If you’re a so-called “bottle blonde,” and have to resort to salon services to maintain your lightened locks, you know that being blonde is not only expensive AF, but it’s also just downright hard. Before taking a deep dive into our comprehensive blonde hair color guide informed by Los Angeles based colorist (and bona fide blonde guru) Linet K, let’s first address some of the potential reasons for why we oftentimes find ourselves leaving the salon dissatisfied (and sometimes straight-up horrified) with the end result. The most common reason for leaving the salon in a state of distress is that your expectations simply weren’t realistic and/or weren’t matched with your budget, the condition of your hair, your natural color’s aptitude to lift (lighten), or the time limit you’d allotted for the service.

If you’ve ever tried to go from a brunette (or worse, redhead) to blonde with only one salon session, you’ve probably been told that this transformation is virtually impossible to undergo within one day if you plan on actually leaving with some hair left on your head. Of course, aside from consulting with your colorist about possibilities and options, it’s also possible you weren’t specific enough in communicating your hair goals or simply didn’t even know what you wanted (all you knew is that it wasn’t what you left with).

Even if you have the most amazing colorist in your city and bring in the most illustrative inspiration pics the margin of “error,” walking out of the salon with the exact shade, undertone and effect you dreamed of us is unlikely without the right vocabulary.  Not only is there a highly nuanced shade palette when it comes to a vast range of different hues under the broad “blonde” umbrella, but there is also a slew of different tones (ash, neutral, golden, icy…and the list goes on). There’s also a ton of different blonding techniques that will each give you a different look.

On top of this, colorists and hairstylists seem to have adopted their own language choc-full of mystifying terms and descriptives, and if you don’t know the jargon, you may be at a disadvantage when you’re trying to distinguish whether you’re coveting dimension, a smudged root, or blended babylights, or whether you’re looking for a “bronde,” baby blonde or champagne-hued accent highlights. “The best thing to do is to take in photos of what you like because your interpretation or understanding of cool, neutral, and platinum are not the same or someone else’s understanding of those terms,” Linet advises.

Balayage, babylights and partial highlights offer the most natural-looking blonde requiring less maintenance and offering a more forgiving grow-up process, while bleach and tones give an all-over blonde (often platinum-white) but you’ll have to be religious about root touch-ups every 3-4 weeks to avoid stark lines of demarcation. “Balayage lasts for between 3-6 months, whereas highlights need a touch up every 4-6 weeks, so you can save money with a balayage with more infrequent salon visits,” she says.

According to Linet, it’s also important to factor in the condition of your hair, if you have a ton of breakage from previous bleach jobs or excessive heat styling, a bleach and tone or platinum highlights, aren’t ideal. “Balayage [tend to be] the least damaging because the bleach doesn’t go all the way up to the root, and there are fewer pieces of hair bleached compared to highlights or babylights,” she says. Regardless of which technique and tone you decide, ensuring you protect the integrity of your hair (another popular salon term, I’ve heard numerous times), selecting the right products to maintain your hair’s health and keep your locks bright and brass-free is essential.

The two products she recommends to her blonde clients? A good bond-builder and violet-hued shampoo. “Olaplex will keep the hair strong and healthy! Purple shampoo only once a week to keep it bright, otherwise, it will start looking grey,” she suggests. See below for some of our favorite blonde looks and find out exactly how to ask for them.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Sally Beauty is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Icy Platinum Bleach & Tone

A bleach and tone service involves the process of applying bleach in section to the entire head to a pale yellow or white level and then applying a toner to get the desired undertone. This icy (white, cool-toned cast) is achieved by using a purple or ash-toned glaze over pre-lightened locks. As mentioned, bleach and tone blondes should expect a high-maintenance and expensive salon routine because root regrowth looks stark compared to sectional highlights, hand-painted balayage, or super blended babylights.

Courtesy of Color Lux.

Color Lux Cleansing Conditioner

Using a color-depositing conditioner formulated for platinum blondes will help keep your hair fresher for an extended amount of time. Color Lux’s Cleansing Conditioner in the platinum will help counteract unwanted warmth and keep brass at bay in between your salon appointments.

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Butter Blonde Highlights With Smudged Root

Butter blonde tones are universally flattering on a wide range of skin tones, and they require much less upkeep with maintaining the tone than ash, ice, platinum, and cooler-toned hues. She also appears to have what’s called a smudged root: a process that involves the colorist adding a glaze or demi-permanent gloss darker than the blonde color applied over your roots to soften any harsh lines from your highlights and to help make the grow-out look a bit more natural for those who prefer to only visit the salon for touch-ups a couple of times a year.

Courtesy of GemLites.

ColorLites Color-Depositing Shampoo

This pigmented color-depositing shampoo comes in a variety of hue-enhancing shades, including options for white platinums, golden highlights, and beige blondes. The shade “sandstone” is perfect for maintaining buttery blonde shades.

Buy: GemLites Color-Depositing Shampoo $35

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Mushroom Blonde Color Melt

Mushroom blonde is probably one of the biggest hair color trends swirling about this summer, and for good reason. The ash-based hue is a combination of grayish-brown and neutral blonde, infused with highlights and low-lights in a myriad of different shades and tones for an ultra-natural look that still delivers ample dimension and character. The color melt technique is a popular way to nail this look because it concentrates on lighter shades at the bottom of the hair with a gradient effect from the root to strands. It’s one of the most fuss-free hair services you can choose from, and it complements the multifaceted ‘shroom shades beautifully.

Courtesy of Fanola.

Fanola No Yellow Shampoo

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this violet-tinged shampoo is the ultimate brass-blocker I’ve found. Colorists swear by it — even to use in place of an actual toner. It’s that good. This formula will help keep the mushroom tones nice and ashy and will counteract brass.

Buy: Fanola No Yellow Shampoo $24.99

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Golden Blonde Babylights

Babylights are one of the go-to highlighting methods used on clients looking for a super-natural looking blonde that mimics the enviable soft dimension you’ll see on naturally blonde tresses of children (most people lose this lustrous effect with age). This method offers a super-subtle look and tends to grow out beautifully depending on how light you go.

Courtesy of FEKKAI.

FEKKAI Baby Blonde Shampoo

This blonde-enhancing shampoo helps keep golden locks looking shiny and vibrant, but isn’t as pigmented as other purple-toned shampoos, so it won’t leave your locks looking ashy or silvery.

Buy: Fekkai Baby Blonde Shampoo $19.99

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Silver Blonde Bleach & Tone

Another bleach and tone example, this striking blonde has been bleached to a pale yellow and toned with an ash or silver toner to create a grayish hue. If you choose to rock this look, prepare for some serious commitment when it comes to your maintenance routine. We advise investing in silver or violet-hued shampoo to maintain the brilliance and counteract brass (especially if your natural hair color is darker) in between salon visits.

Courtesy of Luesta.

Luesta Hair Brightening Mask

This two-in-one hair mask delivers anti-brass powers to keep yellow tones at bay, while also conditioning the hair to reverse breakage and bleach damage.

Buy: Luesta Hair Brightening Mask $26.90

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Ash Blonde With Platinum Accent “Money Piece” Highlights

This ash-blonde look is accented with a touch of face-framing highlights positioned strategically around the face for a sun-kissed effect. I’ve also heard these accent or face frame highlights referred to as “pops,” money pieces, crown highlights, and frosted tip highlights in salons.

Courtesy of Kerastase.

Kérastase Blond Absolu CicaFlash Conditioner

This fortifying hair treatment will keep your brighter pieces healthy, strong, and hydrated while also boosting their brightness when your in-between visits to your colorist. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid fills, which work to help repair damage and prevent further breakage.

Buy: Kerastase Blond Absolu $49.99

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Honey Blonde Balayage

Giselle’s signature beachy highlights look effortless and sexy — and they’re actually just as low-key when it comes to maintenance and grow-out as they seem. Balayage is a process of highlighting that (usually) favor the hand-painting technique for placement rather than foils for a more natural look. Balayage often has a rootier look, without being full-on ombre.

Courtesy of CHI.

CHI Ionic Illuminate Golden Blonde Conditioner

Keep your golden strands bright and healthy with this subtle color-depositing conditioner, which also doubles as a bond builder for repairing and restricting damage.

Buy: CHI Golden Blonde Conditioner $15.04

Courtesy of ImaxTree.

Bronde With Ribbon Highlights

Bronde (you guessed it, a slightly blonder brunette shade) is a great option for those on a budget or those who don’t want to fuss with frequent salon appointments to deal with roots. It adds just a touch of dimension and brightness to your natural (or color-treated) hue without a huge investment or commitment. This bronde shade has a pop of blonde with cascading, ultra-thin “ribbon highlights” position around the entire head (as opposed to accent highlights) where the sun would naturally hit.

Courtesy of DP Hue.

DP Hue Gloss+ in Dark Blonde

This color-refreshing gloss gives the perfect pick-me-up to keep warm bronde hues fresh. This low-maintenance look requires little upkeep, but adding a gloss like DP Hue’s will help you push back frequent visits to the salon.

Buy: DP Hue Color Gloss $35

I have always been an active person – I love tennis, yoga, walking and biking. But then the age-related injuries and aches and pains made themselves manifest in my body. Tennis was over and, suddenly, I found myself crying in yoga class. “Hey!” I said to myself. “Yoga’s not supposed to make you cry!”

You Have to Accept Your Body

This required me to figure out a new strategy for fitness given my new difficulty in walking (a tightened adductor muscle) and searing nerve pain down my arm (years of tennis).

Then, on top of all this, I had the misfortune of contracting chikungunya from a mosquito bite. It happened back when I lived in the tropics – Merida, Mexico to be exact. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne, dengue-related disease that affects the joints and muscles. As in: it causes tremendous joint pain and muscle pain.

I could barely stand up and, when I did, I hobbled. I couldn’t open a jar of mayonnaise or screw off the top of the ketchup bottle.

There is no medication for Chik V, as it’s called. Ibuprofen is prohibited. You have to just tough it out. So I was bedridden – or couch ridden – for three months. I entered in a period of great acceptance and meditation.

I Had to Do Something!

Five months later, I asked myself how was I going to begin exercising again. I couldn’t even face yoga. I needed to do something to prepare my body so that I could practice yoga again.

How I Discovered the Amazing Benefits of Pilates

Pilates (pii-lah-tees) was developed by Joseph Pilates in 1934 as a rehabilitation method for wounded soldiers. That right there tells you it is gentle and sensitive to the myriads of different “issues” a body might have. It’s about adapting the movements for each person’s body.

There are two forms of Pilates. Floor Pilates, which are movements done on a floor mat, and there is apparatus Pilates, consisting of a variety of different machines. I use the apparatus method, specifically, the Pilates Reformer and the Gyrotonic.

My first day of exercise in 6 months was on the Gyrotonic (recommended for me to start with) and I was petrified. I lay down on the Gyrotonic platform and the instructor placed the straps on my feet. I was told to gently move my feet as if I were swimming, a flutter kick.

It felt marvelous! Because I was attached to pullies and springs, my feet were supported, and the movement felt like a relief. It was one big gift to my body.

When my first Pilates session ended, I knew I would get my body back. Suddenly, I felt like exercising again. I love feeling good and Pilates made me feel good.

I wasn’t sweating. I was invigorated. I felt refreshed, positive and thrilled.

Pilates is super gentle. It promotes alignment, breathing, core strength, coordination and balance. There is no stress on the joints and no pressure on the muscles. It focuses on concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing. This is not a competition sport. YOU are the star in Pilates, no matter what your fitness level.

Now, I’m moving again. I started Pilates twice a week and I now go three times a week. I’ve started walking in the stadiums a few evenings a week and I’ll begin my yoga practice in the near future. I’m buying a new bicycle too!

Invest in Your Body

Pilates is not inexpensive. The prices will vary, depending on where you live. No matter what, you want to go to a center with the equipment and certified instructors for either group or private classes.

In my Pilates center, for example, there is a room with 12 Reformer machines and one instructor. You get on your machine and follow the instructions of the coach, who modifies exercises for each student depending on her ability.

I believe you must invest in your body if you want to have an active life in your later years. Even if you can only do Pilates for short period, try it! It can get your body into shape for pursuing other sports or activities. It is money well spent. Stand tall and breathe. Love your body. It’s the only one you’ve got.

Have you experienced the benefits of Pilates? What did you think of it? Do you have any other recommendations of routines or sports or methods that can help us own our bodies again? Please join the conversation.

While the world was watching Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunite in Miami and then back home in Los Angeles, I was busy drooling over Lopez’s latest makeup look. Maybe she’s feeling herself in her (old) new relationship, as one does, or maybe it’s for work. But JLo’s smoky eye is the perfect throwback ’90s beauty look I’m about to copy STAT.

Lopez posted a slideshow to Instagram showing cute snaps of her hanging with her kids. In the first photo, Lopez is pursing her lips for the camera while her son plays video games in the background. (What mom can’t relate to that?!) There’s obviously a filter on the photo so it’s hard to get a good look at the exact colors but it seems to be a brown and taupe smoky eye with black liner, lashes and her classic light pink lip.

It’s giving off total Jenny from the Block vibes.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

The classic eye look works for any occasion, though it seems a little glam for just hanging at home. Though, this is Jennifer Lopez we’re talking about here. You can get a similar look with the Milani Soft & Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($29.99 at Amazon) and Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette, The Nudes ($8.99 at Amazon). Plus, you’re going to need some eyeliner like Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil ($3.81 at Amazon) and mascara like Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara ($8.98 at Amazon).

Now you’re on your way to slaying a cool-toned smoky eye like JLo. Just maybe don’t get back together with your ex, too.

Kristin Cavallari’s Beige Striped Cropped Pants on Instagram

Kristin Cavallari Instagram Fashion 2021

While Kristin Cavallari’s (*insert expletive adjective here*) ex is rumoured to be coming for half of her Uncommon James business in their divorce, we’re coming for her beige striped cropped pants on Instagram. And if you want to as well, you should definitely scroll on down below now in order to claim one-hundred-percent ownership of them asap.  

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her L’Agence Pants

Click Here For Additional Stock

Click Here to Shop the Uncommon James Summer 2021 Collection

Photos: @KristinCavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Beige Striped Cropped Pants

Dressing up in your 60s isn’t always easy, and there may be some things that are holding you back. Be it comfort, style, the season, your shoes, or your accessories, these factors can greatly affect how you style yourself every day.

Body issues are another typical problem that a woman in her 60s or beyond might find herself dealing with. Of course, it’s good to embrace the changes as we age, but it wouldn’t be unheard of if you want to subtly address certain areas affected by aging.

With a few well-chosen pieces and a little bit of creativity, you can dress fabulously and feel great at the same time. Especially if you’re searching for classic and elegant looks that you can wear no matter the occasion, look no further. Here are some fashion staples that you can consider investing in on your next shopping trip.

Straight-Cut Printed Dress

A straight-cut and colorful printed dress is nice to have in your closet. Choose a soft and comfortable material, so you can wear the dress in hot and cold weather.

Make sure that it’s not too tight and not too loose, especially in your tummy area. The pop of color serves as the highlight, but it’s a let-down if the dress is not well-constructed and the tummy area becomes the focus instead.

Leopard Print Swing Dress

The leopard print never goes out of style. It’s a classic like the little black dress and should also be a staple in your closet. It goes well with all skin tones and can be a casual or formal piece depending on how you style it.

What could be better than a leopard print dress? It’s the leopard print swing dress! This 1950s classic is the perfect cut and shape to accentuate your shoulders and figure but hide certain areas such as the waist.

Bonus tip: Wear this dress with a belt to highlight your figure and keep the entire ensemble together.

Another style that looks good on most figures is the wrap dress.

Choose an animal print wrap dress that you can wear casual during the day and dress up in the evening.

Little Black Midi Dress

You can never go wrong with a little black dress. It can be worn on any occasion, whether formal or informal, depending on how you style it. But if you want to hide areas such as the knees, choose a midi dress.

See if you’re comfortable about the length and choose the right kind of shoes for an even more flattering look. Pointed shoes can help streamline your lower body. But rules can be broken, and you can wear shoes you’re comfortable with as long as they help elongate your silhouette.

It’s worth investing in a good quality little black dress with a timeless shape. You will have it for many years to come.

Classic Blazer

A well-constructed blazer is another nice piece of investment because it is versatile and can upgrade your everyday look. It can transform a playful dress into a more formal one. With the right fit, it can accentuate your figure and even hide areas that you’re not comfortable showing.

Go for classic prints or neutral and basic colors, so you can use your blazer over any colorful printed dress.

What’s your take on everyday classic and elegant looks? What clothes can you wear almost every day that make you feel good and confident? Share your thoughts below!