Pump Up Your Ponytail!

Ponytails can only be so interesting, right? No! A pony can be simple, helping you keep your hair out of your face while at the gym, but it can also be sophisticated and perfect for completing a formal look. Get the new look right now with the pompadour pony. It adds height and volume (which pulls in another hair trend for 2014: big hair) and looks fab on everyone. How can you get it at home without giving up and feeling like a failure? 

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1. Gather a triangle section of your hair, starting from your hairline to your crown, and clip it out of the way.

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2. Pull the rest of your hair into a mid pony (either smooth or tousled, depending on the look you're going for). 

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3. Unclip the top section of your hair and use a volumizing or texturizing product on it, like Big Sexy Hair.

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4. Backcomb this section of hair a bit, until you achieve the amount of oomph you want and then pin in place over your ponytail.

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5. If you're looking for bigger hair, use volumizing/texturzing product on your ponytail as well and curl, then finger-comb to loosen.

We are seeing this look, in different versions, on the runways, on the red carpet and even on brides. It's a way to make your boring pony extraordinary. 

What's the Perfect Fringe Style?

We're seeing it everywhere this year. The Alexa haircut (inspired by Alexa Chung) with bold bangs has become one of the most coveted looks right now. It's a great twist on a Bob (or "lob") that is just as trendy and can work for just about all face shapes. If you've wanted to mix up your look, and try fringe again, this is the perfect cut to start with. It can easily be morphed into other looks and is very versatile, so it doesn't look the same every day.

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Thick bangs can be pushed aside or worn straight across your forehead. Layers can be longer in order to be able to still twist up in an updo. The layers can be shorter, giving you more texture. 

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Ombre or dipped ends are a fantastic addition to the Alexa, giving your cut a bit more depth and interest.

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Any way you wear it, this cut frames your face and draws the eye in, making it an easy pairing for a bold eye or lip.

Are you going to try the Alexa this season?

Rock It Like a Punk

One of the hot new hairstyles right now is the punk knot updo. Though it can look difficult in its casual messiness, there is a very simple way to achieve one.

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Step 1: Pull your hair up into a ponytail

Step 2: Separate your ponytail into two portions

Step 3: Twist the two strands together

Step 4: Twist around top of ponytail like a bun

Step 5: Pin in place!

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If you want a more complicated look, you can do several smaller versions of this. It will look like you spent a lot of time on your hair and it will make any outfit more trendy. This look is all over the runways and your favorite stars are sporting them on the red carpet. We love this new twist on the messy bun, and it's a lot easier to do on your own.

Spice Up Your Beauty Routine

If you've got the winter blahs, then why not spice up your life with a little cayenne? Pantone's color for spring is cropping up everywhere from swimsuits to nail polish to hair accessories. This bright color is complimentary on many skin tones, since it's not quite pink and not quite red, so it's spicy without being too in your face and it's just far enough away from your typical pink to get noticed.

So, add a dash of trendy color to your fingers and toes or try a new lip stain or swipe it across your lids. This color is sure to brighten up even the dreariest of cold winter days, even if you just punch up your favorite LBD with a great cayenne-colored clutch. You can't help but smile when you've got such a pretty color on. And imagine how will it'll transition you right into spring and summer. Our bet is that you're going to see a ton of cayenne on the beach and other travel destinations this year.

Who's going to be rocking this luscious color soon?

Bring Our Your Inner Mermaid

Mermaid waves are replacing beach waves and rocker waves this year. What's the difference? They are less messy and not as structured. You know how mermaids just seem to have perfect hair, whether underwater or hanging out on the shore? (yes, we know they are mythical.) You can get the look pretty easily.

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Easy: Put in some of your favorite product for hold, then braid your hair in a few sections before you go to bed and sleep on it. When you wake up, undo the braids and run your fingers through your hair and voila! No-fuss mermaid waves!

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Hard (by comparison): Want long-lasting waves for a special occasion? Babble has a 3-step tutorial for you to get beautiful, lush waves. This will take some time and planning (and product), so it's not as get up and go as sleeping on your hair and then finger-combing it out.

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Moderate: If you wake up with a few extra minutes for your hair, add some product to your locks and then use your straightening iron to curl sections of your hair. Once finished, comb through with your fingers to separate and loosen for a more natural and carefree wavy look. 

We love that this look can work equally great on long or short hair. Are you looking forward to trying this new style?