The Perfect Pouf: How-To Create a Poof in Your Hair

The pouf hairstyle may not be new, but it is still a trendy and cute look, especially for the warmer summer days when you may want your hair pulled away from your face, and still have style without too much maintainence. Below the style is modelled by Mischa Barton and Vanessa Hudgens showing the versatility of the pouf. You can either leave your hair down or sweep it up into a bun or pony tail. There are lots of different ways to achieve this look, but our way creates a pouf with great volume and hold to give you a styled finish. Our easy to follow instructions will have you poufing up all summer long:

1. Begin by spritzing dry hair with a volumizing spray at the roots. Any brand will do, and if you don't have any handy, hairspray is a good substitute, just gently tease the roots with your fingers as you spray.

2. Section your hair into the part that will make up the pouf (from the front and middle of your hair) away from the rest of your hair.

3. Section the pouf hair into 2 or 3 section from front to back.

4. Holding the backmost section vertically, use a thin-tooth comb to backcomb your hair by gently combing the hair downward towards the root.

5. Backcomb each section except the front most, you want this one to be smooth.

6. Take the backcombed hair and roll it from the tips down to the root so it makes a sort of "tube". Pin the section in place.

7. Finally, use your fingers to gently smooth the frontmost section of the pouf to cover the "tube" and shape the pouf. Secure with bobby pins.

That's it! 7 steps to the perfect pouf. Now just play with it a bit to make it the right shape and size. When you're happy with your pouf, finish with some hairspray all over.

-SHF

Prom 2008 Trends

It may seem a little early to be talking about prom, but if it's your year I'm sure you've already been thinking about it for months and with prom just a few short months away, it's really time to be making preparations. Here, SHF will give you the low-down on the hottest prom trends
for 2008 (note-all dress examples are from Alyce Designs because they're a personal fav and always in style):

1) Hot colours: There are a plethora of new dresses for 2008 in hot happy hues. If you want a dress that is completely right-now and will stand out, go for one of the many bright coloured styles avaliable. Try to choose one that flatters you most, any bright colour will do, lemon yellows, cherry reds, oranges and pinks all pop this season.

2) Embellishments: With the abundance of fur and feathers that predominated the 2007 fall collections, it's no suprise that embellishments have translated to the hottest prom styles for this spring. Feathers, sequins, ruffles and bows add to the chic-est prom styles for this year.

3) Patterns: A trend from this past fashion week translates well for the well-dressed prom queen. From polka-dots to florals, there are many unique and chic patterns to choose from.

4) Prom princess: The full-skirted, princess-pink, ball gown styles died for about a decade in the 90s but have recently made a huge comeback and now are one of the most stylish choices for the modern prom. Think bodice top with layers upon layers of chiffon and just a bit of sparkle. Prom perfect. (Note-this last dress is a more modern version of the dress I wore to my prom 2006)

Of course, vintage dresses (50s style is best for prom) and anything that is uniquely you is always a stylish choice for prom. The key is to have fun and wear something that makes you feel fabulous to have a night to remember.

xoxo

SHF