It's just another ordinary day at the office, but the evening ahead is full of plans and promise. Many beauty buffs often find themselves struggling with that transition from professional work look to sexy nighttime siren. For those of us who aren't expert stylists or A-listers with a master stylist on hand, this presents quite a challenge. However, sometimes, transitioning from day to evening glam can be as simple as using one magic product to transform your look. Gocha Hawkins, owner of Gocha Salon, and celebrity hair and makeup expert, dishes on how to transition from day to play.
Short with an Edge
For those with short hair like Keira Knighley, it can be quite difficult to find different styles for day and night. "For the short-haired ladies, a look that takes you from polished professional to fun, vivacious night owl requires just one product," says Gocha. She advises short-haired women to:
● Create a tussled look for day by blow-drying hair with salt spray
● Bring a wax product to the office, and when 5:00 p.m. hits, work the wax into hair
● Style or touch up the remaining waves by adding more structure
"If you're feeling daring, grab sections and spike for a funky, edgy look," adds Gocha.
Half and Half
One of the old standbys for women like Jennifer Garner with shoulder-length to long hair is to part down the middle and pull hair back into a half up/half down style. "This is for the ladies who have natural waves," says Gocha.
● Pull pieces from the front and twist, securing with bobby pins for day
● After work, if hair is unruly, untwist it and let hair fall to shoulders
● To touch up waves, apply a holding product, such as a hair spray or wax spray
"I think every woman should keep a small supply of emergency beauty products on the job, and hairspray always comes in handy," suggests Gocha.
High Shine
Sometimes, nights out call for higher impact, and it can be especially challenging to find a style that is versatile enough for the workplace. "A lot of my clients come to me hoping to have a solution to which hairstyles are suitable for a work day followed by a formal event," says Gocha. Olivia Wilde is big on shine.
● Part hair normally and curl with a big barreled iron.
● Start by separating sections and curl the entire head, applying a light mist of heat protectant to ensure there is no damage
● Bring a shine product to work
● For night, and because the curls will loosen and drop throughout the day, put hair up into a high ponytail for a look that is both classic and sophisticated.
"Use the shine spray to gather hair and let your curls hang down, cascading behind you," advises Gocha.
Sleek to Chic
Straight hair works for both day and night, but sometimes a touch-up is needed throughout the day, and no one wants to bring a flat iron to work. "It's so common for clients to ask me what the best defense is to avoid hair gaining volume throughout the day, and my advice is always the same-don't fight it. Make it work for you," explains Gocha, who points to Blake Lively as one who easily goes from sleek to chic.
● To keep hair looking its best as time ticks on, start by doing all styling that morning
● Hair will often gain a little volume back naturally throughout the day
● Rather than fighting it, bring a small jar of wax pomade and use it throughout the hair in sections to add texture and volume for a trendy, big haired look
"If your hair really won't agree with you, pull it back with the pomade into a sleek, tight pony, and let it flow freely down your back. The ponytail, in various forms, is one of the biggest styles for spring," says Gocha.
Polished Updo to Wavy
For certain events, hair needs to be tamer than other let-loose events. For those who prefer to have their hair pulled into a bun for work, here's a tip to take this look to night with ease. "For some professional environments, it's important to keep your style simple, but it doesn't mean that you can't make it fun for evening," says Gocha. Gwyneth Paltrow lets down her loose locks for a wavy, sexy look.
● Shower in the morning, and apply a curling gel to hair while twisting it into a bun. Take this product to work.
● Secure with elastic and pin to keep the look pulled together
● After work, let the bun down and your hair will be tussled waves
● Apply a little more product to enhance the shape
"The bottom line is that we, as women, can be professional and stylish yet daring and tame," says Gocha. "Having some go-to day-to-night options in your repertoire is not only smart; it's a necessity for today's strong, multi-faceted woman."
Jenniger Garner | Olivia Wilde | Blake Lively | Gwyneth Paltrow |