GUEST POST: 3 Ways to Banish Boring Hair

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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your everyday hairstyle. In today’s guest post, local Portland Hair Stylist Caitlyn Miller (the Stylist mentioned in Sarah C’s guest post a few weeks ago) shares her tips for spicing up your look, so that you never feel bored with your hair again.

For information on how to book an appointment with Caitlyn, see her Bio at the end of this post.
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As a Stylist I talk to people about their hair every day, and the main complaint I get from new clients is that they’re bored with their hair. More often than not I find that minor tweaks as opposed to a full makeover will do the trick. I’ve put together a list of three easy and cost-effective ways to get rid of that “blah” feeling and put some fun back into your locks.

1. Learn a New Style (Or Two).
A lot of clients and friends of mine have great hair, but they only know how to wear it one way. Too often girls get stuck in a rut of reaching for one tool (such as a flat iron) every time they style because they think that’s the only thing that looks good. I recommend broadening your styling knowledge.

One way to learn some new hair-dos is to check out the “How-To” videos on YouTube when you get some free time. I love Bumble and Bumble’s YouTube channel (pictured below). They have some really cute updos that you can do in only a minute or so. There’s also lots of amateur videos you can learn from.

If you have a Hair Stylist that teaches you how to style your hair (which I really hope you do), ask her for some fresh ideas on your next visit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, too. If your Stylist doesn’t currently teach you how to do your hair at home it may be time to ask her to show you how or to find a new stylist altogether. Your Stylist should spend a portion of the service you’re paying her for to teach you rather than gossiping the whole time.

Another way to learn new hairstyles is to just simply play around. Remember when you were young and would sit in front of a mirror with makeup for hours, teaching yourself how to do it? It’s good to do that with hair, too. Practice makes perfect, after all! Find a few photos of styles you like and copy them.

2. Accessorize!

We all have those days the alarm clock goes off too late and we’re forced to rock a ponytail or bun. But those days don’t have to be grungy days! Fun headbands or clips are great ways to dress up a boring ponytail or bun.

I’m loving the wood clips Carolina Herrera used in her New York Fashion Week runway show (pictured above). Try gathering your hair into a low ponytail and securing it with a similar clip. It’ll keep your hair out of your face in a very chic way.

Spring is coming, so why not add a fun flower? Tuck your hair behind one ear and secure a bright flower in your hair directly behind your ear.

I’ve always been a fan of headbands, especially vintage-inspired or feathered ones. They’re great to wear with solid-colored dresses. I love these Forever 21 headbands, which cost around $8:

3. Try a Subtle Color Change.

Bored with your color but not wanting to part with your natural hue? Ask your stylist for a few highlights or lowlights. If you don’t want to have to maintain the color, just ask her not to color any hair on the canopy (the hair that lies over the rest of the hair) and to do diffused foils.

If you feel like you need more than just a few pieces brightened up, try a topcoat (a clear gloss with a little bit of semi-permanent color) to warm up your tresses. The color will gradually fade out with shampooing so you won’t have to worry about a grow-out line, and the gloss will help keep your ends smooth and prevent breakage.

If either of these ideas still seems too permanent for you, invest in clip-in color piece. Balmain has fun colors that clip into your bangs. They’re great for when you want to add a pop of color for going out, but not permanent so you don’t have to worry about what your boss will think.

Every girl gets bored with her hair at times, even stylists! The key is to try new things. Spring is the perfect time to try some fun new styles.

Caitlyn Miller

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Caitlyn Miller is a Hair Stylist at Au Salon on NW 23rd in Portland, Oregon. With a Cosmetology degree from Mt. Hood Community College, Caitlyn has always been passionate about making people look and feel beautiful. Drawn to vintage styles, much of Caitlyn’s inspiration comes from them. Her hobbies include thrift store shopping because she loves owning pieces that no one else has. And her favorite item she owns is a bright yellow Coach handbag.

If you’re looking for a new hair stylist in Portland, call Au Salon at (503) 228-8363 to schedule an appointment with Caitlyn.