Hair Problems That Will Ruin Any Gorgeous Outfit
You’ve got the perfectly fitted top tucked into the perfectly flowy skirt, and you’re dancing around your room in the perfectly high, perfectly comfy heels. Your nails are flawless, your makeup is impeccable, your eyeliner wings are as sharp as your stilettos.
There’s only one thing left to do before you strut out the door, really: figure out what to do with your hair!
Well, you’ve got a smorgasbord of options on what to do, so to narrow your choices down, this article is here to tell you what not to do. Here are five hair mistakes you should steer clear of to avoid ruining your gorgeous outfit!
Not knowing when to wear your hair up
In fashion as well as in hairstyling, it’s always a good idea to pick a feature to emphasize and subdue the others to keep your chosen feature highlighted. And if today’s special is your graceful neck and its adornments, you’ll want to keep your hair up and out of the way so it doesn’t overshadow what you’re putting on display.
Chunky necklaces, intricate collars, high necklines (such as turtlenecks and halter tops), backless dresses, and the like demand all eyes on your neck. Don’t leave your hair to fall down your neck and shoulders when you’ve got a lot happening in that area.
THE FIX: Go for an updo whenever you intend to make a statement with your neck jewelry or a unique neckline. Put your hair up in a loose bun and leave a pair of small curls framing your face on either side.
For shorter styles, pin your hair up to your chin and behind your ears to keep the focus on what’s going down below.
Not knowing when to wear your hair down
In a similar way, if you’ve got a plain round or square collar, putting your hair up can make you look like you didn’t make enough effort—or you’re anticipating some massive herculean task that necessitates you keeping your hair out of the way. Ponytails and buns with no-nonsense necklines are handy when you’re about to buckle down to work, but it’s not the look to achieve for a date with your babe or your girlfriends.
To jazz up basic necklines, leave your hair down in a fluffy, free-flowing cloud to add mystique and volume to your look.
Another time to wear your hair down is when you’ve got on a V-neck top that accentuates your décolletage. Draw attention to your cleavage with tumbling tresses that puts your face and chest in one frame, and turn the sexy on and up.
THE FIX: Before you make like Corinne Bailey Rae and let your hair down, be sure to blow-dry your hair upside down and use volume-building products to keep it big and bouncy instead of flat.
If you’re pressed for time in the mornings, sleep with your hair in a bun or with rollers and take them out when you wake for woke-up-like-this waves.
Not having your hair length match your dress length
Here’s a good rule to go by when it comes to hair length versus dress length: Short dresses usually express fun and casual vibe, so it’s cool to pair them with playful, flirty ‘dos. Long dresses are usually required for formal and conservative events and call for stately, regal hairstyles.
But you’ve also got laidback maxi dresses, and serious, businesslike cocktail dresses. So what do you do there?
THE FIX: An even better rule is to decide on what mood you need your look to convey, and have your hair done to match. For instance, pull your hair back in a severe ponytail to go with your short business skirt, but don’t wear twin braids—no matter how fancily styled—with a gown.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your hair the way you do with your fashion choices, but keep in mind what will be appropriate and what kind of personality you want to express
Not having your new hair color match your wardrobe
You consider your hair and skin color when you plan wardrobe changes, and if you’re preparing for a hair color change in the future, the reverse should be true as well.
For example, going from raven black to red will switch your coloring undertones from cool to warm. You might have to invest in reds and golds when your wardrobe is primarily in shades of blue and silver, and you can forget about that fuchsia pink top you save for special occasions.
Not to mention, if you dye your hair a radical color like blue, expect to never wear anything that matches your head for as long as it stays that way.
THE FIX: Plan very hard before you change your hair color. Never believe that you shouldn’t go for what your heart beats for, but definitely research and leave room in your budget for some new wardrobe and makeup pieces to accentuate your new look. (Tip: for practicality’s sake, invest in neutrals!)
Not taking care of your hair
Even the sleekest, most fashion-forward of looks can be jarred by hair that’s given over to frizz, dryness, and split ends.
Damaged hair is fragile and difficult to style, and impossible to hide. Sure, hats can make a statement while concealing lovelorn locks but you can’t keep them on 100 percent of the time…and almost 100 percent of the time, they just won’t work.
Yards of prevention are better than chopping off inches of your hair as a cure. So don’t fail your meticulously-put-together outfit by capping it off with a head of unhealthy, damaged hair!
THE FIX: Take care of your hair—easier said than done!
Shampoo every other day instead of every day to prevent shampoo from stripping the natural oils from your scalp. Condition with a formula that replenishes proteins and enhances moisture, and leave the conditioner on for at least three minutes before rinsing.
Leave off the hot styling tools as much as possible. Heat strips the hair of moisture and makes it dry and brittle.
Trim your hair regularly to get rid of the damaged ends and keep your hair healthy from root to tip. And pay attention to what you eat—stay away from oily food and stock up on vitamins to maintain that healthy glow.
The cherry on top of your sundae
Your hair choices top off any outfit and frame any makeup masterpiece, so put as much care and forethought into your hair as you pour into putting the rest of your outfit together.
Use your hair to strategically draw attention to or cover up elements of your look, make sure your hair complements your coloring and mood du jour, and spend a little time every day maintaining your tresses so you’re the picture of health and beauty.
Now toss that proud head of hair and strut out that door!
Bio:
M is a happily married Filipino mother to three wonderful little daughters, ages: 8 years, 5 years, and 4 months old. Her daily life is a struggle between being the Executive Content Director for Project Female and deciding who gets to watch television next. She specializes in creating and editing content for female empowerment, parenting, beauty, health/nutrition, and lifestyle. As the daughter of two very hardworking people, she was brought up with strict traditional Asian values and yet embraces modern trends like Facebook, vegan cupcakes, and the occasional singing cat video.
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