If you have been wanting to change your hairstyle, now is the time to try a new look. In the past year the industry has seen a revival of a funky yet polished 1950’s style. Think “James Dean meets ‘Mad Men’ meets 2012”. These looks aren’t just for celebrities and runway models either they are fun enough for a night out yet still polished and professional enough for the workplace.
For the more polished and professional look, use AMC’s “Mad Men” star, 
John Hamm as your inspiration. He has been rocking the slick look for a few seasons now on the show. Whatever you do, don’t go rummaging through your father or grandfather’s bathroom looking for left over product from 1957. There are plenty of current options that will help you achieve this look. Amber Oberley, a stylist and educator at Soda Salon, suggests that you check out the new “Shape Moldable Texture Paste” from Alterna’s Bamboo Line or the “Seasilk Oil Gel” from their Caviar Line for an up-to-date product that will give you the slick look without looking like you have petroleum jelly on your head. Start with your hair damp and work in the product with your fingers, then use a comb to create those perfect lines through the hair and direct your part to the side.
If a trendy John Hamm is what you are in the mood for then this next style is for you. This is not the shiny and shellacked look above but more the perfectly messy compromise. To achieve this look you might need to grow your hair a little. Ideally you will want the length to be about four inches on top and about a half inch around the side. With towel dried hair, apply a nickel to quarter size of product with your hands. Try using “Capital Force” from Kerastase’s Homme Line. Direct the hair sideways and backwards from it’s natural part.
Grease fans and attention grabbers everywhere will love the next style. The “pompadour of 2012” is no Danny Zuko but a fresh new take on a classic style. The key to this look is a little mess with a lot of precision. You will probably need some help from your stylist to achieve the overall look. In addition you are going to need a brush and a blowdryer. If you are anything like me, this might be the first time buying these items, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Length is key to this look and it may take you some time (several months, dependent upon your current length) to grow your hair. I am currently on this road myself and almost there. Once you have the right length the next step is mastering the styling technique. Erin Richardson, a stylist and educator at Soda Salon, suggests using a blowdry cream such as “Volume Creme” from Alterna’s Caviar Line on your towel dried hair. Apply with your hands and run it through your hair with your fingers. Next, get out that blowdryer that you already had or went and purchased and the brush. Amber suggested using a round brush so that you get the rounded wave that is seen in the photo above. You will want to use the brush to direct the hair in the direction that you want it to go while drying. Afterwards you may want to apply some light hairspray to help hold the shape throughout the day. This is definitely a look for the trendier or more fashion forward out there but don’t be afraid to give it a try. You never know, you might like it on yourself.
