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Bangs Are Back — Here’s How to Wear Them This Year

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Bangs are making a huge comeback right now for good reason: there’s something for everyone. These face-framing styles can add depth and mystery to any hairstyle. We’re even seeing some styles of bangs that we haven’t seen in generations. What are some of the most popular bangs styles on the streets of Victoria? Let’s fill you in.

 

 

Side Swept Bangs

Side swept bangs have always been popular. This style of bangs goes with many different lengths and cuts of hair. The longer length of a side swept bang also means a more versatile styling routine. You can make them fuller or pin them into an updo easier to get them off of your face. A haircut with side swept bangs suits a rounder face shape well.

 

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are an easy way to bring more body to the front of your haircut. This style of bangs is often slightly parted in the middle and gets longer as you move to the outside of your face, giving the look of curtains being held open. Make sure you want attention drawn to your forehead and eyes as the shape of this cut will have that effect. If your hair has any natural wave to it styling curtain bangs can prove difficult. Use a medium hold sculpting paste that’ll give your hair a healthy shine and help you keep it under control without it looking greasy or crunchy.

 

Short Bangs

Short bangs are the perfect look to pair with a pixie cut or similar short style. A short side-swept bang with an edgy pixie cut can add a hint of feminine strength we all loved on Tinkerbell. This style can also give you the flapper girl vibe you’ve been longing for with your new haircut.

 

Micro Fringe

A micro fringe can give you an edgy, sci-fi inspired look or a softer frame around your face. The effect of a micro fringe on your look is dependant on how full and blunt it is. A reliable hair salon will be able to give you the perfect micro fringe for the vibe you want to portray. Think about Leeloo from the Fifth Element or Emma Watson’s new micro fringe she’s been sporting this year. This haircut can work on any face shape and is a real personality statement.

 

Choppy Tousled Bangs

Choppy tousled bangs seem to be all the rage right now. This edgy look is inspired by the need to rock and roll all night. The uneven texture can give you that “woke up like this” look but with a bit more control. Use a texturizer to help you get the perfect messy look just the way you want it.

 

Thin Fringe

A thin fringe is perfect for a longer hairstyle with thick hair. Full bangs with a thick head of long hair can end up making you look tired and weighted down. A thin fringe with a long, full hairstyle is the perfect look for framing your face.

 

Lash Skimming Full Bangs

Sometimes you just have to commit. Full, long, lash-skimming bangs are next level commitment. This look can bring any new haircut to the next level. A good, long length bang can be as full or as thin as you want. The shape and thickness of a lash skimming bang will depend on your face shape and personality. A qualified hairstylist at a good hair salon will be able to help you decide on the perfect long style of bangs. This style is best suited for someone who understands that bangs need to be maintained. It won’t take long for these bangs to block your vision. Regular trims will be necessary for this haircut.

 

Thick and Blunt Bangs

Thick and blunt bangs can be so fun, especially with a textured bob. The popular style this fall is a tousled bob with straight blunt bangs. Pulling off this look takes a serious amount of hair and is easiest on thicker hair. If you want to try this haircut on for size but worry your hair is too thin, talk to a stylist at your local hair salon. These thick bangs will be front and centre in this haircut so make sure they look healthy by using a moisturizing serum to fight frizz and add shine.

 

Curly Bangs

Who said you can’t have bangs with curly hair? They must have been crazy. Having bangs with curly locks can have a romantic effect that’ll turn anyone green with envy. The trick with this haircut is keeping the frizz to a minimum by moisturizing your hair and having defined curls in your bangs.

 

Bonus: Faux Bangs

Want to have bangs but not all the time? The biggest trend we’re seeing right now are clip-in bangs or faux bangs. With some good quality clip-in bangs, you can have all of the fun and excitement of a new haircut with none of the long-term commitment. It’s perfect for someone who wants a change but has always had the same look.

Are you thinking about getting bangs but are unsure what style will suit you best? Perhaps you know the style you want but don’t know if it’ll work with your hair type and face shape? If bangs are something you want in your next haircut, find a reliable hair salon in Victoria BC you can trust and a hair stylist who understands bangs. Our team of highly qualified stylists love matching styles to the individual and are here to help you find the perfect style of bangs. Book your appointment online today.

Ready to Switch Things up for the Fall? Check out These 5 Hair Colour Trends

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hair salon in victoria bc
As autumn changes the colours of the foliage in our neighbourhood parks, we start to see fall reflected in our fashion, coffee and holidays. Autumn is a great time to change up a hairstyle and infuse some colour into our lives to brighten the darkening days. Heading into your local hair salon in Victoria BC and walking out with a vibrant purple bob may leave you longing for the days of summer for all the wrong reasons. This fall, pick a hair colour that you’ll love the whole season through.
 
What’s trending in hair colour this fall?
 
Subtle Colours & Subdued Pastels
Summer saw bright pink hair and vibrant bursts of rich colour. This autumn, try something a bit more subdued. Strawberry blonde instead of a cotton candy pink hair colour is the flavour for fall. When you think of non-natural colours, like purple and blue, pair them with a naturally-occurring hair colour or tone them down to a faded hint. Let the true vibrancy of the season be the changing colours of the leaves and give your hair colour a much-needed rest.
 
Foliage-Themed Colours
If you do want to change up the colour of your hair, try some themed colours. Give a warm cinnamon or caramel a try. If you want to make more of a statement and turn some heads, we love the look of pumpkin spice waves. If vibrant colour is a part of your personality, going bright orange can be a dream come true. But fair warning: be cautious going from subdued, natural colours to a full head of orange this fall. If you’re not used to bright hair colours, stick to the subdued pastels or subtle hints of colour first.
 
Dusty Blonde & Bronde
Bronde? Yes. This season, try the best of both and have brown meet blonde for a warm fall glow. The light catching effects of blonde can make a brown head of hair look like the sun’s shining on the darkest days of fall. Bronde is a colour you’ll see a lot of this autumn. The marriage of warm and cool tones here is the perfect hair colour for the season. Think of spiced apple cider and hot cocoa.
 
What’s Happening with Roots?
Balayage and dark roots are ideal for fall. Big scarves and long jackets pair perfectly with some shading around the crown fo your head. Summer’s all about sun-kissed and sun-dazed looks. Autumn’s all about warm drinks and time spent cozy by the fire with friends. Darker roots are perfect for this season. What’s great about balayage or dark roots is that for many, it comes naturally after the highlights of summer.
 
Rich Browns & Bold Blacks
Nothing says autumn like a rich, dark brown hair colour or a bold black. As the leaves turn brown and we all start wearing our favourite flannel, a healthy head of hair in a rich, dark tone is a natural choice.
 
Don’t let fall pass you by this year without your dream hair colour. Head to our hair salon in Victoria BC to get that perfect autumn shade. We would love to see you in the salon for a bit of sugar and spice this season. Book your appointment today and get the perfect hair colour before the season is over.

How to Minimize Plastic in Your Life

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eco-living

Victoria is a great city to be in if you want to be conscious of your plastic usage and the environment. Many restaurants have already switched to compostable containers and straws, and there’s a city-wide ban on plastic bags. These are all great sustainability initiatives, but plastic makes its way into aspects of our lives we may not even be aware of. There are a few simple ways to cut down your plastic usage you may be overlooking. Check out our top ten plastic minimizing eco-living tips below.

 

  1. Reusable bags

Even with the ban on plastic bags in stores, we still see them everywhere. Plastic bags are used as garbage bags, sandwich bags and are still seen in some stores and restaurants. Bring reusable bags when shopping and always opt for non-plastic methods of food and product storage. Your sandwich does not need its own individual baggie.

 

  1. Bring your own bottle

Nothing saddens us more than seeing plastic water bottles making their way into the marine and forest environment. Bringing your own reusable glass or tin bottle with you everywhere is so easy. Drinking water is part of a healthy lifestyle, and you should have water with you at all times. Having a reusable bottle with you is a great eco-living habit that saves you a ton of money. You can get water almost anywhere at no charge when you bring the bottle.

 

  1. No more straws

Straws are on their way out in Victoria, BC. If you can’t stand the cardboard straws that are taking their place then get a tin, glass or bamboo straw and bring it with you. Having your own straw cuts down on waste. If you enjoy drinks that require a straw, having your own straw handy could be a must.

 

  1. Ditch your gum

Gum is basically a plastic. That’s right, you’ve been chewing on a form of rubber. There are now natural alternatives available that are not made from synthetic polymers and are biodegradable. What’s good for you is often good for the environment, too.

 

  1. Cardboard packaging

Your laundry detergent and many of your household cleaners are probably in plastic containers. There are cardboard alternatives that are far easier to recycle and the products themselves are just as good. But make sure that the products inside the cardboard don’t have microplastics.

 

  1.  Microplastics

Microplastics can be everywhere. They are in gum, cleaning agents, beauty products and even clothing. Make sure microplastics never make their way into your life. Opt for beauty products that are sustainable and natural instead of harsh plastic beads for exfoliation.

 

  1. Reusable containers

Did you ever think about bringing your own glass container to a restaurant for any leftovers? It may sound weird but bring your own reusable container with you next time and cut down on plastic waste. Just make sure they do not give you plastic cutlery with your personal container. Many takeout places are switching to cardboard containers, but there are still many businesses serving takeaway in plastic and even styrofoam containers! Always ask what the takeout containers are made of and make an effort to supply your own containers. Choose glass and tin over plastic for your reusable food containers at home.

 

  1. Kick plastic out of the bathroom

Ask yourself if you have disposable razors, a plastic toothbrush, or any products with microbeads in them. These are all simple things you can cut down on. Buy local soaps that are not plastic wrapped. Get a wooden or bamboo toothbrush and hairbrush. Invest in a quality razor that replaces blades rather than the entire head or system. Look into natural skin care and hair care products. Chances are that you can find products that come in glass or refillable containers. That way, you can avoid buying a new plastic container each time.

 

  1. Support local businesses that care

Find local businesses that are aware of the impact they have on the environment. Support businesses that are banning straws, switching to cardboard packaging, supporting local vendors and cutting down on their plastic waste. Find grocery stores and salons that allow you to refill containers or are selling products in reusable containers made of non-plastic materials. Choose a hair salon in Victoria, BC that puts sustainability at the forefront of its business efforts and uses environmentally-responsible products and practices.

 

These may seem like simple changes to make now, but we recommend picking a few and making these changes slowly. Part of sticking with anything is being able to turn that action into a routine. We all forget our reusable bags sometimes. Making it a habit to always bring a reusable water bottle or coffee mug when you leave the house can take time. Be patient with yourself as you work to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly and sustainable. These are a few easy tips to help you cut plastic out of your daily life, but there’s always a lot more we can do.

The Fall 2018 Makeup Trends Taking Over Victoria

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beauty salon victoria bc
It would be easy to tell you about a single trend hitting the city streets this fall, but we can’t. Makeup has always been a way for an individual to show their inner personality and colour on the outside. This fall, we’ll see the full spectrum come alive. Beauty salons in Victoria BC will be overrun with requests for anything from a natural to sci-fi inspired makeup look this fall.
 
Eyes
Time to bring your focus back to the eyes. Neutral lips are placing focus on bright eye colours. The 60’s are being channelled in creative ways. The floating liner look is back with a modern twist allowing for individual creativity. Although we have seen a lot of glitter on the runway, this trend will not translate to the streets of Victoria. Thanks to the microplastics movement, Victoria is a sustainability first kind of city. What we can expect is a range of natural, more business-ready, fresh faces and punk rock-inspired evening looks with vibrant splashes of colour.
 
Lashes are back. For a time, the focus was on liner and colour and, in many ways, this is still true. If you’re opting for a more natural and nude makeup look, long fluttery lashes are in. Layering on the eco-friendly mascara is the way to go this fall.
 
Lips
Lips are looking naked. The vibrant matte lipstick trend appears to be taking a break and instead shimmery nudes are back in the front seat. If you are craving colour, ombre lips are the look this fall. If you want to go dramatic and place the focus on your lips with some vibrant colours, a blended ombre is the way to go.
 
Skin
Hallelujah. The trend this fall is to move as far from layers of foundation and cover-up as possible. Cream over concealer. Let your beautiful skin shine through. The trend this fall is to layer up on moisturizer and SPF-protection in place of foundation and concealer. Healthy skin is happy skin and all the focus is placed on health and proper skin care first. This is a trend we love seeing. After the smokey air that your skin had to deal with this summer, a season of care is exactly what’s needed.
 
Hair
Often we ignore hair when we think about makeup. Not this fall. This fall, hair salons in Victoria, BC will be giving a wispier, layered look to frame your natural beauty. Your hair is a big part of your makeup this fall. Showcase your natural waves and opt for a bit of a natural, air-dried look instead of pin straight hair or heat-styled curls.
 
What we love the most about the makeup trends this fall is the focus on natural beauty. Makeup is a great way to have fun with colour but on a day to day basis, it’s refreshing to know that we will be seeing more of a ”woke up like this” aesthetic. Beauty Salons in Victoria, BC will be focusing more on selling sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products this fall to help your skin really glow. Come in today to shop Elate cosmetics and try some trending fall looks with a mini makeup application.

Men, Are You Moisturizing?

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Moisturizing is not something that’s for one gender alone. Men and women both have skin, but how we care for it differs a little based on the simple fact of facial hair. As the weather turns colder, your skin can quickly lose its natural moisture. Even though men should be moisturizing and taking care of their skin year-round, it’s especially vital in the fall and winter months. A skin care regime for most men can be broken down into six points.

 

Shaving

Going against the grain is not recommended with most things. The same can be said for shaving — we don’t recommend it with facial hair. Going against the natural growth of your hair can cause unnecessary irritation to the skin. What makes it worse is when you shave the same area a few times and don’t use a proper shaving cream or treatment. To avoid damage to your already sensitive winter skin, get yourself a high-quality shaving cream, a good razor and shave with the direction of the hair growth.

Cleansing

Use a great cleanser to get rid of the dirt and grime from the day. Steer clear of bar soaps on your face and neck area. Bar soaps can dry your skin harshly and cause cracked and dry skin. Opt for a cleansing lotion for your body and a cleanser specifically for your face. Look for cleansers that are for hydration to help your skin to combat the cooler temperatures.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a vital part of a healthy skin regimen for men. It is important to scrub dead skin away so that new, healthy skin can come to the surface. What’s important to note is that when men shave, they’re exfoliating the skin that comes in contact with the razor. Over-exfoliating can damage skin and should not be a part of a daily routine. If you do shave daily, make sure you use an eco-friendly scrub in the areas you do not shave once or twice a week. You can exfoliate with a loofah or scrubbing mitt on your body, but these are too intense for the more delicate skin of your face.

Cream

Cream is the one thing everyone thinks of when you say skin care. A good cream is a vital part of healthy skin care for men, but it’s not the entire process. In the cooler months and when the season changes, it’s important to moisturize skin more often. Put cream on when you get out of the shower and just before bed. If you want to find something more inconspicuous to use, opt for a scent-free body lotion. Keeping lotion at work can help with dry, cracked hands or hangnails.

Don’t forget your lips. Dry, cracked lips do not need to be a part of your winter. Get a good quality lip balm from a beauty or hair salon in Victoria, BC. Trust us, your smile will thank you. We suggest getting a few and keeping them in places you frequent, such as work or your car.

SPF

Just because you feel like the sun has gone into hibernation for the winter doesn’t mean that it’s gone. SPF is something we should all be taking into account in our daily routine all year round. The fall is a great time to get into the routine of putting on sun protection before leaving the house.

Diet and Lifestyle

Water, water everywhere, and you need to drink every drop. Keeping your skin hydrated in the cooler weather involves drinking it in as well as external care. Be sure to stay hydrated, and drink a lot of water this fall.

Warm showers are lovely, but they dry out your skin and hair. We aren’t suggesting cold showers, but a nice warm shower can help your skin and hair retain its natural moisture. A hot shower can be something you treat yourself to rather than a daily occurrence.

Knowing which products to use for your skin type can be a daunting thing. We recommend re-evaluating your skin each season change to see if it needs something different. Asking a professional at a beauty or hair salon what they think you need for your skin type can make your daily care routine much easier. Skin care for men is tricky because you’re also dealing with hair care. If you want to get a tailor-made regimen to use this fall, come in and see one of our specialists at our hair salon in Victoria, BC today.

Don’t Let Your Hair Drown, Protect Your Hair in the Pool

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hair salon
Swimming is a great way to stay in shape with minimal impact-related injuries. As an exercise, swimming helps you to work on cardio and flexibility. A pool allows you to indulge in this activity regardless of what the weather is like outside.
 
Though pools are great for your health, they can be harmful to your hair. There are a few easy tricks you can use to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals used in swimming pools. If you don’t protect your hair from chlorine you may find yourself in a hair salon more often than need be.
 
Pre-Care
Every good precautionary measure involves a pre-care stage and a post-care stage. Preparing your hair before a swim is the best way to protect your hair in a pool.
 
Before you jump into the deep end, make sure you give your locks a good soaking. Showering before you get into a pool is about more than cleaning off your lotion. Your hair is like a sponge. Once your hair is saturated, it becomes harder for it to soak in any more moisture. Showering before getting into the pool is a great way to protect your hair from the dehydrating effects of chlorine.
 
Another trick is to use coconut oil before your swim. Not only is coconut oil, or jojoba oil, moisturizing, it also forms a barrier against the water in the pool. Think of it like mini umbrellas all over your hair.
 
If you have longer hair, you know that a short dip usually ends with a long stint of brushing out knots. To avoid all of these unwanted knots, try braiding your hair. You can also use a bathing cap to keep your hair dry and without tangles. This is not always an option or one that you may want to choose. With proper pre- and post-care, you can avoid using a bathing cap and still show great care for your hair’s well-being.
 
Post-Care
It’s not enough to soak your hair, use a bit of oil and throw it in a braid before swimming. To protect your hair in a pool, there is a bit of post care involved.
 
A good quality sustainable hair care product designed to replenish moisture is a must. Chlorine soaks away the sebum in your hair. Sebum is the natural moisture that gives you that healthy hair shine. Without this sebum, your hair can feel dry and brittle. It is vital to infuse your hair with moisture and wash the harmful chemicals off as soon as you are out of the pool. Moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners, such as the momo shampoo and conditioner, are a great idea.
 
If you are swimming in a pool frequently, add in a replenishing cream or butter to your hair care routine. This does not need to be used every time you head to the pool. Putting on a treatment like this and letting your hair air dry is the perfect way to end a day.
 
Before you can air dry your hair, you’ll need to brush it post-swim. Your everyday brush just will not do. A wide-toothed comb and slow even brush strokes are what you hair needs after a swim. The dehydrating effects of the pool can make it more brittle and prone to breakage without proper care and patience.
 
Taking the time to properly care for your hair when you swim in chemically-treated pools is the only way to retain shiny, healthy hair. Having a healthy trim to remove any split ends is also vital to healthy hair. Being a sustainable eco salon is about more than the products we use in the salon. Using natural products on your hair outside of the hair salon helps it to stand up against harsh unnatural chemicals like those found in pools.
 
If you would like to learn more about sustainability in your hair care routines or how you can protect your hair naturally when swimming, book an appointment and come to see one of our stylists.

Revamp Your Self-Care Routine with These Summer Tips

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personal development

Summer is a busy time. With festivals and longer days, we’re all filling our schedules with fun things to do. It’s easy to burn out with all these summer activities, though. Make sure you take some time to care for yourself and work on some personal development. Avoid the burnout and sunburns characteristic of summer with these summer self-care tips.

  1. Take your workout outside

Summer is a great time to take your physical fitness routine outdoors. Instead of the stair master, enjoy a late afternoon hike with friends. Longer days means more time to enjoy the outdoors. Refresh your winter workout routine with some fresh air and fresh perspective. A new change of scenery can lead to personal development and new fitness goals. Try joining a team or a new summer sport and bring some energy and fun back into your fitness routine. If you’re more yogi, stretch out outdoors. Outdoor yoga is a great way to refresh your mind and check back in with yourself.

 

  1. Take a Break from Social Media

Summer is the perfect season to distract yourself from the social media addiction a lot of us have developed. It’s a time to load up the car and get lost in a no service zone with friends. Plan an afternoon hike or a weekend camping trip and leave the phone in the car. Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with yourself and the world around you for a bit of a recharge.

 

  1. Incorporate sun protection into your routine

Now that the sun is out, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are part of the daily routine. It’s the perfect time to make wearing an SPF a daily habit. Find yourself a natural SPF that you love and start using it in your daily makeup routine. Just because we cannot feel the warmth of the sun’s rays in the winter doesn’t mean that harmful UV rays aren’t around in the winter.

 

  1. Shop Local for your Produce

Shopping local can sometimes be difficult. In the summer, there’s a farmers market almost every day. Shop local in the summer and appreciate how good local fresh produce tastes. Summer’s a great time for barbecuing vegetables, tossing crisp salads and inventing new fruit smoothie recipes.

 

  1. Revamp your look

You’ve just finished spring cleaning and revamping your home so it’s not crazy to want to revamp your look. Summer’s a great time to try something new. You can go as simple as a new shirt and a new all-natural shampoo or as drastic as a completely new hairstyle, a few new outfits and a new natural makeup routine. No matter how far you want to go, it’s nice to spend some time and money on yourself. You deserve a bit of pampering, and it can be fun to try something new in our looks from time to time.

 

elate makeup

 

  1. Take time to rest

With all the plans and activities you’re sure to be participating in this summer, make sure to take some time to do absolutely nothing. FOMO (fear of missing out) may be a real thing, but sometimes you need a bubble bath and a night in. Make alone time a priority throughout the summer so that you don’t burn out before the fall.

We hope these helpful tips can infuse some summer sun into your self-care and personal development goals. Looking for an all natural salon to help you get that new summer look? Come see us. We’re a natural hair salon in Victoria, BC with two locations.