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?

Take a Relaxation Vacation

After our big remodel upstairs and a newly redecorated salon, we have had the good fortune to bring new talent to Melange. We have a two new stylists (that's four in the last few months) and two new massage therapists. We are thrilled to have these new ladies on board and can bring you awesome new services.

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You won't just find regular massages available now. There is a whole massage menu! Among them are some you may not have heard of before:

Lomilomi: This is a Hawaiian massage technique that was handed down through healers who use the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones.
Cranial Sacral: This alternative therapy uses light touches to the skull, face and pelvis to relieve the symptoms of stress or tension.
Raindrop Therapy: This amazing healing technique uses nine therapeutic grade essential oils that are dropped like rain drops along your spine from about 6 inches above your body and then worked into your back and dispersed throughout your body.

Of course, you can also get a normal massage, a hot stone massage or even a side-by-side couples' massage. We hope you are as excited by these new services as we are. Have you ever had one of these alternate techniques performed on you? If so, what did you think?