Nothing makes us think of warm weather more than a gorgeous platinum blonde, and this one from Angelo Seminara’s Flamboyance collection for Davines is as good as it gets. Here’s how to create this stunning look on a Level 8: Begin by applying Glorifying Treatment Pre Color. Section hair from the top of the head to behind the ears. Starting from the top of the head and working towards the nape, apply section-by-section 40g L’Art Decolor Bleaching Paste + 60g Activation Source 20-volume to lighten up to two levels, keeping 1 cm distance from the scalp. In the front area, work forward from the top of the head towards the forehead. Process for up to 20 minutes, checking visually. Shampoo the hair with Davines Naturaltech Well-Being. On towel-dried hair, apply 25g Finest Pigments Pearl + 5g Finest Pigments Gloss from the regrowth area to the ends and process for 20 minutes. Tone with 40g Mask 10,0 + 1g Mask Violet Intensifier + 80g Activation Source 7-volume. Process for up to 20 minutes, checking visually. Discover the new Naturaltech line from Davines!

The short, layered bob Cameron Diaz recently debuted is fresh and fun with lots of movement. In short, it’s an idyllic summer look and one that clients from all walks of life are drawn to. KMS California Lead Artistic Director Brian Bode says it’s the perfect cut for any client looking for a shorter style. “Women with straight to wavy and fine to thick hair can wear it,” he says. “The next time your client mentions that she’s looking for a cut with movement, softness and volume, this is the ideal one to offer.” Brian says the cut works best on women with square and oval face shapes. To style the look, apply KMS ADD VOLUME Volumizing Spray to damp hair then blow-dry at the root to create movement and body. Finish with HAIR PLAY Dry Wax to create texture and separation. “The shape of this cut grows out really well,” says Brian, “so it’s great for clients that change up their style often.” See four more summer cuts for every hair length!

“The crop is still so hot right now,” says top stylist Phillip Wilson. “It’s favored by stylists and clients because it can be styled in many ways, and gives the stylist the option to customize each cut for the client.” To get this beautiful summery style, try using Phillip’s FreeForm Twin Comb technique. Draw all hair to the center back and hold it with the combs at a 45-degree angle close to the nape. Cut in a serrated manner, allowing both sides to flow together. This creates a soft, feathered texture, as opposed to a solid line. Move to the center front and cut “waterfall bangs” by placing the comb under the fringe and allowing the hair to fall into the comb. Place a thumb in front of the comb and the razor at the back on top of the comb. Move thumb, comb and razor together in one motion in the direction in which the hair will ultimately flow. On the left side, place the comb at a 45-degree angle below the ear and remove the desired length. Repeat on the right side. Finish by cutting into the perimeter to customize the cut and highlight the client’s best features. Style with ColorProof FiberBlast Texture Creme to piece out or smooth the texture and finish with ColorProof AllAround Flexible Hold Hairspray. Enter to WIN a FREE ColorProof Shampoo, Conditioner and Tote Bag!

Quick! Name two of the hottest hair trends right now. If you said “vibrant pops of color” and “pixies,” you’d be right! This look from ProRituals combines both hot trends into one very cool look. To create this color, begin by applying ProRituals Blue Light lightening powder + 30-volume developer + 5g Hair and Scalp Therapy Oil to the midshaft and ends. Once the midsections and ends have lifted to yellow, apply the formula to the new growth area and lift to pale yellow. Once hair has been cleansed and dried, take a ½-inch diagonal slice approximately 4 inches wide and apply ProRituals by Jingles Haircolor equal parts 5I + 5-volume developer. Take a second section and duplicate the same formula back to back. Move the same size section over 1½ inches and duplicate back to back color application with equal parts 6RI + Red corrector + 5-volume developer. Tone with 1 oz. 10FG + 2 oz. 10-volume developer and process until the blonde has reached a cool tone. WIN a FREE Hair & Scalp Therapy Oil from ProRituals!

Her beau’s famous coif may have been named one of the “most influential cuts of 2011,” but Selena Gomez is enjoying a little time in the spotlight with her colorful new look. Right before she went on her South African tour, the pop star stopped by Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood, CA, to have some multicolored extensions added to her ‘do. “The color selection for Selena was based on her wardrobe for her tour,” says Nikki Lee, the salon’s co-owner. “She wanted to do something fun and different without damaging her hair. The Great Lengths extensions we added in were perfect for this!” When it comes to selecting color for a look like this, Nikki says there are a couple rules to consider. “Don’t choose colors based on your client’s existing shade of hair,” she says. “Instead, make sure to choose colors that will complement her skin tone and go well with her wardrobe.” Also, select shades from the same color family. “Selena decided on all jewel tone colors. If you do too many colors that don’t go with each other, your trendy new hair is no longer trendy—it’s tacky! I wouldn’t recommend adding in more than three colors,” Nikki says. Watch the highlights from the Great Lengths Challenge Stylist Contest!

The haircolor trend springing up this season? Pastel blondes! 2011 saw a haircolor revolution take place with more and more celebrities coloring their locks in every shade of the rainbow, and in true spring fashion, the shades are softening up into pretty powdery shades. According to the trendsetters at Schwarzkopf Professional, all kinds of blondes are having a moment this spring and summer—from pure and decadent golden honeys and ambers to soft blush tones. This look, from the Essential Looks Collection for 2012, was created using Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Premium Performance Lightener and BLONDME Toning Creams in Ice, Strawberry and Caramel. See more blonde inspirations for spring/summer!

Long-locked ladies like Maya Rudolph, Stacy Keibler and Kelly Osbourne were beside themselves (hah!) at the Oscars, opting for stunning side-swept waves and curls. With its popularity on the red carpet, this over-the-shoulder look is sure to be a hit come bridal and prom season because it’s a great way to show off a gown while still making a strong beauty statement. To create this Oscar-worthy wave, apply a styling cream to damp hair from roots to ends. Blowdry the hair with a round brush to ensure a smooth, polished finish. Once the hair is completely dry, create a deep side part. Starting at the back of the head, use a styling iron like the domed FHI Heat Platform Iron to twist sections of hair all in one direction. Pull all the curled hair over the shoulder opposite from the deep side part to complete the modern yet Old Hollywood glam style. Check out the Platform series irons from FHI Heat!

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!

Last week on American Idol, the top 10 boys and girls performed, Steven Tyler teased Jennifer Lopez about a wardrobe malfunction and Randy Jackson said the word “yo” approximately 322 times. All jokes aside, J.Lo looked fab as usual and her haircolor made our hearts swoon. Want to recreate the look on clients begging for her balayage? Welcome to the stage Doug Macintosh, Color Director at John Sahag Workshop. “This shade bridges the gap between blonde and brunette,” he shares, “so it’s an appealing look for a lot of women.” To get the look on a Natural Level 5 client, flash lighten the base with Wella Koleston Perfect 10/1 + 30-volume then rinse, shampoo, condition and dry the hair. Next, foil in Clairol BW2 Powder Bleach + 20-volume, starting at the ears and working up, creating fairly large weaves in the foils. Work through the top and crown areas. Process to a pale blonde; remove the foils, shampoo, rinse and towel dry. Apply Redken Shades EQ 1 oz. Clear + 1 oz. 09NB + 2 oz. SEQ Processing Solution at the sink, process 5 minutes and rinse. Get another color formula and how-to for Jennifer’s balayage!

With prom and wedding season closing in, it’s time to fine-tune your updo game—and upstyle guru Martin Parsons is here to coach! First, he suggests you section according to thickness: “If the hair is skinny, create a larger triangular section, subdivide that section into smaller sections and tease the base of each subsection. If hair is thick and heavy, create 1-inch sections and tease at the base to create a foundation for securing the pins without producing too much volume.” Next, it’s time to tease: “Instead of pushing the comb forward when teasing, push it down the hair shaft then pull back. It makes it easier to smooth the hair,” he says. Finally, it’s all in the finish: “Dry spray is the best for updos. Test your spray by misting it into the air; if the ‘cloud’ drops, it’s too heavy. Remember, when you apply hairspray, avoid aiming the nozzle directly at the hair. Instead direct the spray past the section. Count to five then give the spray time to settle, and finally, run the smooth part of the comb along the section for a spectacular finish,” he says. Learn from top educators when you attend International Beauty Show NYC, April 22-24! Register NOW!