Now’s the Time to Curl Up With a Good Look

Wondering how to dress your hair for the upcoming holiday parties? This year, the trend is big, curly and synthetic. Another ‘70s flashback? You bet your Eva Gabor wig, it is.

“Holiday parties will be flowing with curly hair,” says Dana Bowden of Salon Tesoro in Huntington Beach. “We’re talking softer, bigger curls. In fact, barrel curls are making a comeback. It’s what we call up-’do’s .”

Bowden says plenty of models out there are running around with short hair. The big hairstyles in magazine spreads are done with wigs. This offers models a variety of looks without damaging their natural hair. Buying a wig for the holiday party season offers the same advantages.

“Let’s say you want to change your hairdo for a party,” says Bowden. “But you don’t want to ruin your natural hair. A wig is an easy and convenient way to create a different look. It can be colored, permed and styled. And, since it’s washable, new looks can be easily created.”

To cash in on the trend, wig manufacturers are stocking full-service salons with heaps o’ hair for the holidays. The average cost of a full-size synthetic wig is around $75, falls and hairpieces run between $20 and $50. The styling will cost extra.

“Buying a wig today is not like it was 20 years ago,” said Louis Gonzalez, owner of Salon Tesoro. “Wigs used to make it look like there was a helmet on your head. Today’s wigs are set and styled to give clients a glamorous look without all the work.”

Gonzalez, who recently had hair extensions glued to his natural locks, praises the wigs for their adaptability and durability. “Hair pieces are great for short trips and cruises, too,” he added. “Since the hair is synthetic, the styling can hold for days. Or, carry the wig with you to the office and throw it on for an after-hours gala. I can’t think of an easier way to create a new you.”

Wig talk

Wigs come in all shapes and sizes, from the full-sized pull-on kind to a ponytail attached to the back of a baseball cap. While all hairpieces augment length and add color contrasts, some also have specific uses. For instance, a squiggle is set at the base of a beehive or bouffant to add height. However, this season’s hottest hairdos will be created with hair extensions and falls.

Hair Extensions

To add a dash of unabashed panache, clip a waist-long hair extension to your own mop. Or wrap strands on a spiral rod and set with a firm spray. Gently pull curls apart into a long, flowing strand. Want something even bolder? Accent natural hair color with a different colored hair extension.

Men can transform their short hair into ringlets, a style popular with rock stars Prince, and Rob and Fabian (of Milli Vanilli). To create the trendy look, tightly curled extensions are glued in with the natural hair. The locks don’t come cheap, though. Expect to spend as much as $300 for the eight-hour salon process.

Falls

Hairpieces come in different shapes, sizes and lengths. To make short hair long, curl and pin mid-length or longer fall to crown and coax into a cluster of curls. Most falls have built-in clips, so attaching the wiglet to your natural hair is a breeze.

Watch the Heat

Never use a curling iron on a synthetic wig. The hair is made of plastic polymers and the heat of the iron will melt the hair.

Setting Ponytail Fall for Waves *

This technique is good for turning a short style into long, wavy hair. For a splashy look, choose a ponytail with highlights.

1. Separate hair into three sections.

2. Using steam rollers, start with top section of hair. Separate section into strands and wind rollers in clockwise direction. Take next section and separate into strands; wind these rollers in counterclockwise motion. Repeat process, alternating roller direction as each new section is curled.

3. Leave rollers in for five to 10 minutes, until hair is set. Remove rollers, use hair pick to keep curls without fraying.

4. Tie natural hair back and clip ponytail into place. Style and blend in with natural hair.

Big Fat Curls *

Remember rolling your hair in cola cans? Big, fat curls create this bold, sassy look. Wear the style au naturel with splashy earrings, or add dried roses to make this hairstyle really blossom.

1. Set barrel rollers in sporadic directions; curls should go in all directions, leafing out like a plant. Do not set in a pattern.

2. Remove curlers. Finger mold curls into roller shape, styling and setting each curl into place. To hold, use a firm hair spray.

* These directions can be used for styling natural hair too.

Putting on a Wig

1. Open all clips.

2. Grasp cap in front by web and back comb.

3. Slip on front first, gently pull on back of cap and secure back comb into hair.

4. Snap clip closed behind web in front.

5. Slide side clips into hair. When secure, snap closed.

6. To comb hair through front web, use the end of a rat-tail comb, or a hairbrush, pulling hair through each of the web openings until front section is well-blended.

The Rollers

Barrel Curlers: Use steam for quick curls; all hair types, especially baby-fine hair.

Spiral Rods: Bend into hair for swirling shape; all types hair.

Steam Rollers: Curls in two minutes; terrific for shaping all hair types.

Velcro Rollers: Create loose waves; great for thin to medium-thick hair.

Sources: Rene of Paris, Celebrity Hairstyles Magazine, Salon Tesoro