April 8, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

How to Layer Hair Products the Right Way for Good Hair Days

This has happened to all of us…

You visit the salon and leave with a vibrant, shiny, bouncy new hairstyle, feeling like a million bucks.

The best part is, your hair stylist made it seem so simple. He or she likely even talked you through an array of basic hair styling products as well as the process of what order to apply hair products for optimum results.

In the serene, ambient environment of a high-end salon, complete with hot towels and the scalp massage, you often get lulled into a zen-like daze. You find yourself thinking, “No problem. I know how to use hair products and I can totally do this at home”, maybe without actually paying attention. You may even leave with a tote bag of hair styling product samples that you can’t wait to try.

You manage to hang on that “new hair” look and feel for a few days, but now it’s time to shampoo. You look at your array of products… Which ones did your stylist use when your hair was wet? What order did he or she apply them? How did he or she apply them? Do you apply the mousse or heat protectant first?

In an effort to recreate your hairstyle, all you did was make a giant, gloppy mess of your hair.

Epic. Fail.

Does this sound familiar? If so, don’t stress! We won’t judge! In this article, we will walk you through how to apply hair product in seven easy steps. By the end of this article, and with a little practice, you will know how to layer hair products the right way, so you always have a good hair day.

7 Easy Steps to Layering Hair Products the Right Way

1. Pre-Wash Prep

Some people hit the shower for a good, old-fashioned shampooing. However, taking the time at least once a week to use a quality oil treatment, such as REJUVENIQE^TM Oil Intensive can help transform your dry, brittle, lackluster locks into the vibrant, shiny, bouncy, fresh-from-the-salon hair. Depending on the severity of your dryness and your hair type, leave the treatment in for 15 to 30 minutes.

If your hair tends to be fine and oily, then the oils in this treatment may be too heavy. Try Rejuveniqe Light by MONAT™ to gain all the healthy hair benefits without weighing down your tresses.

On the days you are in a rush and don’t use the Oil Intensive, you can restructure your hair with Restructuring Pre-Wash Conditioner. This product only needs five minutes to work its magic. It can also dramatically improve hair elasticity by restructuring and resurfacing to reveal shinier, stronger hair.

Pre-shampoo treatments act as cuticle-sealers that can protect your hair from both styling and environmental stressors.

2. The Shampoo

Step into the shower, rinse out your pre-wash treatment, and begin shampooing. However, don’t use just any shampoo. It is important to use a quality product without any parabens or phthalates. Your shampoo should also strip your hair of dirt and debris to properly prep it for the styling products you will use later. A truly great shampoo does all this while also helping to repair damage and provide you with healthy oils to enhance your hair’s natural, healthy sheen.

We recommend the Hydration System for healthy, moisturized locks. This naturally-based proprietary blend of plant and botanical extracts, healthy oils, and protectants without any of the harmful and toxic ingredients like other major hair product lines.

3. The Replenishing Masque

So you used a shampoo and conditioner. That means you’re done, right? Not quite. As studies, research, and technology have improved, this traditional hair care regimen has become obsolete. Today we know a lot more about how to layer hair products. Therefore, using a deep Replenish Masque like the one in MONAT’s hydration system can help make all the difference in the overall health of your hair.

This ultra-rich, deep masque repairs breakage, softens, and strengthens hair from the inside out, transforming your damages, brittle, over-processed locks in just 5 to 10 minutes. Leaving it on while you finish your shower routine increases the natural shine and vibrancy of your style.

Implementing this step into your hair care regimen means your hair will ultimately require less styling products over time to achieve the look you’re after.

4. The Leave-In Conditioner

Apply a leave-in conditioner and comb through your wet hair to help tame frizz and flyaways, leaving hair smooth, manageable, and ready to style. The MONAT Restore Leave-in Conditioner is infused with Rejuveniqe™ Oil Intensive, meaning it will increase brilliance, strength, and vitality over time, building a healthier foundation from the hair shaft out.

Many people skip this step, but it is an important milestone in the process of how to layer hair products. It also provides a sleek foundation for your other hair care or styling products.

5. The Styling Agents

After you use your leave-in conditioner, use a styling mousse, texturizing mist, or both to gain volume and lift or get that textured look. These lightweight formulas help transform your flat hair into multidimensional interest.

6. The Pre-Heat Treat

If you use heat tools such as blow-dryers, flat irons, or curling wands on a regular basis, then it’s important to use a heat protectant product. A blow-out cream will give your hair that silky, smooth feel while protecting it from the damaging heat from your blow-dryer, curling or flat iron, or other styling tools.

The Hair-Healthy Alternative: Skip the Heat

The truth is, while we try to protect our hair from heat damage, those heat-based styling tools are still harmful to use every day. We all love the look and feel of a fabulous, voluminous blow-out every now and then, but daily usage can be devastating to your hair’s health. High temperatures can crack hair cuticles, causing frayed and split ends, which lead to frizz and faded color.

When your hair is truly healthy as a result of using high-quality restorative products on a regular basis, then you can still have a great hair day without relying on using damaging heat tools by using an air-dry cream. This allows you to show off your healthy hair’s natural pattern.

A quality air-dry cream provides texture and eliminates frizz without weighing down your locks. You can pair this with a mousse, texturizing mist, or sculpting taffy for an ultra-dimensional look.

7. The Finishing Touch

Depending on your desired look or hair type, you may want to finish with a variety of products. If your hair is especially dry or prone to frizz, try using a serum or oil. To hold curl or wave in fine, straight hair, try using a spritz on a finishing control spray. To give extra definition and texture to your tresses, you can apply a sculpting taffy at this stage as well.

Style On!

Getting beautiful, healthy hair that you want to show off shouldn’t be difficult. While we all love a salon day, and that fresh-from-the-salon look afterward, it doesn’t have to end!

When it comes to your everyday hair routine, practice makes perfect. Scientific evidence suggests it takes our brains approximately 21 days to form a new habit. Give yourself a break and try to remember these seven easy steps for how to layer hair products.

Don’t forget that investing in quality products will make all the difference in how easy or difficult styling your hair will be. Choosing a proven, safe, non-toxic product line like the ones from MONAT can ensure your hair shines from the inside out and becomes healthier the longer you use it.

April 5, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

Pup Grooming Tips: How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

Any new or prospective pet parent will undoubtedly have a million questions about the best way to care for their beloved fur baby. One common question asked by many new, proud pet owners is: “How often should I groom my dog?”

Keeping your dog’s coat in pristine condition is important for his or her health. Regular grooming not only helps keep your dog’s coat clean, but it also reduces the risks of skin irritations.

So, how often should a dog be groomed? Of course, the answer will differ depending on the type and age of the dog. However, here are some important questions to consider when determining a grooming schedule for your new best friend:

What Breed or Mix is Your Dog?

The frequency at which you need to groom your dog first depends on the breed. Dogs with longer hair or fur will obviously require more frequent grooming to help keep it clean, prevent matting, and also from getting in your dog’s eyes.

In addition to their fur, the rate at which a dog’s nails grow also depends on the breed. You typically will find your dog’s breed information from the breeder or shelter. Breeders and shelters typically have medical records, history, genetics, and breed information to hand over to you upon adoption.

However, if you are unsure of your dog’s breed, or if you think your dog may be a mix, you can always have your dog genetically tested. Many Humane Societies also perform free breed typing.

What Type of Coat Does Your Dog Have?

Perhaps more important than determining the specific breed of your pooch is considering your dog’s coat type. As mentioned above, long-haired dogs require frequent grooming, however, this also depends on how much they shed and their coat type.

There are five main coat types, each with different grooming needs.

1. Smooth Coat. Dogs with smooth coats do not need to be groomed as often as other coat types. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are completely maintenance free; they should still be bathed and brushed regularly. Some examples of smooth-coated dogs are the Bull Terrier and the Daschund.

2. Double Coat. A dog with a double coat needs slightly more TLC than a smooth coat. Double-coated pooches may have long or short hair. The best way to groom these dogs is with a slicker brush with a wide-toothed comb. Some examples of double-coated dogs include the Chow-Chow, Rottweiler, and Border Collie. A double-coated dog can have either long hair or short hair and may have a thick undercoat.

It is typically considered unsafe to tackle severe mats on your own unless you have experience dealing with them. So, if your dog does develop mats, it is best to take him or her to a professional groomer in order to remove them safely and properly.

If your dog has a thick undercoat, it’s important to have this area trimmed seasonally to prevent severe matting. These breeds must be groomed at least every three months to avoid matting.

3. Wire Coat. Dogs with wire coats are far more susceptible to mats and tangles. Terriers are the most popular breed for wire coats.

4. Long Coat. Dogs with long coats tend to need consistent grooming routines to keep them healthy and free from mats. To find the grooming regimen that suits you and your new best friend, determine if his or her long coat is coarse or silky. Each type of coat requires a different type of brush and possibly shampoo. A good detangling shampoo designed for dogs can help. Some of the long-coat breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, and Malteses.

There are also two different types of long coats: silky and coarse.

Silky. A silky long coat is a single coat that grows continuously and requires more frequent trimming. A very close cut can last as long as two to three months. However, if you prefer the groomer to leave an inch or more of hair, you’ll likely need to come back every four to six weeks to keep the mats at bay.
Coarse. A coarse, long coat is slightly less prone to matting and can go around three months between grooming sessions.

5. Curly Coat. Curly coats are the most likely to mat. Hair longer than half an inch should be brushed at least twice per week. When hair grows longer than one inch it needs to be brushed daily using a soft slicker brush. It is important that these dogs are groomed every four to six weeks in order to prevent severe matting. The Bichon Frise and the Poodle are two examples of curly-coated pups.

What Does the Breeder or Shelter Recommend?

Regardless of breed or coat type, some dogs shed more than others. Heredity plays a part in shedding as well.

To answer the question of how often should you groom your dog, ask the breeder or shelter from where you adopted your dog about best grooming practices. Not only does your breeder or shelter have intimate knowledge of your dog’s shedding habits and grooming routines, but he or she will likely also know the specifics of your dog’s particular breed needs and shedding habits, and can recommend a grooming schedule.

Utilizing your breeder or shelter as a valuable and knowledgeable resource can help protect the relationship between you and your pooch as well as his or her health.

What Does Your Groomer Recommend?

Your groomer may indeed be the best person to tell you how often to bring your dog in for which grooming services. Often nail clipping, dental grooming, bathing, brushing, and cutting can all be arranged on a rotating schedule that suits your needs.

How Much Brushing or Grooming Do You Need to Do At Home?

Some puppy parents welcome the task of handling the bathing, washing, and even clipping, whereas others prefer to let a professional handle it.

If you take your dog to a groomer, they will likely be glad to help you establish a scheduled grooming routine that best fits your dog’s needs. Utilizing a calendar to keep track of your pup’s grooming schedule can help maintain a healthy grooming regimen.

Some dogs with low-maintenance coats may never need professional grooming services. If you plan to handle at least the minimum regular bathing responsibilities on your own, it is important to use a professional pet product that is safe and will keep your dog smelling great, such as MONAT Pet™ Duo.

Finding the Right Grooming Schedule for Your Pooch is an Individual Process

If you’ve read this entire article, and are still asking yourself, “How often should I get my dog groomed?” it is a good idea to begin asking the professionals mentioned above, such as your breeder or groomer.

While there is no one right answer for every dog, keep in mind that the shorter your groomer clips the cut, the longer you will have between appointments. In addition, the longer you wait between grooming sessions, the more frequently you’ll need to attend to brushing and grooming at home.

Severe matting can cause various complications in your pup, ranging in severity from minor skin irritations like sunburns to more serious infections. Regular grooming is important to your pet’s overall health and well-being. So determining how often you should groom your dog shows that you plan to make it a priority to give the very best care to your best friend.

April 4, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

15 Easy Hairstyles for Work You Can Do in Less Than 1 Minute!

If you are like most busy working women, you feel like you’re constantly pulled in a million different directions while your mind works triple-time to stay on top of it all.

Sometimes even think about, What am I going to do with my hair? when you’re already running late for work is enough to send you over the edge.

Don’t stress. In order to take one small detail off your mental load, here are some of the best, new, and easy hairstyles for work to whip up in less than a minute!

Snazz it Up with Accessories

Accessories are perhaps the quickest way to throw cute hairstyles for work together when your time is seriously limited.

1. Half-up Hair-Wrapped Scarf. This is one seriously time-saving look. The trick is to find a hair scarf with an elastic back.

Part your hair and place the scarf over your hair in the back and about an inch past your hairline in front. Take approximately one to one-and-a-half inch section on either side of your part and wrap those sections around, covering the band, until the sections meet in the back. Leave the sections hanging down in a small pony under the scarf.

2. Hair Down Scarf. No time to wash your hair again? Using a thicker scarf is the way to go.

Comb your hair straight back or part it. Tie a scarf around your head, knotting in either the front or the back. If the scarf is longer, the back may work best. Opt to pull out tendrils in front, or leave it sleek.

3. Scarf Bun. This is for the day you wake up late and your hair just will not cooperate. Fashion a quick bun by pulling all your hair up into a bunch and winding an elastic over the whole mess. Then, simply tie a front-knotted scarf around the bun. Remember, the messier, the better!

Bonus: The scarf covers any head bumps created from carelessly gathering your hair together when you don’t have time for a brush.

4. Fun Costume Barrettes. Elaborately-designed barrettes are best paired with plain, solid clothing and simple hairstyles, meaning they can serve as the point of interest and really dress up an otherwise dull ensemble.

Put on a basic black uniform or outfit comprised of other neutrals, pull hair back in the most basic half-up, one side up, or all-up style, and let your barrette do the dazzling.

5. Headbanded Messy Side Bun. Here is another pulled-together look that takes almost no time. Part your hair on the side and pile it into a messy bun near one ear. Spritz with Refinish Control Hairspray, and position a headband where you like it to keep the style in place.

Weave a Quick Braid

Those who say braids take too long are simply misunderstanding us here. We’re not talking about the carefully measured, parted, sectioned off type of braid that will stay in place through a marathon. These braids are loose, messy, and intentionally imperfect.

6. Bun with a Braided Front. Don’t bother getting all fancy and intricate here; we don’t have the time! Weave a simple classic braid with a 1-2 inch section of hair from your part in front down to the ends of the section. Then, simply twist it all into a messy bun.

7. Messy Mermaid Side Braid. The classic, carefully-measured and sectioned, neat-style French braid can be very time consuming, but its messier, carefree version can be done in a fraction of the time.

By starting low on the side of your head and taking large strips of hair at a time, you can manage a loose French braid with only three or four passes. Tie the braid off with a mini-elastic and strategically pull loops out to create that accidental-on-purpose volume.

8. Simple Pony Braid. This one is fairly self-explanatory. Pull hair into a pony, secure with an elastic, and braid down to the ends. You can fluff out the braid for a more voluminous look if there’s time…

Leave it Down (ish)

So you went out last night with your hair looking fabulous but slept in and now it needs help—stat. With some Blow Out Cream and a few simple tricks, you can indeed salvage last night’s hair with style (whatever it was) intact.

9. Tiny Twist-Back. For a youthful, work-appropriate down-hair look, separate a small triangle of hair near your front hairline and pull it down in front of your face. Beginning at the scalp, twist it down a few inches, flip it over, and pin it in place at the crown.

10. Hair-Headband. If you’re racking your brain trying to think of easy-to-do hairstyles for work, remember this basic go-to technique to keep it off your face.

Part your hair and section about an inch of hairline hair on either side. Pull the rest into a temporary top knot. Lay the two sections down on the sides of your head and secure with a mini elastic at the nape of your neck.

11. Messy, Scrunched, Wet Look. When looking for easy hairstyles for work, there are also options for after washing your hair but don’t have time to blow dry.

Simply step out of the shower, towel dry, and work some tousling mist through your tresses. You can leave it in the wet look, or do a quick partial blow-dry while crinkling pieces to make beachy waves. Be sure to finish with anti-frizz serum.

If your hair gets too out of control, pin a portion back or add an accessory. This cute look is just as easy to do with shorter cuts as it is long hairstyles for work.

Throw it Up (ish)

When you’re running super short on time, sometimes the best thing you can do is throw your hair up and hope for the best. Here are some variations that will make it look purposeful.

12. Twisted Rosette Bun. We love teaching how to style hair for work that looks like you spent much more time on it than you actually did. This twisty bun is a perfect example of easy long hairstyles for work, but if your hair is shorter, we suggest going with the back down and doing a half up rosette.

Pull your hair into a basic pony and secure with an elastic. Split the pony into two halves and twist to ends of hair. Spiral the twist around your pony and secure with pins. Fluff out strategic loops of the twists for a fuller rosette.

13. Simple Hair-Wrapped Pony. Speaking of how to do quick hairstyles, the hair-wrapped pony is a classy take on the simplest look known to hair.

Section off a one to two-inch section of hair on the long side of your part to leave hanging down, bringing the rest up into a secured pony. Brush the remaining section smooth and lay it down the side of your head, pinning into place.

Then, bring the hair under your pony and loop around it several times until the elastic is covered in hair, pinning the ends of the section under the pony.

Again, this example is great for how to wear long hair up for work, but if your hair is on the shorter side, you can easily try this technique in a half-up style.

14. Uber-Long and Full Messy Tendril Pony. Some of the most important tricks in how to do hair for work involve making hair seem more voluminous and lively.

Separate your hair into top and bottom sections. Secure the top half in an elastic and place the bottom in another elastic just underneath the first. Tease and fluff out the top pony to cover the bottom, securing with pins as necessary. Pull out strategic tendrils and finish with styling spray to keep fullness on top. This works well for both long and short styles.

15. Twisty, Topsy Pony. Depending on your age, you may remember the topsy tail fad of your youth. While this gadget came with some fun styles, it turns out the tool itself was pretty unnecessary, as this style is easy to execute using just your fingers.

Fashion a loose pony and part the hair between the scalp and the elastic. Take the tail and push it up, through and under or down, through, and over the loop you just made. This is yet another look shorter styles can do using a half-up approach.

Doing Your Hair Before Work Just Got Easier

With your arsenal full of these easy hairstyles for work, we dare you to see just how far you can stretch your snooze button!

March 25, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

25 Easy Romantic Hairstyles for Long Hair

Stuck in a hairdo rut?

Are you tired of rotating the same three or four tired looks?

If so, you probably have searched Google images, Pinterest, or even Instagram, looking for that perfect do.

You have probably found tons of pictures of glamorous ‘dos and long, romantic hairstyles, however, many are just too time-consuming and complicated to be practical for daily wear.

Not to mention, the actual results never end up looking like the picture!

We get it. So, we have found the top 25 easy, romantic hairstyles for long hair that you can easily add into your regular rotation for date night, the office, weekends with friends—and that don’t end up like a Pinterest fail—and that are easy to pull off with time to spare.

Wear-It-Down and Sultry Looks

Nothing says romance like long, flowing locks, but who has the time to curl, straighten, or wave every day? Here are some easy, romantic hairstyles that take less time and look just as great.

1. Front-knotted Scarf. This look could not be simpler and is one of the most eye-catching and romantic hairstyles for long hair.

Part your hair or comb it straight back. Simply roll a scarf lengthwise and place around your neck. Bring the sides up and tie in a knot at the top of your head. You can pull pieces out in front or leave it all behind for a sleeker look.

2. Sleek Blowout. We know, you’ve tried the “blow-dry-and-go” look, but it always seems to fall flat. With just a few tricks and a little know-how, you can perfect this process. See these expert tips to help you get it right.

3. Faux Hair Braid. This clever hairdo trick looks like you spent time expertly crafting the perfect wrap-around braid. The trick here is to get an exact match to your hair color so it doesn’t look obvious. You can also twist a strand or two of your own hair around the braid to help it blend in.

4. Costume Barrette. We are loving the new costume barrette trend. Part your hair on the side and choose to barrette a section of either side of the part back as far as you like. There is no wrong way to wear this look.

5. Overnight Braid Waves. Either wash your hair at night or wet it with a spray bottle of water and leave-in conditioner. (We recommend Densify Duo system for best results).

For crimps that aren’t too tight, we suggest parting the hair and forming two loose French braids. Spritz with a holding spray and go to bed.

In the morning undo the braids and run an anti-frizz serum through the bottom portion and you’re good to go!

6. Ragtie It! Want natural looking waves or curls that won’t damage your tresses? Cut strips of fabric or use thick leftover ribbon. Separate wet hair into sections, and place a strip horizontally, rolling up the hair around it. Remember, the smaller the sections the tighter the curls!

Again roll as tight or loose as you desire, then knot it off where you want the curl to stop.

Untie in the morning, shake out the curls, and finish with a holding spray. The curl will stay for days!

7. Go For a Messy, Wet Look. Fresh out of the shower in the morning, you can simply work some styling creme through your hair, blow it dry, and finish with some anti-frizz serum.

8. Add a Twist. Want to wear your hair down but need to keep the front out of your eyes? A simple section twisted back or to the side and bobby pin it where you like.

Alluring Half-Up Looks

9. The Half-up Bun. This look works whether you have straight, curly, or wavy locks. The beauty of this style is that it’s meant to be messy. Pull the top half into a pony, bun it, and pull out tresses as you desire.

10. Fashion a Half-up Hair Bow. This looks complicated but it’s incredibly simple. Pull the top and sides of hair into a pony and top-knot it, leaving a 2-inch tail at the back. Part the bun in the center and pull the tail of the top knot to the front, pinning the ends under the elastic.

Fluff out the bun and pin the ends of the sides to your head. Secure any errant strands in place with more pins.

11. The 4-Square Knot. Part your hair where you like it. Take a 2-inch section on either side and pull back around the crown of the head, tying the two sections together in a simple over-under-through half-knot.

Repeat until you have four hair loops. Secure the knots to your head and fluff out the loops as desired.

12. Weave a Loop-de-Loop. Starting the same way as the 4-square knot with a part and 2-inch sections of hair, secure the two hair strips together with an elastic.

Take another 1-inch strip below the first on either side and loop it through the first. Secure the two ends of the second sections under the first.

13. Use a Scarf Headband. These headwraps look like your favorite vintage scarf but are equipped with elastic in the back. Part your hair to one side and place the scarf over the back of your hair and an inch or so past your hairline in front.

Take one, half-inch section on either side and wrap it around toward the back, covering the band. When the two sections of hair meet, leave the tails hanging down under the scarf. The result is a romantic hairdo that takes just minutes.

14. Rose Twist. If you’re going for a truly romantic hairdo, what could be better than creating a rose out of it? Pull the front and sides of your hair into a pony, split it in two, and twist to the ends. Wind the twist around the pony in a spiral, securing it to the head with pins. Fluff out your “petals.”

Boho Braided Looks

15. Diagonal Waterfall Braid. Most of your hair will be left down for this. Part your hair on the right and work left. Starting at the part, begin a classic three-piece braid leaving the left strand to hang down with each new knot of the braid, grabbing a new left piece as you go. The diagonal comes into play by going lower on the hair shaft each time.

This technique sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it takes just a few minutes to pull off.

16. Master the Fishtail. This is one look that seems more intimidating than it actually is. We suggest a tutorial to get it just right the first time. It’s basically a classic three-section braid, but part hair in just two sections and use a super thin third section of hair from the far end of either side of your head each time.

17. Upside Down Braid Bun. This is another one that can take some practice, but it’s a great look to have in your repertoire. Flip your head over and try a simple French braid from the base of your hair up to the top of the crown. Secure it with an elastic and then pull your remaining hair into a simple high poufed top knot.

18. Pulled-Apart Side Braid. This voluminous, asymmetrical braid has become a classic in the easy romantic hairstyles for long hair category. It’s just a basic diagonal movement French braid, beginning on one side of your crown and slanting down over the opposite shoulder.

Secure the end with a mini elastic and strategically pull out and fluff up loops of the braid. The end result is voluminous, artistic, and sexy.

Romantic Updos

19. The Banana Clip is Back (but hidden). Who doesn’t love the waterfall look of a curly, cascading updo? Using a banana clip is an amazing hair accessory for anyone who wants to know how to do big hair updos with long hair.

To get this look, curl hair as desired (ragtie curls are a great technique for this). Open the banana clip and slide through hair, clipping at the top.

Pin curls to hide the clip, and you’re done!

20. Pin a Simple Top Knot. If you’re looking for how to do easy updos for long hair, this one is as basic as it gets, but with a serious WOW factor.

Curl or wave your hair as desired. Secure hair on the top of your head with an elastic, making a small top knot. Pull the tail so tail hair comes out all along the perimeter of the elastic.

Pin the curls around the top knot as you desire.

21. Get a Foam Bun Filler. Love the sleek look of a perfect bun but can’t seem to pull it off? We’re here to help you cheat with a foam donut bun.

Pull your hair into a pony. Slide the donut over the pony and pull to the end. Wrap ends of hair around the donut until you end up back at the elastic. Secure with bobby pins.

22. Hair Bow Updo. This is the exact same technique as the half-up hair bow, but you use all of your hair to create a big bow on the top of your crown.

Side-Swept Looks

23. Clip a Side Swoop. This old Hollywood glam look is attracting a lot of recent attention in the bob and lob crowd, but has extra Jessica Rabbit va-va-va-voom when worn with long curls or waves.

Before curling your hair as desired, we suggest the volume system form MONAT. Part your hair drastically at one side, swooping the smaller side all the way back to the crown of your head and securing with a long curved barrette.

24. Swing a Messy Side Bun with a Sparkly Headband. This sweetheart look screams modern-day Cinderella.

Part hair loosely, place a sparkly headband over the part, and place a messy bun by the ear on the long side of the part. You can choose to pull out and curl strategic pieces or leave them intact.

25. Low-side Pony. This look is simple and classic. As with the side bun, part hair liberally to one side and secure hair with an elastic near the ear on the long side of the part. For a tousled look, pull out strategic strands as desired.

As we’re demonstrated, easy romantic hairstyles for long hair don’t have to be overly complicated or time-consuming. We recommend running through the list and jotting down the easiest ones to try first. You can always come back for more once you’ve mastered the simpler ones. Now, go forth and get romantic with your hair!

February 13, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

Get the Look, Guys: Best 2019 Men’s Hairstyles

There’s no question about it, 2019 is going to be the year for men’s hairstyles.

Men are exploring more bolder cuts than ever before, ranging from dramatic undercuts to classic volume-heavy pompadours and beyond.

Regardless of your hair length and aesthetic preferences, there is a trendy men’s hairstyle out there that will work for you.

And this year’s trends have one aspect in common: classic styles with a modern twist.

The best part? Each style has its own level of versatility, making them easy to tailor them to your personal preferences and your unique style.

The combination of the right cut and the right products can truly turn you into a new man in 2019.

So, if it’s time to reinvent yourself, one of the best ways to do this is to start with your hair.

Here are the 2019 men’s hairstyles that we love the most:

1. The Style: Pompadour

The pompadour is a classic style with a ton of room for your own spin. The only rule is that the top is long and high-volume; the sides and details are a blank slate.

You can go ultra-modern by pairing your pompadour with a high fade; classic with medium-length sides slicked back; or even get a skin fade for an ultra-dramatic contrast.

There’s also room to experiment on the top. While the classic pompadour has single-length long hair on the top slicked straight back, the modern pompadour can be anything, as long as it’s voluminous.

You can have a textured top; a natural top; a slicked-back top; a top that fades into your sides—the choice is really yours.

Pompadour Styling Tips: For best results, style your pompadour with a high-hold sculpting product, such as Restyle Instant Sculpting Taffy. Sculpting products provide both texture and structure, giving the style the appearance of more volume and dimension while also keeping your strands in place.

Begin styling your pompadour after towel-drying, but while hair is still damp. Rub some sculpting taffy between your palms until it’s warm, then palm it through your hair and use your fingers to work your hair up and back.

Depending on the type and length of cut, you may want to use a paddle brush or a round brush to add volume by brushing upward while styling. Use a heat insulating spray to protect your hair, then quick-set your pompadour in place by using a blow dryer on warm. You can also let your hair dry naturally for more of a rough-edged look.

2. The Style: Quiff

The quiff is similar to the pompadour, but with a little more dramatic flair. The top of the pompadour and the trim sides of the flattop are both key components of this hybrid, 1950s hairstyle—and it’s making a comeback in 2019.

The hair starts long in the front, and gradually fades into a short back and sides. The very front is the longest, and it’s usually worn tousled to look tall and dramatic.

The sides are almost always even with the back, and a classic quiff has uniform length everywhere except up top. Modern quiffs experiment with different lengths, keeping the ultra-long forelock as the style’s defining factor.

Quiff Styling Tips: Styling a quiff can be low-key if you sweep the long front backward and down, or it can be attention-grabbing when you style it upward and back. Plenty of men love this style because it can switch between work-appropriate and night-ready at the drop of a hat.

For a casual quiff, a moderate-hold mousse such as Moxie Magnifying Mousse helps separate the layers and create texture while giving enough structure that your hair stays up all day.

For the classic attention-grabbing quiff, you’ll want to combine multiple products to get the look you need. Reshape Root Lifter helps to add volume where it counts, and BMONAT BLACK Groom Styling clay helps hold your hair airborne.

3. The Style: Undercut

The classic undercut is striking indeed, with close-shaved sides playing stark contrast to a long top. By itself, this is a cut with a lot of versatility. The long top can be worn to the side, swept forward, slicked back, worn with a lot or little product, mousse, or nothing at all.

Modern undercuts boast variation. Depending on your style and the way you want to wear your hair, you can choose to fade the sides or shave them close; texture the top or leave it an even length; even choose an asymmetrical undercut and only shave one side.

Undercut Styling Tips: You generally won’t need to style the sides of your undercut, since they are too short to add product, or need it. The type of product you keep on hand for the top depends on the look you’re trying to achieve, and the length and type of cut on top.

For instance, if you have texturized hair on top with many different lengths, you can make the most out of that variance by using a hair clay such as MONAT BLACK Groom Styling clay. Start with slightly damp hair, and work a small amount of styling clay between your palms, then through your strands.

A high-hold gel might be the necessary solution for a sleek, slicked-back undercut, followed by a healthy dose of hairspray for all-day hold.

4. The Style: Fade

A fade is characterized by short hair on the sides that tapers downward, getting shorter as it reaches toward the nape. Some fades are extra-short, called skin fades.

The fade comes in many shapes these days, with the classic high-and-tight fade still being one of the most popular looks. However, it’s not the only one; variants include a low, dramatic fade, or a mid fade for the best of both types.

What makes a fade unique is what you do with the top. The side will always fade from hair to skin, but the top can take any number of style elements from other looks, making it truly your own.

Some men leave the hair long and comb it back or over, while others texturize it and go for a natural, finger-combed look on top. You can also combine faded sides with a short top for a look that’s tight and put-together all around.

Fade Styling Tips: The sides of your fade will rely on hair care more than styling products to look great, so give your hair a good foundation with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner, such as Smoothing Shampoo.

For the top, you’ll want to keep a styling product on hand that works with your length.

A cream paired with a texturizing spray works for moderate lengths and natural looks, while pomades and waxes are best for long, tight, put-together tops. For any look, add hairspray for lasting power.

New Hair, New You in 2019

No matter what look you decide to make yours in 2019, you’ll need the right combination of care and styling products to keep it looking stellar. From shampoo and conditioner to heat protection, to hold products and beyond, the quality of the products you put on your hair makes a difference.

Become part of MONAT’s VIP program and get the products you need, shipped right to your door when you need them, at better prices. What are you waiting for? Better hair could be the life change you need this year!

February 13, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

14 Valentine’s Day Hairstyles That Will WOW You

This Valentine’s Day, like hundreds of Valentine’s Days before it, you will undoubtedly spend time agonizing over the perfect look to bring your sweetheart (or potential love interest) to his or her knees.

What will you wear? Which Valentine’s Day hairstyles would work for your hair?

One of the biggest variables and causes of seriously undue stress is what to do with your tresses for perfect Valentine’s Day hair.

To help you find some more specific and festive inspiration, we’ve come up with 15 Valentine’s Day hairstyles, ranging from the festive and cute to true show-stoppers to impress your sweetheart this year.

1. Dress it Up with a Ribbon. This idea is so versatile that the possibilities are really endless.

A simple ribbon in satin or velvet will bring just the right amount of festivity to a night out. Keep it simple with classic black, or go red, pink, or white to match your Valentine’s getup or lend a pop of color to an all-black ensemble.

You can pull it all up or tie only half. Wind it around an ultra-high bouncy pony for a voluminous look or low on the nape of the neck for a romantic vibe. This works with ringlets, classic waves or sleek straight locks.

2. Try a Romantic Braid Updo. This boho style is undeniably sweet and pairs best with soft makeup and flowy feminine looks like lace or floral prints.

Simply part your hair wherever you like and fashion two simple french braids in a narrow strip along the sides of your head. When you reach the crown, switch to a classic braid to the ends of your strands. Pull your remaining hair up into a messy bun and secure with pins.

You can curl loose ends if you so desire. Pull the tails of your braids so they overlap, tuck the tail ends in, and secure with bobby pins. You can keep it sleek or pull tresses out for a messier look.

3. Add a Sparkly Costume Barrette. Statement barrettes are back in a major way this year. Floral designs, butterflies, or simple rows of rhinestones or gemstones will all add interest and festivity to the simplest hairstyle. Go half up, side-swept, or clip into a chic updo.

4. Try a Hair Bow Bun. If you are running short on time and have super long hair, this quick, easy-but-fabulous style is your friend.

Bonus: This style works best on two-to-three days of unwashed hair. We won’t tell! We recommend starting by working REJUVENIQE light by MONAT^TM from the middle of the hair to the ends as a leave-in treatment to tame flyaways and frizzies.

Position a high pony on the top of your crown and top knot it with an elastic, leaving a 2-inch tail at the back. Part the bun in the center and pull the tail of the top knot to the front, pinning the ends under the elastic. Fluff out the bun and pin the ends of the sides to your head. Secure any errant strands in place with more pins.

Voila! This could be the cutest and easiest of all Valentine’s Day hairstyles.

5. Form a Heart-Shaped Bun. You can buy a heart-shaped bun-maker, or you can simply twist pipe cleaners (at least two thick so they hold their shape) into a heart shape and use that to roll your hair around instead. Either way, this is a serious low maintenance look that seems like it took forever to master, and arguably the most festive of our Valentine’s Day hairstyles.

Pull your hair into a pony wherever you’d like on your head and place the heart bun maker around the pony, slide to the end and slowly roll hair around the tool, securing the ends in place with bobby pins as you go.

6. Turn Your Heart or Bow Bun into a Half-up Bun with Loose Waves. This look has the cute festive look of the buns with an added sultry element of wavy locks. Pull the top half of your hair into a pony and use either of the two above bun techniques. Then use your favorite wave-making tool for flawless waves.

Bonus: When you only have to curl the bottom half of your head, it takes half the time!

7. Attempt an Iconic Lucille Ball updo. Though the result is uber classy and high glamour, this high-maintenance pompadour look is going to take some serious effort, so make sure you have the time and patience to pull it off. We recommend using our Hair Transformation Masque ahead of time (or afterward) so your locks remain in tip-top shape.

Grab the smallest curling iron you can find and section off your hair, making perfect rolls with the iron and pinning them down. Allow your hair to set before removing the pins. Comb the side sections back toward the back of the crown and pin down neatly. Take the pins out of the top section and pin down into position so the ends hang loose (we suggest looking at a picture of Lucille Ball’s hair for reference as you do this). Lastly, unpin the very front curl and make it curl under uniformly, pinning the ends in place if you don’t have bangs.

8. Shine Bright with a Metallic Ultra-high Pony. Get yourself a supply of light-catching metallic braiding cord in silver, gold, or trendy rose gold. This front bumped and voluminous pony will definitely turn heads.

Apply Reshape Root Lifter at the roots for added volume at the scalp. Secure an elastic high on the crown and wrap a length of braided cord around the elastic and keep wrapping upward and tye at your desired height. You can curl sections of the pony or leave it sleek and flip out the ends.

9. Play it Classy with a Timeless Chignon. This is perhaps the most refined hairstyle in history. No one can deny the simple elegance of this ladylike look. The understated chignon shines all on its own and pairs well with a full face of makeup or over-the-top outfit.

If you want a more modern take on this classic, try a braid, barrette, or even flowers in your chignon.

10. Straight, Sleek, and Off Your Face. To the untrained eye, you are wearing your hair down and straight, but there’s definitely more going on here.

This simple but eye-catching look gets it’s signature style from healthy, shiny hair, a center part, pumping up the volume at the crown with Reshape Root Lifter, and securing the front pieces back behind the ears with bobby pins.

We recommend prepping your hair with the Restructuring Hair Care Collection to improve shine and bounce, running a flat-iron through it, and finishing with Inner Force Restructuring Serum.

11. Opt for the Clipped Back Side Swoop. This style is getting lots of attention for the bob and lob fans out there, as it works perfectly to dress up medium to short hair Apply Tousled Texturizing Mist, section off hair, and use your go-to tousled waving tool throughout, making sure your waves vary in width and tightness.

Rub Restyle Instant Sculpting Taffy into your palms and apply to curls to invoke that “I woke up like this” vibe. Finally, part your hair liberally to one side, and swoop the other all the way back to the crown of your head, securing with a long, curved barrette, placed vertically.

12. Sexy Voluminous Bed-Head. Messy styles are all the rage this year. As Valentine’s Day hairstyles go, nothing will excite your partner more than that sexy, tousled look reminiscent of how it might look later. Before styling, apply root lifter, tip your head upside down, and work through the hair at the roots.

Section off your hair and use your favorite curling iron or wave tool to get your favorite sized-waves or ringlets. After curls are set, spray with a holding mist and then flip your head upside down again, shaking out the curls.

Flip your head back up, perfect your tousled tresses with your fingers, and spritz again.

13. Try a Pulled-Apart Side Braid. Your basic diagonal movement french braid that starts on one side of your crown and slants down the opposite shoulder. When the braid is secured with a mini elastic, strategically pull and fluff loops of the braid out, creating an artful, voluminous, messy braid.

This look is beautiful on its own for more dramatic makeup/getup, but flowers would be a show-stopping addition to more a more conservative ensemble.

14. Loose Waves with a Side Swept Pull-Apart Braid. The concept of the braid is the same as above, but the braid wraps around the front hairline and swirls toward the back. Use your favorite messy-wave making tool to get that tousled look.

Valentine’s Day ‘Dos You Will Love

With so many great hairstyles for Valentine’s Day to choose and fall in love with, your biggest problem will be narrowing it down to just one. Luckily, most of these ideas are perfect for any date night or special occasion.

January 31, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

How to Take Care of Your Skin in the Winter Season

The weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to be!

Taking care of your skin when the weather is frigid can be challenging.

Cold air outside usually means that we are boosting the heat inside, which leads to excessive dryness.

Additionally, cold air can lead to chafing and redness, both of which are painful and unsightly.

Luckily, you can avoid all the pitfalls of cold weather by amping up your skin care routine.

Following the right winter care tips can mean the difference between living under a thick coat of Vaseline and stepping out into the chill fresh-faced and ready to face the world.

Read on for some top tips on how to take care of skin in winter.

Boost Your Moisturizing Regimen

Moisturizing often is one of the best things you can do for your face during the winter. The simple act of going outdoors in the cold threatens the moisture barrier of your skin, which causes the skin to dehydrate. The results? Cracked, dry, flaky skin that is painful to touch and look at.

You can nip this threat in the bud by using products chemically formulated to support dry skin all winter.

Improve your moisture routine by trying different products, including:

Gel moisturizers, which are lightweight and comfortable to wear while packing a serious punch in the hydration department.
Creams, which are heavier and moisturize more aggressively, although they can be comedogenic for some people.
Products containing glycerin help form a barrier between the skin and the environment to help protect it against the physical threats of winter.
Products containing ceramides are natural fats found in the skin’s outer layers. You can help fix winter-related damage and dryness by replenishing your skin with ceramides.

Moisturizers tend to be highly individual in terms of results and skin types. This means you might have to try several different products before you find your “holy grail.”

Remember, you can also boost your skin’s hydration levels by simultaneously boosting your body’s hydration level: Try drinking more water!

Why You Should Be Careful About Exfoliating

Exfoliating daily might work for you just fine in the summer, but it’s not always the easiest on your skin once the temperatures begin to fall or drop below freezing. Consider dialing back your exfoliation, or even skipping it altogether until the winter is over.

Chemical exfoliation is still quite effective when done one to three times per week, so gradually reduce the frequency until you begin to see the results you want without damaging your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, then you shouldn’t exfoliate more often than once a week. Combination and normal skin types can often go up to three times a week without exfoliating during the winter, but be cautious. Every individual’s skin reacts differently, so avoid subjecting your skin to unnecessary damage by over exfoliating.

What If I Exfoliate Too Often?

Exfoliating too often in the winter leads can cause a number of troublesome effects, which include:

Dryness
Hyperpigmentation
Micro-cuts and cracks in the surface of the skin
Acne breakouts from over-irritation

Basically, if your face is painful or looks painful after exfoliating, then you might be overdoing it. You can help mitigate some of the damage from over-exfoliating by:

1. Taking a break from exfoliating.
2. Moisturizing more often while your skin heals.
3. Using healing serums that contain ingredients such as tea tree oil.
4. Avoiding exposure to the cold, when and where possible.

Try Healing and Nourishing Masks

Just like a regular hair mask helps get your locks back to shining health after a dull winter, healing and nourishing skin masks perform the same function. The best part is, you can implement masks into your winter relaxation routine and make it a part of your daily self-care regimen. After all, pleasant habits are the easiest ones to form.

Take a Supplement for Skin Health

Nutrition plays a huge role in how your skin reacts to the harsh winter chill. Just like you can take a multivitamin to boost your overall body health, you can take a skin health supplement to boost the health of your skin.

What is in a Skin Health Supplement?

Some ingredients you should look for in a skin health supplement include the following:

Aloe extracts, which may help boost elasticity
Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, which helps address poor skin health due to deficiency
Biotin, which provides the structural proteins that keep your hair in shape
Zinc, which helps increase cell turnover and encourage more youthful skin

A great supplement that includes all of these ingredients is S3 Supplement Support System by MONAT, which doubles as a hair supplement too—bonus! The S3 Support System is a proprietary blend of naturally-based ingredients, all of which can help support skin and hair health.

The proprietary blend encourages your skin (and hair) to repair damage from winter faster and avoid further damage.

How Can I Protect My Skin From Cold?

Your normal routine for spring and summer probably doesn’t hold up well enough to brisk winds and frigid temperatures.

One of the most important tips for healthy skin in winter is to have a quick skin care routine for when you need to go out in the cold. So, before you head out into the wintry abyss, commit to doing the following:

Use a thin layer of a boosting serum, preferably one that includes niacinamide and ceramides. These help your skin to conserve moisture.
Apply a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid to help your skin seal in moisture.
Wear a sunscreen at least 15 SPF: Yes, your skin is still susceptible to sun damage in winter. Even though the sun is farther from the Earth during the winter, its rays are still strong, and can still be damaging to your skin.

At first glance, these are simple steps, but their usefulness shouldn’t be understated. Protecting yourself against skin damage is easier than fixing it, so commit to protecting your beautiful skin.

January 31, 2019 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

How to Take Care of Your Skin: Follow These 5 Tips

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be a chore.

Believe it or not, one of the best things you can do for your skin is changing your lifestyle.

Exfoliating and using sunscreen every day are two examples that are easy to add to your daily skin care routine.

A 14-part routine that uses seven different serums isn’t…

Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to become your full-time job.

Making simple changes to your skin care routine can help your skin look and feel its best.

So what are some examples of skin care routines that actually work? In this article, we will provide some top tips for how to properly care for your skin (for both men and women). You will be surprised to discover that these skin care tips take less than five minutes every day!

1. Use Skin Protection in the Sun

Most of us know that wearing sunscreen is one of the best things we can do to care for skin. However, it is also something that we often forget to do and overlook.

The truth is that sun exposure over time can cause:

Aging and sun spots
Wrinkles
Hyperpigmentation
Textural changes

Luckily, there’s a simple way to avoid exposing your skin to too much sun. All you need to do is apply a good quality sunscreen on a daily basis before going outdoors. (Yes, even in the winter!)

And yes, ‘good quality’ matters. Any product that you apply to your skin on the daily should have high quality, non-comedogenic ingredients. Low-quality skin products can cause breakouts and other skin blemishes, giving you a whole new set of skin problems to deal with…

What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Choose?

There are two types of sunscreens: those that use physical blockers, and those that use chemical blockers to keep UV rays at bay.

Physical blockers use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium oxide to block the sun’s rays. These are quite effective, and they are favored by consumers who want to minimize the number of chemicals they use. This might be the best choice for daily use, since it’s a chemical-free option.

Chemical blockers use a combination of ingredients, usually two or three of the following:

Oxybenzone
Avobenzone
Octisalate
Octocrylene
Homosalate
Octinoxate

Because chemical blockers can be combined (some sunscreens contain four or more active ingredients), they often have higher SPF than physical sunscreens. However, the average person doesn’t need higher than 30 SPF for daily use.

You can also choose hybrid sunscreens that combine chemical ingredients with zinc oxide. These usually have a super high SPF from the combination of multiple types of protection, so hybrids are best for when you’re spending a lot of time in direct sunlight (like that day trip to the beach).

2. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, then the best thing you can do for your skin is stop.

Smoking has a negative effect on your skin. Here are just a few:

It causes eye bags: Studies have shown that smokers typically sleep less than non-smokers. This could be due to periodic nicotine withdrawals that occur during the night. The result? Bags under the eyes.
It makes you age prematurely: Smoking narrows the tiny capillaries that keep your facial skin fresh and rejuvenated. When these capillaries are too narrow, your skin becomes less oxygenated. Then, your skin has a harder time recovering from the day-to-day environmental exposure and damage.
As a result, premature textural skin changes that can make you look older than your years, including roughness on your face, and a “chicken-skin” appearance on your neck and arms.
It damages collagen levels: Collagen is what gives your skin its elasticity and prevents sagging and wrinkles. There are over 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke. These chemicals work together to sabotage your skin’s collagen fibers, giving you premature wrinkles such as crow’s feet (and smoker’s lines, as expected).
It causes hyperpigmentation: Smoking also causes hyperpigmentation, which is caused by your body producing more melanocytes (pigmented skin cells) than it normally should. The result can be flat, brown “age spots” on vulnerable areas such as your arms, neck, and face; or a blotchy, red pigmentation on the face.

Can You Undo Skin Damage Caused by Smoking?

The good news is that some of these changes are reversible, and the changes produced by smoking are definitely progressive. That means that by quitting smoking now and committing to a better skin care regimen, you can potentially help restore your radiant, youthful skin.

3. Choose Gentle Products and Routines

Your skin may be the largest organ in the body, but it’s also one of the most delicate! Treat your skin right by choosing products and routines that are gentle without sacrificing efficacy.

At the same time, avoiding harsh ingredients such as sulfates and parabens can help prevent ongoing irritation that can prematurely age your skin and make it harder to heal skin damage.

What Skin Care Ingredients Should You Avoid?

Some ingredients to avoid include:

Polyethylene
Sodium lauryl sulfate
BHA
Oxybenzone
Triclosan
Parabens
Artificial or unnamed fragrances

What Are Some Gentle Skin Care Ingredients?

Instead, look for gentle ingredients such as:

Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides
Glycerin
Antioxidants
Fatty acids

Remember that your skin care routine itself can also damage your skin. Therefore, take the time to stop and evaluate your skin care routine to make sure you aren’t being too harsh.

Here are some tips on how to do that:

Give Your Skin a Break! Constant chemical exfoliation can cause redness, irritation, dehydration, and even scarring if you over-irritate your skin. Exfoliating your skin once per day is more than enough. In fact, many people exfoliate two or three times weekly instead.
Ultimately, your exfoliation routine should depend on your skin type and sensitivity levels, but avoid over-exfoliating at all costs.
Minimize physical exfoliation. What’s the problem with physical exfoliation? Well, physical exfoliation causes micro cuts on the surface of your skin. These micro cuts are essentially tiny wounds that are constantly healing and re-opening every time you exfoliate.
Common methods of physical exfoliation can be too harsh, such as scrubs with apricot pits, and rough loofahs. Instead, choose a gentle exfoliator (such as a microfiber cloth) and keep it on an as-needed basis.
Use cool water. Hot water is damaging and drying to the skin, and it can strip away your natural oil barrier. The result? More bacteria penetrates your skin, which means more acne.
On the other hand, cool water causes your skin to tighten up and retract temporarily, giving you a brighter look to start the day—without causing any damage.

4: Exfoliate on a Schedule

We now know that there is such thing as exfoliating too often. On the other hand, you also want to make sure that you are exfoliating enough. The problem with exfoliating sporadically is that your skin never gets used to exfoliating, so every time you do it, it causes discomfort, irritation, and dries your skin out.

The key is to get your skin used to a regular exfoliation schedule that doesn’t over- or under-do it, and stick to it.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

For best results, begin exfoliating two or three times a week (depending on your skin’s sensitivity), and gradually ramp it up. If you see noticeable irritation after increasing the frequency of your routine, then that’s your skin’s way of telling you to dial it back.

This process might require a little trial and error, but you will learn your skin’s sweet spot for exfoliation.

5. Use Skin Supplements

Nutrition plays a huge role in your skin’s health! It would be ideal to get all of your skin’s much-needed nutrients through a natural diet, but real life sometimes gets in the way of eating right all the time.

Instead, it might be practical to choose a high-quality skin supplement and take it every day along with your multivitamin.

What’s even more convenient is that your skin and your hair need many of the same nutrients, so most skin supplements work double duty for hair health and vice versa. Who knew that taking vitamins could get you looking good all around?

What is a Good Skin Supplement?

Some nutrients to be on the look out for in any supplement include:

Vitamin A (also known as beta-carotene)
Biotin
Zinc
Riboflavin
Niacinamide

How to Take Care of Your Skin—The Right Way

Your skin is a fickle organ, but luckily, it’s easy to take care of it the right way when you take the time to choose the right products and make healthy routine choices every day.

Even if you’re starting with damaged or dehydrated skin, these simple changes can bring vibrancy back to your look. All it takes is making the decision to commit to better skin care!

Sexy and chic short hair is in today. If you are looking for new ways to style short hair, then this is for you. Here are some tips and tricks on how to style short hair in five minutes or less.

December 10, 2018 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

How to Style Short Hair in 5 Minutes or Less

Short hairstyles are in today.

Although the idea of cutting your hair short might be your worst nightmare, the fact is short hair is incredibly versatile and requires significantly less maintenance than long hair.

It just might be what your look has been missing.

By simply combining sexy, short, and chic hairstyles and the right products, we are willing to bet that you will fall in love with your simple and short hair. You just might even look forward to styling it every day!

The truth is that there are many styling options for short hair. Here are some great short hairstyle options, and some simple ways to style short hair in five minutes or less.

Short and Fashionable Hairstyles

Short hair is currently fashionable. In fact, many celebrities are rocking some pretty awesome short hairstyles. Whether you sport bangs or waves, you will likely find a short hair style option that is the best fit for you.

Many women make the mistake of choosing a short hairstyle because it looks great on their favorite celebrity. However, styling short hair really begins with you. It involves finding the right cut and color that accentuates your unique curvatures and features of your face. Hairstyles for short hair are limited only by your imagination. You can easily combine styles or incorporate your own personality and flair.

If you are unsure of what short hair style and color would look best on you, consult your hair stylist. Show him or her some photos of the short hair styles you really like, and your professional hairstylist will help you select the best one for you.

Short Hairstyle Products

In addition to using creativity and a little help and advice from your hair stylist, you likely also need the right products to help you easily get your desired look. Using the right naturally-based haircare and styling products will allow you to achieve and show off a completely lush, voluminous look.

How to Select the Best Short Hairstyle Products

There are two things to consider when selecting hair care and styling products: texture and volume. If your hair is very short, then volume may not be as important. On the other hand, if you have a bob, then volume matters. All short hairstyles require attention to texture, which prevents hair from becoming flat and bland.

Regardless of your short hair style or length, here are a few products for short hairstyles to consider:

1. Sculpting Taffy. This product provides incredible texture. Sculpting Taffy allows you to find a different short style and keep it in its place all day. This Sculpting Taffy is similar to a styling gel. It is effective, provides incredible hold, and it’s easy to take on the go and restyle as needed.

2. Refinish Control Hairspray. No, we aren’t talking about the Aquanet horror of your mother’s teenage years, or a heavy metal music video from 1985. A high-quality hairspray like Monat’s Refinish Control Hairspray locks in your short and sexy hairstyle, without the sticky mess.

3. Tousling Mist. A great, tousled look doesn’t always happen naturally. You can get this look simply by using a tousling mist. Using a tousling mist for short hair helps to define and bring out layers and also add volume. Simply spray the mist into your hair, and work it in with your hands. In seconds, you have a sexy and chic look that lasts throughout the day.

7 Tips to a Beautiful Short Hairstyle in 5 Minutes or Less

Women love long hair. Most women who cut their hair short decide to grow it long again. However, after allowing their hair to grow out for a year or two, they typically decide to cut it and opt for a shorter, manageable hairstyle.

Long hair is beautiful, but it requires significant maintenance. It takes twice as long to wash, dry, and style. Who has time? Rather than devoting an entire morning to styling, short hairstyles allow you to sleep in a little longer and style quicker.

Whether it’s a bun, braid, or tousle, you can style short hair in five minutes or less. Short hair doesn’t require the use of a flat iron or curling iron (unless you prefer to use one). All you need is a little creativity and the right product.

Here are some tips to get a sexy, chic short hairstyle in less than five minutes.

1. Find a Few Go-to Hairstyles. Every woman has her favorite go-to hairstyles for different occasions: home, work, the gym, and a night out on the town. Find a few short hairstyles you like, practice getting them right, and then add them to your routine. This can include messy waves, a short braid, a pinned bun at the bottom of your neck, or a side part. Don’t be afraid to get creative.

2. Use the Right Products. Regardless of whether you have a Bob or a Pixie short hairstyle, you can style it in minutes with a finishing hairspray as you are rushing off to work. You can use a tousling spray to give your hairstyle a sexy, messy flair for a night on the town. You can also throw in a headband or a few bobby pins for your morning workout.

3. Keep it Short and Simple. One of the best parts about having short hair is simplicity. For example, using a tousling mist or finishing hairspray for a little texture and volume takes minutes, but it also goes a long way.

4. Put a Pin in It. Literally. Bobby pins are a must-have for short hairstyles. Pinning shorter pieces back and away from your face is a simple yet effective short hairstyle. Also, by using bobby pins, you no longer need to worry about finding hair ties, elastics or scrunchies when you need to pull your hair back. By throwing it a few pins, you get your bangs out of your face, and fix those annoying fly-aways.

5. Reset. Is there anything more frustrating than trying to get a certain style, and your hair just isn’t having it? This is a common problem among women with long hair. Sometimes hair has a mind of its own. Short hair is different. It is easy to manage, maintain, and style.

Not loving the look? Unlike the process of trying to style long hair, you can easily restart your hair style or quickly make a change. Never walk out of your home unhappy with your hairstyle, or suffer from a “bad hair day” again!

6. Mess it Up. The beauty of short hair (literally) is that your style doesn’t have to be precise. If you like the messy bun or pinned waves, you will likely notice that your short hair easily takes to these particular looks and styles. Remember, mess is best!

7. Get Creative. If you are looking for some inspiration and ideas for some new short hairstyles, check out blogs, Pinterest, celebrities, and even ask your hair stylist for recommendations. Once you have a handful of ideas to play with, practice and experiment with different products until you get the styles you want.

Get the Style You Love—And in Less Time

Although sexy short hair is in today, the versatility of short hair is still often underappreciated and “scary” for many women. However, if you were to ask a female friend, coworker, or family member with short hair how they like it, she will likely rave about the ease, flexibility, and versatility in achieving the styles they love—and in less time!

When you have an idea of the type of short hair style that you are after, and the right products, you can easily get the style you want in five minutes or less.

December 10, 2018 by MONAT in Style by MONAT

The Top Hairstyles for Long Hair 2018

Long Hairstyles for Every Type of Hair

You want long, beautiful hair. So, you start to grow it. After a year or two (depending on the length of your hair), your hair is more than halfway down your back.

You now have long hair, but you have also discovered that it is constantly tangled, in your face, and it has become incredibly difficult to manage.

After all that, you’re ready to chop it off.

But you before you grab a pair of shears, or make an appointment with your hair stylist, read this article.

Part of the reason why your hair has become difficult to manage probably has nothing to do with your hair care routine, but more with your hairstyles.

Read this article to learn some of the top hairstyles for long hair 2018.

How to Keep Long Hair Healthy

Having long, luscious locks is something most women crave. However, once you have grown hair to its full potential, many find it difficult to maintain and style it. After some time, long hair can also get tangled, break, and become damaged, especially if it is color treated.

The main ingredient for any long hair hairstyle is proper maintenance and upkeep to ensure that long hair remains glossy, strong, and healthy. But, who has time? After all, proper care and styling of long hair can be cumbersome, tiring, and can seem to take ages.

Here are some super easy tips on how to keep your long hair healthy.

1. Eat right

– Yes, feeding your body the right foods also feeds your hair. There are several different macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help hair grow faster and healthier. For example, high-protein diets are ideal.

Consuming a healthy amount of protein from fish, nuts, and beans are ideal for promoting strength. Women who lack a sufficient amount of protein in their diets are more likely to experience hair loss and shedding.

According to LA-based nutritionist Shira Lenchewski, “… Eggs are a woman’s best friend for shiny, healthy long hair. This is because eggs contain sulfur, which help produce collagen and keratin, two important proteins for creating and maintaining healthy, shiny hair.”

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C are also crucial for growing hair faster and keeping it healthy. You can find these nutrients in carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, avocado and fish, or in an over-the-counter supplement. Not only are these nutrients beneficial, you can also ensure your hair products include these essential vitamins for double the effect.

2. Get regular trims

– Although it might seem counterintuitive to get frequent trims in order to grow hair longer, but it’s true. Getting regular trims are necessary for keeping long hair looking healthy and avoiding split ends and breakage. Of course, getting regular trims won’t help your hair grow faster, but it will help look its best.

A trim every 6 to 8 weeks is a good rule of thumb. However, different hair types may require more or less frequent trips to the salon. For example, very fine hair or very coarse hair, color-treated or overly-processed from styling tools could require more frequent trims. Pay attention to your ends to determine when it’s time for a trim.

3. Use the right products

– The name of the game of the game for long hair is moisture, moisture, moisture. When hair is longer, the ends tend to dry quicker because it is more difficult for the ends to receive the necessary nutrients. This means that your long hair probably needs a little extra TLC. Use a hydrating mask at least twice a week, and ensure your hair hair products contain emollients that will condition each strand to set you up for the perfect long hairstyle.

Sun damage from UV rays can also wreak havoc on long hair. A hat to totally cover your hair is always a safe bet, but if you don’t have headgear available, ensure you’re using products that contain UVA and UVB blockers to preserve your hair’s natural pigmentation and moisture.

Finally, avoid products that contain harmful parabens, sodium laurel sulfates, and mineral oils that can dull and damage your hair, clog pores, and may even upset your hormonal balance. Each of these are common additives in beauty products, but because of these proven dangers, product companies are beginning to find alternatives. So, be sure to read the packaging on your shampoos, styling products, and conditioners carefully and avoid these chemicals.

4. Cool it on the coloring

While coloring hair in moderation can help your hair reach its true potential—not to mention covering up those grays—overcoloring can severely damage long hair. This is especially true when transitioning from a darker to a lighter shade. This is because this process typically involves bleach, which can cause further breakage and/ or split ends. The fewer chemical treatments, the better your hair will grow.

If you are coloring your hair, ensure your stylist is using a coloring system built upon naturally-based products that will help restore the natural balance of moisture and shine to your hair.

Top Hairstyles for Long Hair 2018

Now that you have a better understanding of how and why proper maintenance, conditioning, and naturally-based products are the foundation of any gorgeous, long hairstyle, the next step is styling.

We have compiled a list of the best long hairstyles for women, along with steps on how to do them.

1. Beach Waves.

Beach waves are definitely a trendy long hairstyle—at the beach and even on the red carpet. There are several ways to achieve this look. Try out a few and figure out which one is best for you.

Step 1 – The Ponytail Method. One of the easiest ways to achieve beach waves with long hair is the ponytail method. The trick to getting those long, wavy beach waves is to gather your hair into a high ponytail.
Then, use a curling iron to style the tied section. A bonus to this method is that it’s easy to keep track of the strands that have been curled already.

Finish with a control hairspray like Monat’s Refinish Control Hairspray, and you’re done!
Step 2 – Twist and Texture. Another easy way to achieve beach waves in just a few minutes is the twist method.
First, twist each side of your hair tightly, and then slowly run your flat iron down the length of the twist.

Then, follow up with a texturizing mist to add some volume and to create some piecey-ness to your style.
Step 3 – Beach “Bun”. Is a more natural, air dry style more your speed? The most low-maintenance method for achieving a beachy wave look is the bun method.
First, wash your hair (using a safe, moisture-rich product like the ones we suggested above).

Then, apply a styling cream, like Monat’s Restyle Instant Sculpting Taffy.

Finally, twist your hair into 2-3 buns at the nape of your neck, pin, and then wait it out! In a few hours, you’ll achieve a shiny, natural wave look—no heat needed.

2. Half-Up Long Hairstyles.

A great benefit to having long hair is that you have enough of it to pull some up and still have volume left over! There are a ton of creative ways to pull your hair half up for a romantic style that looks like it takes ages, but really only takes a few minutes.

Step 1 – Triple Twist. One favorite is the triple-twist half-up style.
First, loosely curl your hair either using a curling iron or one of the beach wave tactics above.

Then, use a texturizing spray. Part hair down the middle, and twist a small section of hair from the left over to the right and pin it.

Repeat this same step on the right, and then repeat on each side with sections of hair below the first ones.
Step 2 – Simple and Sweet. . If you’re looking for a simpler method, take a page out of Diane Kruger’s book with a half-up hairstyle that pulls the top section into a small ponytail, then winds the end around to hide the band.
The key here is to ensure you’re using the right styling products to keep your long hair touchably soft and frizz-free.

3. Braided Hairstyles.

A 90s favorite, braids are back, and are a trendy long hairstyle in 2018. Furthermore, braids are also a no-muss, no-fuss, and a no-brainer. Braids also help tame those long locks in a style that lasts all day.

Here are a few braided styles to try:

Step 1 – The Braided Ponytail. The braided ponytail is a super simple style that only requires a side part, a simple three strand braid, and a piece of hair folded to cover the elastic. Make sure to separate out your side braid so it’s full and luscious.
Step 2 – The Fishtail Braid. We promise—this one only looks challenging, but once you nail it, we guarantee this might become your go-to long hairstyle.
Start with a good styling creme and follow the steps carefully to achieve a look that is perfect for long hair.

Pull your hair to one side, separate your hair with your hands, and then pull the rest of the hair through.

Repeat until you get to the end and tie with an elastic.
Step 3 – The Mermaid Braid. This is another trendy long hairstyle that only looks complicated and time consuming.
Simply start french-braiding your hair halfway down the back of your head, and to one side.

The key to this long hairstyle is to keep the braid loose. Not only will this make it easier to braid, but it will also give you that loose, casual look that also screams sexy and sophisticated.

Easy-Peasy Hairstyles for Long Hair

So, there you have it. Now that you are armed with some tips on how to grow long hair faster and healthier, and a few new long hairstyles to try and practice, having long hair just became easier and more enjoyable.

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