Hey guys! I recently submitted a question to the Ask A Salon Network and received replies from professional hairdressers, Renee Michelle and Nancy. Both answered my questions to the fullest. Hopefully this helps those of you struggling to achieve Alana's hair.
Reply from Renee Michelle
"Alana looks like she has long layers, the shortest of which fall just below her shoulders. It is possible to thin out thicker hair, though I recommend asking your stylist to please "thin my hair with a razor so it resembles the thickness/density in this picture." Bring this photo to your hairdresser! We love photos because they give us a concrete example of what the client is envisioning. Also ask for some layers around the face that begin around your jawline and blend along the front hairline into the length of the sides of your hair. The "swoop" can be achieved by curling those pieces strategically with a curling iron. Be sure to wind curls away from your face for a sexier result, like in this picture of Alana."
"Alana looks like she has long layers, the shortest of which fall just below her shoulders. It is possible to thin out thicker hair, though I recommend asking your stylist to please "thin my hair with a razor so it resembles the thickness/density in this picture." Bring this photo to your hairdresser! We love photos because they give us a concrete example of what the client is envisioning. Also ask for some layers around the face that begin around your jawline and blend along the front hairline into the length of the sides of your hair. The "swoop" can be achieved by curling those pieces strategically with a curling iron. Be sure to wind curls away from your face for a sexier result, like in this picture of Alana."
Reply from Nancy
"First, let's talk color! Alana Blanchard has an ombre hair color, meaning it is darker at the roots and slowly gets lighter toward the ends. This is a difficult look to achieve at home because it isn't quite the same as letting roots grow out (for those with darker hair) or dying the roots darker (for those with lighter locks).
The style: Looking at pictures, she has a beach wave going on. If you have a bit of wave in your hair, go ahead and wash your hair and let it air dry or use a diffuser on your blow-dryer. Do not brush. Once hair is dry, run your fingers through it to get any tangles out. Next, add some surf spray wax, such as dry wax by Paul Mitchell. Sprays are better because you won't accidentally use too much. Spray and scrunch.
If your hair isn't getting wavy enough, this is when a few strands should be S-waved with a flat iron. Don't get too technical with it; choose your strands according to the pieces that need a bit more volume.
By the way, we will be making some tutorials on creating this beach wave look. Some of us aren't blessed with naturally wavy hair, but it is pretty fun and simple to create with a few techniques using, believe it or not, a flat iron. Look for those on the site within the next month!"
There you have it! Professional advice on Alana's hair! I incorporated this into my How to Look like Alana Blanchard guide, so go check it out.
"First, let's talk color! Alana Blanchard has an ombre hair color, meaning it is darker at the roots and slowly gets lighter toward the ends. This is a difficult look to achieve at home because it isn't quite the same as letting roots grow out (for those with darker hair) or dying the roots darker (for those with lighter locks).
The style: Looking at pictures, she has a beach wave going on. If you have a bit of wave in your hair, go ahead and wash your hair and let it air dry or use a diffuser on your blow-dryer. Do not brush. Once hair is dry, run your fingers through it to get any tangles out. Next, add some surf spray wax, such as dry wax by Paul Mitchell. Sprays are better because you won't accidentally use too much. Spray and scrunch.
If your hair isn't getting wavy enough, this is when a few strands should be S-waved with a flat iron. Don't get too technical with it; choose your strands according to the pieces that need a bit more volume.
By the way, we will be making some tutorials on creating this beach wave look. Some of us aren't blessed with naturally wavy hair, but it is pretty fun and simple to create with a few techniques using, believe it or not, a flat iron. Look for those on the site within the next month!"
There you have it! Professional advice on Alana's hair! I incorporated this into my How to Look like Alana Blanchard guide, so go check it out.