Summertime=Cut, Color, and Style.

So, lets start by lying out some facts (lol @ the wordplay):

-It's pretty much summer.
-It's HOT!

Now with the issues:

-YOU want to look fab (hopefully).
-YOU don't know wtf to do with your hair.
-YOU know what you want to do with your hair, but you don't know how to do it.
-YOU are broke.

Solution:

1. For those with Longer/medium hair, why not cut it? Lots of hair in the summertime can be very aggravating, especially when it's worn down. Now before you get the "Hell No" out your mouth, hear me out. I was the same way about my hair, not wanting to ever cut it because it was "long for a black girl." But honestly, long hair with no style and split ends are NOT the business. Plus, I really wanted a change. There are many cute styles that will actually turn your swag up, especially this summer. Short(er) hair is in; just look at celebrities like Rocsi, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henderson, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Rihanna. Plus less hair=less hair product, so you will be saving money!
   

Sounds a little more appealing, right?
So, here are some things to consider if you do decide to get to snippin:

• LET A STYLIST CUT IT! It won't cost too much to get a cut with a wash and set. This is YOUR hair--it doesn't grow back that quick and a good weave is definitely NOT cheap. Don't let an amateur f- your ish up.
• Get a STYLE! If you get a plain chop off and bump under/flip style, chances are you won't like your hair.
• You don't have to Halle/Rihanna it. For those like me who don't want to let go of too much hair, I suggest getting an angled bob--shorter in the back than the front--leaving a good length of hair in the front while getting that hot heavy a** hair off your back/neck. Layers are also a good choice for those with thinner hair. Look online for other styles that appeal to you.
• Know your face type! Seriously, a style for a heart-shaped face will look a hot mess on a more square/oblong face. For help with determining your face-shape and perfect styles, visit these sites: Visual Makeover and Hair-Styles.net

2. For those with already short hair, you can also update your style: angle that bob, get some bangs (if you don't have a small forehead), add some layers, or try some curls!



3. So you have a style now/already. Still not satisfied? How about some COLOR?

• For first-timers, it's best to go to a professional. They can tell you what will work/look best for your hair type/color and skin type.
  
• Also, for first-timers, you may want to try highlights, or a more temporary option-a rinse. Both of these options are less dramatic.
• For warm skin tones-olive, golden, brown skin with brown/dark eyes (most blacks, latinas, and asians)-try golden colors-caramel, chocolate, auburn, copper, cayenne red. Blonde is a tough color to pull off; you either look fierce or ridiculous with it. It's usually not a good look if you have a lot of yellow in your skin and if you're brown or darker-skinned. Almost anyone can go red, you just have to pick the right shade. A stylist can give (free) tips and suggestions.
• Seasons are important: go lighter or more golden in the spring/summer; save the dark colors (dark brown, blue/burgundy undertones) in the fall/winter. ***Note: Jet black hair is actually kinda hot right now so if you think you can pull it off, go for it!
• DO NOT try to go 2+ shades lighter than your current color. It's damaging and you won't get your desired color. A jet black will NOT go blonde without bleach, which you should avoid period. If you really want light hair, it's gonna be a long process.
• DO NOT try and get your hair colored right after getting a relaxer/perm. Your hair will break off.
  
• For those who have a little more experience with color, you can save a few bucks with the "box" colors. bleach, and ammonia-based products are bad. Dark & lovely and Clairol Textures & Tones are the best products to use.

So go ahead and get your summer hair game up!

***Bonus: For all the Covergirl lovers, Publix has a $2 off coupon for ALL covergirl products. TOMORROW is the last day to take advantage of this deal!






-MsNiqua