Hair Trends for the New Year

The new year is only a few days away, which calls for some reinvention. Whether you plan to get in shape or eat better or even be more social in 2014, why not also resolve to try some new trends when it comes to your hair? A new color can give you that change you're looking for, but maybe you'd like to try something a little less permanent. Here are 3 trends you can incorporate into your morning routine for a completely different appearance.

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The sporty look

Look like you just came from the gym, except without the sweat and spandex. Victoria Beckham really worked this style and now you'll want to, too. Headbands are easy to find and low, sleek ponies are a cinch.

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The extremely deep side-part

The deep side-part was in during the latter part of the year, and now it's going extreme. Part as far on the side as you feel comfortable. Not only will it give you an interesting shape, but you'll also create volume.

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The messy braid

2013 was all about braids, and they aren't going anywhere soon in 2014 either. Heck, they don't even have to be perfect. In fact, the messy braid is the thing, so if you aren't great at self-braiding, it isn't a big deal!

Sparkling Holiday Hairdos

Christmas is just next week and you're probably headed to a few parties. Jazz up your look with a little sparkle. That's right. You can add extra oomph to your holiday hair with a fun accessory, and nothing makes a 'do more special than a sparkly bow or comb. Here are some of our fave styles for the season. Wear these for Christmas or New Year's Eve.

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The side pony is simple, but with a little flair, it can be pretty amazing.

photo credit: Prettibloom Blog

Loose waves are easy to do. Bling 'em up with a glittery barrette. 

photo credit: Wanelo and Asos

Pump up your high messy bun with a floral garland.

photo credit: The SITS girls

Put a new twist on your usual high pony with braids, volume and a sparkly headband.

How will you be accessorizing your holiday hair this year?

Give a Gift, Get a Gift

The holidays are all about giving, but that doesn't mean you can't get something for yourself, too. We have a couple specials that are double the gift that time is running out on:

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Purchase by December 20

Schedule your organic teeth whitening session today for painless and immediate results of up to 15 SHADES WHITER! Ring in the new year with a bling of a smile and our holiday pricing of only $169. Purchase a second gift certificate at 50% off at the same time for a gift!

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Book by December 21

Been needing a reason to try a new hair color or cut, stylist or simply just way overdue on tending to your locks? Goldwell color and haircut service (regularly $95) is now only $65 when booking with Meghan or Loni. Call to reserve your appointment now!

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Purchase by January 1

Know someone who needs a new cut or color but not sure how to "bring it up?" AWKWARD!! A gift certificate to Melange is the answer! Buy a cut and color for them and get a GC for half of your next service of equal or lesser value!

Dig Out Your Purples!

Pantone has announced their Color of the Year for 2014! This year was all about the emerald and 2012 was tangerine. This year they're going in a different direction and keeping with a great hue that works in every season: Radiant Orchid.

Besides being a fab color for the whole year, you probably have a few items already in this shade, like nail polish or eye shadow, so it's easier to mix into your look right away. This shade of purple is always a flattering one and can be found in clothing from seasons past, so it's possible you even have a top or pants that you'll want to bring to the front of your closet. 

Pantone 2014 by shereentravels featuring a vintage necklace

Radiant Orchid isn't just for the ladies either. You can bring it into men's looks and even your home. Imagine a purple and white chevron stripe throw pillow set for your couch! Leatrice Eisman from Pantone says "Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” That sounds like a perfect way to head into to a new year!

How are you going to incorporate this new color trend this year?

Easiest Holiday Gifts Ever

With all the chaos of the season, it's nice when you can hit up one place and knock out several gifts at once, right? How many people do you have on your gift list that care about their appearance? Probably at least one. We have some wonderful ideas for those people for the holidays and they are thoughtful and also super easy to purchase. No finding parking at the mall, no worrying about what you want being sold out, no fighting with strangers over the last of something. Who wants that? No one. It makes the holidays really unfun. Check out our ideas:

Gift certificates

Though it may seem like a cop out, a gift certificate to a salon is a great way to give someone what they really want. Maybe they'd like a new haircut, a new color, a facial, a massage or even whiter teeth. We do all that and more at Melange. Let them choose their own gift.

Hair and beauty products

Need something for their stockings or even a fun gift basket full of their favorite products? Come into the salon and pick up a selection from what we have in stock or make life even easier by going online to Shop.com and purchasing a variety of products that can be shipped straight to your door and also save you money by finding you the best deals and getting you cash back too.

Hair appliances

Just like your gift recipients have favorite haircare and beauty products, they probably also need new appliances for their hair. Maybe a new curling iron, straightener or blow dryer. We have some items in the salon, but you could also purchase these on Shop.com you'll find that one thing they probably have been asking for for months. Surprise them with it and also save.    

Friday Photos - Real People Rockin' Hair Trends

Sometimes we just like to give credit where credit is due. Here are 4 real-life women rocking hair trends of the moment out and about. If you want to get these looks, click on the photo to be taken to how-tos.

Textured Waves

 Side Bun

High Ponytail

You can also try doing the chignon pony, but keep the ponytail higher up

Ballerina/Ballet Bun

We love seeing gals out there trying the latest trends on their own. It may not look perfect, but it works! What trends are you currently rocking?

Winter Color Trends

Are you feeling like you need a new color to get you through these dreary winter months? Sometimes just a new hue can make all the difference. Deeper, richer colors are big right now and can make you feel like a new person. They can also still work with a bit of bronzer, so you aren't feeling like you look like a ghost with dark hair, though a milky white complexion can still work in your favor, too.

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Espresso

This soft black can be found on the likes of Zooey Deschanel and Kim Kardashian (before she went bronde) and can be given more depth by adding rich grey highlights.

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Cinnamon

This reddish brown tends to keep coming back around and can be very flattering on many people. It can be more red, but if you like it can be a fab undertone, looking like a beautiful rich brown and then the cinnamon shows as the light hits it.

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Copper

This is a natural shade for redheads, but can definitely work on brunettes and darker blondes, which is why it it is a fave among many. This pretty hue  will certainly put some color into your life during the long winter months. You might even find yourself keeping it after the weather warms up.

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Plum

Add interest to your dark locks with a fun color that will make people do a double-take. Plum is an amazing addition to darker-toned hair and isn't totally apparent that you're sporting an unnatural shade. For the professional wanting something different, but nothing out there that you get funny looks, plum is the way to go.

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Obsidian

Do you love the color of chocolate or rye bread? Add richness to your hair with a dark brown that will flatter your face. the warmer tones will really pull you out of the winter doldrums. 

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Apricot

If you're blonde and afraid to go too drastically away from your natural (or adopted) color, then get a little extra color by adding in some peach. It'll be just different enough for a mid-season pick-me-up, but subtle that you'll feel like you're not being true to yourself.

Will you be trying one of these new color trends for Winter? Which one?

Our Favorite Holiday Looks for 2013

The Holidays are Coming! That means there will be a bunch of parties, get-togethers and travels on your calendar. You want to look your best, right? Of course you do. Show everyone you’re on top of the trends this year by choosing from these mix-and-match looks to bring out whispers of awe from your family, friends and coworkers. These looks will have them talking about you – in a good way! – all year long.

Mega Volume + Bold Metallic Eye

Big hair + metallic eye by shereentravels featuring a mineral eye shadow

Mega volume is all over the red carpet right now and it's so versatile, too. Pompadours,  rock waves, bouffants and more are not just big on your head. Pair with a really bold metallic eye for an extreme and modern look.

Big Curls + Smoky Metallic Eye

curls + metallic smoky eye by shereentravels on Polyvore

Big or vintage curls aren't going anywhere soon and are a perfect addition to any holiday look. They're easy to achieve and flatter every face shape. Make the look more now – and volume-y – with a deep side part. Pair it with a new spin on an old favorite, the metallic smoky eye. All party dresses need a little bling. Skip the big sparkly jewelry and wear it on your lids. 

Fishtail Side Braid + Colored Eyeliner

fishtail braid + colored liner by shereentravels on Polyvore

Oh braids! We love you so much. You can wear a different one every day and never look the same. The fishtail is a great option for a formal and casual occasions. It looks so structured, yet so effortless. If you're wearing a dress that has a lot going on, then a simple style like this is perfect. Keep is simple with a natural face and then add the pow with colored eye liner on just the top or bottom lash line or both as you would with your normal black liner.

Straight Hair (Blow Out) + Ruby Red or Oxblood Lip

blow out + oxblood lip by shereentravels featuring long hair accessories

Sleek, straight locks a la blow-out style are always in style. This easy 'do deserves a bold focal point. We love a ruby red or oxblood lip, which is perfect for the holidays and calls attention to your gorgeous pout.

Faux Bob + Cat Eye

faux bob + cat eye by shereentravels featuring beauty products

The bob is one of the most transitional styles that you can have. If you aren't into chopping off your hair to obtain it, you can change it up with a faux bob. Long-locked celebrities are turning to the faux version on the bob, so they can have a variety of styles to choose from without constantly being the salon cutting or adding hair. This doesn't need much more to pull off, so pair it with a classic cat eye and minimal makeup to really let people see your natural beauty and focus on your amazing hair. We like this video that shows you how to get an easy cat eye using a spoon. Yup, a spoon! It's pretty foolproof, too.

What looks will you be wearing this holiday season? And which of the above 10 is/are your favorite?

Halloween at Your Fingertips

Halloween is right around the corner. You've got your costume sorted out and and your party plans, but what about the week up to the big night? Why not get into the spirit with one of these five adorable DIY manis.

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Boo! Show everyone at the office that you've got your eye on them with this cute creepy eye manicure. You only need black and white, which means it's classy + goes with everything!

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Candy! Get excited for bags of candy - that you probably bought to give to trick-or-treaters - with this easy candy corn mani. The best part? No calories!

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Monster! Create one! Who wouldn't love to rock this freakishly adorbs mani with Frankenstein? Make a bigger statement by only painting Frankie on your "power nail" and keeping the rest solid green or black.

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Just the tips! Love to rock a good French manicure? Scare-ify it by trading the white for orange and black. Chic + a little bit of eek. Give one of your nails something extra, like this spider and his web.

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Gore! If you like Halloween for the terrifying aspects, maybe you want to go full-on macabre with this easy blood-splatter mani. Goes great with your fancy zombie costume or Carrie or any number of other ideas.

How will you be dressing up this year? Will you create a matching manicure for it?

Going Out Nude

Watching the fun of New York (and Portland) Fashion Week, we noticed a big trend on the catwalk. Nudes were everywhere, and we're not talking about naked models. You might feel a bit out of your element when trying this "non-color", but nudes can be very complimentary in a variety of situations. Here's how you can incorporate them into your look.

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Natural Nails

We saw a really fun movement in manis this fall. Totally natural nails are back, as are neutral colors that match skin-tones. You can't go wrong with a nude polish, just like nude heels make a great addition to many outfits. Paint your nails with a clear coat or go for a tanner or ecru lacquer. If you think that a totally nude mani isn't interesting enough, add a pop to one of your nails or even go ombre. A big plus to these colors is you won't see chips or wear as easily.

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Nude Lips

A natural-looking lip is a fantastic beauty trick to bust out when you want to play up other features. Like the photo above, this works perfect with bold eye makeup, whether you want to use daring color or do a sultry smoky eye, a nude lip will help balance that out and draw the focus where you want it. Get sexy nude lips like Kim Kardashian's instead of looking like you died - because as easy as it sounds, it doesn't always work - check out this in-depth how-to from the hilarious ladies of WV Style Team.

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Bare Lids

With the retro looks of the cat eye and bouffants back in style, it's pretty much a given that other classic trends will come back, too. While everyone else is still overdosing on black eyeliner and dark eye shadows that can sometimes make them look raccoony, you can save time in the morning by going au naturel - in reality, you will want to put an eyelid primer on and at least a dusting of powder. You can add a light eye shadow to even out the look and then pair it with baby doll lashes a la Twiggy. Apply some lash primer (or foundation if you don't have any) to your lashes to create a base, then apply mascara liberally to the top and bottom lashes. Instant model!

Are you digging the nude looks on the runways this year or are you over it already?

Check Out Those Hot Buns!

Buns were really hot this summer and they aren't going to be going anywhere this fall. They are a great way to keep your hair out of the way, especially when you'll be transitioning to a bulkier wardrobe that may include scarves and sweaters. If you haven't mastered the bun yet, we found three great tutorials to help you learn to do some of the most coveted bun 'dos this season.

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The Messy Bun

Though there are plenty of ways to do this, and plenty really do look messy and not well put together, the best ones look structured and like you didn't put a lot of work into it. If you have 3-5 minutes in the morning, you can achieve the perfect messy bun without looking like those college students who roll out of bed, stick a pencil in their hair and show up to class in their PJs. We like this DIY vid from LeSassafras.

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The Ballet Bun

Those ballerinas always look so put together. Not only is the ballet bun a classic look, but it can be easy to do and makes you look totally professional. Wear with all your hair slicked back or with bangs. Three words: Compliments all day! We think this tutorial from beautydept is fantastic, because it shows you how to do it on your own head instead of someone else's.

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The Low Side-Bun

Are you seeing all your favorite celebrities rocking these everywhere from Starbucks to the red carpet? We sure are and can't get enough of it. Believe it or not, it's totally simple and there are so many different variations that it never gets boring. We love this step-by-step photo tutorial from PhotoChamber.com and this easy-to-follow video from the lovely ForeverYours0727.

Are you a fan of the bun? If so, what's your fave way to wear it?

Fall Nail Color Must-Haves

Well, it's official. Summer is gone and the rain has started. Time to start pulling out your boots and transitioning some of your make-up and beauty products to work for the changing weather and appear more seasonal. You may still be loving your bright manis, and that's cool, but Fashion Week has come and inspired all your favorite polish brands to come up with all new palettes. The new five must-have colors are here and you can get them now and be ahead of the curve this season.

Metro Chic

Smoky Purples

Every season has its neutral color and this is it for 2013. Almost every brand has their own version. Not quite purple and not quite nude, you’ll definitely want this neutral in your polish arsenal. 

Disco Inferno

Oil Slick

Metallics are here to stay this year and the hot one right now is silver with holographic colors, much like an oil slick. At first glace it's one color, but as your hands move, a rainbow of others appear. This is the perfect addition to your LBD.

Jezebel

Black Cherry
Also being called Oxblood, this deep, dark red is the new black, but more fun. Bright red may not work for all occasions and black isn't all that professional for work, so get the best of both worlds and paint your nails with this mysterious hue that reminds us a bit of Interview with a Vampire (and a little less Twilight-y).

Tribal Tattoo

Loden or Moss

Spring and Summer were full steam ahead for Pantone's emerald, but with the dreary weather, the color changes to match to a deeper and less obvious green. It calls to mind hiking in the forest and sweet little woodland creatures, no?

Scouse 

Blue Sparkles

Last season we were wishing for the beach with metallic mermaid shades, but fall kicks it up a notch with true glitter blues, because we have to have a great pop of color in our beauty bag. The great thing about this color trend is that you can go bright or dark, depending on your mood.

I think the gals around Melange will definitely be rocking a lot of Black Cherry on our fingers and toes. Which of these new colors is going to be added to your collection first? 

The Incredible, Versatile Bob

There are some haircuts that never go out of style and can flatter just about everyone. The bob has been round for so long, who knows who made it the go-to cut for every woman? Maybe you remember the old, boring bob that was stick-straight and chin-length, but that was the past and now we have so many variations on the look that two women could have the same cut, but appear totally different. 

The Bob by shereentravels on Polyvore

With shorter lengths the bob can be much sexier (and changeable) than the structured pageboy, and longer lengths (aptly nicknamed the "lob") can give you the best of both a shorter cut and a longer cut, because it's easy to manage, but you can do a ton of different things with it. Run a flat iron through it for a sleek, powerful look or add some texturizing product through it, scrunch it up and let it dry to create a fun and playful look. The lob can still allow you to pull your locks back into a bun and certain updos, too. 

photo credit: CraftGossip

This is a trend that's definitely here for a while, so if you're getting bored with your current look, why not try it out? It can work with bangs, no bangs, a bit of an asymmetrical cut and even angled so it's shorter in the back. Not sure if you're ready for the commitment, check out Stylelist.com's 35 bobs that look good on everyone or sample the look first with an easy faux bob from Hair Romance (bonus: it also creates more volume!). So, what do you think of this trendy hairstyle?

How to Fake a Salon Blowout

So, you have an appointment to come in, but not right away, because you have things happening in life or couldn’t get an earlier appointment and are jonesing for sweet gorgeous waves that only a blowout can achieve? Well, lucky for you there are other ways to get the look, though it won’t be permanent like a real blowout. There are three good ways to fake this salon service at home, and they aren’t totally hard!

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1. Flat iron + round brush

You probably own both of these, but if you don’t, you can run up to your nearest drug or grocery store and get them both pretty inexpensively. When your hair is dry, spritz in some volumizing spray or dry shampoo, then take a 2” section of hair, slowly pull your flat iron through it and immediately use your round brush on the same hair, giving it a bit of oomph from the roots and curl at the end. Continue with the rest of your hair.

2. Put a bun on it!

Too lazy for #1, but still want the look? This one’s so easy you could almost do it with your eyes closed. If your hair is over-processed and needs a little TLC, this one is also your best bet, because you don’t have to apply heat to it. While hair is damp, apply a texturizing product (if your hair is thin) or a smoothing serum/cream (if “frizzy” is its middle name), then part your hair as you would normally and twist it into a bun. Try not to use any pinning implement that will leave a dent, like bobby pins. Low bun = smooth roots and wavy lengths, High bun = texture and volume all over. Let dry overnight and spray with hairspray once you let it out. This technique will leave you with a bit of a messy look, not completely sleek.

3. Roll it up

Yes, people still use hot rollers and if you want to (lazily) fake a blowout, you’ll use them, too. When your hair is dry – or mostly blown dry – wrap sections around medium or large hot curlers, clip in place and then wait for them to cool. When cooled, release from curlers, run fingers through to turn the curls into perfect waves. Voila!

Have you used these techniques before to get voluminous waves? If so, how did they work for you?