While the media is abuzz with speculation that the famous Beckhams have split following rampant internet rumors, Victoria appeared in public in Cannes, France, with headline making longer brunette strands.

(Image of Victoria Beckham – June 2010 with long brunette hair extensions – DC Media – All Rights Reserved)

Looking spectacular (as always) in a lemon yellow frock paired with sky-high nude heels and a drool-worthy snake-print handbag, it’s obvious that Victoria’s instant long locks are due to extensions.

I actually like Victoria with her longer hairstyle compared to her past white blonde crop and famous Poxie.

What’s also interesting about the former Posh Spice is the fact she doesn’t stick with just one celebrity hairstylist but changes according to her location and her mood for a new hairstyle. (more…)

One of the most common AskKaren emails I receive at HairBoutique.com is about styling techniques.

Many times right after you leave the salon your hair will look amazing.  However, in a matter of hours or days you will be left with a new haircut or style and have no idea how to work with it.

(Image of a sleek and shiny mid-length bob hairstyle – courtesy of Pureology – From the CustomFit PureExpression Collection – All Rights Reserved)

Avoiding Post-Salon Hair Style Crashing

The best way to avoid post-salon cut or styling crashing is to ask your hairdresser while you are still in the salon for tips on how to recreate your new style at home.  You might also ask for suggestions on how to amp up your base style to create different looks.

If your forget to chat with your stylist or still need additional styling inspiration consider the following hairstyle makeover tips:

1.  Change the texture – This is the easiest way to amp up any hairstyle.  In the case of the example sleek bob you can instantly change the look by wearing it with waves and curls to give a completely different look.  The ways to add curls range from wet sets with pin curls or self-adhesive rollers to electric rollers or curling irons. 
2.   Adjust the volume – Adding strategically placed volume throughout the sides or the crown can instantly alter a hairstyle.  If your hair is normally full of volume, consider wearing it slicked back or much sleeker than normal.
3.   Focus on a new focal point – TV personality – Snookie Polizzi – knows how to change up her hairstyles, but adding or subtracting her now-famous poufs.  Hair bumps adding behind the hairline, at the crown or in-between will change the focal point of your style.  Try it, you might likt it.
4.  Play with the part – Although it seems trivial, it can make a big difference.  The options including changing your existing part or adding or eliminating a part.  It’s amazing how much a part can change up the way a hairstyle looks.
5.  Frame it differently with a fringe – If you don’t currently have bangs, adding them can totally change a hairstyle.  If you do have them, consider framing your face differently by going with side-swept versus a blunt full-fringe.  Or play with the thickness of the bang.  Wispy bangs look completely different than thicker bangs.
6.  Do the tuck – Tucking one of both sides of your hair behind your ears can add a different flavor to any hairstyle. 
7.  Add some eye candy – On the season finale of Glee all the female members of the club wore matching headbands.  It was amazing how much it altered their individual hairstyles.  If headbands aren’t your thing, play with a range of hair clips, barrettes or decorative bobby pins place in a wide range of positions around your hairline.
8.  Extend your self – Change the length by clipping in a pony or add a complete weft of hair like Twilight’s Kristen Stewart did to create your own custom ponytail.
9.  Twist, braid or loop a strand – The girls from MTV’s The Hills are pros at adding well-placed braids, twists or hair loops.  Remember that less is more.
10.  Fool the eye – Even if your own hair is not long enough to create a pony, twist or bun, you can do what many celebs have done and tuck the ends of your hair up and pin them in back.  This gives the illusion of a new haircut.  You can also clip on a pony and wrap it into your own version of a twist.
11.  Splash on some color – Whether you opt for just a few highlights or lowlights, color can instantly alter a hairstyle.  If you don’t want to go with the chemical versions, opt for a few add-on hair extensions in contrasting or complementary hues.
12.  Play with your tresses – some of my best hairstyle inspirations have come when I’m playing with my hair.  When you remove all the pressure from your styling session you may be surprised at the fun and creative new styles your come up with.
13.  Experiment with new products – Changing up your mousse, hair glaze or volumizing formulas can instantly alter your hairstyle.  If you’re on a budget pick up some sample sizes or ask a friend to trade out some of their products for yours.
14.  Add a flower – It sounds simple, but it can make a huge difference.  A friend of mine can completely change her hairstyle with the size, shape and color of flower she adds to her hair.  Even the difference between pinning the flower in front of her ear instead of behind it can be a shift in her look.  She plays with flowers of all sizes and even creates clusters of different flowers along one side of her head.

(Image of Tarina Tarantino – Tokyo Hardcore Kanzashi Bobby Pin – Purple – with works great for any hair length, type or texture – All Rights Reserved – HairBoutique.com)

Summary

If none of the above suggestions trigger any new hair inspirations have a hair makeover party with your friends.  Take turns being the makeover subject.  Ask everyone to bring their favorite hair toys, tools and products.  You’ll be amazed at how much fun it is and you might just find a sizzling new look for your current hairstyle. 

More Information

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Thank you for visiting us at The HairBoutique Blog and for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated. We apologize in advance but must remove any direct advertisements or solicitations.

For most people it’s understood that you get what you pay for.  A headband (hair clip, barrette or similar) which costs $3.50 is not the same as a $35 dollar headband, a $350 headband, or even a $3,500 headband.

Differences Between $3.50, $35, $350 and $3,500

Why?  The $350 and $3,500 headbands will usually be unique in someway.  They will be custom designed by a “couture” or a name brand designer such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel or similar.  They will more likely than not be made of the finest hand picked materials (fine leather, silk, satin, etc) and will usually be hand sewn (by a human) and crafted including hand beading or similar.

There is even a major difference between a $3.50 and a $35.00 headband. (more…)

If you’re a Shear Genius 3 fan you’ve watched Janine Jarman for the past nine weeks cutting, coloring, blow drying, brushing, curling, pinning, extending strands and turning out spectacular hairstyles in a very limited amount of time.

Who will ever forget her first Elimination Win in Week One when her stunning blonde Nymph from the sea floated down the runway strutting her gorgeous cloud of blonde tresses.  It was a WOW moment.

Male Hair Extension Victory Plus Bob Success

Janine also completely transformed a frumpy man into a hunk using HairUWear hair extensions.  The bubbly competitor also created a picture perfect bob on a model with naturally curly hair.   Of course Janine has had a few misses, but for the most part she has come in either as doing Shear Genius work or being a close second.  Her performance on the reality TV show has been stupendous.

Get To Know The Real Janine

While you might think you know Janine from her Shear Genius 3 performances, you may surprised with the real Janine.  I have known Janine since she opened her fabulous Hairroin Salon (www.hairroinsalon.com) located at 1553 North Cahuenga Boulevard in Los Angeles, California (90028-7312 –  Phone (323) 467-0392).

I’ve had the great fortune to visit Janine at Hairroin which is by far one of the coolest salons in Hollywood. (more…)

Bravo’s creative hair-styling competition series Shear Genius is back for its third season with a whole new look on Wednesday, February 3 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

International model and handbag designer Camila Alves makes her hosting debut alongside new series judge Jonathan Antin, celebrity stylist and former star of Bravo’s hit series Blow Out.

(Image of Camila Alves – Host Of Shear Genius 3 – Bravo/TV – All Rights Reserved)

Famed stylist Kim Vo returns as a judge for his second season, and new to the series, accomplished stylist Orlando Pita adds his voice of expertise as mentor to the contestants.

Joining the expert panel each week, stars from the hair world and beyond serve as guest judges to determine who makes the cut, including Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Estelle, Tabatha Coffey, star of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, renowned hair guru Ken Paves, celebrated stylist, Oribe, Editor In Chief of Allure Magazine, Linda Wells as well as some of the most celebrated hair stylists currently working in the hair industry.

Other guest judges include Joel Warren, Kimberly Kimble, Robert Vertiver, Kevin Mancuso and Harry Josh. (more…)

Disney beauty Selena Gomez looked adorable in a gathered sequined silver hued mini dress that glimmered against the light on the Red Carpet.  The mass of sequins caught the light during the actual AMA ceremony when she glided onto the stage presenting an award.

The silver hue of her gown was a perfect contrast to her dark hair and peaches and cream complexion.

The short sassy belted dress was designed by Talbot Runhof although the 17-year-old Wizards Of Waverly Place confessed on the Red Carpet she didn’t know how to pronounce the name of the label.

(Image of Selena Gomez at the 2009 American Music Awards – DailyCeleb.com – All Rights Reserved)

Selena’s Hairstyle

The cutie wore her silky and shiny raven black tresses with a side part and a pulled back, side-swept off-the-forehead fringe which cascaded into a gorgeous curly, sexy, tousled hairdo which extended just past her chin.

Soft curls were added from the top of the ear to the ends to showcase her precision cut longer layers and achieve a perfectly balanced finish.  Selena’s hairstyle can be easily re-created with medium sized hot rollers, a wet set or a medium barrel curling iron.

How To Instantly Recreate Selena Gomez’s AMA Hairstyle

If you love Selena’s hairstyle and want to re-create it but don’t have the patience to wash, blow dry, hot roll or hot iron you have the option to instantly recreate her hairstyle by utilizing a clip-in HairDo Hair Extension from the Ken Paves/Jessica Simpson line.

You have the option to clip-in either a 100% human hair extension that is the same length as Selena’s or you can go with a pre-curled synthetic version in a wide range of colors.  You can match the clip-in to your own fringe and hairline hair hues. (more…)

Image of Robert Hallowell – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

Hollywood Hairdresser Robert Hallowell’s Life And Times

If you’ve been reading any of my Blogs (Hollywood & Mane, HairBoutique Blog) or my regular columns in 101 Celebrity Hairstyles, Short Cuts Magazine or HairBoutique.com over the past 10 years, you may already have read many of my pieces about Robert Hallowell.

I find Robert, Robair or Rawbert, to his friends, so incredibly fascinating I couldn’t stop covering his life.  His fun filled life was  like peeking in on a reality show.

Note:  Robert Hallowell passed away on November 25, 2015.

Yes, I’ve written volumes about many many other famous hairdressers, but I kept circling back to Robert (Raw for short) on a regular basis.

Of course I understand Hollywood hairstylist concerns.  One misquoted comment could destroy an up and coming hair, make-up or fashion styling career in an instant.   They could be drummed out of Hollywood forever.

The Kitchen Beautician

Robert named his hair company The Kitchen Beautician.  Why? Because he often ended up working in the kitchens of his celebrity clients’ homes.  Sometimes  Robert would use ingredients right out of their cabinets.

I had the pleasure of hanging out in Robert’s famous kitchen on more than one occasion.  I spent may delightful hours with Robert while his beloved pets – Ava the dog and her two cat siblings, Precious and Sweetpea, wandered through the house towards the outdoors.  The house was built high into the hills of LA
and featured a breathtaking patio/deck overlooking the city .

Robert was an extremely busy man working an average of 18 hours per day doing celeb hair.  He always made time for me.  It was another reason I loved writing about him and his clients.

A Classic Double Gemini

Image of Robert Hallowell at Johnny Rocket’s Restaurant at The Grove showing off a photo of his cat Handsome – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

I learned to settle quietly into a kitchen or patio chair while the double Gemini buzzed back and forth in a frenzy doing a million things at once.  If I tried to follow his footsteps I would collapse in mere minutes.

I sat back, flipped on my recorder and bombarded him with questions about hair care, hairstyling techniques, hair trends, hair history…well, just about anything which had hair attached to it.

Even though I asked Robert crazy questions, he always rose to the challenge and gave me wonderful answers.  I asked him which of his celebrities had the best hair to work with, which had the worst and why.

He was always kind and thoughtful with his responses.

Making Funny Faces

Sometimes he will roll his eyes at me, make a variety of faces, say “pish posh” and then laugh with his wicked chuckle before answering my questions.  Yes, he always asks me…is this off the record or not…and then we go from there.

IImage of Robert Hallowell’s Cat Handsome hanging out on robert’s hillside patio – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

He knows all the juice about hair in the business, whether its New York, LA, Europe, Canada or Mexico.

Not only has Robert worked with a dizzying array of Hollywood’s royalty for over 20 years, he has worked with other hairdressers, make-up artists, fashion stylists, magazine editors, agents, photographers and of course pesky media like me.

Unlike some other Hollywood hair gurus, Robert is never starstruck.  Maybe because he was born and raised in LaLa Land or maybe because he is so unaffected and genuine, he is never full of himself or impressed that he literally hangs out with some of the biggest names in the film and movie industry.

Always A Humble Hairstylist

One of the criticisms which is sometimes made about celebrity hairdressers, make-up artists and related pros is that they develop big heads and don’t recognize their place in the big picture.  Afterall, they have a job to do and if they lose sight of that focus, drama ensures. They really aren’t the celebrities, they are there to service their celebrity clients.

Robert always knows his place and understands his role.  He is also always 100% focused on getting the job done and taking care of his clients.  Case in point is the 3+ hours he spent with a long time male superstar client whose hair he’s been cutting and styling for years during my last long visit with him.

Image of Robert Hallowell’s Cat Handsome hanging out on Robert’s hillside patio – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

Robert religiously drives over 1 hour to this celeb’s digs adjacent to Malibu and settles in for “a long haircut”.

He warned met even though the celeb in question has relatively short hair it might take 3-4 hours to finish the cut and style because Robert wanted to make sure his client was 1000% happy with the results.

Indeed, it took him over 3 hours, but his client was ultimately ecstatic with the finished style.  In Robert’s mind that’s all he cared about.

A Hairstylist Who Doesn’t Kiss And Tell

I was so impressed with his compassion and care for his client.  Robert understands only too well the pressures actors and actresses go through in the cutthroat industry and tries his best to help them in any way possible, even if it means spending three hours for a snip that might normally take 15 minutes.  I adore that about Robert.

It also makes me feel completely safe with him at all times because I know if he doesn’t kiss and tell about some of the biggest names in Hollywood he won’t ever kiss and tell about me.

Not Always Rainbows And Lollipops

Like any longtime friendship or professional collaboration it hasn’t always been rainbows and lollipops between Robert and I.  We’ve had moments, which lasted for months, where we were not getting along.  At one point we didn’t talk for almost one year because of a communication misunderstanding.

We eventually worked it all and Robert was one of the first to call me when he heard my beloved husband had died suddenly of a heart attack in early 2005.

During my first visit to Robert’s house he showed me the urn which held the ashes of his own deceased wife who died of cancer many years ago.  He also showed me a photo of his current true love, a handsome European actor he hopes to spend time with someday when one of the two men can find a way to move to the appropriate location.  It was all bittersweet, but very touching at the same time.

Meanwhile, after sharing a piece of his heart, Robert’s double Gemini personality will instantly kick in and he’s off running down the hallway towards his famous kitchen making sure the cats aren’t swiping cheese off the table, the lemons soaking in the sink are ready to be removed or to search for that box of wigs he dragged down from his studio.  It’s just all in a day’s time during the life and times of a fabulous Hollywood hairdresser, hard working, kind and loving human being.

Although he’s a brilliant hairdresser and beauty expert he’s also just a fun guy.   It’s a special treat to hang out in the kitchen with Robert while he whips up his latest hair mask.  Do you see why I never tire of writing about his life?

More About Robert Hallowell

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robert started his professional career as a model in LA.  Ultimately he made his way to modeling in New York.

He eventually decided to change careers, attending cosmetology school at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy in LA.

Robert landed his first hair design job for a music video in 1984 while he was still finishing up his classes.  He’s been working in the entertainment industry ever since.

A very dedicated hair stylist, Robert toiled on a lot of lesser known television shows before he met actress Geena Davis on the set of Angie in 1994. He quickly became her stylist of choice, creating most of her off-screen looks and coiffing her for The Geena Davis Show and Commander in Chief.

He was the preferred hairstylist of Brendan Fraser, traveling with him on various film premiere tours.

Additionally, he’s worked with Lucy Liu, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Clooney and many other movie and television stars.   He’s currently the Head Hairdresser for CSI where he designs all of the hair looks for the cast but primarily coifs the tresses of Marg Helgenberger and CSI guest stars.

He worked with Courteney Cox for two seasons on Dirt.  Some of his other celebrity heads over the years included Mary Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Camyrn Manheim, Holland Taylor, Jon Cryer, Charlie Sheen, Donald Sutherland, Hugh Laurie and Bridget Fonda.  The list is endless.

Robert has been an on-set hairdresser for an endless number of TV shows as well as a wide range of movies.  He has met countless celebrities, even if he hasn’t personally worked with them including the Osbournes, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah.

Umberto responds to the recession: “CUTBACK*”

WHO: Umberto Savone, stylist to the stars and owner of the Umberto Beverly Hills hair salon, has a reputation of sustained excellence within the industry.

In the scissor-sharp arena of Beverly Hills hair salons, the name Umberto reigns supreme!

WHAT: Umberto is re-introducing The Cutback*– originally introduced during economic struggles of the 1980’s. Created for those feeling a financial pinch, currently unemployed or looking to cut back on spending during the recession, The Cutback entitles clients (existing or new) to an Umberto Beverly Hills salon-quality shampoo, haircut and blow dry at reduced rate of $65 by an available stylist. (more…)

Variety Bestows Texan of the Year Award At Four Seasons In Dallas Honoring Julianne Mitchell, Sony Pictures Releasing on October 6th & 7th.

Variety’s Texan of the Year honors individuals who exemplify what it means to be a Texan.

But, having that Texas “spirit” is simply not enough. Honorees must have made a significant impact on the children of Texas either through Variety or by other means.

The awards dinner honoring Texan of the Year will take place at the fabulous Four Seasons Resort and Club in Dallas, Texas at Las Colinas during the 62nd Annual Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner.

There will be a Cocktail Reception on October 6, 2009 and Morning Golf and Evening Dinner on October 7, 2009.

2009 Honoree – Julianne Mitchell, Sony Pictures Releasing

This year’s honoree, Mrs. Juli Mitchell, currently serves as the Senior Vice President for the Southern Division of Sony Pictures Releasing.

Juli started her career in the motion picture industry as a gross clerk in 1979 for Avco Embassy Pictures. She advanced her career in the film business by distributing blockbuster movies such as Star Trek for Paramount, Sleepless in Seattle for Tri Star, Men In Black and Spiderman for Sony Pictures. (more…)

One of the best things that ever happened to Dallas native Melissa Rycroft was getting dumped by Jason Mesnick  in March on ABC’c The Bachelor.  As the saying goes…when one door closes, another opens.

(ABC’s Award Winning Dancing With The Stars – Episode 811A- Image of L-R Tom Bergeron, Melissa Rycroft and her professional partner Tony Dovoloni – ABC.com – All Rights Reserved).

Not only did Melissa get swept from her embarrassing nationally viewed break-up to triumph as a last minute replacement on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), she came in third place and vowed DWTS judges, fellow contestants and fans.

She also won a whole new set of fans who loved her sweetness and beauty. (more…)