A Six Year Milestone at Grotto Hair Studio

Grotto Hair Studio is celebrating 6 years of business this week! It’s so hard to believe that 6 years can fly by so quickly! It’s because of our wonderful clients that we are able to celebrate this milestone! As always, we, at Grotto Hair Studio, remain a cut above the rest, placing great value in customer satisfaction, while investing in furthering our stylists’ knowledge and education.

Grotto Hair Studio thanks their clients for the past 6 years of successful business!

Face Flattering Hairstyles: Part 7 – The Diamond Face Shape

This is the last of the face shapes to be discussed on “Behind the Chair.” And we have saved the most unique for last – the diamond face shape. The diamond face shape is actually the least common of all face shapes, however, the features of a diamond face shape are quite striking. When played up properly, the emphasis of the prominent cheekbones is quite appealing.

Those with diamond face shapes will notice that their faces are widest at the cheekbones and narrow at both the chin and forehead. Because of the narrow width in the forehead and chin, the diamond face shape can appear quite long. The main style aims for someone with a diamond face shape are:

– Create the illusion of a broader chin and forehead to balance out the width of the cheekbones.
– Shorten the length of the face.

Who are some familiar faces who share this face shape? Try Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Felicity Huffman, and Christy Turlington.

Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when addressing the proper hairstyle for a diamond shaped face:

1) A good rule of thumb when styling a diamond face shape is to be sure to add width to the style, rather than height. Extra volume at the crown of the head will cause a diamond face to appear too long. That being said, the volume in the style should always appear BELOW the cheekbones so as not to create unwanted width at the widest area of the face.

Here is an example of unwanted volume for a diamond shaped face:

This is a perfect example of how NOT to style hair for a diamond face shape. Thankfully, Jennifer Lopez has updated her look. Not only is this look out of date, it also has excessive volume which draws attention to the widest portion of her face – the cheekbones. As well, her bangs being pulled back add unwanted volume at the crown while emphasizing her narrow forehead.

This, rather, is a much more flattering style for Lopez:

While this style is much more current on Jennifer, it is also much more flattering for her facial features. Here, the side-swept bangs make her narrow forehead appear wider. As well, the volume of her hair is kept to the sides in soft waves falling below her cheekbones. Notice that there is no unwanted volume at the crown of her head, preventing her face from looking longer.

2) As mentioned in the above caption, the fringe area (bangs) should sweep to the side, or even be worn straight across, as this gives the appearance of the forehead being wider than it really is. As well, wearing the fringe in such a fashion will shorten the length of the face.

3) Avoid centre parts. An off-center part is more flattering simply because a centre part will make the face appear longer.

4) Super short hairstyles should be avoided, as this will exaggerate the diamond shape of the face.

Here are two depictions of how not to and how to wear short hair with a diamond face shape:

We love how daring Rihanna is with her style, however, this style does not flatter her face shape. Notice how the extra volume at her crown and exposed forehead cause her face to appear longer than it really is.

While we aren’t nuts about this hair colour on Rihanna, the hair cut itself is much more complimentary to her facial features. Gone is the volume that added extra height to her already long face. As well, the long side-swept bang adds width to her forehead while shortening her face. We also love how the one side of her hair is tucked to expose her beautiful cheekbone structure.

Well, this is it for the flattering hairstyles for face shapes series! We hope that you’ve enjoyed following along, and hopefully, you have learned a little bit about your own face shape and the styles that complement! Now, you should be able to approach your next hair appointment with more confidence and direction! If in doubt, remember to ask your stylist as they are trained professionals who can aid you in making style decisions.

And remember – hang around! We’ve got so much more to discuss here “Behind the Chair!”

Face Flattering Hairstyles: Part 6 – The Triangular Face Shape

Today, one of the final face shapes we plan on discussing is the triangular face shape, also commonly known as the pear shape. A triangular face is identified by a narrow forehead and cheekbones, with a wider jaw line. As with any face shape, there are pros and cons that your hair should highlight and also minimize. With a triangular face shape, the top portion of the face is out of proportion with the bottom portion of the face, making the jaw line appear bottom-heavy. However, those with triangular face shapes have a beautifully strong jaw line, meaning there is no need to worry about weak or non-existent chins. Celebrities who also share similar facial attributes are Kathy Ireland, Nicole Appleton, Martine McCutcheon, and Victoria Beckham.

Below are some suggested guidelines when styling a triangular face shape:

1) The most suitable hairstyles is one that draws attention to the upper half of the face while softening the line of the jaw. Try styles that have more fullness at the forehead and temples, which then gradually gets narrower at the chin. Providing fullness at the forehead and temples will balance out the width of a heavier chin. To open up the cheekbones and forehead, simply tuck the hair behind the ear.

Here, Martine McCutcheon shows how side-swept bangs and volume at the temples balances out her strong jaw line. As well, her hair is tapered and smooth at the ends, not adding unwanted width to the jaw line.

2) Steer clear of very blunt lines that will emphasize the width of the jaw line, such as blunt, heavy bangs. It is better to style bangs in a soft, side-swept fashion, drawing attention to the cheekbones and eyes.

While Kelly usually pulls off daring looks, this is one look she should not have dared to pull. Here, the straight edge of the blunt bangs draws attention to the centre of her face, accentuating the width of her jaw line. Side-swept bangs would have been much more flattering.

3) Ensure that there is plenty of volume through the upper portion of the face. If a short style is desired, this may mean using hot rollers at the crown to provide volume. With medium and longer hair, this will mean back-combing the hair around the temples and cheekbones to provide the illusion of width in order to balance out a bottom heavy face shape.

4) Avoid centre parts, as this will draw attention to the middle of the face, accentuating the wider jaw line.

5) One of the most flattering hairstyles on a triangular face is an asymmetrical bob, which adds balance and proportion to a narrow forehead, wide jaw line and prominent chin. Since the length of this hairstyle is uneven, it causes the eyes to roam around the face, rather than focusing on one specific area.

Victoria’s asymmetrical bob is probably one of the most popular hairstyles, and for good reason. The uneven perimeter of this style forces the eyes to roam around the face, rather than focusing on one specific feature. As well, having her hair trucked on the one side opens up her cheekbones, while the height at the crown of her head provides necessary volume.

Do not be afraid of your triangular face shape. Each face shape is beautiful, with their own areas to minimize while drawing attention to others.

Anne Hathaway’s Many Looks

Let’s talk about Anne Hathaway’s hair! I don’t know if we’ve seen this much dramatic change in any other celebrity this year! Here is the classic Anne we’ve known for the past several years:

 

Anne Hathaway’s long hair

Then, she wowed us all with her pixie style, cut for her role in Les Miserables…which was amazing! Who knew that girl could sing?!

Anne Hathaway’s Pixie Cut

Now, she has once again gone even more daring with her recently lighter locks! That’s right – Anne Hathaway is a blonde pixie! And not looking too shabby! Although, it’s still a toss up as to whether or not I like her better as brunette or a blonde…Tell me, what are your thoughts?

Anne Hathaway as a blonde

Anne Hathaway, styling her new blonde look in a more subdued, subtle fashion.

Does this beautiful summer weather put you in the mood to change up your look and go a little lighter? Tell us what you think!

How to Determine Your Face Shape

Thanks to the popularity of our previous posts on flattering hairstyles according to face shapes, we have been asked to help you determine what your actual face shape is.

ITEMS NEEDED:
– mirror in a well-lit room
– measuring tape
– pen and paper to record measurements

STEPS:
1) First measurement: measure across the top of your cheekbones. Place the measuring tape just past the outer corner of your eye. Carefully, then lay the tape measure in a straight line across the bridge of your nose to the outer corner of the opposite eye. The tape measure will be resting on the “apples” of your cheeks. Read the number and record this measurement.

2) Second measurement: measure the jaw line. Start at one side of your jaw line, near the base of the ear. Run the measuring tape along your jaw line until the middle of your chin. Record this number and multiply it by 2 to get an accurate jaw line measurement.

3) Third measurement: measure your forehead. Place the measuring tape halfway between your eyebrows and your hair line on one side of your forehead and run it across to the other side of your forehead. Write down this measurement.

4) Fourth measurement: measure the length of your face. Starting at the middle of your hairline, run the measuring tape down the centre of your face, over your nose, and to the tip of your chin. Write down this measurement.

WHICH FACE SHAPE ARE YOU?

1) OVAL FACE SHAPE: the length of your face equals one and a half times the width. Check out our hairstyles for oval face shapes here.

2) ROUND FACE SHAPE: your face is as wide as it is long. Close measurements counts, so even if the two measurements aren’t exactly the same, your face would be classified as round. See hairstyles that flatter round face shapes here.

3) OBLONG FACE SHAPE: your face is longer than it is wide. See hairstyles that flatter an oblong face here.

4) HEART FACE SHAPE: your jaw is narrow with wide cheekbones and/or forehead. Another name for a heart-shaped face is an inverted triangle shape. See hairstyles that flatter a heart-shaped face here.

5) SQUARE FACE SHAPE: your face is as wide as it is long with a more angular shape than a round face. See hairstyles that flatter a square face shape here.

6) DIAMOND FACE SHAPE: your face is widest at the cheekbones; your have a narrow forehead and a jaw line of approximately equal width. Stay tuned for hairstyles that suit a diamond face!

7) TRIANGLE FACE SHAPE: your jaw line will be wider, while your forehead will be narrow. Stay tuned for hairstyles that compliment a triangle face shape!

Hopefully these guidelines point you in the right direction, as you stand in front of your mirror, puzzled over what hairstyle should suit your face. Remember to stay posted for further face shape and hairstyle inspirations!

Mad Men, Don Draper and Men’s Trends

Thanks to the popular show Mad Men, we have seen a hair revolution in men’s looks. There is something undeniably attractive about Don Draper, casually drinking in the board room, cigarette in hand, hair parted and slicked back, looking oh-so-put-together in one of his crisp suits. While cigarettes and gin aren’t quite the appropriate accessories for today’s workplace, there is no doubt that the comeback of stylized, iconic hair is an accessory we are more than willing to embrace.

 

Mad Men’s Don Draper.

It’s refreshing to have new looks to try on our men clients. Too often, people are convinced that men’s cuts are mundane and boring. While there is nothing wrong with the more traditional Caesar cut, it’s exciting to see our men clients become more daring and fashion aware! So what are we seeing more of? Think slicked back, side parts, pompadours, and closely clippered sides.

Slick and parted

Below is an example of on our male clients who was willing to model a modern pompadour:

The modern pompadour is making a huge comeback with closely tapered sides and a textured, heavier top.

So, Men, don’t be afraid to go a little daring, a little modern retro, a little Mad…We love it!