Tress Trauma!

Hair S.O.S! I don't know about you guys, but I feel like I've been stuck in a rut lately..with my hair that is.I have the hottest blondest of blonde tresses (ok, not Amber Rose white blonde, but still pretty blonde) thanks to the colorist/love of my life Adrian Wallace of the Rita Hazan Salon in NY. (Located at 720 5th Avenue, right across the street from the Trump Towers...tres chic!) However, it's hard sometimes to keep the color looking fresh and it can easily look dull if I don't pay special attention to it.On the other hand, my haircut is seriously lacking in the style factor. I chopped it into a trendy bob a couple of months ago, but then decided that I wanted to grow it back out. Now it's in that weird inbetween state where I have to wear my bangs swept to the side and the back is growing way faster than the front!Has anyone else ever experienced this issue? I'm sure you all have at least one point in the history of your hair woes. So, I just wanted to know: what are some of the best ways to keep your hair color looking vibrant? What are the best types of haircuts to get so that you don't run into the weird hair rut? And how can I make my blow out last? (because I'm obsessed with blow outs but in this economy who can afford to get one weekly anymore?!)Read on to get some great tips!Q: How do you keep hair color from fading inbetween hair coloring appointments?A: "I always tell my clients to invest in a color protecting shampoo, such as Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner. Both contain an advanced fade resist complex to help lock in color. Another option is to visit the salon between color visits for a Redken Chemistry service and request the Color Extend Shot." - Tracey Cunningham, Redken Creative Consultant for Color*BTW I've tried the Color Extend Shot and it really works! The beauty of the Redken Chemistry Service is that it's suited to fit your hair needs and you can mix and match the shots (ie extend your color and add moisture) so if your hair just happens to be in need of more than one shot, your stylist can make a special one just for you.AND, another great tip for those of you that choose to color your hair at home, try Clairol Professional Jazzing! It's sheer temporary haircolor that can even be used right after a perm application and is even great for those that rock natural tresses. The formula is ammonia and peroxide free and comes in 18 shades. Applied with heat (ie you blow out or flat iron your hair after washing), it can last 1-2 shampoos; without heat 4-8 shampoos. The best part is that if you click here and become a fan of the Clairol Pro Facebook page, you can enter to win their Fierce Friday sweepstakes! Winner gets a a two night trip to NY for a hair makeover with celebrity hair stylist Tippi Shorter! (Sidenote: Um, if I were allowed to enter, I totally would!) Q: What about haircuts...what are the best ones to get so that I don't have to go to the salon so much for touch ups or experience this weird growing out phase?A: “The best haircuts to avoid are high maintenance haircuts that don’t require a certain length to work. For example a layered shaggy haircut – a look that after two months growth it will have a similar shape. Long layered haircuts with bangs that sit around the cheekbone so that as they grow out they still resemble the look that’s a longer version is always good. Or one length haircuts that sit just below the shoulders. A bad choice that requires a lot of maintenance would be a jawline bob, if you don’t want to have to go to the salon often, steer clear of them.” –Rodney Cutler, owner Cutler/Redken Salons Q: Ok, so what about blow outs? How can I stretch those for as long as possible? A: “A long lasting blowdry starts with the correct haircare: make sure you use a shampoo that will extract the oil from the scalp while leaving the hair soft and, of course, pick the right shampoo for your hair type. Application of products includes both preparation and finishing, whether you’re creating volume and smoothness.Apply a preparation product that is applied at the roots and evenly distributed through the hair (try Redken Blown Away 09 Protective Blow Dry Gel) The right product will give you the look and long lasting effects. If you want a smooth finished look, make sure you apply a smoothing product to repell the humidity. Also, make sure that you have a nozzle on the blow dryer and that you’re drying the hair from the roots to the ends to seal the cuticle. Make sure to let the hair cool down on the brush for a setting effect. To finish, use your finishing products six inches from your head. For example, spray the hairspray 6-12 inches from your so head as to not weigh the hair down.” -Rodney CutlerxoFerocia