If you aren't ready to spend big bucks in the salon highlighting your hair or if you simply aren't interested in the commitment, try highlighted hair extensions like Hair U Wear Dancing with the Stars Starlights, $49. They can be clipped in and taken out whenever you like for a versatile look. Follow Michelle's lead by adding dimension to brown hair with pops of a caramel-colored highlight.
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Mila Kunis: Low undone bun
If you loved last year's hair trend, the tight ballerina bun, try taking it down a notch to a low, understated loose bun seen here on Kunis.
To accomplish this easy transition, Lavoy says to start by applying smoothing shine drops through your dry hair to "promote a gorgeous shine." Try TIGI Bed Head Superficial, $24.50. Brush hair using a paddle brush then, using your hands, gather hair into a low loose ponytail, letting any face framing layers fall naturally. "Once you have your pony, you can twist it around itself using bobby pins along the way to secure the bun," says Lavoy. Finally, use your hands to "rough up" the bun you�ve created for a laid back look.
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Kate Bosworth: Plaited updo
The side braid is great in all its casual, bohemian glory, but to up the elegance of the classic hairstyle, try creating an updo like the one seen on Bosworth.
To get this look Lavoy says to "first scrunch a texturizing cream in the hair like L�Oreal Studio Out of Bed Texturizer, $4.99. This will give your hair the perfect foundation to create the soft look." Then, part the hair from temple to temple and start braiding your hair back towards your crown creating an inside-out French braid (braid sectioned hair under, rather than over). Secure the end of the braid at the crown of your head with pins. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and twist the pony into a loose bun and secure, says Lavoy. Finally spray the look with a strong-hold hairspray to finish.
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Garcelle Beauvais: Natural texture
If one of your New Year's resolutions was to lay off the heat styling, there's no time like the present to ditch the flat iron and embrace your natural, curly texture like Beauvais opts for here.
Lavoy says, "if you want to embrace your naturally curly hair, it's crucial to load it up with moisture. Treatments are a necessity [and] you should deep condition on a regular basis." Try Motions Deep Penetrating Treatment, $4.99. Then, once hair is prepped with moisturizers, apply a curl defining product that will fight frizz like Ouidad Climate Control Gel, $22. "The best thing for curly hair is to let it dry naturally and not disturb the curl as it dries," says Lavoy as "that�s when it turns to frizz." Once your hair is fully dry, "flip your head upside down and slightly massage your scalp with your fingertips. That will give you a full bouncy, shiny curl," he says.
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Gwen Stefani: Faux pixie
Not everyone is brave enough to chop their hair off to follow the pixie revolution that's dominating the red carpet. If this includes you, try faking a short, sleek style like Stefani does here. Note that layered hair is necessary for this look.
To turn your long hair to short without a haircut, start by applying a smoothing cream like L'Oreal EverSleek Frizz Taming Creme Serum, $8.99 to damp hair and blow dry. Once hair is smooth, Lavoy says to create a severe side part and "slick the hair on the side of the part by spraying a brush [with hairspray] and working it through the hair." With the hair on the opposite side, he says to start a twist a half-inch above your ear. Continue the twist around the back of your head and secure as you go with bobby pins. The roll should end at the back of the ear on the other side. Tuck the ends into the roll and secure well with pins and finish by spritzing with hairspray for long-lasting hold.
Alright, so not everyone wants a complete beauty overhaul. Just because the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve allotting 365 new days, and therefore more time to "save" ourselves from previous mistakes, doesn't mean you have to chop all your hair off and bleach it blonde to get a new lease on life. It is possible to create totally new hairstyles without a cut and color transformation. Bottom line: This doesn't have to be the glass-slipper-pumpkin-driving-you-to-the-future-of-your-dreams type of New Year scenario, OK? There are small, quick ways you can update and slightly alter your look for a fresh start.
"New Year, New You" only really means it's a new year and a new you can feel empowered to mix old things up. With small tweaks, embellishments and ingenuity, you can turn the hairstyle you currently have into a hairstyle you might not have known about or thought was possible -- it's true. To prove it we went to celebrity hairstylist Johnny Lavoy, artistic director and owner of Moda-Rey Salon & Spa. He shared easy ways to update your hair, no scissors necessary.
