The Anti-Aging Face Off

What's what? But more importantly, what works?
Four star ingredients are explored in this post towards effective skincare, some preventative, others correctionary. These are all varied products for women at different stages of their skincare regimes. Young or old - rejoice.

If it's not on the list, it's just not that effective, sorry. It's not worth writing about if it doesn't work.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is the new ‘go-to’ ingredient. It’s hot right now because it attracts molecules 1000 x its size. The problem is that it’s too large a molecule itself to actually fit through our pores.

That’s why only injectable hyaluronic acid found in certain dermal fillers actually works.

Dr. Solish explains that it's not effective as a topical cream. Hyaluronic acid in topical creams or serums is completely ineffective. It may smooth the outer layer of the dermis, but it’s not getting penetrated into your pores at all because it’s too large to get through the skin barrier.

As a dermal filler, however, it is extremely effective, and it is because it cannot move through our skin barrier that it stays effective. In fact, dermal fillers are made of 80-90% hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar in our bodies. Because of this, it has largely replaced collagen as an injectable filler. When injected, by a skilled doctor or dermatologist, of course, it is able to then live up to its potential to attract moisture molecules and give the ‘rejuvenated’ lifted look.

Hyaluronic acid only works when injected. And it looks natural because it is a natural occurring molecule in our body.

Remember, hyaluronic acid wears off between 8-10 months so it’s considered a temporary filler.

What's there not to love? It looks so natural.

Do not attempt injection at home ever. Always seek a medical professional, and by that I mean a reputable doctor.

The thing about fillers is that they a) are not going to be cheap  ($400-$750 per injection but you may need two for each cheek for example) and b) that’s the point if you want your face to look ‘a little better than natural.’ You need to pay $ for quality.

This is not a surgical procedure and requires no recovery time.

Since this is a serum- this really  is not the best hyaluronic acid skincare line.

If you want to stick to creams and serums, please do not waste your money on topical hyaluronic acid. It works only when it’s inside your skin….via injection. Otherwise, just stick to moisturizing routines and sunscreen.

Just no. Do not buy these products. You are wasting your money.

SUNSCREEN

Skin damage is especially visible on fair skin. I know a freckled red-headed girl who has crow’s feet at age 23 and this is because she consistently tans.  I am not mentioning forehead wrinkles and frown lines, which normally people can develop in their twenties. But crow’s feet? That’s not generally something you get in your early twenties unless you are reckless.

With a fair complexion it’s a no-brainer to avoid the sun and use sunscreen. Please invest in 30 SPF at least! With all those BB foundation creams on the market, there are no excuses for you to not use sunscreen as part of your beauty routine.

With this dry-touch formula, sunscreen on your face has never been easier, and not at all greasy.

The sun damages white women much more than coloured or darker Asian women because there is little to no naturally occurring melanin to protect from the sun’s damage. A ‘tan’ is just as bad as a sunburn in the long run. You’ll see when you start seeing more wrinkles than women your age and when you start finding sunspots, freckles and moles over your shoulders, chest, back, cheeks. Preventative beauty regimes can be as simple as applying sunscreen!

Beyond sunscreen…that is, if you already use sunscreen and want to go one step further….

RETINOIDS & RETINOL-A

If you want a beauty routine that works topically, look for retinoids or retinol-A as a topical cream. There is a prescription  cream known as retinol-A that you can request from your doctor.

There is also retinol and retinoid found in over-the-counter designer creams.

Don’t just buy a random Olay or Clinique anti-aging cream and believe all the hype. Every single anti-aging cream promises that you will look younger. I think the only thing they can truly deliver on that promise is to moisturise, so you might as well invest in something cheaper like shea butter or a St. Ive’s moisturiser.

If you want an anti-aging cream, only creams that have retinoids and retinols are truly effective. Do not waste your precious money on other ingredients.

BOTOX

Oh man, I just dropped the B-word, didn’t I? Botox has the reputation equivalent to surgical procedures. People equate Botox with plastic surgery even though the procedure is actually a temporary injectable. It lasts 3 months, and yes it can look terrible if you don’t go to a doctor.

Want to know why Botox is equated with plastic surgery? Because the women who are most obviously using Botox (Real Housewives of …) are also using surgical procedures. They are doing both and they are clearly injecting more Botox than they need.

If you Google 'Botox' you will get a 'Botox Gone Wrong' suggestion. Most of these examples are women with considerable surgical procedures which are permanent and invasive  unlike Botox which is temporary and not deforming.

The working woman’s Botox looks completely different, by the way. Weksberg notes that most of his patients for Botox and fillers are working women. Compared to also non-surgical dermal fillers, Botox is the most cost-effective method of wrinkle control. Expect to pay between $10-$15 per unit.

What Botox really looks like...

Natural results. Not Real Housewives. 

Challenge: It’s still the B-word and very hush-hush because of its reputation.

I say do whatever you need to do and always opt for the ‘less-is-more’ look. Remember, you can always add more if you need later, but you cannot remove what you’ve overdone.

It takes 7 days for Botox to appear. It starts fading after 3-4 months.

Botox generally takes 5-7 days to surface unlike dermal fillers which are instantaneous in effect. Patients can sometimes ‘freak out’ if they don’t see the Botox working. Then again 0.5-3% of people are actually immune to Botox and will not see any results.

Before you can call yourself one of those cases, please wait and see. Wait a week before you call the doctor. Do not jump the gun with assumptions.

It’s very important to always get the injections from a doctor, because too many women die every year from stupidity- not vanity- by injecting themselves or receiving injections in their basement or from a spa practitioner.

Vanity is not the cause of death-by-injection, it is instead ignorance and the consumer being cheap. If something seems like it is too good to be true price-wise, IT IS! Run away!

And remember, that women have the right to choose what they please with their bodies. Don’t let anyone dictate what you can and cannot do to your body. We live in a day and age where we are expected to be beautiful sure, but looking after yourself and taking part in preventative and cosmetic procedures should not be shamed.

Being concerned with your look or image and loving yourself as you are – these two are not mutually exclusive. You can do both, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Remember, you also are under no obligation to admit to any non-surgical procedures.Nor even surgical procedures that you get.  You should be able to get a procedure including surgery without feeling guilty. Don’t let everyone else’s ideas influence your decisions.

I always believe that  you should…

Live and let live.

And do your research.

And expect to pay the market price at least for a qualified physician.

And don’t look for quick fixes solely. You also have to put in work to make yourself better. This includes diet, exercise and commitment.

And remember looking good doesn’t mean you’re healthy. (So use that sunscreen and stop over-tanning).

On Route to Becoming Jules 2.0

Over the next three weeks, I'm going to be rolling out a new and improved Jules 2.0. She's been in the making for almost 8 months now.

High Maintenance Jules Was On Vacation for Two Years 

This change and transition to Jules 2.0 is happening largely in part because I've been focusing on my career so much. I've been busy and preoccupied with learning and adjusting these last two and a half years. And I also happened to partially leave behind a part of me that likes to dress smart and look well behind during that time.

Hair I did things half-way. I got a bad haircut and didn't try to fix it, because I was more concerned with the campaigns I was working on. I told myself: I can live through this, who cares! Who am I trying to impress?

My pixie cut has been difficult to grow out.

But that era is over. I can live through anything, but the question is - do I want to right now? I just want a quick fix. I don't need to prove how comfortable I am with short hair, I just accept those bangs were cut terribly and need fixing. I'm not going to cry at the salon (some people do that) or hate myself (really, it's just hair!), BUT I want to feel like I'm in control of the mishap or situation. And you know what? I am allowed to want a quick fix aka extensions, as is any human woman or man. 

I am a very style-conscious individual and I love looking my very best. And lately I've been slacking. But that is not true to my character. I have a Lady-Gaga level of maintenance and high expressive and creative standards for myself. I'm a confident lady and  want to look like how I feel on the inside (amazing, powerful, bad-ass, confident).

I choose to be the guarantor of my own happiness again, and to me the small things can lift your spirits and propel you to express yourself the way that you see yourself. (Yes, looks and beautification are small things compared to the truly beautiful things in life like family, relationships, friends, community.) 

That's why on Tuesday June 23 I'm going to Dollbar Toronto to get my fusion extensions installed. I will write a review of my experience, of course! ;)

Health & Exercise Over the past year I've made lifestyle changes to become more healthy, eat better and I ran my first race this May. Yes, I ran the whole way through, it was just 5 KM, I know, but it was a starting point! For me this was a new accomplishment and I'm sharing because it's helped me become more conscious of my health and my future objectives. I have lost only 15 pounds throughout the course of the entire year, but I'm focused now on getting to the next level now that my eating habits and exercise habits are constant, rather than a short-term fad.

Now I'm an intermediate runner. I've been running 3-4 times a week and now I've decided to take things a step further. I'm currently on an Eight Week Running Plan that I concocted myself after seeking expertise from two sources. I made it tailored to my own strengths, needs and weaknesses. So far- it's been challenging and exactly what I needed.

A snippet of the Eight Week Running Plan I made for myself.

Eyebrows I also never realized how important eyebrows were. I have naturally thin eyebrows that require little maintenance and I have platinum blonde hair, so the need to draw eyebrows was never strong. I grew up in the 90s and saw too many unfortunately drawn eyebrows- which made me cautious of playing around with them. Why fix something that ain't broke?

Then eyebrows started becoming thicker and thicker. That was cool but not for me. I couldn't 'let my eyebrows grow out' and wear them like the cool kids because I have thin eyebrows naturally.

Then a year or two ago, I started seeing something completely different- women with really nicely shaped eyebrows that did not seem drawn at all. Nicki Minaj's eyebrows always looked structured and on point, with great shading. I quickly noted her make-up artist, and started following other make-up artists as a result, most notably the very talented Priscilla Ono. Her eyebrows also look beautiful. 

I found out this coveted eyebrow look was achieved with stencils and eyebrow pommade.I realized the natural structured look of gorgeous arches was one I also wanted. 

I tried the stencils, but they weren't for me. I loved the pommade, however, and bought the best on the market - Anastasia Beverly Hills in Blonde. The colour match was perfect. The eyebrow shade proved to me that I really was naturally blonde and I tapped myself on the shoulder. (I'm a dark blonde naturally but some people interpret my natural hair colour as 'brown'.)

My eyebrows have never looked better. They look perfectly natural and wonderfully structured. And how they change one's look and face for the better!  I could dedicate a sonnet to the joy good eyebrows have brought to my life.

Makeup 

I have always been experimenting with makeup and when I was in university in my fledgling formative years I enjoyed the edgier side of things. This is why I still have questionable photos of my more Gaga-esque look from the past. I love high fashion makeup but I completely understand that it is out of place in the professional world, business or politics. It is 'party' make up. It is ceremonial, it is showy, celebratory- and I can wear it to an office party, but not every day to the office.

I eventually learned how to do my makeup in a way that accentuated my natural features and made me look beautiful but not over-done. MAC cosmetologists are geniuses in their own right but they don't always know what to suggest for professional women who needs weightless foundation and a put-together look that's not overdone or over-the-top.

I have a close friend I met at work, Crystal, who rubbed off her love of neutral tones onto a reluctant me. She is the epitome of classy. When her mother had an orange manicure, she was quickly concerned. Crystal wears her eye-shadow light cream, at most beige on a work week, and always has her manicures in beige and barely-there pinks, french manicures, light mint, red etc. 

She knows how to work the professional look effortlessly. And she still has a lot of personality to go around. 

All in all, I currently wear a toner (Biotherm liquid toner) under a light layer of foundation (some pale shade of Rimmel matte mousse foundation). I wear blush on my cheeks (a prismatic Quo baked blush) and a simple coat of L'Oreal mascara in black. Voila. That's my feigned 'natural' look that makes me shine anyday and everyday.

Sometimes if I'm up for a change, I add a bit of winged eyeliner (very little) by MAC. It is their gel fluidliner which I apply with a brush. It's great. I also sometimes put on some white Colour Tattoo 24 Hr eyeshadow by Maybelline, over my eyelids, but under the eyecrease.

So that's it, for now. This is what I've learned about getting to a better self. Honestly, it's all about staying true to yourself but tweaking things here and there to make an effective change! Don't be someone you're not. A genuine image always speaks truer and will keep you happy in the long run!

Your Go-To Power Suit...Should Be Blue

I'd like to clarify before this gets any further, that this post is specifically about business wear and professional clothing.

I'm not the authority on fashion, nor is it my expertise. My expertise is in branding and image. I work in the business sector and I've also been involved in political campaigns in the past.

This post is an intersection of the empirical knowledge I've collected from observing powerful candidates, read journals and literature on image, branding, successful campaigns--and most importantly the experience I have from my career (I'm in the advertising marketing sector).

Blue is the colour to wear if you are a woman who is trying to convey power and status.

I usually like to write from a positive perspective  and not eliminate options and tips in my posts, but I cannot suggest red as a power suit colour. I simply do not recommend red for a suit that you are planning to wear to a 'high stakes' meeting, presentation or speech. Red is too aggressive and distracting. Red is also closely associated with beauty and sexuality. Red (and pink goes without saying but for different reasons) I would never suggest as a power suit jacket because these two colours are not sending the right message about your very important announcement.

Red can appear aggressive, shallow, vain and fleeting.

You are not a fashionista or a young associate, you're mid-high level management. In that case, red can look 'too sexy'. Red presents wearers as shallow and preoccupied with their looks as opposed to, say, more important things. Vanity and aggression are neither convincing nor motivating. Drop the red suit.

Red can represent power as well, but it is a more primal colour. Red suits are a great find to wear out or to more casual meetings or events- don't get me wrong - you can wear red suits. You just shouldn't wear them as a power suit to a very important professional meeting. I'm not telling you to be bland and wear grey - I'm recommending a bright deep blue instead.

It's not a coincidence that female candidates and politicians often wear bright blues.

Even in text colour, red is enticing and  immediately eye-catching but blue is memorable and trust-worthy.

I'm sure everyone has a black or grey suit jacket in their closet, even a navy suit jacket. But the power piece you are missing is the blue suit. 

Blue generally represents strength, honesty and dedication on either gender, but it stands as an important power representation on females.

What Kind of Blue is Best
Bright deep blues  are best indicators of position and strength.

Some notable powerful shades: cobalt, royal blue, cerulean, egyptian blue, electric blue, light navy blue.

Notes: Light blues do not have the same effect. Baby blues, medium blues are far too light and/or pastel. 

Darker blues like navy blue are OK, but they are closer to the impact of black. Navy is still better than black and definitely much better than a light blue- for a power suit, that is! 

Another colour that looks powerful on women is white. So if you don't have a white suit, you should go and get one. White represents transparency, clarity and positivity. On women, white is a power colour, on men it is however, not.

Hilary Clinton, Kathleen Wynne, Belinda Stronach wearing white power blazers.

Female candidates often wear white. It is a stateswomanly colour that represents intelligence, transparency and sound decision-making.

These women look like they're in charge and ready to get things done.

White is also very classy as it is strong, and can easily be accessorized into an evening look that is still powerful and graceful.

White suits are impactful as evening wear with powerful edge.

If you're shopping for an essential suit jacket,  remember to look for the blue and white ones.

Blue and white suits, jackets or blazers are a must-have power piece for a day where you want to appear decided and powerful.

Short, Long or Extensions?

Short hair is a great option, but sometimes we have the desire to start growing it out and we're stuck in an awkward phase. Now what?

You want that long hair but it's going to likely take another year or two. 

Are you willing to wait?

Can you afford to wait that long?

Are you running in an election, are you applying for a new job, are you attending an important conference?

Sometimes leaving your hair to grow is worse than cutting it short.

There are ways to remedy the silly hair.

OPTION A: Short Ponytail 

If your hair is long enough, you can wear your hair back in a short ponytail and avoid showing the grown-out layers. Don't wear your hair down, instead pull it back and wear fresh make-up. 

OPTION B: Extension on Ponytail

This is a good way to build on Option A. You can tie back your hair as usual, but if there's an extra special meeting or event coming up, you can opt for a hassle-free extension ponytail or bun clip-in or elastic.

You can invest in a ponytail extension if you ever want to look like you have longer hair.

There are several ways to secure an extension on your short ponytail. Some are sold as clips or elastics in various styles, including messy buns, curly buns, classy buns and long ponytails, wavy ponytails. 

The clip or elastic hangs on your own securely tied hair, so it's not extremely noticeable or too uncomfortable. 

The options are endless.

There are so many options. Honestly. You can buy synthetic or human hair for these ponytail extensions -no problem- just double-check that the hair is not unnaturally shiny because then it will be obvious it is not your hair. Also, be careful, not all synthetic hair pieces can withstand heat. Do not use your curling or straightening iron unless the product specifies that it is heat-resistant.

OPTION C: Clip-In Extensions

(Ow, these really hurt sometimes). If your scalp is sensitive this may not be a viable option for you. Don't buy a whole set of these if you know yourself to have a sensitive scalp. The clips can clench your scalp and irritate you from wearing them all day. You will want to scratch your head endlessly.

DO NOT BUY BEFORE YOU TEST OR TRY.

If you have fine hair this is also a bad option, because the clips will weigh down your hair, slip off and clench your hair or damage it. Sometimes the clip is very difficult to hide and peeks out, especially on fine light coloured hair.

Can you spot the clip-in? The wind can always blow your hair and reveal your secret.

A lot of women have tutorials online on how to best wear these extensions. They are not as easy to wear as they look. They take a lot of time to put on and get uncomfortable and itchy during the day, and sometimes get revealed with the elements like rain and wind blowing your hair off the hidden extension. I personally find clip-in extensions can make you more self-conscious (because they may un-clip or show) than if you wore your natural length that day. 

However....Do Try Clip-In Extensions, and even order them in human hair for a long-lasting investment if you have:

Thick or Medium Hair Clip-in extensions do work really well if you can handle them and like them. Thick hair, medium length hair is great for clip-in extensions. Short hair often looks scraggly when long clip-in extensions are added and have  a mullet-like appearance. Medium to long hair is best for adding clip-in extensions.  There are so many styles and often synthetic extensions look great too, as long as the synthetic strands are high quality. If you are a clip-in extensions veteran, you may want to invest in buying a whole set of human hair clip-ins. They come in all colour and highlight combinations to look natural.

Invest in a set of high-quality human extensions if you like to wear clip-ins.

Colour Clip-in extensions are also wonderful ways to experiment with colour streaks without damaging your own hair.

Longer term solutions coming up....

Weaves, fusion and microloop extensions are all long-term extension solutions if you want length and have minimal patience for constant styling and application in the morning. These belong to a group of extension products that appear and act like your own hair. You sleep, shower and exercise with these in your own hair, and therefore they present their own challenges and maintenance- if you want them to last for several months.

The main difference between  the three is the method of application and how they are attached to your hair. What works best depends entirely individual hair texture and thickness, as well as personal preferences and past experiences.

OPTION D: Weaves

Weaves generally are recommended for people with very curly and coarse hair. The chances of tangling by weave are minimized because natural hair is braided into rows and the weave extensions are sewn into the braids in rows. The curly or coarse hair is more likely to stay in place as a braid.

Individuals with fine hair often find their natural hair slipping out of the braids and the weave loosening as a result. If you have straight hair and specifically straight smooth fine hair, weaves are not likely a great option for you.

Note: Weaves are also uncomfortable and take some getting used to. They can be itchy and pull on your scalp and natural hair.  If you have thin or fine hair you will find this method especially unbearable.

The Weave Method: The application takes around two hours to get your weave sewn in, and usually costs  $100-$300, including the hair. The cost depends on the hair you select and on the price of the application. 

Weave tracks are sewn into braids of your own hair. The tracks are layered around your head to have a full head of extensions. 

In the photo a woman is seen with blonde weave tracks partially sewn into the braids. She has a weave done only for the lower half of her head, likely for increasing length only. She has long hair but wants to have extra-long hair, therefore only getting the application for lower half of her head.

In the photo a woman with straight hair is seen with blonde weave tracks partially sewn into her braids. She has long hair but wants to have extra-long hair, therefore only getting the application for lower half of her head.

You can opt for buying hair in a beauty shop such as Clore Beauty (Dufferin and Bloor) or Sally Beauty Supply (various locations) and going to a black beauty salon, 

OR you can go to a black beauty salon and purchase the hair from the salon as you get your weave.

I recommend going to a black or ethnic beauty salon for a weave-extension application because they are the experts in this extension procedure. They are the masters of taming curly hair, and often the best professionals to help you blend your hair with the weave.

Purchasing Hair for Your Weave: There are endless options for weaves in a beauty supply outlet store like Chlore. Chlore has high quality human hair premium options. Opt to buy human hair for your weave or a human hair mix. If you buy synthetic hair, do so with caution and ensure it is heat-resistant because the worst you can do for yourself is get a lovely weave and not be able to straighten or curl your hair in the morning! Again, from my professional and personal experiences, human hair or human hair mix is the way to go for long-term extensions.

OPTION E: Fusion Extensions  or Hot Fusion or Keratin-Bond Extensions

Typical fusion extensions result.

Hot fusion extensions or keratin-bond extensions are the epitome of hair-extension technology. They are the most expensive, ranging from $500- $1500, because they look the most seamless and take the longest time to apply. They can last between 3 to 5 months.

Hot Fusion Method

Expect a 4 to 6 hour application as fusion extensions are applied strand-by-strand. Hot fusion extensions require U-Tip hair extensions manufactured by several big brands such as So Cap Original

and Great Lengths. U-Tip refers to the method of the bond; the hair strand is attached via a keratin bond which at the tip looks like a U-shape. Keratin bond U-tips can only be applied with a heat applicator by an extension specialist or technician, hence why this method is alternately referred to as the Hot Fusion method.

U-Tip hair extensions.

The applied strands look seamless and blend well with natural hair.

Fusion extensions are the most popular type of long-term extension solutions for celebrities and professionals. They are always human hair, and they can be applied for the full-head or half-head.

Notable celebrities who wear fusion extensions. Natalie Eva Marie, Heidi Klum, Nina Dobrev.

Lauren Conrad, Sofia Vergara and Julianne Hough are also extension divas.

Corrective Solutions: If you get a bad haircut and need to even out and add some hair in places, fusion extensions offer the flexibility to correct such mistakes seamlessly.

Rita Ora wanted length; most also use fusion to lengthen their natural hair. 

Maintenance: Fusion extensions are especially great for people with straight and fine hair because they usually come in straight styles. Wavy and curly fusion extensions are also available, however when the extensions grow out, tangling can occur at the root and can be especially difficult to contain for curly hair.

Sleep: It is extremely important to loosely tie your hair when sleeping when you have fusion extensions as tangling at the root is more likely to occur when the hair is moving in your sleep.

Washing Hair: Washing fusion extensions is almost like washing your own hair, but rinsing the roots where the bond is secured is important when you use shampoo and conditioner. Rinsing a few times will ensure you have removed all products from your hair and have a fresh clean scalp.

Fusion extensions are great for adding both length and volume.

Even really short hair can be corrected and lengthened with fusion.

Fusion extensions feel very weightless once you get used to them. It will take a day or two to get used to and then you will not notice they are there.

These extensions blend so well with natural hair, especially if your hairdresser shaped and layered the hair with a cut after the application. This allows the extensions and your hair to look seamless.

OPTION F: Cold Fusion or Microloop Extensions

Cold Fusion or Microloop Extensions are nearly identical to Hot Fusion/Keratin bond extensions, except that they're cold. They don't require heat to administer and are considered to be 'healthier' for the hair.

The Method: Cold fusion extensions use a similar strand-by-strand technique but with a different tip or bond. These bonds are referred to as I-Tip bonds and the I -Tip hair strands are pulled through a metal loop alongside the natural hair strand that  it is being attached to. Then the metal micro-loop is secured in place with the applicator.

The application similarly takes 4 to 6 hours but may be slightly cheaper than hot-fusion extensions, depending on the salon and technician.

Cold fusion is preferred by people who claim dyeing their hair  or roots is easier to do with the metal loops rather than the keratin bonds of hot fusion.

Cold fusion/Microloop is also an excellent choice for people who like using heat for their hairstyling, as sometimes  Hot Fusion/Keratin  bonds can soften under high heat.

Microloops last a little less than Hot Fusion extensions because the metal microloops often slip or can get loose over time and may need to be corrected by the technician with the applicator and squeeze the metal microloop back to its tight hold.

OPTION G: Wigs

I do not recommend wigs for most women who are not used to wearing them who want length. They are itchy, uncomfortable and sweaty.

If you are experiencing hair loss or partial hair loss, wigs can however be an excellent option.

Half-Wigs are a wonderful way to add length and not worry about unnatural hairlines interfering with your confidence. There are many on the market and are easier to use than clip-in extensions. Often half-wigs are secure via clips that are attached to the half-wig's mesh underbody.

Jessica Simpson's line uses half-wigs that clip in to add volume.

Lace-Front Wigs are the only type of full-head wig I recommend. They are great options because they allow for the wig to appear as if it is growing out of your natural hairline/forehead.
Many celebrities who enjoy changing their hair very often opt for Lace-Front Wigs such as Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga.

Gaga was a brunette in these photos, but the barely-there LFW transformed her into the Lady.

Frequently changing hairstyles works well with Lace-Front Wigs.

You can identify  if a wig is a Lace-Front Wig if it is sold with an inch of mesh around the hairline which you cut down to fit with your hair. Some people use cover-up to hide the mesh, but I cut the mesh cleanly to the shape of my hairline. Most people believe Lace-Front Wigs are your natural hair unless they work in the beauty industry.

These are the best options, outlined by needs and function.  THE END.

For any specific questions, feel free to leave me a message and I'll address in an upcoming post.

How to Go Short

Short hair is not for everyone. It has a bad reputation amongst women, because it's done the wrong way. 70% of women with short hair have the wrong haircut that is not flattering to them.

When you get short hair right, it can be a classic powerful look. In fact, short hair may be your look and you don't even know it yet. Women who want a full volumous hair could benefit from a good shortcut. 

There is one hairstyle and shortcut that I've found to be particularly effective and works for the majority of women: The Bob.

What's a bob? You've seen it. Longer hair at the front, back of the head cut shorter usually at an angle, or cut bluntly.

An architectural blunt cut like a bob exudes confidence, structure, certainty and power on a woman.

There is a common saying that a woman that can rock a short hairstyle has a lot of confidence.

This is because many women are not necessarily comfortable with shorter hair. Many women feel like lesser versions of themselves when their hair is cut too short, and that lack of confidence shows!

Much of the time, the insecurity is warranted. About 70% of women I know have the wrong short hair cut for their facial structure. I believe the disconnect comes from women looking to their idols and  celebrities who have pixie cuts or shaggy layered short cuts. Often times these celebrities can pull it off because they're in great shape, they have excellent genetics, sharp well-defined jawlines and cheekbones, features that most women do not share with them.

The Bob is an exception. Women with round faces and long faces alike can benefit from a well-cut bob.White women, black women, women with thick or thin hair, of all hair colours- all look well with the Bob. Do your research and don't be afraid to do this step-by-step if you're nervous. Don't chop all your hair off if you're not sure, but ask your hairdresser to keep the length by the side of your face. The Bob looks so classic because it has the length of longer hair at the front, and a blunt back that looks clean and powerful. 

There's nothing soft about the Bob, until you curl it. The Bob looks fantastic curled-- another brownie point for the haircut. The Bob is versatile and looks great curly, wavy or straight.

Hairstyles I do NOT recommend on just about anyone...

The Pixie cut looks good on very few people.  Most people do not have the angles and cheekbones needed to pull off the Pixie. The Pixie is also known for aging a woman instantly. You can gain 5-10 years on top of your age with a Pixie. Younger women, on the other hand, can get the style to look older or more professional. Emma Watson was applauded for her infamous Pixie cut (left), but even she looks better with the Bob (right).

Left: Cute, alright. Right: Classy, sexy.

Anne Hathaway is another beautiful Pixie who also looks better with a longer hairstyle: the Long Fringe Short Hair style, which is up next, by the way.

Left: Cute, alright. Right: Classy, sexy.

Some Like it Somewhere in Between...

The Long Fringe Short Hair  (LFSH) style is a great option for women who already know they look great in the Bob or who are comfortable enough with short hair.

The key difference between the Long Fringe Short Hair and the Bob is that the Long Fringe Short Hair has all the length and volume concentrated on the top front and crown of the hair. The sides of the head are cut short too, and that may not necessarily look flattering on everyone. If you have nice ears and like to show your neck, the Long Fringe Short Hair is a style that looks crisp, daring and powerful. 

Jules' Experiences

I do not look good with a Pixie. I rock a crisp Bob, but I think I look best with the LFSH. 

The Pixie, the Bob, the LFSH.

I've got good cheekbones but a terrible jawline, depending on weight loss or gain. 

Lesson learned: The Pixie looks dreadful on me.