're one of his 154K Instagram followers then you also know that he’s an entrepreneur, a family man, an advocate for women, and proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. The L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist and colorist can trace his love for hair back to his early interactions with the brand; sitting in his grandmother’s bathroom watching her style her own hair. One day she handed him a brush and a can of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray and encouraged him to try. It was destiny for him to change women’s lives and also be part of a company that continues to champion their worth every day.

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“This year marks 21 years that I have been living as an openly gay man, 20 of those years have been as a hairstylist,” he wrote in a recent Instagram post. “The amount of support, acceptance, love, and pride that I have been shown within my #lgbt and beauty industry communities would be unmeasurable.”

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And the positive influence that Colombini has had on those same communities is just as immense. He shared with us his thoughts about the idea of “wearing” pride, the advice he would give his younger self, and why the ‘90s—a decade when being out wasn’t always met with acceptance and love—will always have a special place in his heart.

What was the most unexpected reaction you received when you came out to different people in your life?

Finally!... I think everyone else knew before I did.

We see a lot of rainbow flag homages around this time but what is your go-to beauty look that you put on when you want to show off your pride?

For me, pride comes from within. It’s not an accessory you take off or put on. For me it’s a part of my soul and a piece I always want to represent and also share. 

When was the first time you saw yourself reflected in pop culture and what effect did that have on you and your career development?

It’s interesting now that I am at an age to start seeing trends of pop culture come back. I was born in the ‘80s growing up in the ‘90s. For me, music is and will always be powerful. When you hear “that song” you instantly remember exactly where you were when you heard it for the first time and usually what your style at the time was. I am thrilled to see the ‘90s surface in such an influential way. I could do a bedraggled and slightly scruff Kurt Cobain haircut or a polished one-length bob and bangs Uma Thurman pulled [off] in Pulp Fiction. It would be a huge misstep for me to not pay attention to the current pop culture but more importantly the past trends that impact the present. 

What would you tell your younger self about individuality?

Continue being you! The world would be so boring if we all were the same. 

Come up with a cool saying or tagline that would describe who you are and what being queer means to you.

Trust the Process, nothing happens overnight—nor do we want it to!

This Pride month, L’Oréal Paris will be running a series of Q&A interviews with ambassadors from the brand, sharing their personal stories of identity and how they celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Article originally appeared in Loréal Paris USA

Photo Courtesy of L’Oréal Paris

Can We Stop Naming Hair Color Trends After Beverages?

Originally published @ InStyle | By Victoria Moorhouse Oct 08, 2018

Matcha, kombucha, cold brew, rosé — I will fully defend my millennial obsession with beverages, whether that's some fancy caffeinated drink or a $16 vodka soda. I own not one but two French presses, myself. However, as much as I love my generation's obsession with beverages, what I refuse to support is our preoccupation with naming hair colors after beverages.

In October 2017, "cream soda" a dimensional blonde shade, was named one of the hottest hair colors of fall. In September 2018, just a few short weeks ago "mauve champagne" — a blonde hue with subtle purple highlights — was introduced as the edgy blonde hair color perfect for anyone who doesn't want to let go of their past pastel life. And yes, pumpkin spice latte hair, an auburn shade that looks strikingly similar to the contents of your Starbucks cup, is actually a thing. There's also root beer hair, and the happy hour-themed mulled wine hair.

It's getting a bit ridiculous.

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Why, all of a sudden, are hair color trends mimicking the aisle on the far end of the grocery store? Sure, these beverage-inspired names lend themselves well to an Instagram hashtag and caption, but what happened to just bringing a pic into the salon paired with some key descriptors, I don't know, "light blonde?"

RELATED: We Found Your New Fall Hair Color, So You're Welcome

If beverage hair colors are your vibe, don't let me get you down. Apparently, hair professionals don't mind them as annoying as I do, much to my dismay. According to L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Hair Expert Jonathan Colombini, he says they're actually pretty helpful when communicating with clients during salon appointments.

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“

It helps identify a specific color without looking at an image, the more general a description, the better.

We all know what color a root beer is, opposed to if I were to say dark brunette at a level 5 with red undertones.

Some might struggle with those specifics.

”

— John Henry Salon owner, Jonathan Colombini

OK, fine. I guess I get it. To Colombini's point, I definitely do not know what "a level 5" means, and I'm very familiar with what colors make up a root beer float. Plus if you coin your work with a buzzy name, it sticks. Marketing 101?

Then again, waltzing into a salon and asking for cold brew can create some confusion, too. Sharon Dorram, a Master Colorist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon, agrees that they help conjure up an image, but not every stylist even knows what "mulled wine" hair is.

"They are actually not so helpful because one can have many interpretations on a theme name," she says. "When a client comes in describing a color, I always ask for a visual so I know we are on the same page. There are many variations of a pumpkin spice latte!"

And though I'm not a fan of beverage-inspired hair colors, that doesn't mean you won't see me with cream soda hair come November — I just refuse to utter the name. Then again, I will still be searching for the hashtag. After all, a picture is worth (a thousand beverage-related) words.

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