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MY XEX LoginThe hair trends for 2012 are about revivals and evolution, taking inspiration from the most iconic styles in the 20th century and infuse them with a modern interpretation and texture is the buzz word in style!
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One of the hottest trends and made popular by hit box office “The girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, actress Rooney Mora’s short fringe/bangs brought mainstream for broader. The short fringe once considered very avant-garde is now considered a modern elegant trend. Very short fringes are suitable on short foreheads and a little longer on high foreheads to cut a bit of the length of the face. Fringes also look great on the popular softer pixie cuts and the trendy rock crop, a variation of the pixie. The rock crop is much shorter on the sides and on the back with a variation of lengths on the top. Different shapes of pixies and crops will allow you to play around with waves, curls, and messed-up texture. Going with short locks can be a very brave commitment asks one of our XEX stylists to which shape will be more suitable for you. Decide whether you want to add roundness to your features or if you would like to narrow your face with a layered crop. Cropped and bobs, done with a boxy shape are more of an avant-garde style while texture layers and channel cutting or razor to remove weight will create a unstructured laid back relaxed vibe into your look. These short hairstyles will help you combat split ends, unmanageable texture and monotony.
For mid length hair we are seeing the revival of the flopper bob with a twist. Instead of finger waves, the 2012 look is tousled, mildly disheveled, a lot of texture and added care free sexiness. To ensenuate the texture we have seen a return to the perm which now we call texture wave. The texture wave is much softer and creates less stress on the hair, avoiding breakage of the past, and maintains softness to the hair with improve conditioning solutions.
In 2012, long hair is defined by minimalism and natural beauty and elegance. The sporting life is also a popular theme, with styles that look fresh from the ocean with wet looks and toussel outdoor with ponytails, braids, twists, or glamorous soft waves and bouncy blowouts. Knots and twists having a bit of an edge are also chic. The center parts are a revival from the 70s and long fringes can be worn also on the side more than ever. Longer is so versatile and worn in unlimited variation from short, long or medium fringes depending what is more suitable to your face shape choice. One of our XEX stylist can suggest to you the best choices!
Long layers look fabulous on long hair and will allow you to benefit from an enormous amount of versatility. The best thing about long layers is that they offer the same benefit for curly, wavy, or straight hair creating volume and a relaxed look. If your hair is poker straight then we recommend a texture wave wear rather than having the curl. Start from the top of the head we drop it down and create no demarcation from straight to wave which is different than the “stack perm” of the 70. We leave the fringes straight.
Update your stylish haircut with a dazzling new color. Put a different spin on the traditional hair coloring trends and combine your base tone with a bright and beautiful one. Add a little bit of your personality to your new hairstyle by choosing a unique color that enhances your skin tone and your new look, so you can underline best your individuality.
Multi-tonal hair color looks awesome!! Highlights when placed in the fringe section will attract immediate attention. If you are into subtle looks, place highlights in the lower layers.
Should be natural looking this season and create a shiny look and inject vitality into your strands. For a suitable look, on the other end you can experiment with loud hues which radiate a modern edge and adventurous attitude.
Technique is perfect to experiment with bright color trends. Various tones can help you create the impression of thick and voluminous tresses.
Has been popping upon red carpets for more than a year and it’s a great option for brunettes creating gradual shade from dark to light.
Is the perfect shade between blonde and brunette. It was first made popular in 2007 by supermodel Giselle bundchen and remains popular in 2012.
Is taking the country’s salons by storm and works on all hair colors, but especially great on blondes with a beautiful base.
Remains popular this year. Keeping hair this blonde is high maintenance and won’t suit all skin tones. Women with cool skin tones look great with and this color service will create a lot of volume to the hair. If you have super pale skin and brown hair, consider going lighter around the face wither by adding some highlights pointed or foiled in.
If your hair is thick, texture, corkscrew curls this is the perfect time to embrace them, to enhance them. The influence of the 70s fashion means there is no better time to go with the fro. Bushy spirals can be faded with caramel highlights for a more striking effect, a perfect color variation suitable for all seasons.
The latest trend for Nails: nude is in!! After all the neon and odd ball colors the emphasis is on pretty, cream and beige shades. Being Spring, there is bright moments to be enjoyed but it’s all about reds, chic corals, soft pastels, and mellow yellow mixed with cool ombre and metallic designs.
The 2012 for men hairstyles is about exploring true masculinity edge. The slicked back undercut is a classic haircut revived, once for the old, stylish gents, the side parted, slicked hairstyles have become just as much a look for the young. Natural, but no less stylish short waves and curls hairstyles are cut shorter on the sides with longer lengths on the top. The length will come down to what suits you best, and our stylists at XEX can help you. Brit rock indie looks are also very popular. Inspired by British bands, this style has nearly one rule, sweep the hair forward, the length choice is whatever suits you best. Long hair has also become popular in the last year with a lot of texture, shagged outsides lines to create a carefree look but still a definite style.
This post is about trying other team members and why it is okay. At XEX, we understand that many of our guests have their favorite team members. If this is the case with you, rock on!
We are not saying to “cheat” for the sake of “cheating”, but instead we hope that you understand that under certain circumstances if you need to see another team member, taking that option is perfectly okay with us. Unlike most salons, at XEX we don’t mind. In fact, we encourage you to try other team members. It’s okay. Really!
Many guests worry that seeing another stylist for an appointment will either hurt their current stylist’s feelings or make them angry. No need to fear! Our team loves to share and our stylists’ top priority is doing what is best for you, the client. It’s not about us. It’s about you. If your schedule does not work with your stylist’s schedule, it is completely okay to see another team member.
Another fear is that the new stylist/colorist will not be able to do the same color as your regular specialist. No need to worry, as our guest service coordinator and stylist/colorist will work to ensure that this will not happen. We keep notes in our computer system about each service you receive, including what formula your colorist used and how they position the foils and even what they would suggest next time.
One situation some guests face, but are often afraid to admit is that their stylist has become too expensive for them financially. Our service prices are based on the stylist’s experience level, seniority with XEX, education and productivity. As your stylist progresses in their career, their price will often increase. Do not be afraid to ask your stylist if they can recommend another stylist or colorist that is at a lower price point if you are no longer able to pay their price. They will not be made and they will enjoy seeing you when you come to see another talented member of the team.
We at XEX appreciate your support and want you to always have a comfortable and pleasant visit with us!
At one point in our life, we all experience the grueling wait for our hair to grow. Whether it’s from a short pixie cut to long locks or recovery from the shortest bangs possible, we are subject to regret. This period of time can easily be frustrating and full of anxiety. However, we must keep our heads up and accept that with time, we will have the hair of our dreams (well, until next years ‘It’ look). Until this time comes, it is important to become aware and accept the awkward phases of growing your hair out.
The hottest, big-step trend of 2011 and 2012 has been short hair. Whether you tried the crop cut or pixie cut, are you beginning to miss length? Do not worry, you hair will grow out! We must warn you though, an awkward stage will occur (unless you’re a very luck lady and in that case, we are thoroughly jealous). The awkward stage typically occurs right before the hair passes your chin. Let us look at Michelle Williams. Williams was on the first celebrities to begin the pixie trend. After many years with a crop cut, she has grown it out to a breathtaking, flowing, long look today. And ladies, she is just like us! She went through an uncomfortable length stage (see right) and triumphed with her head held high!
With the right style and accessories, you will get past this phase as well! With ‘20s fashion and inspiration trending right now, it is the perfect time to make this phase stylish. Michelle Williams turned her frumpy cut into a flapper inspired style, and made us all forget her hair troubles!
Ladies, you will get through this. One of the simplest ways to divert this phase, is to see your favorite XEX stylist. While they can’t make your hair magically grow (besides extensions of course!), they can cut your hair to look it’s best at every length.
Written by Angie Goeller
Finally, the New Year is here! 2011 wasn’t the easiest of the years, but 2012 is calling for a glamorous revival. One of most exciting parts of a new year, are seeing the fresh, creative ideas in fashion and beauty. In the newest Elle magazine, I read an article reflecting the modernized styles from 1950 through 1990 on today’s runways. Not only are these classic looks being reinvented in clothing and accessories, they are making a huge impact on current hair trends. Here are some of my favorite hairstyle revivals:
50′s Soft Wave – The “Mad Men” influences on today’s style are stunning. Classic silhouettes and shapely figures are mimicked with smooth, soft waves in hairstyle. Not only is this look the epitome of classic, it’s enduring and glamorous.
60’s Pixie – Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick made short hair posh. It takes a daring woman to try the super short look, but with volume and texture a modern pixie transforms into sexy.
70’s Bang – Craving a chic look? A rounded bang will easily achieve this. Reminiscent of the 70’s disco look, the modern bang adds definition to cheek bones and provides an edgy frame around the face.
And let’s not forget about the guys…
20’s Undercut – The reinvented undercut is all the rage in men’s hair fashion. Not only is this look very sharp, it’s low maintenance. Slick back the longer length on top and you’re good to go!
Any XEX stylist can reinvent your hairstyle with one of these retro, classic looks. A classic look with a modern touch can emphasize and enhance your facial features.
Written by Angie Goeller
We recently completed a photo shoot with Akira Chicago. Watch the video of the shoot below.