Unfortunately I must admit, I cannot take credit at all for this fabulously gorgegous hairstyle. A reader actually sent in this suggeted style some time ago and we only received this one pic meaning…. no back shots! !

I know, I know- disappointing right?  Well, this just means we can use our imagination for what the back of this style actually looked like!  I collected some other back shots of other awesome hairstyles that I believe will allow those of you attemping such a look, to acheive a very similar style to the girl in the original picture.

What do you think of these options?

Getting Started

Step 1: To get started on creating this look for yourself, you will begin with adding lots of luscious curls to your hair to create the romantic, fairytale-like look.  You can either use a thick barrel curling iron for larger curls (will ultimately give you a fuller look) or a smaller barrel curling iron for tighter curls.  Leave-in curlers can also work to help lock in the heat to the hair, keeping them tighter for a lot longer.

Step 2: Next, if you have short bangs, comb them to one side over your forehead (your preference) to create the dramatic swoop.  If you have slightly longer bangs, tuck any loose bangs behind your ear and holding the hair in place by crossing two bobby pins over one another.  

Step 3: To create the small “bump” at the crown of the head, take the small section of hair (just passed where you parted your bangs) and push slightly forward to create volume. Holding the bump in place, use two to four bobby pins cross over the hair to lock it into place.  

Step 4: Creating the remaining half up half down hairstyle take the front two sides of our hair and secure them together at the back of your head in a ponytail or securing the hair in place with a clip.  Using the hair from the ponytail or clip, begin twisting small sections of hair and pin them to your head using circular or “loop” shapes. You can continue to pin as much hair as you want in place until you’ve created your own stunning hairstyle!

Step 5: You can finish off the look with your favorite hair accessory, such as a hair clip, headband, hair jewels or fresh flower which Etsy (my favorite hand-made everything online community) has plenty to choose from!

I highly recommend that any prom-goer or bride-to-be to practice, practice, and practice if you plan on doing this hairstyle at home. If you prefer to leave your wedding day hairstyle to a professional and are heading to the salon, remember to take a picture of your favorite hairstyle with you the day of your trial session or the actual day-of so they can see your vision. Remember your stylist is a professional and has probably worked with many brides on their wedding day and can work with you too to create this memorable hairstyle for you!

Again, I hope I didn’t disappoint too many of you ladies with not having shots of the back, but hope you are able to create your own stunning hairstyles for your upcoming events using some the basic “how-to” instructions and pictures. Share your pictures with us to be featured!!

“Picture Call” for all Women’s Hairstyles Readers!!!

We would absolutely love for our readers to send in their own personal wedding or prom pictures to be featured right here on Women’s Hairstyles! 

Share your own hairstyle inspiration for others to see and we’ll enter you into our on-going giveaways.  My Salon Tools prizes range from $50-100 worth of professional hairstyling products including some of the hottest brands in hair straighteners like GHD and Babyliss and blow dryers from brands like Salono and Karmin.  Email your pictures of your favorite hairstyles to mel@mysalontools.com.

Right now our Womens Hairstyles readers can use coupon code myhairstyle13 for $15 off the purchase of $90 or more at My Salon Tools!

Here are a few quick tips to liven up the simple ponytail in less than five minutes.

Eliminate the “flip it up and tie it back” method: You want to think about whether you are going to be somewhere that you need to look maintained and orderly (like the office), or if you feel like being a bit more adventurous(say, for dinner with the girls). Decide what kind of look you are going for, and with a tiny alteration to the ponytail, you can turn heads in any setting.

Give your bangs a little flare: Going to work in the morning is something most contemporary women have to deal with. And if you’ve got kids, then you spend most of your morning making sure they are ready for the day. So when it comes time to look in the mirror before rushing to the office,you hardly have time to try something new. At work you want to look sophisticated and well kept, without a dowdy or old fashioned look. You don’t want a lot of loose strands on your face, because it tends to look unprofessional. If you have bangs, you want those to be cut neatly, above the eyes, or pinned back away from the face.

You could try a side part: With a small bit of styling lotion to tame fly-aways, part your hair diagonally from the center of the crown to one corner of your hairline. Pull hair down and back and gather hair at the nape. This ponytail looks elegant, and still only takes a few seconds. For a variation, take a small section (thick enough to cover the elastic band used to secure hair) from the underside of your ponytail, near your neck, and wrap tightly around the base of the ponytail, then secure with a pin. This gives the hair a more uniformed look, and it hides the elastic band, which always helps me. Been doing this trick since high school! You also may want to try adding an elastic headband, or short scarf, about an inch back from your hairline, secure this with a couple of pins just above the ears.

Add hair accessories: More casual alternatives would be simply adding a decorative pin opposite your part, above the temple at the corner of your hairline, or pulling the ponytail slightly higher, to the back center of your head. In this case you could leave a layer of hair loose at the nape of your neck, under the ponytail, about a centimeter thick. When you have secured the ponytail, twist the loose hair and wrap it tightly around this base of the ponytail. By using a thicker section of hair to hide the hair band, you create the illusion that the length of your ponytail is pulled through a bun. This makes the hair look more full, and everyone will think it took much longer than 5 minutes.

Add wave or curl to the ponytail: Instead of a side part, if you’ve had your stylist take her hair shears to your bangs recently,gather about a two inch section at the hairline, above your face, twist and pull back. Pin this down at the crown. Leave a few thin whisps loose at the temple, you may want to curl or add a little wave to these, and then pull the rest of your long locks into a high ponytail, just behind where you’ve pinned the front section back.

Whatever the occasion, the idea is to take what you are comfortable with and add your own style. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember to express yourself, even in the smallest way.

Wow- so I know it’s been a week or so since pictures of Kate Gosselin’s long new locks started circulating through the media, but I still can’t help but put in my two-cents about what I think of this new TV reality mom’s new hair (yes, we all know those are extentions.) Personally I think she is a pretty hot mama now! I never realized how much people really disliked her former “bob with swooping bangs” cut until she came out with the new look. She’s still receiving mixed reviews throughout Celebville. Her new cut also awarded her with two thumbs up from Hailey Glassman, ex-girlfriend of her ex-husband, Jon. I’m so sure that made Kate feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know she had approval from 22 year old Hailey. I thought her old cut gave her younger “cutting-edge” look, but I guess eventually it got played out since she kept it for so long. I am excited she chose to start 2010 off with a new look and hopefully new attitude!

With the cooler months now upon us, women are seeking out the hot hairstyling trends this 2009 season. 2008 brought us the short bobs and pixie cuts, but 2009 spring and summer brought the long and wavy hair trends.  This will more than likely stick around into the fall.  Most will even skip out on cutting bangs and go for the long layered look. Bring out the curling iron and keep the curls and wavy look to add more volume.

Don’t want curls? Long pin straight hair will also make a come back from last year. This sleek look is simple and sexy and can be achieved using your favorite hair straightener!

Of course as we transition from the highlights and softer, brighter colors brought out for summer, more will begin bringing out the darker hair! Black, dark browns, dark honey blond, and mahagany will be seen by many.

**An update to this post can be found here**

So you are getting married to Mr. Right and want the perfect hairdo for your wedding day! Your man adores your long locks, but should they be pinned up under the veil in a sophisticated fashion, or is it best to leave out a little sexy strand here or there?

You can keep the anticipation of the wedding night sizzling during the ceremony and reception as your man watches those select few curly long locks of hair kissing your forehead and cheeks as you say “I Do”, dance your first dance as a married couple, and greet your guests.

You may decide to add touches of baby breath or other delicate flowers that will enhance the sparkles in your eyes and add a bit of nature to your tresses.

Definitely do not use stiff mousse or hairspray that will make it impossible for your man to run his fingers through your gorgeous locks at the right moment later.

The week before your wedding day, make sure you trim off any split ends and give yourself a deep moisture treatment. You have had months to find the shampoo and conditioner that makes your hair behave at its best for your nuptials, so make sure you have it at the peak condition for the ceremony, and long enough to last at least until midnight and into the early morning hours.

In preparation for your most important day, make sure you drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, and take sufficient vitamins that will help you during the stressful preparation time for your wedding. You definitely cannot afford to have your hair falling out due to lack of nutrition.

Be aware of how your hair reacts to different weather conditions. If your hair is frizzy in humidity, find good hair products and tools that can tame your frizzies. If your hair lacks body, experiment ahead of time to find what gives that little extra sexy curl that will hold its shape for more than 15 minutes.

How you wear your long hair is one of the most important concerns on your wedding day since you will be taking plenty of pictures.  You will share these with your husband and children for many years to come.  Nothing could worse than explaining why you had a bad-hair day on the day of your wedding, unless you accidentally got pushed into the pond.

Not only will your man notice, but also the bridesmaids will be envious of your precious tresses if you have taken extra special care in planning your hairstyle for your wedding day. Make sure you have tried your do together with the veil that you will be wearing. If you need a special comb to hold on your wedding veil, make sure it complements the flowers or pins that you choose to use in your hair. Be careful not to use too many embellishments in your mane.

Spend as much time preparing your hair for your wedding day as you do in choosing your dress and veil so that your image will express the love that you feel.

Long after the planning has left you flustered and the honeymoon has left you breathless, your wedding will be remembered for generations by way of video and photographs.  You paid hundreds of dollars for your special day to be documented.   Consider your hair to be your crown that will top off the perfect look on the most special day of your life.  Since it is in every picture that you are in your hair is really a most important aspect to plan and consider.  This article will discuss what to think about and how to plan the most appropriate and spectacular hairstyle for a most amazing wedding day.

First, the bride should consider the formality of her event.  Is your wedding in the evening or the afternoon?  Will the event be held in a 1000 seat cathedral with doves being released at the end?  Or will you be a favorite installment on YouTube for your backwoods country wedding complete with cowboy boots and a “rock the reception” type entrance?  The formality of your event can help you decide the formality of your hairstyle.  This will most likely dictate whether or not you will wear a veil.  A veil can be long and very formal, limiting the hairstyles you may choose.  Or the veil could be short and flirty, allowing for more choices for your hair.  You could wear your hair down and untouched for a simple beach wedding.  But this would be unacceptable for a highly formal evening wedding held at Trump Tower.

Second, the dress should be the centerpiece and most important aspect of the bridal attire.  If you are wearing a long and highly ornate and beaded dress you should consider your hair to be quite simple.  It should be out of the way and never get in the way of the appreciation of your dress.  However, if your dress is simple with very straight lines you could get away with a high-maintenance hairdo that draws the eye to the face.  It is fun to have a big curly hairdo if the bride always wears her hair straight.  But don’t let the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime hairdo get in the way of you having an appropriate hairdo that allows your dress to be appreciated.  Your hair should not compete with your dress.  It should compliment the entire ensemble.

Third, the personality of the bride should be highlighted by her hairstyle.  A severe bun with very tightly pulled back hair is quite inappropriate for a bride that is light and silly.  Conversely, a fun sparkly sequined mop would be out of place on a bride with a serious and severe demeanor.  Let your friends help you if you are in doubt about your personality.  They should tell you the truth and help you avoid a contradiction in your hairstyle and your true personality.

Last, the hairstyle should be able to be maintained during the entire wedding event from beginning to end.  If you are planning an entire day of activities from morning to night then you should avoid a high-maintenance do that will not be able to be maintained.  Also, consider the weather.  If your hair is straight then don’t plan to have curly hair on a muggy August afternoon.  It’s just not practical.  And you are only adding stress to your life by dreaming about it.

Practice is advisable.  Pick a weekend 2 weeks before the wedding to get a final clip, color or whatever you choose for the big day.  Don’t pick a dramatic change.  Also, on this weekend wear your dress and have your hair and makeup applied exactly as you want them on the big day.  This practice will allow you to practice with the veil or baby’s breath that will be placed in your hair.  Have fun and take pictures to go off of on the actual wedding day.

Whatever hairstyle you choose don’t let it dictate your level of happiness.  If your hairdo doesn’t end up just like you planned, go with the flow.  You will still be having a memorable day.  Have a memorable attitude to match!

Celebrities have been known to change their look on a regular basis if not a daily basis.  Whether it is for a new role or just to change it up a bit they are constantly evolving.  Celebs try many different hair colors but the one that seems to stick is the classic blonde.  A natural blonde is the favorite among many of them.  Sun glistened highlights on a perfectly styled coif.  As for the length, long is the way to go for this season.  You can wear it up in a loose tousled bun or a ponytail.   When wearing your hair up you want to go for a style that looks like you just threw it up but still looks sexy.  Having unwashed hair can make it easier to achieve the unkempt bun look it will keep the hair in place unlike washed slippery hair.   Also many stars are adding curls to their hair by using a curling iron to make loose flowing ringlets.

The look of the season is very bohemian or hippy chick.  Braids are found on the runway and the red carpet.   One small braid is located on the side of the head or two small braids meeting in the back of the head.  Beach hair is also making a comeback there are even products designed to give you the look even if you are hundreds of miles from the beach.  These products give you the windblown sexy look that you achieve while on vacation.

In order to have all of these styles you must condition your hair and you must invest in great products.  Healthy hair is good looking hair.  A hair full of split ends and over processed hair does not look good on any ones head.  There are so many great products available to consumers now so that you can have the celebrity hair that you have been dreaming of.  Many of the celebrity hairstylist have made their way into the shampoo business giving regular people the star treatment.  Kate Hudson just collaborated with her long time stylist to produce a great product that is not tested on animals and also gives you that star quality hair.

Finally going to the salon every 4 to 6 weeks for a cut and touch ups are a must if you want to achieve celebrity hair.  Monthly visits to the salon help keep your hair healthy and shiny.  Cutting the split ends helps prevent damaging the hair even more.  Coloring on a monthly basis keeps roots from developing and keeps the hair looking healthy and shiny.  When getting color ask them to use a condition treatment following the process, like Kerastase, it will keep the hair healthy even after receiving harsh chemicals.

When the look of celebrity is what you want whether it is for a night on the town or just a casual day out use these simple hairstyle tips to change it up a little bit.  Also always make sure to condition regularly and go in for touch ups.  Beautiful hair produces a confident person and that is what being a celebrity is all about.