Everyone’s doing the lob—a longer, swingy version of the bob. To create a quick, perfectly beveled lob line, Alterna Global Creative Director Michael Shaun Corby suggests this cool technique using the Alterna-tive Styling Band: Begin by applying Alterna Bamboo Style Flexible Control Gel to damp hair, then blow dry. “Freestyle produces a ‘raincoat’ of protection against humidity,” says Michael Shaun. Next, comb all strands with a small-tooth comb. Double or triple the Alterna-tive Styling Band (depending on the size of your client’s neck) and slip it over her head, letting it fall loosely. Gently lift the hair just above the band with your comb to create the bevel shape. Angle the shear so the lower blade is pointed upward and the top blade is pointed downward, then cut the hair from side to side underneath the band. Enter to WIN the entire Alterna Bamboo Style Collection!

Now more than ever, women with textured hair love flaunting their natural curls. To make sure your curly-haired clients look perfectly put together, you need to take control of the curl. With a blunt shear, his signature weave technique and proper management of how much weight is removed, Sam Villa says you’ll master the art of cutting curly hair in no time. Here’s what you do: Start by applying Redken Fresh Curls Curl Refiner to thick, coarse hair to tame. Pick up the desired section close to the scalp, the crown or mid-shaft; it’s your call—this technique can be done anywhere on the head. Weave the Sam Villa Signature Series 7” Dry Cutting Shear through the section, just like you would if doing a highlight. You are controlling the amount of hair picked up, and therefore determining the amount of weight to cut out. Close the shear. Because you are closing a blunt blade, ends will be nice and clean and the integrity of the hair will be left intact. Once hair is dry, apply Redken Fresh Curls Curl Boost to re-energize the curl with control and shine. Want more from Sam Villa? Check out his new dryer—the lightest blow dryer ever!

Recently on the BTC Facebook page, one of our BFFs requested we offer some tips and how-to information for color smashing and chalking; a technique Eward Tricomi, celebrity stylist and co-owner of Warren-Tricomi salons is quite familiar with. What is color smashing, you ask? It’s just that: grab a handful of color, grab a handful of hair, and smash the tint into the strands, producing a concentrated burst of color. Chalking, on the other hand, borrows materials from the kids’ crafts box; take pastel chalk, wet it and swipe the color onto random strands. The color sets with a quick spritz of hairspray until the client shampoos it out. Although there are no hard and fast rules for smashing and chalking, Edward suggests you choose colors that stand out against the existing haircolor. “I prefer dominant colors because they pop,” he shares. He suggests using blues and blacks on lighter hair, and oranges, reds and greens on darker strands. Get 3 more tips on color smashing and chalking!

According to top color pros, honey hues are the “it” shades for fall. Get a jumpstart on the season with this how-to from Davines. Part a horizontal section from one temple to the other and from ear to ear, creating a horizontal band. Divide this section into 1-inch vertical subsections. Lift every other section 45-degrees and place on foils. Starting near the roots, bleach with 20g. L’Art Decolor White Hair Bleaching Paste + 35g. Activation Source 20 vol. + 10 drops Glorifying Elixir Anti Age. Lift to a level 9/10 (about 25 minutes.) Work in a clockwise direction, overlapping the foils. Next, create a horizontal section from the nape to the top of the ears. Again, divide into vertical subsections then repeat the technique and the pattern previously described, but work in a counter-clockwise circular movement. Take a large square section on the top of the head and divide into vertical subsections, repeating the same technique and pattern, working in a clockwise direction. Wash with Davines Essential Haircare Nounou Shampoo and Conditioner. To achieve a golden effect, tone with 40g. Finest Pigments Pearl + 5g. Finest Pigments Golden. Check visually up to 20 minutes. Learn more trends at the Davines World Wide Hair Tour in Miami! Get your tickets now!

Short styles are certainly sexy for summer, but they’re not for every client. But long-haired ladies shouldn’t fret! According to Emiliano Vitale, owner of é Salon in Australia, styles reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour but with modern movement, sexy textures, and a nod to enhancing natural, real-life texture are stylish for mid-length and long hair. “Glamour girls such as Anne Hathaway and Lea Michele are embracing a return to the more natural, raw glamour, letting their tresses speak for themselves in down styles,” says Emiliano. “Longer-haired beauties are looking to traditional styling but adding in unique technique combinations.” For raw, disheveled and voluminous locks, create loose, tousled waves or curls from the mid-lengths to the ends. Another styling option is to combine sleek finishes with knots and twists. “The sleek, tight silhouette is not for everyone, but it’s perfect for women with thinner faces and model-esque features,” he adds. “It is all about your parting; keep the hair tight to the silhouette to eliminate volume” Get a FREE Full-Size Bottle of NEW Catwalk by TIGI Session Series Salt Spray!