Easy up-dos

Two simple looks that I am loving right now are a braided bun and a high ponytail or bun—they’re both flattering and fun.

For a braided bun, begin by smoothing into a low ponytail . To create the braid, separate the ponytail into 3 sections; place the right section over the middle section, then the left section over the new middle you just created. Repeat this pattern down the length of your hair, securing it with a clear plastic band at the end. Wrap the braid into a bun and bobby pin it into place—so simple!

I really love adding a sweeping bang to a high ponytail or bun. Part out a semicircle section of damp hair to create a side bang, then clip it into place. Apply Aussie’s Opposites Attract Styling Mousse to the roots of your hair and loosely blow dry to create texture, then pull your hair into a high ponytail. You can leave the ponytail as it is, or wrap it around into a bun—both looks feel really fresh right now.

Holiday hair

Smooth, big curls always say holiday hair to me. To create shiny curls, spray Aussie’s Hi-Hold + Hi-Shine Hairspray to 2" sections of hair. Then use a large 1 ½" curling iron on each section, securing each curl with clips. Once every section is curled, remove the clips and brush out each section: you’ll see beautiful, soft curls.

Vintage broaches can add holiday sparkle to even the simplest hairstyle. Here’s how I like to use them: first create a perfect side part by using a sectioning comb, then apply a small amount of Aussie’s Instant Freeze Sculpting Gel and comb your hair into a low ponytail. Wrap a small piece of hair around the plastic to cover the ponytail holder, and pin it into place with a bobby pin. Then anchor the broach on one side of the ponytail with additional bobby pins.

Tips for work

If you don’t have the time to style your hair in the morning, try to set your hair the night before. Apply Aussie’s Opposites Attract Styling Mousse to damp hair and blow dry. Then, set your hair in hot rollers. Take them out and wrap hair into a high bun for the night. You will be amazed at how perfectly settled and natural the waves will be when you take the bun out in the a.m.

No matter when you style, we can all use a refresh during the day. Keep a small hair kit at work, including a comb, clip, flat iron or curling iron, and Aussie’s Opposites Attract Hairspray. That’s all you need for a quick touch-up—with big impact—before a big meeting or an after-work dinner.

Easy summer styles

Create natural-looking waves in straight hair: spray Aussie’s Opposites Attract Spray Gel on damp hair, twist small sections and loosely blow dry.

Or give your hair a break from hot tools in the summer: spray Aussie’s Sun-Touched Shine Conditioning Shine Spray to damp hair, braid and let it air-dry. Once dry, release the braid for beautiful loose waves.

Going-out looks

Go for volume or add a headband for two looks that say girls’ night out.

The most important thing to know about volume is that it is created when you are drying the roots of your hair. So start by applying Aussie’s Catch the Wave Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair, then blow dry it in the opposite direction of how you want it to lay—this will lift the hair while the heat helps lock that lift into place. After your hair is dry, spray Aussie’s Opposites Attract Hairspray on the underneath side of each section of hair, then give it a quick shot of heat with the blow dryer—it’s my favorite trick for creating long-lasting volume.

Use a headband to add colour to your outfit and create a fake side-swept bang. Begin by separating out a semicircle section of hair and adding a pea-size amount of Aussie’s Sydney Smooth Tizz No Frizz Gel. Comb the section over to one side and secure with a small bobby pin. Then use the headband to cover the ends of the hair and help hold the bangs into place.

Fall looks

Long bangs can add a soft frame around your face that looks great in hats. Just remember to add a smoothing crème to help control flyaways.

For smoothing hair all over, spray Aussie’s Sydney Smooth Heat Protector + Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush.

Workout hair

A too-tight ponytail can take a toll your hair, so try wearing a hat that has a hole for ponytail instead when you work out. You’ll find that you don’t need a tight rubber band that can cause breakage.

Always bring your own products to the gym! Washing your hair after working out with Aussie’s Cleanse and Mend Shampoo and Conditioner will cleanse the root, while still adding moisture to the tips.

Sarah Potempa is an innovative hairstylist whose technical versatility and singular creative talent have made her in high demand worldwide. Her work displays a vast knowledge of stylistic tradition and, at the same time, an adventurous sense of freedom. Blessed with artistic vision and an uplifting, easy-going personality, Sarah approaches her work with a refreshing sense of originality. She impresses her clientele with a strong work ethic and an ability to collaborate with others to achieve a common vision.

Sarah Potempa got her start in Chicago, Illinois, where she began her styling career at the age of fifteen working in a small salon. She later graduated from the Aveda Institute with a license in cosmetology, but wanting to gain more independence in her field, she studied business and creativity at NYU. She graduated four years later with the intention of launching her freelance career and began assisting industry giants Recine, Danilo, and Ward. It was this training that would open her artistic expression to a wide variety of styles and innovative thinking.

Her extensive experience as a freelance stylist includes editorial work for renowned magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and W. She has been requested for press events and photo shoots for such celebrities as Ali Larter, Rose McGowan, Amy Smart, Julianne Moore, Shalom Harlow, Josh Hartnett, Jake Gyllenhall and Patrick Dempsey as well as advertising campaigns for Converse by John Varvatos, Tommy Hilfiger, Urban Outfitters, FHI Heat and MTV.