Hair Quiffs style

Blame the return of the hair "quiff" on Patrick Robinson who's the sizzling new designer at Perry Ellis. Robinson showcased a fun, yet fresh, fashion collection at The Olympus Fashion Week in New York.

Not only did Robinson's spectacular designs showcase the 50s-inspired clothing styles that are currently flooding the fashion scene, he had many of his models coiffed in the hot new quiff-like hairdos.

Famous for being upbeat, optimistic and edgy, Robinson matched his fun fashion designs with the retro hairstyles that are a combination of a heavily backcombed pouffy crowns with a mid-head straight tail.

There is some controversy over whether the quiff (pronounced so it sounds like wiff with a Q in front) is a 40s, 50s or 60s hairstyle.

Some fashionistas claim the quiff first appeared in the mid 1940s around the time that World War II ended. Others link it back to the era of the 50s or the 60s.

In reality, the quiff doesn't fade very far from the catwalks. The edgy style emerges every few years in a variety of incarnations from a partial to a full blown hair design.

Imagine my excitement when I spotted gorgeous blonde Kaley Cuoco of ABC's 8 Simple Rules (now defunct) on Jimmy Kimmel with a low key example of the hot new hairstyle.

Ironically, the Paris haute couture fashion show season which followed The Olympus Fashion Week in New York by several months demonstrated that Robinson is truly a trend setter. Designer Yohi Yamamoto edged up his hot 50s fashion trends revolving around pastel cardigans and pretty skirts. Yamamoto folded in some oversized suits on rail thin models with industrial-strength lacquered sky high quiffs.

In some cases the front quiffs were combined with back hair knots and twists to trigger memories of a merged version of the the 50s bouffant/beehive.

Whether you wear it in a low key way with a ponytail like Kaley or a big style like the current Paris catwalks, the beauty of the quiff is that you don't have to have long hair to wear the 2004 version.

Even short haired folks can wear the quiff. They simply pop a pin-on pony at the back of their heads for the straight bottom flow.

The quiff, like all super finished styles, works best on day-old hair that has time to accumulate some natural hair oils. When possible, create your quiff on hair that is not super soft or slippery.

There is some question about when the quiff first made its appearance. Some say that it was in the mid 1940s around the time that World War II ended. Others link it back to the era of the 50s.

The 2004 version of the Quiff is sleeker and isolated to just the front portion of the head. It is usually combined with the long sleek pony that either cascades to one side or straight down the back.

Step By Step




Instructions

Follow the instructions below to steal Kaley's catwalk quiff.


1. Start with aged hair (day old) that is either naturally straight or has been blown out stick straight.

If you prefer to start with newly washed hair, be sure to prep with lots of styling products to help hold the quiff hairstyle in place.

2. Using a comb, a pick, or the tail of either, create a vertical part that runs completely across the top of your head from ear to ear.

The goal is to create two different sections of hair. This should include a front and back section. Depending on the desired height of the quiff, add more or less hair to the front section.

3. Clip off the front section of hair from the back section.

4. Separate the top section of hair into 1" sections. Working on each section at a time, tease or backcomb the target section of hair to the desired height.

Note: For the most lift and fullness it's important to separate strands into smaller individual sections.

5. Smooth each teased section carefully with your fingers or a comb. Layer each section on top of the previous one to create a firm foundation.

6. Use a firm hold hairspray after you backcomb each section for strong hold.

7. Pin the top section so that it has height and lift.

For a more dramatic quiff as showcased on the Paris runways, pull all of your tresses off your forehead. If you prefer a softer look, combine your quiff with a forehead fringe.

8. Unclip the back section of hair. Gather remaining strands into a ponytail. Arrange the pony so the base rests at the middle of the back of your head. Tie off the tail with a Blax or bungee that matches your current hair color.

For a more finished look, select approximately 1 inch of hair from the side of the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the Blax or Bungee to camouflage the bangs.

For a more formal look, skip the ponytail and form the remaining hair in the back into a hair bun or twist. Pin the newly formed bun up off the neck.

Haircut 2011 : Short Chin Length

When women think of short hairstyles, what usually comes to mind is hair that is cut way above the shoulders or even those extremely short pixie cuts that often scares women away from a shorter cut. Long flowing hair can produce some very charming looks but women should be aware of some very beautiful short hairstyles that are not too short, fall slightly below chin length, and are very trendy and chic. The longer length allows for more complimentary hairstyles that can be styled with certain features to either enhance the facial area or soften certain facial features.

Many women change to shorter hair only after a life changing event or are looking for a huge change in life which is ok but women need to realize that short hairstyles offer the same charming looks as other looks and is actually easier to manage. Women who go through breakups, are going through personal problems, or are looking for a dramatic change will often change their hair to shorter looks no matter if they are the average women working a 9 to 5 or an award winning celebrity. Many celebrities have turned to trendy shorter hairstyles as well. Shorter hair lengths do produce a totally different look but not one that loses any style points to other looks. Women looking for a new and refreshing hairstyle should definitely consider going with shorter hair. That is why women should consider these trendy, chin length short hairstyles no matter what the decision for change is.

Short Chin Length Hairstyle

Brittany Murphy has been seen in some very stylish short hairstyles and this one is right between short and medium in length. This is a super simple cut featuring an off-center part with a little volume. The hair is given texture and combed down both sides with just a little strand that teases the eye region. The hair on the other side is opposite of the styled side and is placed behind the ear. Women should take note on the dark roots which is a strong contrast with the blond hair color. This is what creates that extra touch of this hairstyle. Women will find this hairstyle very easy to style and a refreshing change. Some styling mousse, a brush, and a blow dryer will suffice in creating a similar look once the right hair cut is in place.

Chin Length Bob Hairstyles

This is an incredible hairstyle worn by Katie Holmes and shows how to change up the chin length bob to create an alluring style. Katie takes this chin length bob and adds a sleek off-center part that is then pinned behind the ears. The sleek front part sweeps slightly over her forehead and really brings out her delicate facial features. The hairstyle also combines perfectly with the one shoulder strap dress and big loop earrings. She has used this simple hairstyle and created a trendy look that compliments her whole attire. Women often do not realize how a simple change in their current hairstyle can produce many other, lovely hairstyles. Styling the hairstyle is not hard either using some styling products and a round brush to create the sleek look at the front and the comb the hair behind the ears. Many women will find this short trendy hairstyle very flattering.