Its been a while since I’ve posted anything in the Locks and Ringlets category. Surprising, I know, since I’m in a salon every day.

With Spring–and therefore transformation–just around the corner, I wanted to highlight some up and coming trends. Though not entirely new, they’re a new way of doing something we already love.

First off, casual looks. You’ll see styles that are less polished and perfected move more and more to something a little more loose and relaxed. Think boho/hippie chic type looks. You will not hear this happy bed-head complain. More natural means less time spent getting ready in the morning. Maybe now I can go back to the way I was wearing my hair before I went back to the professional world.

Taylor Swift / Jessica Biel

The next trend to look to change is ombre. No, it won’t be disappearing anytime soon, rather transforming. Instead of having all of the ends lightened, you’ll see ombre highlights. What was already a subtle yet striking look is becoming more subtle. My favorite part is the low maintenance of the style. This is a great style for someone looking for something a little different but little upkeep. Plus, its not too drastic.

Miley Cyrus / Jessica Biel

If you were hoping for something a little more dramatic and eye catching, I have another color trend up my sleeve for you: dip dye. You can make it as bold as you like.

dip dye

As for formal styles though, things will have a more polished retro feel. We’ll be moving away from the messy, undone looks–which hurts my unkempt heart–and more towards clean and traditional. Think beehives and twists, as well has down with soft waves. Perhaps finger waves? Me next!! Traditional elegance is very much in.

Julianne Moore / Jessica Chastain / Right

 Since I generally start adding some highlights this time of year anyway, I think I’ll be trying the ombre highlights really soon. I’m already wearing the messy waves. That’s just what I needed: an excuse for unkemptness in the salon. Messy hair equals happy hair, if you ask me. But I do love the polished look of Jessica Chastain’s red locks.

Which look will you be seen in first? There appears to be a little something in there for everyone. Will you be changing things up?

After attempting to grow my hair out for the past 6.5 years, I think I can finally say I’m there. Not to my goal length, but definitely past that middle, in-between, stage that no one can stand. I’m not so jealous and tempted by every whimsically cropped cut I see.

One of the things on my bucket list, though, is to cut my hair off again, one day, without regretting the decision {as I always do}.  I figure if I haven’t by my thirtieth birthday, that will be the time to do. Don’t hold me to it, though. I’ve been burned a few times by bad haircuts. Well, not so much that the cut it self was bad, just bad for this face.

I’ve been seeing a lot of adorable do’s lately, though. I’ve felt the yearn, but not quite the urge. Does that make sense? So, I thought I’d try to relieve some of the hunger with a post featuring my latest favorite short cuts.

I’m not sure which one I could pull off best, but I’m guessing the middle one.

What about you? Are you a long or short hair kind of gal? Or guy?? If you are/were a short hair kind of person, which one of these would you choose?

My favorite {and most faithful} hair client visited the other day.  My little sister, Ariel, has always had long hair.  She’s never been allowed to cut it more than the occasional trim.  The shortest it has ever been was still about half way down her back.

But then she grew up, moved out, and got married.  So before she even got all the way home from her honeymoon, she stopped in to change that.

We colored over all of her blond streaks and added some violet to the very front.  These photos {not the subject} are terrible, and I apologize.  The sun was going down and we were using her phone camera.  The purple really shows up more than it appears, here.

Her hair is so soft and healthy after getting rid of all that baggage she’s been carrying around for years.  She looks like a whole new woman ready to start this new life with her husband.

This is the first time in almost 20 years that my hair is longer than hers.  It was just such a huge change, I couldn’t not share it.

Hey, there, darlin!  I’ve been trying out a new brand of shampoo and conditioner.  I have seen the brand before and was a bit curious.  The last time I was at Sally’s for some nail polish, I decided to see what was on sale.  We were low on shampoo and conditioner anyway, and I don’t mind some of Sally’s brands.

Hey, sweet cheeks!  Ready to wrap up this Spring Hair series?

Now that we have our hair healthy, shiny and fabulously colored, let’s style it!  I’ve put together a pretty good collection of fun and easy styles for you to try out.  There should be a little something for everyone in this list.  Not really one to put a lot of time into such tasks?  Girl, this is the season for you.

This Spring, lets put the “natural” back into “naturally pretty.”

Are you one of those girls that tends to throw the hair up in a ponytail all the time?  Well, boy, do I have great news for you.  Ponytails are so in this season.  But these aren’t just regular ponytails; these ponies are packing some kick.

1. FunkyHead 2. MSN Living 3. Blog Wonders 4. Beautylish 5. Handbag

Something else to add to your styling bag would be a big round brush, because, baby, big is in.  Grab your favorite root booster and get to lifting.

1. All You 2. Stells and Co. 3. 2012 Hairstyles 4. Cosmopolitan 

Much like last year, braids and twists are still coming on hard.  Everyone is really starting to get creative with this one, but you won’t hear me complaining.  I think my hair spend most of last Summer braided, so I can’t wait to get my hands on these.  And, as it seems, the messier, the better.

1. Shine.Yahoo  2. Daily Makeover  3. Tip Top Tens  4. My Yellow Sandbox  5. A Beautiful Mess

Last, but not least, wave.  Don’t feel like messing with the flat iron?  Good!!  Don’t!  The health and appearance of your hair just might thank you for it.  Don’t fear the au naturale look.  So your hair isn’t really curly, but not quite straight?  That’s perfect.  Just add a smoothing/shine serum and go.

1. All Womens Talk 2. Hairstyles Design 3. Naturally Curly 4. Makeup By Selina

Now, how do you feel about styling your hair?  A little less intimidated, hopefully, and maybe even a little excited.

Do you have a favorite on the list?  Which hair style are you most excited to try?

Afternoon, Darlin’.  Now that your hair’s health is under control and trimmed, lets take a look at some hair color trends for this season.

Up first, my favorite: streaks of color.  Its something that can be customized to fit any style and taste.  You can go heavy or light, bright or subtle.  This is one I definitely think I want to try soon.  What I love about this one is that, as long as your hair is light, you can use temporary.  Temporary is damage free and washes away.  I’m thinking purple.

The Beauty Department
Hair Love by Haarrtek
RUNWAYCRAZY

Another trend we’re still seeing is the sun kissed ends.  If you’ve never colored your hair {or at least in several, several months}, you may notice that your hair is slightly lighter toward the ends that the new growth {root}, because of sun exposure.  This is now a look that is being done on purpose.  It even has its own name: ombre.  Its a very natural, pretty look when done subtly, and a fun, dramatic one when drastic.

Easy Curls
Style Corner
Girly Do Hairstyles

The observation I’m coming away with, though, is that people are becoming less and less intimidated by color.  I’m thrilled about that!  These are just two more subtle examples of the trends.  If you like more extreme looks, you should try bold colors.  And if you can’t decide which one, throw them both in there.  Whether its blonde and red or blue and green, blending two and three different hues in there can add my depth and pow to your hairstyle.

After all this bright inspiration, I can’t decide what I want to do!  This is a style I wore a couple years ago which would have been perfect for this season!  I suppose I’ll just settle with some highlights and maybe a splash of purple in there some there, sometime.  I love the ombre look, but it seems to work best on longer hair, which I’m not quite to, yet.

Do you have any plans of brightening your shade for the changing seasons?  Highlights?  A new shade?  Or maybe just a new cut?  How are your changing up your hair?

Hey there, darlin’!  Its been a mighty long time since there’s been a Locks & Ringlets post.  Is your hair missing the love?  Let’s take a minute to show them locks a little TLC, shall we?

Spring is just around the corner and its time for some sprucing, wouldn’t you say?

I’ve put together a short series to help you whip things in shape.  For today, I have just three words for you: moisturize, clarify and protect.  Ok one more: chop.

At the top of the list is moisturize.  As we all know, winter is the dry season.  The hair lacks humidity, in the winter, and the windy days just make it worse.  We also know that with warm weather comes sun and swimming.  All of these things wreak havoc on your hair.

To prepare your hair for the coming seasons {and mend the past}, I suggest grabbing a good conditioner.  A moisturizing conditioner, if you have regular to dry hair, or a moisturizing shampoo, if you have more oily hair.  Also, another good idea would be to invest in a deep conditioner to use a couple times a month and maybe a leave in.

Number two: clarify.  With the regular use of products and the prospect of more time outside {pollution}, your hair collects build  up quickly.  Kind of like plaque and not brushing your teeth.  The color isn’t so nice and the shine–what shine?  I suggest using a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month {depending on how much product you use}.  This will lighten your hair {giving it more bounce} and thoroughly clean it {shiny?}.

Next, its time to get a hair cut.  I know how you are.  Putting off haircuts for months at a time.  Shame on you {I look in the mirror while I say this, too}.  I understand, though: money is tight, where is the time and you’re growing it out.  I know, I know.  But really, this time.   You need to get rid of those dry split ends before they split all the way up the hair shaft.If you want your locks lookin’ lovely, you need to do it.  Even if its only a half inch.

And last, but not least: protect.  We should already be doing this if we use any sort of heat on our hair.  Also, like I was saying earlier: warmer weather means more time outside.  We wear sunscreen to protect our skin and we actually need to do the same for our hair.  The outside world can cause both damage and color fade.  But the good news is there are tons of products out there to help.  My favorite is Joico K-Pak Protect & Shine Serum.

And that wraps this list up.  Stick around for more Spring hair talk.  I’ll be writing about trending styles and color, as well.

In order to keep up, I invite you to subscribe to Fuzzy Little Wishballs.  There’s a little box under my photo to the right that asks for your email.  I promise not to spam or sell your email.  *pinky promise*

Notice the random mix of items in the title.  Allow me to ramble a bit, won’t you?

Today, I heard, is National Bagel day.  Since I’ve been on such a bagel kick, lately {I mean that’s all I’ve want for breakfast}, I have been more than happy to oblige.  We were out, so a trip to Panera was in order.

I celebrated the day with a most delicious asiago bagel, topped with regular cream cheese {another favorite}, with coffee on the side.  Blonde roast, to be exact.  Its ok.

This is a photo moment I just wanted to share.  Lilie was painting–err polishing {because I’m a professional}– her nails last night.  However, the task at hand wasn’t really what I was even focusing on.  Check out those curls.  Au naturel.  No product and no curling iron.

Though her curls are some times a pain to tame, I adore them.  They visually make Lilie who she is {plus her big blues}.  Any time I have ever straightened her hair for her, everyone throws a fit and says “It doesn’t even look like ‘Lilie,’”  Everyone knows her as the brave, sweet, creative, outgoing, fun loving, little curly head.  Its just not the same when the curls are subtracted from the equation.

Two more randoms, and I’m finished.

Inspiration.  Change of scenery.  I get a lot of my inspiration from what’s around me.  I also get a lot of it from what I read.  An enormous amount, actually.  But when school’s in session, I don’t have as much time for leisure books {I’ve been reading Pride & Prejudice for a month and I’m dying to finish it}.  Instead, I keep up with blogs.  That’s my leisure reading.

As I am inspired by what I see and read, I’ve noticed my own blog becoming more and more like those blogs.  Why?!  That style of blogging isn’t even my aim.  Its not me!  And isn’t that exactly what this blog is supposed to be?  A reflection of me?

Well, I’m working on that.  I’m going through my blog feed and cleaning up.  Getting rid of some guilty pleasures and adding in some more design and intellectual type bloggers instead.  Still light and easy, though.  After all, I did call is ‘leisure’ reading.

And finally.  Long underwear. {click image to go to source}

I’m so over the cold weather and the layers and trying to decide what to wear and barely being able to move and yes, I know this is a crazy run on sentence and I just wanted to add a few more words to make it even worse; go big or go home, right?

Back to long underwear.  They’re definitely no sun dress, but they’re so comfy and light, I want to wear them all the time.  Is that allowed?  Is their a fashionable way to wear them outside the house?  I mean without all the layers?

No, really.  That’s not a rhetorical question.  I really do want your suggestions!  There must be a way!

Last week us girls had a slumber party.  Makeovers and up all night talking included.  Friday was crazy head day for Lilie and Frankie, at school.  So, Thursday night, Laura {Frankie’s mom} had us over for a sleep over.  It was much needed and a blast.

The girls ran around and played until past their bed time.  We put on The Labrynth and used some temporary hair color I had lying around to put streaks in their hair.

After we finally got the girls down, we broke out the tomato juice and accidently stayed up talking until 5:30a.m.  We most definitely were regretting that decision the next morning.  Thank goodness the roads were covered with snow and ice and schools were on a one hour delay.

These two girls did not disappoint when it came to the crazy hair and makeup.  The other kids were talking as soon as they walked in the room.  They loved it and had a blast.

I love these fun school activities.  I love being a parent.  She brings so much joy and life into my…uh…life.

Hey there!  I want to take a quick second to thank you all so much for sticking around while I’m so in and out.  School has me busy and the fact that I’ve had to take on another blog just makes it worse.  Don’t even ask how I’m doing on that one.  I’m actually thankful I don’t have any followers over there, yet.

Oh, the pressure.

I’ve noticed its been a while since I’ve done a Locks and Ringlets post.  I don’t mean to leave you hanging, so I’m working on that.

I had a question from a reader that I’m sure others would find help as well.  She recently had her super long hair wacked.  Cut.  Gone.  Feeling refreshed and new, she loves the new cut.  But its been a couple months, now, and she’s running out of styling ideas.  What’s a girl to do?

Wishballs to the rescue!

{source: updosforshorthair.org via Meghann on Pinterest}

{Source: TheSmallThingsBlog.com via Meghann via Pinterest}

{Source: CuteGirlsHairstyles.com via Meghann via Pinterest}

Don’t find any ideas you love here?  Or maybe they just look more complicated than you want to get into.  Here’s another suggestion I’ve turned many a times whilst in the mist of growing out a short cut.  I quickly {and rather carelessly} run a curling iron through my hair just to give its some body and a little curl on the ends.  Then, I grab a handful of bobby pins and just start pinning.  I twist, bunch, wad and mess all the while, throwing pins in to hold it.

Completely effortless, completely put together.  This easy, messy up-style always gets compliments.  I’d create my own little tutorial for you, alas, I’m too chicken to cut my hair off again. Buuut…. I did find one that kind of follows the same idea.  Watch this!

I hope this helps!
p.s.  Have a hair question of your own?  Check out my Facebook page and ask your questions there!