Leave it to Vogue to have Vogue-worthy pics of the most fabulous and trend-worthy “street” fashion hair styles at Paris Couture week. We put “street” in quotes because, let’s face it, while they may not be models strutting an official runway every single one of these fashionistas put some serious thought, time and attention into perfecting their hair.

So while they’re technically on the street rather than on a stage, these fashion hair styles are meant to be seen, professionally photographed, discussed and copied. Many of the styles look simple, but we can tell you from experience that simpler styles can be just as difficult to create as elaborate up-dos. Maybe not in terms of actual styling time, but certainly in terms of preparation, execution, and an eye for perfection. The reason? It’s easier to hide a stray lock, the horrors of humidity, or less-than-stellar workmanship in an up-do. When a fashion hair style is simple there’s no room for error or shortcuts.

What we love about these ladies’ hair is the effortless style – the chic, perfect counterpoint to the highly-stylized and sometimes out-of-this-world runway hair. They’re both beautiful and suit a particular purpose. But the street styles are more user-friendly for us regular (that’s a nice way of saying non-model) folks and are certainly more relatable. Now get inspired and head out there to make your own street style statement!

photos courtesy of Vogue and Phil Oh

Would you like to know how to create your own fashion hair style trend? How to style hair for fashion shows? Or how to turn exaggerated couture hair into street styles suitable for anyone? Check us out at www.GIC.edu for the scoop on getting started on your career for life in cosmetology!

Click here for more of Vogue’s best street-style hair trends from Paris Couture.

Summer doesn’t have to mean sunburn skin. It’s really not difficult to avoid overdoing sun exposure, but you have to be prepared.

Prevention is the key. Wide-brim hats and sunscreen are the most effective – not to mention cheapest – ways to keep you looking dewy and fresh as the years roll on. Even with all of the advances we’ve seen in treating wrinkles and turning back the clock, surface treatments can only do so much and cosmetic treatments and surgery are prohibitively expensive. Your best bet for keeping your skin looking young is to protect it from damage in the first place. And with all of the options available now there’s a healthy and effective product for every type. Along the same lines, go big when you choose sunglasses. Oversized frames protect a much larger delicate area around your eyes.

Sunglasses don’t have to be super expensive, either. We love the freedom of inexpensive shades – we can buy a trendy new pair every year without breaking the bank. Just be sure to look for a sticker or tag that confirms the glasses block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.

Now for the fun stuff. Cool, crisp melons are a favorite summer staple, and as it turns out, they not only taste great, they are also great for your epidermis. Melons contain a ton of antioxidants (which fight sun damage) and they hydrate the skin naturally. If you do end up with a sunburn, take it easy, cool down, and indulge in a little red. Red wine, that is. Red grapes contains Resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease the redness in your skin. Plain yogurt is another natural remedy. The lactic acid calms and soothes sunburned skin. Slather some on for a few minutes and then rinse with cool water for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Learn all of the latest facial techniques and products at the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology! We’ll share the skills and expertise you need to make a career out of making clients beautiful. www.GIC.edu

For more tips and product ideas see InStyle’s 25 Best Summer Skin Tips Ever.

Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life move forward – Oprah Winfrey. Oprah knows a thing or two about overcoming the odds and “moving life forward,” so we think we’ll take her words to heart – and encourage you to do the same. As educators, we’re all about giving people the tools and experience to move their lives and their cosmetology career forward. The thing is, we can’t do that unless someone takes a leap of faith and connects with us, whether it’s filling out an online contact form, giving us a call, or walking into one of our six locations. You’d be amazed at how often we hear, “I wish I’d done this sooner. I don’t know what I was waiting for!”

Making that first move, taking that first step, doesn’t come naturally to a lot of us. Sure, if you’re frustrated by your current situation it’s easy to think about making a change or imagine how your life could be more fulfilling if you started your cosmetology career. Actually putting yourself in that different place and towards your cosmetology career is another story. If you’re reading this, it means you were checking out our website. And if you were checking out our website it means you’re interested in a cosmetology career in at least one branch of cosmetology. Take it from us, it’s a great way to make a living! We work with a lot of students challenged by time and/or budget restrictions, so don’t let that stop you. Our flexible class schedules, bi-weekly enrollment and financial aid can make all the difference between thinking about doing, and deciding to do and go forward with your cosmetology career. The bottom line is, we’ve got your back, because we succeed when you succeed.

We love what we do, and we love teaching students how to do what they’re passionate about, too. Not only is it amazing to help others reach their goals with their cosmetology career and go on to be successful, but it also benefits the industry as a whole. Hair stylists, nail technicians, estheticians, and makeup artists who are great at what they do, who share that passion with others, who innovate and perfect their craft, lift us all up to a better place. And that’s not just moving one life forward, that’s taking the whole kit and caboodle to another level. Oprah would approve.

What are you waiting for? Start your career for life today!

Tomatoes and charcoal for your skin? “Magnetic” oil-attracting water for your face? How about a kitty, an elephant, a swan and (we think) a hippo you can mix together for your own personal eye color? These are just a few of the latest products on the beauty market tempting you to break out of your beauty rut and try something new. We spent some time poring through the top beauty websites and blogs and found some pretty cool new beauty products we’re ready to try – and we think you will be too, now that you’re in the know!

Although there are a ton of new 2015 beauty products in all sorts of categories there were a few that we saw over and over again, which clearly are worth a quick look:

For clearer skin – facial and body – charcoal is the new go-to ingredient popping up in items available both at the drugstore and at the chichi department store beauty counter, depending on your budget. Personally we love a drugstore bargain! Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Activated Charcoal Bar Soap ($5) is petroleum, paraben and cruelty-free, and removes and absorbs impurities and oil from the skin naturally. And no, it’s not the same kind of charcoal you BBQ with. You can find it online or in most local drugstores.

To moisturize around your eyes without that greasy feel, try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Eye Cream ($19). According to their website, it’s a “light, water gel-cream formula” that gives your delicate eye area a hydration boost and locks it in all day. It absorbs quickly yet rocks the moisturizing power of a cream without the heavy feel.

Alright…this next one is really cool. The first time we saw Simple Micellar Cleansing Water ($7) on the drugstore shelf we thought, “Oh puh-leeze. They’re selling bottled water as a facial cleanser!” and walked right on by. Well we’re not above admitting we’re wrong, and after our research we stand corrected. Micellar water really is something unique and new, and it really is gentle yet effective. This is how it works: Micelles are tiny molecules suspended in purified water. They are attracted to, and absorb, oils and impurities in your skin. With a moistened cotton ball you literally sweep away the stuff that makes you break out, without any harsh soaps or chemicals. Beauty at the molecular level. Very 21st century!

This next item we had to include just for the fun of it. Paul & Joe Limited Edition Face & Eye Color CS – Les Flamants Roses ($39) is a splurge, but it does work as both eye color and blush. Try not to smile at the happy faces watching you (in a cute, not creepy way) while you mix the colors according to your outfit or mood. Plus it smells heavenly – ingredients include Orange Flower water, Rosa Canina fruit extract and White Lily extract; and we personally believe any beauty item you have to say with a French accent commands at least a little bit of a price premium. Ooh la-la indeed!

At The Georgia Institute of Cosmetology our mission is to provide exceptional, state-of-the-art cosmetology training to our students. Teaching to the latest beauty products and trends means you graduate with all of the hottest tools, techniques and tricks under your belt, ready to share with your clients from day one. Flexible scheduling and financial aid make it easy – check us out today to get started on your career for life!

Beauty is big business. Why? Because we all love that rush of confidence we feel when we walk into a room and OWN it, whether it’s a social event, a job interview, or a casual date with friends. And what’s even better than reveling in that feeling yourself? Using your passion and skills to empower others to live those moments, every single day.

We all know fashion changes from season to season, but some things never go out of style: a classic haircut…makeup that enhances naturally…a healthy complexion and glowing skin. Classics and trends alike will always be popular by definition.

Staying on top of trends can be difficult if you don’t know the basic foundations of a flattering cut and color or professional makeup application. But once you’ve mastered those skills, the sky’s the limit! Tweaking that chic new haircut so it looks perfect on your client is a piece of cake, and transforming each season’s color trend into a flattering palette for every ethnicity is a snap.

At the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology, we’re all about success in the fashion and beauty industry. Our career is sharing that passion by giving students the skills and experience they need to take on the world, one satisfied client at a time. If fashion fuels you, why not turn your passion into a career? Don’t wait – follow your passion now. Financial aid is available! Contact us for more information on your next step.

Start a career for life!

The look for spring is long. Whether it’s tousled and boho or sleek and straight, long glossy hair is everywhere this season. But long hair doesn’t always have to just hang down your back. As the weather heats up long pony tails are a chic alternative. A sassy top-knot pony makes the perfect statement for a workout or an after-work date.

Braids are still a hot trend, perhaps a “Frozen” influence that has yet to cool off. One of the great things about braids is that you can work them through almost any part of the head. Braids across the crown, over one shoulder, or along the hairline and above an ear are all flattering looks.  Messy braids are also super trendy and easy to make.

Buns are a fun alternative to a fussy up-do, and can go totally casual (the messy, “Oh, I just threw my hair up in two seconds and doesn’t it look fabulous” look) or sophisticated and stylish (with tiny braids woven through and around the base for texture).

The takeaway for fabulous spring hair? Have fun with it! The old rules no longer apply, and crossover styles mean more options for any mood and every occasion. Loving the inspiration? Contact us for information on how to make a career out of setting your own hair trends! Financial aid is available, and bi-weekly enrollment means you can be on your way to a new career in just one month.

Want to see some more spring styles? Click here for a photo gallery.