By Hadley Malcolm, USA TODAY

One sure sign that the economy is starting to hum: Women are ditching do-it-yourself dye jobs and heading back to the hair salon.

Nam Y. Huh, APJenny Park, right, cuts Diana Lee’s hair at Kim Sun Young beauty salon in Chicago.

Apparently, it’s one kind of satisfaction to clip coupons, but a far different kind to get your hair clipped — and permed and dyed.

“One thing we may be seeing now is people are feeling the economy is a little stronger and going to the beauty salon more frequently,” says Greg Mulholland, a Sageworks financial analyst.

While salon visits may have dropped off as consumers looked for ways to save during the economic downturn, the data show that now they may be visiting salons more frequently, opting for more expensive treatments when they visit or buying more products from the salon, Mulholland says.

And while sales growth slowed in 2008 and 2009, salons have continued to experience a steady profit rise as they reap the benefits of cutting costs during the recession. Profits grew 6.4% from 2008 to 2009 and 7.8% in the last two years, the Sageworks data show. Combined with the recent sales increase, salons are now “making more sales and keeping more money from each sale,” Mulholland says.

Just ask ‘em.

Barb Shaeffer-Perrigo, co-owner of the Studio B! salon in Huntersville, N.C., says starting in 2008, many customers who typically came in every five weeks started coming in every seven weeks and that clients were dying their own hair. In the past year, business started to return to pre-recession levels.

“Services for each individual stylist have increased tremendously in the last year,” Shaeffer-Perrigo says.

And there’s hope for salons beyond the recovery.

U.S. News and World Report last month listed hairdresser as one of the best jobs of 2012, citing a Bureau of Labor Statistics projection of 15.7% employment growth for hairdressers by 2020.

After all, while income may stop growing in a bum economy, hair doesn’t.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/

By JADA A. GRAVES

The Rundown:

(Photo by Sarah E. Harvey/CNS)

In this economy it’s not the easiest thing to leave a stable job and follow your passion, but according to an article written by Columbia University Journalism student, Sarah Harvey, people are doing just that. One of the interviewees claims that half of her beauty school classmates have left four-year degrees or stable careers to pursue the life of a cosmetologist.

It may sound crazy to industry outsiders, but as Harvey’s article points out, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook predicts a 20% increase in cosmetology positions by 2018. In addition to being a virtually recession-proof industry, many cosmetologists do it for reasons beyond job stability – namely passion.

Unlike medical and law school, most people who go to beauty school have been doing it for their friends and family, or even as a side gig, for a long time. It’s only when they realize it’s what they’ve always wanted to do that they make the leap and sign up for cosmetology school.

A Hair Design Institute student, Kristin Rizzi, was featured. According to the article, she attends the Hair Design Institute part time while also managing a facial and waxing salon.

One of the interviewees said, “There is nothing more important than doing something you love. After all, if you are doing something you love you never have to work a day in your life.”

We couldn’t agree more. Read the full article here.

It’s too late to shampoo, condition, blow dry and style your hair. You can feel the desperation setting in. You are about to endure a bad hair day unless you think quickly and do something about your dilemma.

The following tips may help:

• Wet your hair slightly so that it looks like you just got out of the shower. It’s a lie, but most people will be too polite to question you.
• Hide your hair under a colorful hat. This technique works really well in the winter unless you would be expected to remove your hat indoors. Think this one through carefully. Depending upon where you are going, a baseball cap and ponytail can be perfect—unless you work in a professional office setting.
• Take a detour by your favorite hair salon. Your stylist is trained to turn bad hair days around in as little time as possible. While you’re there, make an appointment for a new haircut if you’re overdo. That could be part of the reason why your hair is becoming so unmanageable.
• Consider adding a scarf. A really wide one can artfully cover most of your hair. If you fold it into a narrow strip, you can use it as a colorful headband and curtail wayward strands of hair—or just use a regular head band.
• Other accessories could include a bright flower or colorful clips. They will add interest and let gazers know that you at least tried to do something with your unruly hair.
• Are your bangs totally misbehaving? If you can bring some sense of style back to them, your entire hairdo will automatically look better.
• Oily, greasy hair? Simply use a tiny amount of talcum powder, baby powder or dry shampoo to absorb some of the excess grease in your hair. Brush out thoroughly, or you will appear to have gone prematurely grey, and that’s another whole explanation.
• Hair extensions can be a godsend if you know how to use them skillfully. In just a few minutes, you can transform your bad hair into a stylish hairdo. A clip here and a clip there and you are ready to face the day. Make sure that your extension is well blended and indistinguishable.
• Pull your hair back, pin it up or braid it. All three of these techniques work, especially if your hair is long enough to pull back, pin up or braid. Strategically placed bobby pins can help.
• Go back to bed—Call the day a wash and get back under the covers. Grab your coffee and a good book on the way.

There’s no shame in having a bad hair day—we’ll all been there, done that. Fortunately, it takes just a little time and a few tools to save the day. If all else fails, realize that this is really not as big a deal as it seems. Have a laugh, shrug it off and enjoy your day.

Image via Ivars Krutainis

Coconuts are full of vitamins and minerals that make your hair stronger so that you’re less likely to get split ends or breakage. It works to hold in moisture so that your hair becomes highly nourished and soft. You can either purchase coconut oil on its own, and apply it your hair or you can buy products such as deep conditioners that will give you great results as well.

Emu Oil

This oil is packs a heavy punch of Omega 3 and makes your hair softer, shinier and more manageable. So, if you have frizzy, course or wild looking locks, this is the ultimate natural product for you. It also promotes hair growth so if you’re losing your hair you should give this oil a try along with a dose of Biotin vitamins.

The only ones who are allowed to process the natural oils of the mystical Argan tree are the women of Morocco. Argan oil can be applied to your hair to make it look shiny, healthy and thick and it can be used on oily hair as well as dry hair without making the hair look greasy.

One of the most moisturizing hair oils there are, Jojoba oil loosens tangles, tames frizz and improve the texture of your hair. It works magic on making dry hair soft and has wonderful thickening powers that will make your mane look fuller.

If you’re fighting a losing battle against dandruff, a couple of drops of rosemary oil can be your strongest weapon. It has moisturizing properties that smooth away and flakes that you have so that you can feel confident about wearing dark colors. An added bonus is that this is another oil that promotes hair growth.

Emu image source flickr

Argan image source flickr

Jojoba image source flickr

Rosemary image source flickr

Strawberry Face Mask

Great for all types of skin but in particular great for oily skin, you’ll find that a facial mask made of these sweet berries is not only tasty but worth the effort.

Use a fork to mash up ½ cup of strawberries until they are small and clumpy. Add 1 tablespoon of sour cream and mix well. Apply the mixture to your skin using your fingertips to make small circular motions. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Strawberry Scrub For The Face

Those tiny little seeds found in strawberries can be used as gentle exfoliators for the skin. They are small and round enough that they won’t hurt you but will remove the dead skin cells that make your skin appear to be dull.

Mash five strawberries  and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. While mixing the concoction carefully drizzle in some olive oil until you a paste. Using small gentle circular motions apply it to your face being careful to stay away from the eye area. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Strawberry Scrub For The Body

Just as good for your body as for your face, a strawberry scrub will leave you feeling clean and refreshed.

Mash ½ cup of strawberries and mix in 1 tablepoon of fresh lemon juice. While mixing the berries and lemon juice slowly drizzle in some olive oil until you a paste. Add ¼ cup of oatmeal and mix well.  Using small gentle circular motions apply it to your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Strawberry Hair Mask

Getting thick shiny hair isn’t too difficult when you have a powerhouse like the strawberry on your side.

Simply mash up a ½ of strawberries and pour it into your hair while it’s wet. Cover your locks with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash out the strawberries using lukewarm water.

As far as the skin goes, you’ll also see great results if you simply cut a strawberry in half and rub the juice directly onto your skin. Just be careful not to eat all of the berries before you get to use them.

Strawberry Beauty Image Source flickr

Strawberry Face Mask Image Source flickr

Strawberry Scrub For The Face Image Source flickr

Strawberry Scrub For The Body Image Sourceflickr

Strawberry Hair Mask flickr

Sharon Osborne took the bob and gave it a great twist to give it a more personal feel. By getting chunky layers, long bangs and adding some volume she created the more mature version of Emma Watson’s pixie cut. The hair is still close to the head on the sides, but the volume on top gives it just enough dimensions to keep it interesting. The color is also fabulous and looks great on her.

http://www.sharonosbourne.com/

Kate Hudson is seen here with a very popular hair style worn by many women of all ages today. The best part is that you can get a fun, romantic, sensual style quickly, without much effort and without paying a fortune. All you have to do is wound up  your hair in some medium sized curlers and blow dry it or use a round flat iron for a faster job. If done properly the effects can last for a few days so you’ll always look great.

http://www.bestcelebrityhairstyles.com/

Known to be a trendsetting icon in her own time, Madonna was waaay ahead of her time when she combined long bangs, a deep side part and a flip to the bottoms of her hair. All of these details are big hair trends this winter and work beautifully together. If you’re not into the side part either do a part in the middle or just comb it all back.

http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/

As far as I’m concerned Diane Keaton can do no wrong and her latest hair style proves it. The flips, long bangs and length variations all work together to create an energetic and youthful look that can be worn by a woman in her fifties. She also has several different shades highlighting her hair and they work nicely together. If you want to try this be sure to go to a colorist whom you trust or you’ll walk out looking like a five year old tried to highlight your locks.

http://www.thehairstyler.com/

For the woman who likes a simple clean line there’s always inspiration by Gwyneth Paltrow. If you already have straight hair then you’re lucky and will save a lot of time and money on styling. Otherwise you’re going to need a great flat iron to get your hair this straight. Oh and don’t forget the center part.

http://cuttingitshort.tumblr.com/

There are some great hair styles out there for older women that will work to make you look like a glam goddess. Get out there and find one that’s right for you.

For those of you with short hair, check out our post on celebrities with short hair

Waxing can be painful, sticky and frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. In many cases people try it once and never go back to it again because their first attempt was less than agreeable.  On the other hand many people find that it gives great long results and swear by it. Here are a few waxing tips to get you started so that you’ll be prepared when the strip of muslin first touches your skin.

Pre Waxing Tips

• Before getting treated, take a warm shower and exfoliate your skin. This will help to open your pores so that the hairs come out more easily and will also eliminate any dead skin cells that may cause pain.
• Delay your morning coffee until after the procedure is done because the caffeine can wind up your nerves causing more pain.
• Apply Emla to the area that you want to work on so that it becomes numb.
• Take a couple of Advil half an hour before your appointment to help ease the pain.
• If it’s that time of the month move back your appointment for two or three days so that you won’t be as sensitive.
• Don’t wax if you have a rash, acne or a skin disorder. You’ll only worsen the situation.
• Don’t even attempt to wax after tanning because your skin may become irritated and infected.
• Make sure that your hair is about ¼” long so that the wax and muslin will be able to pick it up.

The Process

• Make sure to go to someone that is highly experienced and knows what they’re doing. If you want to wax at home first get it done professionally several times so that you can see firsthand how it’s done and then go on your own.
• If you want to wax at home, start by warming up the wax but be careful to not make it too hot or you’ll burn your skin. Apply some wax to a test area of your skin before smothering it on to a larger area just to be sure that it’s not too hot.
• Using a wooden tongue suppressor apply the wax to an area that is about two inches horizontally and four inches vertically. This may seem like a small area to cover but it will give you a precise treatment and won’t allow the wax to get cold and unusable.
• If you’re applying wax to an area that you don’t want to remove all of the hair, such as the eyebrows, keep in mind that wax spreads so you should leave some room between the wax and the hair that you want to keep. Otherwise you’ll end up removing hair that you didn’t want to remove.
• Gently put the muslin over the wax and smooth down. Be sure to leave yourself enough room on the muslin to be able to grab a hold of it.
• Pull the skin back so that it’s taught.
• With one quick movement pull the muslin in the direction of the hair. Don’t go about this slowly- you must be fast.

Post Waxing Tips

• Once you’re done, apply some baby oil to the treated area to remove any excess wax and then dust over it with baby powder .
• Don’t shower for 10 hours and then stay away from the hot shower for a couple of days and go for a warm or cool one instead.
• If you get any ingrown apply some Tend Skin to the area to get them out quickly and easily.
• If you’re waxing your body, be sure to wear loose fitting clothes made from cotton as to not irritate the skin.

While the process may not be totally pain free, it will be much better that if you don’t use these suggestions. Good luck!

First image is from flickr

Second image is from flickr

If you want an edgier cut that hugs your face and brings attention to your features try one of the shaggy bob hairstyles. It can be worn at any length and looks great on long, round or heart shaped faces. Although Meg Ryan has been rockin’ this look for years it has recently been adopted by celebrities such as Gwenyth Paltrow,   Katie Holmes and Kiera Knightley to name a few.

Like the bob cut but prefer something below the shoulder line? Try a long layered version that is pretty, feminine and not too difficult to manage. The way to make this look work for you is to keep most of the layers in the front, near the face and to take it easy on the back of the hair. This way you’ll have more control over your style and will have more fullness and body.

The image of Lisa Rinna is from The Hairstyler

The image of Kelly Clarkson is from Hair Boutique

The image of Charlize Theron is from Hairstyles New 2012

The image of Rhianna is from Black Hair Styles

The Natural Look

http://www.ourvanity.com

Just because you’re wearing makeup it doesn’t mean that anyone has to know about it. You can get natural looking makeup by keeping the use of colors and cosmetics down to a minimum. As far as eye shadows and lipstick go stick to the pink and brown family so that you look as if you wake up looking your best. If you choose to highlight your cheeks make sure to use the slightest touch of blush – after all the look is natural not eighties punk. Many celebrities like Jennifer Lopez adapted this look and modernized it by adding some bronzer and shimmery nude colored gloss. Whether you prefer the classic version or the updated one you really can’t go wrong in any way.

http://www.bugsbeauty.com

Apply some smokey eye makeup and red lipstick to be turned into a sultry glamor queen fast. When done during the daytime this look is bold and daring but at night it’s sexy and sophisticated. The best thing about it is that it looks great on anyone regardless of their skin tone and age. Old favorites such as Audrey Hepburn looked beautiful in this markup look and new favorites such as Gwen Stefani are also known to love it.

beautyjunkiecorner.blogspot.com/

While most classic makeup looks bring attention to both the eyes and the lips or just the eyes this one brings attention to the lips. By using a bold color on your lips and using a neutral colored shadow with a touch of liner and mascara your lips will be the star of the show. This look is another classic used by many celebrities on different occasions.

http://connect.in.com

Punk makeup is no longer just for ladies with multiple piercings and Mohawks. Many women today find that pink inspired makeup is a great way to explore their own creativity and add some color to their palette. The theme here is heavy eye liner, fat lashes and either natural or red lips. Not too far of a stretch from what a sophisticated look is before the final touches. The main difference comes in when you do a little bit of face art such as drawing a heart on your cheek and going punk with your hairdo.

http://geniusbeauty.com/

All of these classic makeup looks are versatile and can be modernized so try them all out and see which works the best for you.